Studying Biology and Biotechnology Abroad: Countries, Cost, Universities, and Colleges

Biology helps us understand the living world and how numerous species of organisms, including humans, function, develop and interact. Advances in Medicine, Agriculture, Biotechnology and many other fields have led to significant improvements in the quality of life. 

Biology includes areas such as genetics and evolution, which allow people to gain a comprehensive understanding of past events and form a vision of the future. Studying Biology is promising and prestigious, and a career as a Biologist opens up virtually unlimited opportunities for professional fulfillment.

What are the advantages of studying Biology?

Some advantages of studying Biology include the following:

  • The opportunity to work in a wide range of scientific or industrial sectors.
  • The ability to solve various social and economic problems.
  • Understanding the human body, as well as common and minor illnesses.
  • Bringing the world closer to answering fundamental questions about life, such as why and how humans were created and what their place is in this world.

What are the specialties in the field of biology?

Faculties of Biology in foreign universities offer opportunities to study various specialties. In foreign universities, you can choose from the following specialities: 

  • Biotechnology
  • Biochemistry
  • Agriculture
  • Microbiology
  • Zoology
  • Molecular Biology  
  • Virology

Bachelor's Degree in Biology Abroad

The main requirement for studying for a Bachelor's Degree in Biology at American and European universities, is proficiency in the English language and excellent academic performance in school. 

However, this list of requirements is not exhaustive and may vary depending on the university. Admission may also require an international certificate of completion of programs with an in-depth study of subjects in the natural sciences (e.g., GSCE). Many universities may also require students to submit a cover letter.

Master's Degree in Biology Abroad

The requirements for admission to a Master's program in Biology and Biotechnology differ from those for a Bachelor's Degree. You will still need to have a good command of the English language. However, at this stage, greater importance is placed on your undergraduate studies, grades in your diploma and involvement in scientific research.

Overview 

Biotechnology is the Science that explores the possibility of using living organisms or products of their life processes for the development of medical drugs, the breeding and modification of new plant and animal species, etc.
Studying biotechnology abroad provides an opportunity to receive a quality education that can lead to employment in well-known companies.

Biochemistry is the Science of the chemical composition of living cells and organisms and the processes that occur within them.
Specializing in biochemistry means actively studying the structure of organic substances, their distribution, transformation and physiological role.

Agriculture and Biology are closely interconnected and new technologies that enhance productivity and crop yields, are constantly being introduced in this field.
By studying agriculture abroad, you can contribute to breeding experiments involving various plant species.

Microbiology deals with various groups of living organisms such as bacteria, protozoa, microscopic algae, lower fungi, etc.
Microbiologists specialize in studying microorganisms, testing various drugs and chemicals on them.

Zoology is a complex of sciences that studies the diversity of the animal world, the structure and life processes of animals.
Zoologists primarily analyze the regularities of individual and historical development.

Molecular biology explores the fundamental aspects of the life processes of organisms at the level of macromolecules. Molecular biologists establish the roles and mechanisms of macromolecule functioning based on knowledge of their structures and properties.

Virology is a field of science that deals with the study of viruses, their nature and origin.
Specialists in this field analyze the interaction of these organisms with other cells and develop new treatment methods.

Top Universities in the World for Biology

Below we present a list of the best universities in the world for Biology, according to the QS World University Rankings.

Harvard University, USA

One of the most renowned universities in the world, located in the United States. It ranks first in the country in terms of the number of billionaires among its graduates.
It is part of the elite group of American universities known as the Ivy League.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA

A university and research center located in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in both the United States and the world.
It has one of the largest research structures in the world.

University of Cambridge, UK

One of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom.
This educational institution has provided education to many outstanding scientists, politicians, lawyers, and philosophers.

Stanford University, USA

A private research university in the United States, which is also one of the most prestigious in the world.
It has its own research park where students can share their research with others.

University of Oxford, UK

One of the oldest universities in the world and the first English-speaking university in the British Isles.
According to The World University Ranking, it took the first place in the world for the quality of education.

ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Undoubtedly one of the best universities in Switzerland. The teaching is conducted at the highest level.
More than two dozen Nobel laureates have studied and conducted research at this institution.

University of California, Berkeley (UCB), USA

One of the ten campuses of the University of California. It is considered one of the best public universities in the world.
The admission process is highly competitive, as the institution accepts only one out of every ten students.

University of California, San Diego (UCSD), USA

One of the ten campuses of the University of California. It is home to eight Nobel laureates and three recipients of the National Medal of Science in the United States.
The university offers students the highest level of education quality.

 

Career as a Biologist Abroad

Professionals with a background in biology or biotechnology can work abroad in almost any country. The choice of career primarily depends on your interests and whether you have a Bachelor's or Master's Degree.

With a Bachelor's Degree, you can work as a technician in a biotechnology company or a hospital, become a Biology teacher in a school or a lecturer at a university, pursue a scientific career or sell medical equipment.

With additional education, you can utilize your Biology degree to become a nurse, doctor, veterinarian, engineer or even a senior researcher. A higher education degree in biology can even lead to managerial or research positions in pharmaceutical companies, and it may even lead to starting your own company.

Salaries vary significantly, but generally, with a Biology degree, you will earn a salary comparable to the average national salary.For example, in the United States, being a Biology specialist can earn you around $120,000 per year. The cost of living varies greatly from country to country and from city to city.

Many universities are willing to award scholarships to international students based on their academic performance. Active involvement in student life also increases your chances of receiving a scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions about Studying Biology Abroad

The reason is that Biology is a highly complex field that includes many other applied sciences. Its importance in human life is difficult to underestimate, which is why brain centers in Western countries have begun to expand and promote everything related to this field. Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada have numerous programs that educate students about life at various levels, from the tiniest cells and organisms to entire ecosystems.

It depends on the country you choose to apply to. If you decide to pursue a career as a biologist in the United States, you could consider studyingat Webster University. There is no fixed price, as it is determined by various factors such as educational programs, provided services (housing, meals), and more. On average, the cost of studying biology or biotechnology at an elite university in America would be around $40,000 - $50,000 USD.

Studying abroad positively affects the chances of obtaining citizenship in that country. The key is to find a job after completing your bachelor's or master's degree, as it leads to a residence permit and eventually a passport.

In general, yes, it is safe. Crime rates vary among different countries. For example, the risk of being attacked on the street is significantly higher in the United States compared to Canada. Before traveling, try to gather as much information as possible about the country you plan to go to. To stay safe, follow these simple rules:

  • Always be vigilant and trust your instincts
  • Keep valuable belongings close to you
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
  • Do not behave provocatively

It is not mandatory but it is desirable, especially if you plan to pursue a career in the Scientific field. Master's Degree holders in Biology usually work as teachers, researchers, managers and specialists in management and production.

No, it does not matter. All applications for admission are considered equally by top universities. They welcome applicants from various social backgrounds and with diverse experiences. If you meet specific criteria, you may even expect individual invitations. Detailed information can usually be found on the educational institution's website.

Admissions committees at many leading universities appreciate personal statements that demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for science. You can mention books, journals, articles, or podcasts you have read or listened to. If you have any past work experience, be sure to include it. Interest in the subject is perhaps the most important thing that educational institutions expect from you. This is largely because local professors themselves are highly passionate about science and want to see that same passion in your eyes.

Yes, sure. Supporting students in all their endeavors and challenges is a top priority for many reputable Western educational institutions. All students should have equal opportunities and not experience any inconvenience during the educational process.

Biology is a responsible field, so any specialist working in it should possess a range of qualities. For example, they should be highly responsible and diligent since haste is not required when analyzing data. Additionally, any good biologist or biotechnologist should constantly study specialized literature to enhance their knowledge and prevent it from fading away.

6054
07-07-2023
Anna Pukshanskaia
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