Master in Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction at University of Siena
Two-year English-taught LM-9 R master's at the University of Siena on reproductive biology and biotechnology, from gamete handling and IVF to cryopreservation, preparing graduates for assisted reproduction and biobanking laboratories. Entry needs a life-science degree and B2 English.
Master
2 years
Siena
English
University of Siena
Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-9 R) taught in English at the University of Siena. Entry needs a degree in biotechnology, biology, medicine, pharmacy or a related field, or a foreign degree with a strong base in cytology, biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, plus English at B2. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Siena's Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction master asks for a degree in biotechnology, biology, medical biotechnology, medicine or pharmacy, or another degree with at least 75 credits in set biology and medical areas, with a base in cytology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and physiology, plus English at B2. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree requirement
You need a bachelor's or master's degree, a three-year university diploma or a foreign qualification judged suitable, with an adequate base in cytology, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and general physiology. [1][3]
- Listed Italian classes: biotechnology (L-2), biological sciences (L-13), biology (LM-6), medical, veterinary and pharmaceutical biotechnology (LM-9), medicine and surgery (LM-41) and pharmacy (LM-13) meet the curricular requirement.
- Other degree classes: a final grade of at least 100/110 and at least 75 credits across BIO/06, BIO/10, BIO/11, BIO/13, BIO/14, BIO/16, BIO/17, BIO/18, BIO/19, MED/03, MED/07 and MED/46. These sectors cover cytology and anatomy, biochemistry, molecular and applied biology, pharmacology, histology, genetics, microbiology and laboratory medicine.
- Foreign degrees: assessed case by case, by how well the subjects you studied match these areas.
What this means for your transcript
Italian credits and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit, and Siena looks at your subjects, not just your degree title. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. or B.Tech in Biotechnology, or a B.Sc. in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Zoology or Life Sciences, or an MBBS, as these sit closest to the listed fields.
- Check carefully: a B.Pharm, a B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing or Chemistry, or a BDS or BVSc. These can cover part of the base, so we check your record for cytology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and physiology.
- Often short: a B.Tech in Computer Science or another engineering field, a BCA, B.Com, BBA or BA, which rarely include these subjects.
The regulations give no conversion of the 100/110 grade rule for foreign grading scales. [1][3]
English
English at B2 (CEFR) is required. [1][2] Siena asks for a recognised certificate from its accepted list or from an Italian university language centre. [4]
- Exemptions: citizens of countries such as the UK, the USA, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, and applicants whose entry degree was taught entirely in English, shown by a certificate or letter from the institution. Exemptions are at the committee's discretion and may involve a remote interview.
- No certificate: applicants with B2 who cannot provide a certificate can take Siena's online English interview, a courtesy service with limited places.
The committee can ask for more documents or an interview to check your English. [4]
Selection
The course is open access, subject to the curricular requirements and a check of personal preparation. [1][6] Applications are assessed individually on the fit of your degree, your English, your preparation and your qualifications. At its discretion, the committee may invite you to a remote online test or interview, with at least seven days' notice by email. [2][4]
The 2025/26 course record adds that graduates of foreign universities take a multiple-choice test in English on cytology, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology and genetics. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, this master's followed Siena's general calendar for master's degrees. [4]
- Non-EU applicants needing a study visa: one window, until 6 May 2026.
- Non-EU applicants not needing a visa, and EU applicants: until 6 May 2026, or from 7 May to 30 September 2026.
Results can take up to five weeks after a window closes. Siena says applications for 2027/28 open in November 2026, and the new calendar sets the dates. [4]
Applying before you graduate
You can apply before graduating with a provisional certificate or transcript, but you can join the course only after you graduate, and in any case by the final enrolment deadline. [1][4]
Documents and non-EU steps
Applications go through Siena's online portal, and you can apply to up to three programmes. You upload: [2][4]
- a valid passport
- a CV (Europass recommended)
- your official transcript or Diploma Supplement, stamped and signed, in English or Italian or with a certified translation, or a provisional certificate if you are still studying
- your English certificate
Legalised documents are not needed to apply but are required for enrolment. If admitted, you receive a letter of eligibility for enrolment and complete the Universitaly visa procedure, whose 2026/27 deadline was 31 July 2026. On Universitaly you upload your passport, the letter, your diploma and transcript, with any declaration of value or CIMEA certificates. You enrol only after you obtain the visa. [4]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Siena, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine. Annual course record (SUA-CdS), Master's degree in Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction (class LM-9 R), academic year 2025/26. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, international admissions portal. Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction programme entry, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine. Teaching regulations, Master's degree in Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction, in force from academic year 2024/25. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, International Admissions. Admission calendar, documents required, admission fees, English proficiency and visa application pages, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena. Regulations on student contributions, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena. Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction programme website: home page, first-year enrolment, objectives and professional roles, and 2026/27 study plan. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction is a two-year laurea magistrale in class LM-9 R (pharmaceutical, veterinary and medical biotechnologies), worth 120 ECTS and taught in English. It is run by the Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, with teaching at the Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital area in Siena. [1][2]
The degree gives theoretical and practical knowledge of reproductive biology and biotechnology. Students learn gamete handling, in vitro fertilisation, embryo culture, cryopreservation, genetic profiling and physiological analyses, together with the ethics and law of assisted reproduction. It suits graduates in biotechnology, biology, medicine or pharmacy who want to work in fertility laboratories or reproductive research. [6]
What you will study
Almost the whole study plan is compulsory, with 12 ECTS of electives in the second year. Course units in the 2026/27 plan include: [6]
- Microenvironment of the Reproductive System
- Physiology and Pathology of Reproduction
- Biology of Human Fertility
- Assisted Reproductive Techniques
- Genetics, and Public Health and Human Fertility
- Management of the Infertile Couple
- Clinical Pathology and Pharmacology
- Reproductive Toxicology and Animal Models
How the programme is taught
The second year adds soft skills training, a short training period and a 14 ECTS final examination based on a thesis. Integrated courses of 12 ECTS combine several teachers and subjects around one theme, such as assisted reproductive techniques. [6] The thesis is experimental and written in English, and thesis work can take place in partner public or private institutions in Italy or abroad, including through Erasmus. [3]
Career paths
The university lists roles as operators, managers or coordinators in: [6]
- medically assisted reproduction laboratories
- seminology centres and cryopreservation banks
- biobanking laboratories
- public and private research centres on reproductive physiopathology
- pharmacological laboratories and clinical trials
The programme site notes that working in assisted reproduction and seminology laboratories and in reproductive cell banks requires passing the state exam and joining Italy's professional register of biologists. [6]
Fees and scholarships
Siena ties tuition to the Italian ISEE and does not accept an ISEE parificato. Under the 2026/27 rules, if you have no valid ISEE you pay the top contribution adjusted by a coefficient for your country of citizenship. DSU Toscana scholarship winners and students ranked eligible are fully exempt from university contributions, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [5]
How to apply from outside the EU
Foreign degrees are assessed case by case against the required biology and medicine areas. We apply on apply.unisi.it, uploading your passport, CV, transcript and B2 English proof. At its discretion, the committee may invite you to a remote online test or interview. [2][4]
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants needing a visa had until 6 May 2026, with no later window. Admitted students receive a letter of eligibility for enrolment and then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment for the study visa; the 2026/27 Universitaly deadline was 31 July 2026. Siena says applications for 2027/28 open in November 2026. [4]
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Siena's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your online application on Siena's admissions portal and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your DSU Toscana scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What bachelor's degree do I need for Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction at Siena?
A degree in biotechnology, biological sciences, biology, medical biotechnology, medicine or pharmacy meets the rule. Other Italian degrees need a grade of at least 100/110 and 75 credits in set biology and medical areas. Foreign degrees are assessed case by case against those subject areas. [1][3]
Is there an entrance test?
There is no general entrance exam. A committee reviews your documents and may invite you to a remote online test or interview. The 2025/26 course record says graduates of foreign universities take an English multiple-choice test in cytology, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology and genetics. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2, with a recognised certificate from Siena's accepted list. Applicants whose degree was taught entirely in English can be exempted with a letter from their institution, at the committee's discretion. Siena also offers an online English interview. [2][4]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants who needed a study visa had until 6 May 2026, with no later window. Siena says applications for 2027/28 open in November 2026, and the new calendar will set the closing date. [4]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. You can apply with a provisional certificate or transcript, but you can join the course only after graduating, and in any case by the final enrolment deadline. [1][4]
I have a B.Pharm or a B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology. Can I apply?
Possibly. Pharmacy is among the listed Italian fields, and foreign degrees are assessed case by case, so the committee looks for a base in cytology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and physiology. We map your subjects to these areas before you apply. [1][3]
What will I learn in the lab?
You learn to handle gametes, perform in vitro fertilisation and embryo culture, and use cryopreservation, genetic profiling and physiological analyses. Ethics and law in assisted reproduction complete the training, and the second year adds a training period and an experimental thesis written in English. [3][6]
How much does it cost?
Siena does not accept an ISEE parificato. Without a valid Italian ISEE, the 2026/27 contribution is set by your country of citizenship. DSU Toscana winners and students ranked eligible are fully exempt. [5]
Can someone handle my whole application to Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction at Siena?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Siena's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the DSU Toscana scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction?
A recognised Indian bachelor's in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, zoology or life sciences sits closest to the listed fields, and Siena assesses foreign degrees case by case for cytology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and physiology. You also need English at B2. The steps are the online application, the letter of eligibility and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application, the letter of eligibility for enrolment and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application, the letter of eligibility for enrolment and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: online application, the letter of eligibility for enrolment and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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