Master in Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry at University of Insubria
Two-year English-taught LM-8 master's in industrial biotechnology at the University of Insubria in Varese, with health industry and bio-based industry curricula and a traineeship of at least nine months. Entry needs 60 subject credits and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Como
English
University of Insubria
Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-8) taught in English at the University of Insubria in Varese. Entry needs a bachelor's in biotechnology or biology, or 60 credits in set biological and medical areas, plus English at B2 and an admission interview. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Insubria's Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry master asks for a bachelor's in Biotechnology or Biological Sciences, or another first-level degree with at least 60 credits in set biological and medical areas, English at CEFR B2 and a positive admission interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and the 60-credit rule
You need a bachelor's in Biotechnology (L-2) or Biological Sciences (L-13), or another first-level degree from Italy or abroad recognised as suitable. For other degrees, the curricular requirement is at least 60 CFU in total across these subject areas: [1]
- Biological sciences: comparative anatomy and cytology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology, applied biology, pharmacology, human anatomy, genetics and microbiology (sectors BIOS-04/A, 06/A, 07/A, 08/A, 09/A, 10/A, 11/A, 12/A, 14/A and 15/A).
- Medical sciences: medical genetics, general pathology, medical oncology, and microbiology and clinical microbiology (sectors MEDS-01/A, 02/A, 03/A and 09/A).
For 2026/27, you had to hold your first-level degree by 31 December 2026. [1][2]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and foreign credits are not the same unit: one CFU stands for 25 hours of student work, and the check looks at your subjects, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences or Zoology with solid biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and physiology.
- Check carefully: a B.Tech in Biotechnology, a B.Pharm or a B.Sc. in Botany. These often cover biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics or pharmacology, but the credits in the listed areas need counting.
- Often short: a B.Sc. in Chemistry or Agriculture, or an engineering degree outside biotechnology, which usually lacks enough credits in the listed biological and medical areas.
Chemistry does not count towards the 60 credits, but it is one of the interview subjects, so you need a working base in it. [1]
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher, shown by an internationally recognised certificate obtained in the previous three years, or by a bachelor's or master's degree taught entirely in English. For 2026/27, certificates were due by 31 December 2026. The regulation does not list specific tests or scores. Non-EU applicants upload an English certificate with the online form, and applicants without either proof follow a separate check set by the course. [1]
Admission interview
There is no written test and no cap on places. After a positive check of your credits, you have an individual interview with a committee of lecturers on the basics of physiology, molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, chemistry and biochemistry. Interviews on the general route are held in September, and non-EU applicants abroad who pass the document review have theirs by video. A negative result bars admission for that academic year. [1][2]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, the non-EU online application form was open from 1 December 2025 to 31 May 2026. Universitaly pre-enrolment by candidates found admissible was considered if submitted by 30 June 2026. You had to hold your bachelor's degree and your English certificate by 31 December 2026, and complete documents and the study visa were due by 1 February 2027. [1][3]
Lessons for 2026/27 started on 21 September 2026. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
Non-EU applicants living abroad upload a degree certificate listing the exams taken, an English certificate, a passport copy, a CV and a motivation letter with the online form. Admissible candidates then pre-enrol on Universitaly and in the university's Esse3 system, and the validated Universitaly pre-enrolment is sent to the Italian consulate for the visa. [1]
The university's document list for master's applicants includes: [3]
- Your original degree with a translation.
- A CIMEA Statement of Verification or legalisation of the degree.
- A CIMEA Statement of Comparability or a Declaration of Value from the Italian mission.
- A university transcript of your degree and exams passed, translated and legalised, plus course syllabi where required.
An Italian language test is not required for English-taught courses. [3]
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 Insubria, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences. Course regulations, Master's degree in Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry (LM-8), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Insubria, Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry programme page (language, campus, duration, admission requirements and interview). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Insubria. Enrolment of non-EU students living abroad, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Insubria. Regulations on student contributions, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry (BBHI) is a two-year master's degree in industrial biotechnology, class LM-8, run by the Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV) at the University of Insubria.
All teaching is in English and lessons take place in the Varese classrooms. Laboratory work is compulsory, and you need to attend at least 75% of the teaching activities. [1][2]
The programme trains industrial biotechnologists who use organisms, cells and biomolecules to make bio-based products and services.
It looks at sustainable processes and the circular economy, and suits graduates in biotechnology or biology who want to work in pharmaceuticals, green chemistry, agri-food or the environment.
What you will study
A shared first-year core covers genomics, data and protein work, and you choose one of two curricula: Biotechnology for the Health Industry (drugs, diagnostics, nutraceuticals) or Bio-based Industry (biorefineries, biomass, bioremediation). Units in the 2026/27 plan include:
- Applied Genomics and Protein Engineering
- Biostatistics and Data Science
- Bioeconomy and Innovation
- Plants as Factories for Biomolecules
- Drug Synthesis and Analysis and Design of Biopharmaceuticals (health curriculum)
- Biorefineries, Green Biomasses and Bioremediation and Enzymology (bio-based curriculum)
- Project Management and Soft Skills and Scientific English
How the programme is taught
The second year is built around a 30 ECTS curricular traineeship of at least 750 hours, which means at least nine months at 30 to 40 hours a week, in university labs, companies or institutions in Italy or abroad. The Course Council approves the host lab and project. [1]
The final exam (4 ECTS) is a written report in English on your traineeship research, structured as a scientific article and defended before a committee. [1]
Two double degrees let you spend the second year abroad: with the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (Master of Science in Biotechnology and Food Science) or with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Wädenswil (Master's in Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology). Places go through a yearly call for first-year students, and Erasmus+ exchanges are also available. [1]
Career paths
The regulation describes the industrial biotechnologist as a researcher or group leader responsible for product innovation, or as a manager of production processes. Named employers include:
- Pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and biomedical companies
- Green chemistry, agri-food, environmental and energy firms
- Research institutions and diagnostic centres
- Quality certification agencies and patent offices
- Science communication organisations
Graduates can also go on to a PhD.
Fees and scholarships
Under Insubria's 2026/27 fee regulations, students within the normal length of the degree with a family ISEE of €28,000 or less pay no university contribution, and above that the contribution rises with income and depends on subject area. [4]
Non-EU students with income or assets abroad can instead pay a flat rate set by country group and subject area. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in the lowest group. [4]
Insubria runs the DSU scholarship itself. Winners of regionally funded scholarships pay no university contribution or regional tax, and eligible students who do not receive a scholarship pay no regional tax and half the contribution. [4]
How to apply from outside the EU
Access is open, with no cap on places. Non-EU applicants living abroad first complete the course's online application form with a degree certificate listing the exams taken, an English certificate, a passport copy, a CV and a motivation letter. For 2026/27 the form was open from 1 December 2025 to 31 May 2026. Candidates who look suitable on paper are invited to a video interview on physiology, molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, chemistry and biochemistry. [1]
Only candidates found admissible go on to Universitaly pre-enrolment, together with the university's own online pre-enrolment in Esse3. For 2026/27, Universitaly applications received by 30 June 2026 were considered. The 2027/28 dates are not out yet. [1][3]
The document list for master's applicants includes your original degree with a translation, a CIMEA Statement of Verification or legalisation, a CIMEA Statement of Comparability or Declaration of Value, and a translated, legalised transcript, plus course syllabi where required. For 2026/27, complete documents and the study visa were due by 1 February 2027. [3]
An Italian language test is not needed for English-taught courses. Once the university validates your Universitaly pre-enrolment, it is sent to the Italian consulate and you apply for a type D study visa. [1][3]
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 Insubria's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your online application form, Esse3 pre-enrolment and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your regional DSU 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 Insubria's BBHI master?
A bachelor's in Biotechnology or Biological Sciences, or another first-level degree with at least 60 CFU in listed areas such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology and general pathology. For 2026/27 you had to graduate by 31 December 2026. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test and no cap on places. After a credit check you have an individual interview on physiology, molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, chemistry and biochemistry. Non-EU applicants abroad have it by video. A negative result bars admission for that year. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2 or higher, from an internationally recognised certificate obtained in the previous three years or a degree taught entirely in English. The regulation does not name specific tests or scores, so we check which proof of B2 your file can use. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, the online application form was open from 1 December 2025 to 31 May 2026, and Universitaly pre-enrolment by admissible candidates was considered until 30 June 2026. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [1][3]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, if you finish in time. For 2026/27, you had to hold your first-level degree by 31 December 2026. Non-EU applicants upload a certificate listing the exams already taken with the online form. [1]
I have a B.Tech in Biotechnology or a B.Sc. in Chemistry. Can I apply?
Possibly. A B.Tech in Biotechnology often covers biochemistry, molecular biology and microbiology, but the credits in the listed areas need counting. A Chemistry degree usually falls short, because chemistry does not count towards the 60 credits. We check your transcript against the rule. [1]
Does the degree include an internship?
Yes. The second year includes a 30 ECTS traineeship of at least 750 hours, which means at least nine months, in a university lab, company or institution in Italy or abroad. Your thesis in English reports on that research. [1]
What are the two curricula?
Biotechnology for the Health Industry covers drugs, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics and nutraceuticals. Bio-based Industry covers biorefineries, green biomass, bioremediation and enzymology. Both share first-year units such as Applied Genomics, Protein Engineering and Biostatistics and Data Science. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry at Insubria?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Insubria's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the regional DSU 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 Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry?
An Indian B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or Life Sciences can meet the degree rule if it includes at least 60 credits in the listed biological and medical areas, and you also need English at B2. The steps are the online application form, a video interview 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 Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application form, video interview 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 Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application form, video interview 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 Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry 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 form, video interview 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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