Bioengineering

Modern biotechnology, or bioengineering, is a complex, multi-faceted field. On the one hand, bioengineering focuses on the development of new products from biological systems, for example, detergents, cosmetics, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. On the other hand, its scope extends beyond that. It extends to developing and realising solutions to the challenges of the future: finding cures for diseases, reversing the effects of climate change, finding alternative resources and fuel sources, and addressing the health-related issues of an ageing human population. These examples all share a common link: a discipline which bridges the gap between the natural sciences and technology and applies these fields to (parts of) living organisms.
Our Bioengineering course of study provides a thorough understanding of the diverse and complex aspects of biotechnology. From the very first semester, the tight intermeshing of natural and engineering sciences allows you to fully understand and utilise the potential of biotechnology.

Educational organisation

Different forms of interactive learning, such as lectures, seminars, lab courses, internships, exercises, and project works, are used to impart the following:
1) classical educational contents (e.g., mathematics, physics, chemistry, cell biology, and microbiology, but also basics of law and management) and
2) state-of-the-art bioengineering subjects (e.g., enzyme engineering, bioprocess engineering, molecular biology)
Intensive supervision in small groups and excellent facilities in modern laboratories enhance the learning experience and allow students to train on industry-standard equipment.

Study abroad unit(s)

In the sixth semester, students must complete either a semester abroad or an internship (in Germany or abroad). We provide support in selecting the partner universities and institutions as well as in raising funds.

Internships

Each student enrolled at the Faculty of Life Sciences must complete an eight-week preparatory internship outside the university at a company, organisation, or public authority. This internship should ideally be completed before enrolling as a student at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, but no later than the start of the fourth semester of study. The internship must be closely related to the subject areas of the degree programme's curriculum: natural sciences, engineering, organisational and/or economic topics; areas of production or medical institutions focusing on biotechnology/bioengineering are also acceptable.
In the sixth semester, students must complete either a semester abroad or an internship (in Germany or abroad).

Forms of assessment

ECTS credits are earned through exams, term papers, presentations, and practical assignments.
Students are assessed by means of final examinations, term papers, and group projects and are expected to demonstrate active participation and contribution to the lectures, seminars, laboratory work and projects.
A Bachelor's thesis and an oral exam complete the programme.

Course objectives

Successful graduates of the Bioengineering course of study have a thorough understanding of natural sciences and engineering. On top of this, they have acquired insight into the three areas of modern biotechnology, i.e., red (medicine), green (agriculture) and white (industry) biotechnology. Furthermore, graduates have gained core competencies in the fields of economics, law, communication and presentation, as well as market analysis and marketing research.
Successful graduates are qualified for careers in different areas of the chemical, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industries, in research institutes or governmental agencies, as well as in the food industry or in agrotechnology, environmental management, or waste management.

Language requirements

Please note that for the Bachelor's degree programmes, English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference are required. Please be aware that all applicants' test report form numbers will be checked. The following certificates are accepted:
IELTS: 6.0-6.5
TOEFL (Internet-based test): minimum 80
TOEFL (paper-based test): minimum 550
TOEFL (computer-based test): minimum 213
The TOEFL code of our university is: 6962
The only exceptions to these language requirements are a secondary school certificate or a Bachelor's degree achieved in the following countries: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.

Academic requirements

German entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences or equivalent
See: http://anabin.kmk.org/

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Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• Flexible study schedule
• Experienced teachers
• Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Enrolment fees

Approx. 270 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administration fees and includes a semester ticket that allows free travel on most bus and train routes throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as well as to and from Nijmegen in the Netherlands.

Costs of living

The "Deutsches Studentenwerk" puts the average cost of living for students in Germany at around 700 to 800 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and other nominal costs. For a sample breakdown of living expenses and information about financing your studies in Germany, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants.

Job opportunities

International students from non-EU countries are legally permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year on a student visa. No additional authorisation from German authorities is required.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences often posts job advertisements for students both inside and outside the university on campus noticeboards. Some jobs at the university only require English, but most jobs in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, and surrounding areas will require at least conversational fluency in German. Fortunately, our Language Centre offers German courses that students can attend at no charge.
However, due to the intense workload at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, first-year students are strongly advised to dedicate their full attention to their studies. In later semesters, you will have a more open schedule and a better idea of how to balance work and studies. This is also a realistic time frame for acquiring speaking proficiency in German while studying full-time.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of scholarships are available for currently enrolled students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The most prominent scholarship is the Germany Scholarship ("Deutschlandstipendium"). German and international students are both eligible to apply. The Germany Scholarship is a stipend of 300 EUR per month awarded each year to a limited number of students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance or exemplary social commitment to the community. Other scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available through regional and national organisations in Germany. Please see our website for details.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences informs all students of important scholarship deadlines in advance so that they don't miss any potential application opportunities.
http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants/scholarships-and-grants

Arrival support

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is accessible from the international airports Amsterdam (AMS), Düsseldorf (DUS), Cologne/Bonn (CGN), and Weeze (NRN). The university does not offer any pick-up services, but both Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort can be reached by public transportation from any of these airports.
If you anticipate any travel problems, delays, or unexpected changes to your plans, please contact our Welcome Centre so that we can support you with helpful advice.

Services and support for international students

Our Welcome Centre supports international students during their first few weeks in Germany. The Welcome Centre provides helpful advice and guidance on contracts, opening a bank account, registering your place of residence, applying for a student visa, setting up health insurance, and more.
The student mentors at the Welcome Centre know first-hand what it's like adjusting to life as a student in Germany. They are also an important first contact point for students with personal and social issues, as they can direct students to the right place for their specific needs. The Welcome Centre also promotes student culture at the university by organising trips and excursions to destinations all around the region as well as a range of social events for students such as the annual "Freshtival", the university's week-long orientation festival for new students in the winter semester.

Accommodation

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to make accommodation arrangements before your arrival. The university does not have its own residence halls, but the "Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf" runs dormitories near campus in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort with options for single rooms or two- and three-room flats. Prices start at around 220 EUR per month. Room availability in these dormitories is limited and subject to a waiting list, so it's important to register online for a room as soon as possible. Please note that a security deposit of three months' rent is also required.
Most students choose to share a private flat off campus with fellow students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany, for example: http://www.wg-gesucht.de. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences also maintains its own list of available flats and rooms for students on its website. Thanks to the flexibility of the Semester Ticket, students can live in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, or one of the many cities and towns nearby and reach campus by public transport. For more information and helpful tips on finding a flat, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/prospective-students/housing.