The brain remains one of science’s greatest challenges. Despite major progress, its complexity is only partly understood, limiting effective treatments for cognitive and psychiatric disorders. Today, advances in molecular biology, genetics, imaging, and data science are transforming neuroscience. This enables researchers to map molecular profiles, record neuronal networks in action, and model brain processes in unprecedented detail. The field is rapidly evolving, and groundbreaking discoveries lie ahead.
The M.Sc. Biomedical Neuroscience Program at the TUM School of Medicine and Health equips students to contribute to these future breakthroughs. Funded by the Elite Network of Bavaria and linked to the SyNergy Cluster of Excellence, our select interdisciplinary program (about 15 students) fosters individualized learning, close faculty mentorship, and hands-on research from day one. Students join faculty labs early, rotate across projects, and gain both experimental and analytical skills through flexible courses emphasizing programming, data analysis, and transferable competencies.
With faculty from neuroscience, neurology, psychiatry, and neuropathology, the curriculum spans molecular to systems neuroscience and prepares graduates for doctoral studies or careers in industry and biotechnology. “Learning by doing” defines the program’s approach, complemented by advanced theory, practical courses, and personalized academic guidance.
Program Highlights:
- Experiment-based scientific education
- Personalized mentorship
- International exchange opportunities
- Integrated doctoral training (“PhD transition track”)
- High-level interdisciplinary training
Key Information:
- Degree: Master of Science
- Duration: 4 semesters (full time)
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Costs: Semester fees, tuition for non-EU students
- Location: TUM School of Medicine and Health, Munich
- Language: English
- Start: Winter Semester (October)
- Application period: January 1 – May 31
- Admission: Aptitude Assessment for Master
Stay updated by following our BmN account on LinkedIn. The page is managed by our BmN student team.
January 9, 2026
Please join us for the Biomedical Neuroscience TUM Master's Day to learn more about our program and to ask your questions during the Q&A session.
To register for the Presentation and Q&A, please click here.
The Elite-Master Biomedical Neuroscience program provides advanced, interdisciplinary training bridging medical and natural science education, with a focus on neuroscience theory, practice, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The curriculum uses innovative teaching methods and is structured into three main areas:
1. Scientific Theory & Reasoning (6 modules)
2. Scientific Skills & Practice (7 modules, including extensive lab work)
3. Transferable Skills & Professional Competence (3 modules, including a colloquium)
During the first year, students attend lectures and hands-on courses, followed by laboratory research projects at participating institutes. The program concludes in the fourth semester with an experimental master’s project and thesis. Early and extensive lab time ensures rapid integration into research teams and environments.
A detailed description of the curriculum can be found in:
Courses in italics are hands on classes.
Graduates of the M.Sc. Biomedical Neuroscience program gain a deep understanding of brain function and structure, from molecules and cells to large neural circuits, behavior, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Through extensive lab internships and hands-on research, they master cutting-edge technologies used in basic and clinical neuroscience. They develop strong skills in scientific data analysis and appropriate statistical methods. The program bridges medical and natural science training, providing broad neuro-biomedical expertise.
Graduates are well-prepared for PhD programs in biomedical neuroscience and are sought after by pharmaceutical companies and startups for their knowledge of both basic and translational neuroscience. Their interdisciplinary training equips them for academic research, clinical work, and roles in industry.
Where are they now?
‘‘I am five months into my PhD at ETH Zürich, studying plasmonics, air pollution, and liquid-liquid phase separation. My research explores how air pollutant-induced reactive oxygen species may modify RNA, triggering stress granule formation, which in chronic stress conditions like Alzheimer's could contribute to pathological tau fibrils. The BmN program trained me to think like a researcher, connect concepts from the literature, and independently develop and present this research idea giving me the confidence I had not fully gained before the program.’’ -Keegan Kolf
To apply for the M.Sc. Biomedical Neuroscience, you need a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) rated H+ by anabin in natural sciences like Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, or Physics. Degrees in Psychology, Health Science, or Chemistry may be considered depending on completed modules. Applicants with at least five years of medical studies and completion of the second state examination in medicine or veterinary medicine are also eligible. Key required modules include mathematics, physics, statistics, chemistry (inorganic, physical, organic), biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, and immunology. Completed modules from your bachelor's will be evaluated during application
To complete your application for the M.Sc. Biomedical Neuroscience program at TUM, submit all required documents by the deadline; incomplete applications will not be assessed.
If you have questions concerning the required application documents, please contact the Student Information Team.
Application Form:
Automatically generated after online submission via TUMOnline. Print, sign, and upload it back to complete your application.Degree Certificate / Transcript (PDF only):
Upload your final degree certificate and the final transcript. The original transcript must bear a seal and signature. If the degree is still in progress, please submit your latest official transcript of records showing overall grade and thesis details. Your overall grade (CGPA) and the grading system should be clearly visible. Notarized hardcopies and certified translations (if not in English or German) as well as the original documents are required after admission, within five weeks of the second semester start. This also applies to applicants with a VPD by uni-assist.Second State Examination in Medicine or Veterinary Medicine (PDF only):
Submit proof if applicable (for medicine or veterinary medicine).Preliminary Evaluation (Uni-assist):
Applicants with degrees from outside Germany must submit documents to uni-assist for evaluation and upload the VPD certificate or confirmation form by the deadline. This does not replace TUMOnline application.The review of your documents at uni-assist does not count as an application to TUM. You must apply to TUM via TUMOnline before the respective application deadline. Depending on the type of degree you hold and your country of origin, uni-assist may request additional documents from you. Please note the special rules for applicants from China, Austria, India, Iran, Italy and Vietnam
More helpful information and a step-by-step guide
In case you do not have a final VPD by the end of the application deadline but are waiting for uni-assist to process it, you can confirm to TUM that you have applied for it. Otherwise, your application cannot be processed. Please submit the filled confirmation form, make sure that the application for a preliminary review documentation by uni-assist has been submitted in due form and time, and upload the PDF document to your online application form. It serves as a placeholder until you can upload the final VPD and will be assigned the status "not OK" which simply means you still have to replace the document with the final VPD as soon as you have it.
Proof of English Language Proficiency (PDF only):
Recognized English Language Certificates for our program are:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum of 88 points
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum of 6,5 points
- Cambridge Main Suite of English Examinations: CAE (Cambridge Advanced English) with Grades A, B, C or CPE (Cambridge Proficiency English) with Grades A, B, CIf 10 credits were obtained in English modules during your undergraduate studies, adequate proficiency in English is deemed proven. Therefore, you need to submit your transcript of records or your degree certificate as evidence, as well as the form for proof of English proficiency via credits in a prior degree program.
Letter of Motivation (PDF only):
The letter of motivation must be personally written in English, one page (DIN A4 or letter format, 12pt, single spacing). It should clearly state your academic and personal motivation for choosing TUM and the Biomedical Neuroscience program, why you are qualified, and why you should be selected. Include your background, education, university projects, and extracurricular activities. Properly cite any references. Upload it as a PDF to the online application formComplete and Current Résumé (PDF only):
Submit an up-to-date CV (max 3 pages) clearly listing your education, projects, and professional experience. Upload your CV as a PDF to the online application form.
Click here to begin your application: online application
Please note to select ‘Elite Master’s program’ as Type of Study and ‘Master of Science (Elite graduate program)’ as Intended degree.
For detailed guidance on the application process, consult these resources:
- Video Guide: Online Application: Step-by-step tutorial for applying via TUMOnline
- Applying for a Master’s Program at TUM: Official application information
- Application and Admission for International Students: Key info tailored for international applicants
- Application Info Portal: Comprehensive guide from admission requirements to uni-assist procedures
Additionally, please review the FAQ section below for answers to common questions.
1. Application Period:
Opens January 1st; deadline May 31st each year. Early application (by March) is advised for visa-requiring students.
- Online Application: Create one account on TUMOnline, select ‘Elite Master’s program’ as Type of Study and ‘Master of Science (Elite graduate program)’ as Intended degree. Upload required documents by the deadline; contact Student Service Center.
- Document Review: After submission, your documents will be verified. Updates and invitations to assessments will be communicated by email. Check your TUMOnline account for status and please refrain from unnecessary inquiries.
2. Stage 1 Assessment: Points (max 30) assigned for:
- Completed subject-specific modules (up to 10 points):
-Biochemistry
-Inorganic Chemistry
-Physical Chemistry
-Organic Chemistry
-Immunology
-Molecular Biology
-Physics
-Physiology
-Mathematics
-Statistics - Bachelor's final GPA (Converted via Bavarian formula - TUM Grade Conversion Tool)
up to 10 points for the best grade 1.0 (9 points for 1.1 etc.) - Letter of Motivation (up to 10 points)
Applicants with 20 or more points advance to the online interview.
3. Stage 2 Interview:
- Evaluates motivation, commitment, knowledge (basic and applied science questions), and presentation of your Bachelor's thesis research.
- Conducted online (Zoom) by at least two assessors; each criterion scored up to 15 points.
- Final admission requires a combined score of at least 30 points from both stages.
4. Enrollment:
- Occurs after admission offer acceptance, all documents are verified as correct, and semester fee payment is confirmed.
- Course registration and student services activate only after enrollment.
What grade point average (GPA) do I need to apply for the M.Sc. BmN Program?
There is no specific GPA requirement for our M.Sc. BmN Program. The offer of admission is based on several factors, and the grades play a certain part.
Will a Bachelor’s Degree from my university be accepted by TUM?
If your university is rated H+ on anabin, your degree will most likely be accepted. If you are unsure, please ask the Student Service Center.
I missed the deadline. Can I still apply?
No. The TUMOnline application form will be closed automatically after May 31 at midnight (CEST). Consequently, it is technically impossible to accept any applications submitted after the deadline.
Why are non-EU Applicants encouraged to apply earlier (March vs. May Deadline)?
Based on our experience regarding student visa issues, we recommend that all non-EU applicants apply as early as possible, ideally before March. The final deadline for applications (EU as well as non-EU Applicants) is May 31. Because of mailing delays in many countries, international applicants should mail their applications at least 30 days before the application deadline.
My language test score (e.g. TOEFL) is too low. Can I still get admission?
A language proficiency certificate with sufficient score is mandatory to apply. Without sufficient language ability and scores, you cannot apply for the program.
Can I use an older language test with sufficient score to prove my English skills?
Previously issued, recognized language certificates will also be accepted, provided they are uploaded in PDF format. Temporary validity stated on certificates is not relevant for applications to TUM. The regulations regarding minimum grades also apply to older language certificates. In case of doubt, TUM reserves the right to request verification.
Can I reuse my VPD which was issued by uni-assist.de a year ago?
Yes, we accept every VPD which was issued for TUM. The date it was issued on as well as the given expiration date are not relevant when applying to TUM. Please note, it is not possible to use a bachelor-VPD when applying for a master’s and vice versa. The VPD for an application for a bachelor’s degree and the VPD for an application for a master’s degree are completely different documents! In addition, the VPD must be issued specifically for TUM.
I am currently a Master student in another program (at TUM or another university). Can I switch to M.Sc. BmN and transfer my credits?
Even if you already are a master student, you’ll have to complete the application process for the master’s program like every applicant and you would only be able to begin the program in the winter semester. Upon enrollment, you may apply for recognition of your master’s degree courses. This is only possible for courses that are considered identical to the respective courses in M.Sc. BmN. It is up to the respective professor to decide on whether your request will be accepted. Please do not ask whether any of your courses will be recognized before you enroll into M.Sc. BmN!
I speak German. Can I submit my motivation letter in German, or can the interview be held in German?
Since the M.Sc. Biomedical Neuroscience program is taught in English, proficiency of the English language is mandatory. Therefore, your motivation letter has to be written in English and the interview will be conducted in English as well.
Can I send my application documents via e-mail?
We do not accept any application documents sent via e-mail. All documents have to be uploaded in TUMOnline or sent as either originals or certified/notarized copies.
Do you offer any scholarships or student employment opportunities?
For more detailed information, please visit the links below:
Scholarship: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid/scholarships/tum-scholarships
Student Jobs: https://portal.mytum.de/schwarzesbrett/hiwi_stellen/
