University of Basel

Master in Animal Biology

Basel, Switzerland Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

The University of Basel, founded in 1460, is Switzerland's oldest university and a center of academic excellence located in the city of Basel. With approximately 17,000 students and a strong international presence, the institution blends a long intellectual tradition with contemporary research strengths across the humanities, natural sciences, law, and medicine. Basel's central European location and urban campus make it an appealing choice for students seeking high-quality education in a multilingual, multicultural setting.

Basel offers a compact range of undergraduate and graduate programs with about 15 distinct study tracks, many of which are research-oriented and tied to regional hospitals, institutes, and industry partners. The university attracts a sizeable international cohort, with thousands of students coming from abroad, and provides dedicated support services for exchanges, housing guidance, and language courses. Research opportunities and laboratory access are a hallmark for students pursuing scientific and medical careers.

International applicants benefit from clear admissions pathways, strong career services, and a network of academic collaborations across Europe. The university's emphasis on critical inquiry, interdisciplinary study, and professional preparation ensures graduates are well positioned for postgraduate research or careers in science, policy, and business. For students prioritizing a historic institution with modern research facilities and international engagement, the University of Basel is a compelling option.

About the Program

The Master in Animal Biology at the University of Basel is a 2-year degree program for students with a background in biology. It's a Master of Science degree that focuses on Zoology and Evolutionary Biology. This program helps students build on their local strength in evolutionary genetics and genomics, population biology, and developmental biology.

The curriculum includes 90 ECTS credits of Animal Biology, with supervised practical work over the course of one year as the core of the studies. One ECTS credit point roughly equals 30 hours of studying. Students develop skills in evolutionary ecology, genetics, and genomics, as well as practical skills in laboratory and field work.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Wildlife Biologists, Conservation Scientists, Animal Behaviourists, Research Scientists, or Laboratory Technicians. They can work in various industries, including research institutions, government agencies, or private companies that focus on animal biology and conservation.

Tuition in Context

This program's tuition is 90% below the typical master's in Switzerland.

Median tuition for that cohort is 15,163 USD, across 60 programs in our catalog.

Compare Switzerland master's programs

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 6.5-7.5. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

TOEFL iBT
79–93
PTE Academic
58–64
Duolingo
105–120
CEFR level
B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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