Master of Genome Sciences

Norwegian University of Life Sciences NMBU
Genome Sciences
Masters
Life Sciences
Public University
Norway

A 2-year (120 ECTS) full-time postgraduate programme taught in English at Campus Ås, Norway. Offered by the Faculty of Biosciences, it covers key biological and technological pillars—Genetics/Genome Biology, Bioinformatics/Statistics, and Genome Technologies (e.g., DNA sequencing and CRISPR)—to address real-world challenges in sustainable food production, environmental monitoring, and life sciences.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Ås
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	1-December,
Fee Per Year	150000
Application Fee
Currency	nok
Intake Link	https://www.nmbu.no/en/students/academic-calendar-whole-year
Deadline Link	https://www.nmbu.no/en/studies/application-procedures-study-programmes-taught-english
Intakes	August
Program language requirement	TOEFL (iBT) or TOEFL (IBT) Home Edition (Institutional code: 8457): 92, IELTS Academic or IELTS Academic online (Institutional code: 6935) required overall band score: 7.0,Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: Level C1 Grade C or better, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency: Level C2 Grade C or better, Pearson PTE Academic: 65, Pearson PTE Academic: Pass, University of Michigan Language Assessment Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE): Pass, Vg1 course in English at Norwegian upper secondary school (140 hours): 4,Advanced course in English at Norwegian upper secondary school: Pass.

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following (or closely related field): Genome Sciences / Genomics Bioinformatics / Computational Biology Molecular Biology / Cell Biology Genetics Biotechnology (molecular or genomic) Biochemistry Biology (with strong molecular/genetics focus) Computer Science / Data Science (with biology focus) Statistics / Biostatistics (with biology focus)

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Prepares graduates for specialized technical, research, and managerial roles—such as bioinformatician, genomic analyst, plant/animal breeding specialist, biotechnology consultant, and research scientist—across aquaculture and agritech breeding companies, biotechnology firms, environmental and public administration agencies, and doctoral (PhD) research programs.
Program entry requirement	Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in biology, biotechnology, animal and plant sciences or equivalent education. The degree must include statistics/bioinformatics, genetics/genomics and laboratory practicals in molecular biology/genetics. A motivation letter is mandatory for the admission process, and must follow your application. A weighted, average grade of minimum C (from the Bachelor's degree) is required at NMBU to be qualified for applying to Master's degrees. English taught programmes have the following requirements for proficiency in English: TOEFL (iBT) or TOEFL (IBT) Home Edition (Institutional code: 8457);92,IELTS Academic or IELTS Academic online (Institutional code: 6935) required overall band score; 7.0, Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English Level C1 Grade C or better, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency; Level C2 Grade C or better,Pearson PTE Academic; 65,University of Michigan Language Assessment Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECEP) ;Pass ,University of Michigan Language Assessment Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) ;Pass,
Required GPA	A recognized 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.7–3.0/4.0 or equivalent. Competitive universities generally prefer 3.0/4.0 or higher.
GRE Required	No – GRE is not required for master's programs at NMBU.
GMAT Required	No – GMAT is not required for master's programs at NMBU.
Application Process	1. Apply to an accredited Norwegian higher education institution and secure full-time admission. 2. Receive your official unconditional admission letter confirming your study program. 3. Transfer required living expenses and tuition fees to the university's deposit account or an approved Norwegian bank account. 4. Create an account on the UDI Application Portal Norway and complete the online study permit application. 5. Pay the required UDI residence permit application fee online and download your cover letter. 6. Prepare supporting documents: passport, admission letter, deposit receipt, housing documentation, and insurance. 7. Book a submission appointment at the nearest Norwegian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global Centre. 8. Attend your appointment to submit your document checklist, give biometric data, and submit your passport. 9. Track your application status on the UDI portal and await the official decision. 10. Travel to Norway after permit approval and register with the local police station to obtain your Residence Card.
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/scholarships/
Program accreditation	NOKUT accredited (Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education).
Living expenses	Living Expenses: Average living costs range from NOK 12,000–16,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. Students should budget around NOK 150,000–170,000 per year.
Visa Process Details	1. Passport: Valid passport with required validity and blank pages (Mandatory). 2. CNIC / B-Form / FRC: Applicant ID and family relationship documents (Mandatory). 3. Photographs: Recent biometric passport-sized photos (Mandatory). 4. Offer letter: Official unconditional admission letter (Mandatory). 5. Tuition fee receipt: Deposit, tuition payment, or scholarship proof (Mandatory/Conditional). 6. Academic documents: Transcripts, degrees, and required attestations (Mandatory). 7. Language certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or language test proof (Conditional). 8. CV / resume: Updated resume with education and gap details (Mandatory/Conditional). 9. SOP / motivation letter: Study plan and home ties explanation (Mandatory/Conditional). 10. Financial documents: Bank statements, income proof, and source of funds (Mandatory). 11. Sponsor documents: Sponsor ID, affidavit, and income proof (Conditional). 12. Accommodation proof: Housing booking, contract, or university letter (Mandatory/Conditional). 13. Insurance: Travel and health insurance coverage (Mandatory/Conditional). 14. Police certificate: Character clearance certificate if required (Conditional). 15. Medical certificate: Medical clearance certificate if required (Conditional). 16. Translations / legalization: Certified translations or legalization if required (Conditional). 17. Previous refusals: Visa refusal letters and explanation if applicable (Mandatory if applicable). 18. Travel history: Copies of previous visas and travel stamps (Conditional). 19. Family / home ties: Return proof such as FRC, property, or job ties (Recommended). 20. Country-specific: UDI application portal cover letter (Country-specific). 21. Country-specific: Funds deposit in a Norwegian or student bank account (Country-specific). 22. Country-specific: Housing documentation if required (Country-specific).
Part timework	Part-time Work: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official holidays. Many students find part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, customer service, and campus roles.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunity: After graduation, eligible students can apply for a 12-month Job Seeker Residence Permit to stay in Norway and search for employment. Once they secure a qualifying job, they can apply for a Skilled Worker Residence Permit, which can lead to long-term residence if eligibility requirements are met.

What are the entry requirements for the Master's program in Genome Sciences at NMBU?

The entry requirements for the Master's program include a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in biology, biotechnology, animal and plant sciences, or a related field. The degree must include coursework in statistics/bioinformatics, genetics/genomics, and laboratory practicals in molecular biology/genetics. A motivation letter is also required, along with a minimum average grade of C.

What is the cost of tuition for the Master's program at NMBU?

The tuition fee for the Master's program in Genome Sciences at NMBU is NOK 150,000 per year. Additionally, students should budget for living expenses ranging from NOK 150,000 to 170,000 per year.

What English language proficiency tests are accepted for admission to NMBU?

NMBU accepts several English language proficiency tests for admission, including TOEFL (iBT) with a minimum score of 92, IELTS Academic with a required overall band score of 7.0, and others such as the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English and Pearson PTE Academic.

Are international students allowed to work while studying in Norway?

Yes, international students can work part-time while studying in Norway. They are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official holidays.

What post-study work opportunities are available for graduates of the Master's program?

Graduates of the Master's program can apply for a 12-month Job Seeker Residence Permit to stay in Norway and look for employment. After securing a qualifying job, they can apply for a Skilled Worker Residence Permit, which may lead to long-term residence.