Master of Biology in Cell & Molecular Biology

Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Biology in Cell & Molecular Biology
Masters
Life Sciences
Public University
Norway

A 2-year (120 ECTS) full-time international master’s degree track taught in English at Campus Gløshaugen in Trondheim, Norway. Offered by the Department of Biology under the Faculty of Natural Sciences, it focuses on cellular processes, gene regulation, signal transduction, functional genomics, and molecular mechanisms governing living organisms.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Trondheim
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	tbc,1-December,
Fee Per Year	198800
Application Fee
Currency	nok
Intake Link	https://i.ntnu.no/en/studiekalender
Deadline Link	https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/application
Intakes	August
Program language requirement	Only the tests and certificates listed here are accepted at NTNU, and other proof of language proficiency cannot be approved. To cover the English language requirement in the admission process for the 2025-2026 academic year you will need to document at least one of the below: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Minimum score of 90 points on the internet based test, TOEFL Home Edition is accepted, TOEFL MyBest Scores and TOEFL Essentials are not accepted,TOEFL test results must be sent directly from ETS to NTNU, in addition to being uploaded in Søknadsweb as part of your application. NTNU's department code for English Proficiency tests is 9652. IELTS (International English Language Testing Service), Academic test with a minimum band score of 6.5 on each part of the test, IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake are accepted, University of Cambridge tests (ESOL), at least one of the following: B2 First (Formerly known as First Certificate in English) a B2 level or higher is required, C1 Advanced (Formerly known as Certificate in Advanced English), C2 Proficiency (Formerly known as Certificate of Proficiency in English), Pearsons Academic English test (PTE) or PTE Academic Online: The academic version, with a minimum score of 62.

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s Degree: A relevant bachelor’s degree in: Cell Biology Molecular Biology Biochemistry Genetics Biotechnology Biology (with substantial molecular/cell biology coursework) Biomedical Sciences Equivalent life sciences field

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Prepares graduates for specialized research and analytical roles—such as molecular biologist, cell biologist, lab researcher, biotech specialist, quality control analyst, and biomedical scientist—across biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical firms, clinical research labs, agricultural tech enterprises, state environmental and health agencies, and doctoral (PhD) research programs.
Program entry requirement	Admission to the MSc programme in Biology requires a bachelor's degree (or an equivalent 3-year education) in Biology (minimum of 80 ECTS credits biology courses). In addition, applicants must have basic knowledge in chemistry, statistics and mathematics at university level. English proficiency : To cover the English language requirement you will need to document at least one of the below: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language Minimum score of 90 points on the internet based test TOEFL Home Edition is accepted TOEFL MyBest Scores and TOEFL Essentials are not accepted IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) Academic test with a minimum band score of 6.5 on each part of the test IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake are accepted University of Cambridge tests, at least one of the following: First Certificate in English Certificate in Advanced English Certificate of Proficiency in English
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 NTNU.
GMAT Required	No – GMAT is not required for master's programs at NTNU.
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 requirements for admission to the MSc program in Biology at NTNU?

Admission to the MSc program in Biology at NTNU requires a bachelor's degree (or an equivalent 3-year education) in Biology with a minimum of 80 ECTS credits in biology courses. Additionally, applicants must possess basic knowledge in chemistry, statistics, and mathematics at the university level.

What is the duration and structure of the MSc in Biology program?

The MSc in Biology program has a duration of 2 years (120 ECTS). It includes core foundation courses in study design and cell and molecular biology, specialization tracks covering various advanced topics, and a major independent research thesis.

What English language tests are accepted for the MSc program at NTNU?

NTNU accepts specific English language tests for admission, including TOEFL with a minimum score of 90, IELTS with a minimum band score of 6.5, and various University of Cambridge tests. TOEFL Home Edition is accepted, but TOEFL MyBest Scores and TOEFL Essentials are not accepted.

Are there scholarships available for international students at NTNU?

Yes, there are scholarships available for international students at NTNU. Students can explore scholarship opportunities through various links provided on NTNU's website or related resources.

What are the living expenses for students studying at NTNU?

The average living costs for students in Trondheim range from NOK 12,000 to 16,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. It is advisable for students to budget around NOK 150,000 to 170,000 per year for living expenses.