Explore Courses

BSc in Biotechnology: Universities, Syllabus, Fees, and Job Opportunities

By Bulbul Sharma

Updated on May 21, 2025 | 1.77K+ views

Share:

BSc in Biotechnology abroad is a 3–4 year undergraduate degree that covers biology, chemistry, and lab technology to study living systems and their applications in healthcare, agriculture, and industry. It suits Indian students looking for BSc in Biotechnology after 12th science (PCB or PCM) who want international lab training and global research exposure.

Popular study destinations for BSc in Biotechnology include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany. Annual tuition fees typically range from USD 15,000–35,000 (₹12–29 lakhs). Entry-level salaries after graduation fall between USD 45,000–60,000 (₹37–50 lakhs) depending on the country and role. How to study biotechnology abroad after 12th? This blog covers BSc Biotechnology course duration and fees, top universities, semester-wise syllabus, entrance exams, and job options.

Planning to pursue BSc in Biotechnology abroad? Start by exploring programs and institutions that align with your goals:

Harvard University, USA

Bachelor's Accelerator Programs Abroad

MBA in Chemistry – A career switch option after a biotech degree

Want another Ivy League option? Explore Cornell University, USA

Overview of BSc in Biotechnology Abroad

Feature Details
Eligibility 12th-grade Science (PCB/PCM); IELTS/TOEFL scores (minimum 6.0–6.5 band)
Course Duration 3–4 years full-time
Average Tuition Fees ₹12–29 lakhs per year (USD 15,000–35,000 depending on country/university)
Top Countries USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany
Internship Options Offered in most universities through research labs or industry partnerships
Post-Study Visa 1–3 years stay-back (OPT, PSW, PGWP based on destination)
Career Opportunities Lab assistant, research associate, QA/QC executive, clinical trial analyst

Exploring psychology as a parallel interest? Learn about Master’s in Clinical Psychology abroad

The biotech industry is largely dominated by the United States and Europe. Together, they generate nearly $460 billion in global biotech drug sales, with the U.S. contributing the largest share. These regions lead in innovation, research funding, and pharmaceutical production.

BSc in Biotechnology Syllabus: Year-Wise Subject Breakdown and Lab Training

Most programs BSc in Biotechnology programs run on a semester or trimester model, with increasing research depth in later years. Students cover core subjects in biology, chemistry, and bioinformatics, followed by electives and a mandatory research project or internship.

Year-Wise BSc in Biotechnology syllabus (Typical 3-Year Format)

Year Key Subjects Lab / Project Work
Year 1 Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Scientific Writing Intro to lab skills, microscopy, pipetting, sterile culture
Year 2 Molecular Biology, Immunology, Environmental Biotechnology, Biostatistics Advanced lab modules, bioinformatics software training
Year 3 Genetic Engineering, Bioprocess Technology, Electives (Neurobiology, Nanotech) Major project, industry internship, research thesis

BSc Biotechnology Course Details Abroad

  • Practical Hours: ~35–45% of total credits in most universities
  • Theory Hours: ~55–65% distributed across lectures, seminars, and tutorials
  • Electives: Available in final year (e.g., Marine Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Tech, Plant Genomics)
  • Capstone Requirement: Most programs require a research project or industry internship in the final semester

This structure gives international students exposure to both core biotech subjects and industry applications—ideal for those planning to pursue higher studies or jobs after BSc in Biotechnology abroad.

Intake Months and Deadlines for BSc in Biotechnology Abroad

Most universities abroad offer two intakes for BSc in Biotechnology: Fall (August–September) and Spring (January–February). Fall is the most popular among Indian students due to its alignment with the Indian academic year. Some countries like Australia also offer a Summer intake (February–March).

Application deadlines are usually 6 to 9 months before the intake. For Fall, plan to apply between November and January. Early applications improve your chances for scholarships, visa slots, and competitive seats. Always check the exact deadline for each university.

Not sure where to begin? Check out the upGrad Study Abroad Accelerator Programs overview

Want to know where this field can take you next? Explore top universities for Masters in Biotechnology

Best Countries to Study BSc in Biotechnology

As of 2024, over 1.3 million Indian students are pursuing higher studies abroad, with a significant number opting for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, which include biotechnology.

Countries with advanced biotech industries, funded research labs, and structured internships offer stronger academic and career outcomes. Here are the five best countries for biotechnology undergraduate courses.

1. USA
The USA offers a wide range of biotechnology bachelor’s programs with access to NIH-funded labs, biotech clusters, and industry projects. Top universities include UC San Diego, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Purdue.

Scope: High – internships in biotech firms, pharma research, entry into MS/PhD programs, FDA-linked roles

2. UK
UK universities offer 3–4 year BSc in Biotechnology degrees with strong lab training, elective modules, and options for sandwich years. Universities like University of Nottingham, Edinburgh, and Leeds are known for their biotech programs.

Scope: Pharma QA, NHS-linked roles, MSc in Biotechnology, diagnostics and lab tech positions

3. Canada
Canada offers co-op-based biotechnology degrees that include paid internships. The University of Toronto, McMaster University, and University of Guelph offer biotech specialisations with strong job pipelines.

Scope: Biotech labs, agriculture research, environmental firms, clinical lab testing

4. Australia
Australian universities like Monash, UQ, and University of Sydney have research-focused programs with good industry connections. Degrees may include electives in genomics, nanobiotech, and bioinformatics.

Scope: Biotech and med-tech jobs, government research, QA roles in pharma, diagnostics

5. Germany
Germany offers affordable or tuition-free biotech degrees in public universities. English-taught programs are growing at TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, and University of Freiburg.

Scope: EU-funded research, molecular biology labs, food and environmental biotech, PhD pathways

Considering graduate study later? Here’s what to expect from MS in Biotechnology abroad

Top-Ranked Universities for BSc in Biotechnology Abroad

Over 700 global institutions were ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2025 for biological sciences. The top programs for a BSc in Biotechnology abroad are primarily located in the USA and UK.

Top Universities Abroad for BSc Biotechnology

University (Country) QS Biological Sciences Rank 2025 Estimated Annual Tuition
Harvard University (USA) 1 ₹45–50 lakhs
MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) 2 ₹44–48 lakhs
Stanford University (USA) 3 ₹42–46 lakhs
University of Oxford (UK) 4 ₹38–43 lakhs
University of Cambridge (UK) 5 ₹39–44 lakhs
Yale University (USA) 6 ₹41–45 lakhs
Johns Hopkins University (USA) 7 ₹42–47 lakhs
University of California, Berkeley (USA) 8 ₹40–44 lakhs
Imperial College London (UK) 10 ₹35–40 lakhs
National University of Singapore (Singapore) 15 ₹22–28 lakhs

Still exploring other degrees? Read about BTech in Biotechnology abroad

Want a clinical angle instead? See what a Master’s in Clinical Psychology offers

Eligibility for Biotechnology Courses After 12th – BSc Abroad Requirements

Students applying for a BSc in Biotechnology abroad must come from a science background. Most universities require Biology in Class 12 and strong scores in core science subjects. English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are mandatory. NEET is not required since this is not a medical degree.

Many students ask about biotechnology entrance exams after 12th. For international universities, there’s no single entrance test. Instead, admission depends on your Class 12 grades, English proficiency, and sometimes exams like SAT (mainly for USA colleges).

Basic Eligibility Criteria for BSc in Biotechnology Abroad

Requirement Details
Academic Qualification Class 12 Science (PCB or PCM); 70–85% or equivalent GPA
Accepted Boards CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, IB, A-levels
English Tests IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80–90
Additional Requirements Math may be needed for bioinformatics/elective-heavy programs
Special Cases Germany may require Studienkolleg (1-year foundation) for CBSE/state board students

Some UK and Australian universities may also ask for a foundation year or preparatory science coursework if your current curriculum doesn’t match their A-level equivalents. Always check course-specific requirements before applying.

Thinking long-term? Learn how to become a biotechnologist

Admission Process for BSc in Biotechnology Abroad

Admission timelines for a BSc in Biotechnology abroad usually span 6–10 months depending on the country. You can apply through common platforms like UCAS (UK), OUAC (Canada), or directly via university websites in the USA, Australia, and Germany. A clear, well-structured application with science-focused documents strengthens your chances.

Step-by-Step Admission Process for BSc Biotechnology Abroad

Application Step What to Include or Focus On
Shortlisting Programs Check for strong biotech labs, internships, and electives like genetics or bioinformatics
Statement of Purpose (SOP) Explain interest in biotechnology, lab exposure, and research goals
Letters of Recommendation 1–2 from science teachers (biology, chemistry) or project mentors
Academic Documents Class 10 and 12 marksheets, predicted scores (if ongoing)
Test Scores IELTS/TOEFL, and SAT (if required by US universities)
Application Platforms UCAS (UK), Common App (USA), OUAC (Canada), direct portals (Australia/Germany)
Deadlines (Typical) USA: Nov–Jan, UK (UCAS): Jan 31, Canada/Australia: Rolling

Once submitted, most universities respond in 4–8 weeks. Some may conduct interviews or ask for short entrance assessments. Start early if applying for competitive programs or scholarships.

Want to compare options? Here are the best countries to study biotechnology

How Much Does It Cost to Study BSc in Biotechnology Abroad?

The total cost of studying BSc in Biotechnology abroad for Indian students typically ranges from ₹25 to ₹55 lakhs over 3–4 years, depending on the country, university, and living expenses. Countries with lower tuition like Germany may have higher living costs, while places like Canada offer balanced costs and work options.

Cost of Studying BSc in Biotechnology Abroad

Expense Type Estimated Annual Range (INR) Notes
Tuition Fees ₹10–22 lakhs Higher in USA, UK, Australia
Living Costs ₹7–12 lakhs Based on city, housing, transport
Lab/Equipment Fees ₹50,000–1 lakh Charged in research-intensive biotech programs
Research Project Costs ₹30,000–₹70,000 Final year lab research or internships
Visa + Travel + Insurance ₹1–2 lakhs Includes airfare, visa application, and health cover

Country-Wise Total Cost Estimate (3–4 Years)

Country Estimated Total Cost
USA ₹45–55 lakhs
UK ₹40–50 lakhs
Canada ₹35–45 lakhs
Australia ₹38–48 lakhs
Germany ₹25–30 lakhs
Ireland ₹32–42 lakhs

Tip: Countries like Canada and Australia allow part-time work during studies (up to 20 hrs/week), which can cover ₹3–5 lakhs annually in living costs. Always check university-specific breakdowns before budgeting.

Interested in Germany? Check out BSc Biotechnology programs in Germany

Scholarships for BSc in Biotechnology for Indian Students

Many Indian students pursuing a BSc in Biotechnology abroad secure financial support through government schemes, merit-based university aid, or private research fellowships. These scholarships often reduce tuition costs and sometimes cover housing, health insurance, or research project funding.

Popular Scholarships for Biotechnology Bachelor's Degree Abroad

Scholarship Type What It Covers How to Qualify
Destination Australia Up to AUD 15,000/year (≈ ₹8 lakh) Enrol in regional unis, meet GPA criteria
Canada-India Research Awards Tuition + partial living expenses UG GPA > 75%, SOP with research intent
UK University Merit Aid £3,000–10,000 (≈ ₹3–10 lakh) tuition waiver Academic ≥ 70%, IELTS ≥ 6.5, early application
DAAD (Germany) Tuition + living allowance Academic excellence, some programs prefer German language
Erasmus+ (EU) Semester-based mobility grants (₹3–7 lakh) For exchange terms at European partner universities
University STEM Grants 10–30% tuition discounts Available across top global biotech programs

Tips for Indian Applicants:

  • Apply at least 3–6 months before your intake to meet scholarship deadlines.
  • Focus your SOP on biotechnology research goals and lab experience.
  • Include strong academic scores and letters from science faculty.
  • Keep alternate funding options ready in case of delays.

Looking at UK? Explore BSc Biotechnology in the UK

Jobs and Salary After BSc in Biotechnology

BSc in Biotechnology abroad leads to career opportunities across pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing, environmental science, and healthcare. The average starting salary ranges from ₹25–50 lakhs per year, depending on the country and role. Lab-based and research positions typically offer higher pay, especially in countries like the USA, UK, and Canada.

Career Roles in Biotechnology for International Graduates

Job Role Sector/Industry Key Skills Required
Lab Technician Research labs, academic institutions Sample prep, sterile technique, data recording
Quality Analyst (QA) Biotech, pharma, food tech GMP compliance, documentation, analytical instrumentation
Research Assistant Biotech startups, universities Molecular assays, PCR, ELISA, data interpretation
Clinical Trial Associate Pharma, CROs Regulatory filing, patient coordination, SOP knowledge
Product Specialist Biotech firms, medical equipment Client training, technical support, life science knowledge
Pharma Sales Executive Healthcare companies Market knowledge, communication, product expertise

Country-Wise Average Salary After BSc in Biotechnology Abroad

Country Average Salary (USD/year) Equivalent in INR (approx.)
USA $45,000–60,000 ₹37–50 lakhs
UK £25,000–35,000 ₹26–37 lakhs
Canada CAD 40,000–55,000 ₹24–33 lakhs
Australia AUD 55,000–70,000 ₹30–38 lakhs
Germany €35,000–45,000 ₹31–40 lakhs

Tip: Students planning to work abroad after graduation should gain hands-on lab experience and take electives aligned with industry trends like bioprocessing or regulatory affairs.

Shortlisting USA universities? Browse universities in the USA for biotechnology

Study Options After BSc in Biotechnology Abroad

BSc in Biotechnology abroad gives students a foundation in applied sciences and lab techniques. However, a master’s degree is often required for advanced research roles, lab management, or specialised industry positions. Indian students can pursue postgraduate programs like MSc in BiotechnologyGenetic EngineeringBioinformatics, or Regulatory Science.

In countries like Germany and Canada, students may enter biotech roles directly after BSc. But in the USA, UK, and Australia, postgraduate degrees are often expected for career progression or research-based positions.

Popular Master’s Pathways After Biotechnology Bachelor’s Degree Abroad:

  • MSc in Biotechnology or Molecular Biology
  • MSc in Genetic Engineering or Genomics
  • MSc in Bioinformatics or Computational Biology
  • MRes (Research Master’s) in Cell or Structural Biology
  • MSc in Regulatory Affairs or Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Work Visa and Stay-Back Rules After BSc in Biotechnology

Students completing a BSc in Biotechnology abroad can apply for post-study work visas offered by most major study destinations. These visas let international students work in research labs, pharma companies, or government projects, giving them time to gain experience or apply for further studies.

Post-Study Stay-Back Options After BSc in Biotechnology Abroad

Country Stay-Back Duration Key Visa Route
UK 2 years Graduate Route Visa
USA 1 year (3 years for STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Canada Up to 3 years Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Australia 2–4 years Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
Germany 18 months Job Seeker Visa

During your studies, most countries allow part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) which helps cover basic living expenses. Universities also run career services, job fairs, and internship programs that support transition to full-time employment or permanent residence pathways.

Not ready for a full master’s yet? Consider PG diploma courses in biotechnology in Canada

Is a BSc in Biotechnology Worth It for Indian Students?

What to do after BSc in Biotechnology? A BSc in Biotechnology abroad gives better lab exposure, research access, and industry training than most Indian degrees.

Choose this path if you:

  • Have studied PCB or PCM in Class 12
  • Plan to work in biotech, pharma, or healthcare
  • Want to pursue higher studies or research abroad
  • Can spend ₹25–₹55 lakhs over 3–4 years

It’s a practical option for students aiming for lab-based roles or international biotech careers.

Explore more: Browse free courses to build your foundation in biology, research, or data interpretation.

Need help planning your next steps? Speak to upGrad experts and get personalised guidance on biotechnology courses and career paths.

FAQs About BSc in Biotechnology for Indian Students

Can I do BSc in Biotechnology abroad without maths in 12th?

What is the duration of BSc in Biotechnology in the UK or Canada?

Do I need to give NEET for studying BSc in Biotechnology abroad?

What is the average salary after BSc in Biotechnology for Indian students?

Are there English-taught BSc in Biotechnology programs in Europe?

Can I pursue MSc in a different specialization after BSc in Biotechnology?

Do BSc in Biotechnology degrees abroad include internships?

What are the best countries to pursue BSc in Biotechnology for research?

Are there scholarships for Indian undergraduates in biotechnology?

What documents are needed to apply for BSc in Biotechnology abroad?

Can I settle abroad after completing BSc in Biotechnology?

Which exams are required for BSc in Biotechnology in USA or UK?

How is biotechnology different from biomedical science at UG level?

What are the top career paths after completing BSc in Biotechnology?

Is BSc in Biotechnology valid for applying to MBBS later?

Top Study Abroad Destinations

Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad |124 articles published

Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factual...

Looking for Expert Advice?

+91
referer

Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000

Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.

upGrad Abroad Logo
LinkedinFacebookInstagramTwitterYoutubeWhatsapp

Download our App

Bachelor programs

Top Destinations

Masters programs

Study Abroad Important Blogs