Next Application Deadline: June 21, 2026 
*Click here for non-EU tuition information
Before studying Biotechnology & Food Engineering
Are you interested in natural sciences and technology? Would you like to contribute to sustainability goals and help society in providing innovative medication, healthy foods or environmentally relevant technologies? If this sounds like something you are interested in, then this study program might be the perfect fit for you. It offers a wide range of opportunities in the development and manufacturing of products for health, nutrition and environmental protection. The high level of interdisciplinarity and practical relevance will prepare you for a career in the industry.
The degree program Biotechnology & Food Engineering at MCI
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Overview
The Bachelor's study program in Biotechnology & Food Engineering at MCI is aimed at motivated individuals who are interested in natural sciences and the conversion of raw materials into food or medicines and who want to make these available to society. Biotechnology and food technology are among the key industries of the 21st century, whose major scientific and technical advances are crucial for the sustainable development of society.
Students can specialize in either food technology or biotechnology. Biotechnology focuses on new, rapidly developing diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The second major, Food Technology, examines how processing technologies, new raw materials and analytics ensure the supply of high-quality food.
The entire course deals with environmentally friendly and efficient processes for health, food and the related areas of renewable raw materials; renewable energies and environmental technologies. Graduates are offered a wide array of exciting career prospects in this field. The entire program deals with the question of how technologies enable the development of environmentally friendly and efficient processes in the health and food sector as well as in the related fields of renewable raw materials, renewable energies and environmental technology. Graduates are offered a wealth of exciting career opportunities in this field.
MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®
MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® is one of the most successful universities in the German-speaking region and Europe. Renowned business experts teach in small groups, distinguished lecturers ensure academic quality in all areas, and the dedicated MCI team supports students in their endeavors such as internships, research, and stays abroad.
Admission
Applications for studies are accepted on an ongoing basis via our online application platform. In the interests of your further planning, we recommend that you submit your application early.
Applications for several degree programs at MCI in parallel are possible and welcome, as long as the motivation for the chosen studies can be conclusively demonstrated.
| Application deadline | Interview |
| Nov 9, 2025 | Nov 24 - 26, 2025 |
| Feb 8, 2026 | Feb 23 - 25, 2026 |
| Apr 12, 2026 | Apr 27 - 29, 2026 |
| May 31, 2026 | Jun 15 - 17, 2026 |
Generally, admission to the program is available to the following persons:
Individuals with a university entrance qualification for a social, business or legal sciences study program (e.g. school-leaving exam, appropriate university entrance equivalency exam etc.)
Individuals without a university entrance qualification, but with relevant professional qualification, provided that one of the following requirements is fulfilled:
school-leaving certificate from a relevant vocational secondary school
completion of a dual education course with a relevant apprenticeship
Applicants without a higher education entrance qualification but with relevant vocational qualifications (e.g. certificate of apprenticeship, advanced technical diploma, or German “Fachhochschulreife”) may be admitted to the study program if they pass additional exams at MCI.
The following subjects must be completed:
- German
- English
- Mathematics
A fee of EUR 30,- per subject and examination attempt will be charged. All additional exams take place on site at MCI.
In just two steps to your desired study program at MCI:
Step 1 – Online application: CV & motivation
A complete online application consists of a CV, a letter of motivation, information on educational background, qualifications, professional career, social achievements and academic as well as professional goals. We would like to know why you are applying to study at MCI.
You may apply for more than one degree program at the same time, provided you can conclusively explain your respective motivations in your letter of motivation.
Step 2 – Online admission interview
In the second step, all applicants will be invited to an online admission interview.
In this interview, we want to get to know you. We are particularly interested in your motivation to study at MCI as well as your professional and personal goals you want to achieve with the help of your studies.
Within three weeks after the admission interview, we will inform you about the admission decision.
We offer a course in Basic Mathematics & Science to complement the curriculum and provide the best possible introduction to this study program. If you feel that you are not completely familiar with the secondary school material or have not been studying Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry intensively for a long time, these pre-science basics are ideal for refreshing the fundamentals and then solving exercises independently during your studies to achieve optimum learning success.
Scope: 1 hour per week per semester (corresponds to 15 teaching units) in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry (of which approx. 2/3 in class and 1/3 asynchronously via our learning platform)
Period: in the last two weeks of September
Costs: EUR 75,-
Contact for content-related inquiries
Doing now what patients need next: dazu brauchen wir bei Roche Talente, die gemeinsam mit uns innovative Technologien & Prozesse erarbeiten und implementieren. Studierende des Masterstudiengangs Biotechnologie helfen uns dabei bereits seit 2013, indem sie mit ihrer exzellenten Ausbildung und einer weltoffenen Haltung immer bereit sind, die richtigen Fragen zu stellen.
In the MCI we have found a university partner with a similar philosophy and understanding: Exciting and enriching for both sides is the practical exchange, whether through cooperation with students from the Food Technology & Nutrition program or through joint research projects or supervision of master's theses.
Handl Tyrol GmbH has once again been able to successfully implement projects in the field of innovation and development on several occasions with the "Food Technology & Nutrition course" at the MCI together with professors and students. Always an enriching and inspiring experience.
Besides the transfer of technical and bioscientific knowledge, Biotechnology at the MCI offers the opportunity to gather valuable experiences abroad, to establish contact with interesting companies and to acquire the key competences needed to adapt in an increasingly complex working environment. Demanding courses, first-class lecturers and the development of effective solutions to complex problems are characteristics of this study program.
The interdisciplinary orientation and the quality of the contents of my studies have prepared me perfectly for my career.
What I appreciate most about MCI, is the combination of engineering, bioscience and general management and thus, the perfect educational background for working in a variety of industry sectors. In addition, MCI ensures that students acquire the ability of critical thinking and presentation skills. Supporting students in their endeavors is only one of many advantages.
The Bachelor’s degree programme Biotechnology at the Management Center Innsbruck defines itself through its exceedingly proficient and dedicated staff and lecturers. Another compelling factor of this degree, and certainly all of the MCI, is its internationality and its practical relevance. As for me, I was able to experience this for myself not only in my semester abroad, but also in numerous guest lectures, partnership programmes and international internships.
The combination of biological and technical subjects with hands-on practical classes in the lab made the program particularly valuable for me. The internship allowed me to directly implement everything I had learned.
While studying Biotechnology & Food Engineering
The Biotechnology & Food Engineering study program combines science and technology with the applications of biotechnology and food technology. Thanks to the close cooperation with numerous corporate and research partners, the program has an enormous practical relevance and prepares students excellently for a wide range of tasks in development, production, analysis and quality control in the areas of health, nutrition and environmental protection. From the 4th semester onwards, students can then specialize in biotechnologyor food technology. Students spend a large part of their studies in the laboratory in order to put the theory they have learned directly into practice.
Biotechnology & Food Engineering
The Biotechnology major with a focus on Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Bioinformatics deals with the development, production and analysis of biopharmaceutical products such as antibiotics, vaccines, enzymes or therapeutic antibodies, which make a significant contribution to healthcare. In addition, bioinformatics is an integral part of this field of study, for example the analysis of genome sequences, AI-based structural predictions of proteins or the evaluation of data from high-throughput biomedical experiments.
The food technology field of study focuses on the development, production and quality of food. Together with experts from the food industry, students research product knowledge, sensory analysis and hygiene and acquire essential skills to sustainably improve food production. Aspects of nutritional physiology round off this comprehensive overview of food technology and enable students to contribute to society's food security in the future.
Subject | % |
|---|---|
Fundamentals: Mathematics & natural science | 28,89% |
Fundamentals: Engineering | 12,78% |
Special subjects: Biotechnology & Food engineering | 15,56% |
Elective subjects: Biotechnology & Food engineering | 15% |
Academic work / R&D / internship | 16,67% |
Business & Management / english & key competences | 11,11% |
The Bachelor program Biotechnology & Food Technology is a full-time degree program. In full-time studies, lectures and seminars are held on weekdays, with blocked units allowing for an intensive immersion into individual topics.
The classes usually take place from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:15 and / or from 13:00 to 16:15. In exceptional cases, the times may vary and the lessons and / or examinations may take place outside the specified times or possibly on Saturdays.
Graduates of the program are conferred the academic title of Bachelor of Science in Engineering, in short BSc or B.Sc. This is attested by a leaving certificate, the Bachelor diploma, the international diploma supplement, and further documents where relevant.*
MCI Alumni are entitled to combine their academic degree with the brand “MCI” to provide trust and orientation in an increasingly intransparent international education market. Example: BSc (MCI).
Source: GZ BMWF-52.330/0195-I/6/2013
*Information about the recognition of the degree in Italy can be found here.
RAUCH Fruchtsäfte
The cooperation offers MCI students the opportunity to apply for integrative study cooperation positions at RAUCH Fruchtsäfte. The selected students will complete their professional internship at RAUCH Fruchtsäfte during the lecture-free period between the 4th and 5th semesters and then write their Bachelor's thesis there in the 6th semester. In addition to the content-related dimension of the support, the students receive a monthly payment from the end of the 4th semester until the end of their bachelor's degree. Interested students will receive further information on the cooperation and the application process during their studies.
Novartis/Sandoz
The cooperation agreement with Novartis/Sandoz offers students of the bachelor's degree program "Biotechnology & Food Engineering" the opportunity to apply for the attractive cooperation positions of the global corporation at the end of the third semester. There, the selected students do their professional internship during the lecture-free period between the fourth and fifth semesters and write their bachelor thesis in the sixth semester. Students receive a monthly salary from the end of the fourth semester until the end of their bachelor's degree.
Dr. Schär is a South Tyrolean family business founded in 1982. The Dr. Schär group specializes in the development, production and sales of innovative foods for special dietary needs. To promote talented students in the fields of food technology, Dr. Schär provides two MCI students per year with a EUR 500.— scholarship.
Our interdisciplinary electives provide you with the opportunity to tailor your academic journey to your own interests and goals.
Interdisciplinary electives are cross-curricular courses on current trends and developments.
They allow you to discuss topics from different perspectives and interact with students and faculty from other disciplines.
During your studies you have the unique chance to choose such a course from a wide range of topics within the following focus areas:
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Sustainability
Digitalization
Globalization
Society
The electives offer the opportunity to deepen your own interests and broaden your horizons. Join us as we enter a world of learning, exploration, and growth! Read more.
Major in Biotechnology
Biotech, Biodata & Pharma
The biotechnology major with focus on pharmaceutical biotechnology and bioinformatics deals with the development, production and analysis of biopharmaceutical products, such as antibiotics, vaccines, enzymes or therapeutic antibodies, which make an essential contribution to health care. In addition, bioinformatics forms an integral part of this major, including analysis of genome sequences, AI-based structural predictions of proteins or the evaluation of data from high-throughput biomedical experiments.
Major in Food Technology
Food Tech & Science
The food technology major focuses on the development, production and quality of food. Together with experts from the food industry, students explore commodity science, sensory analysis and hygiene, and gain essential skills to sustainably improve food production. Aspects of nutritional physiology complete this comprehensive overview of food technology, enabling students to contribute to society’s food security in the future.
International Outreach
International orientation plays a central role in every MCI degree program and is evident in the diverse backgrounds of faculty and students, in internationally aligned curricula, as well as in global projects and internships. In addition, students have the chance to spend a semester at one of over 300 partner universities around the world.
Study Abroad
at our partner universities around the world.
Practice
At the Entrepreneurial School®, providing a consistent link between science and practice has top priority. The collaboration with companies and organizations of different sizes and sectors forms one of the cornerstones in regards to research and studies at MCI. Not only our students but also our partners benefit from this cooperative work.
Internship
At MCI, each program of study requires students to complete an integrative internship of at least 13 weeks at a national or international company. Students receive support from the respective department in organizing this internship and are supervised in coordination with the company.
Our department and the MCI Career Center regularly provide up-to-date information about internship positions and the situation on the labor market in general.
Study projects
As part of practice-oriented projects, students are provided with the opportunity to work with local and international businesses. This allows them to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice and in collaboration with the project team. Their theoretical knowledge is further deepened by a mandatory internship of several weeks duration.
After studying Biotechnology & Food Engineering
Studying at MCI is an investment in a successful future. Through close cooperation with industry and the practical orientation of all courses, MCI graduates are in particularly high demand on the job market and have several job offers even before graduation.
Professional opportunities
During their studies, students have the opportunity to apply for a study cooperation. The bachelor's study program in Biotechnology- & Food Engineering has ongoing cooperation agreements with RAUCH Fruchtsäfte, Novartis and Sandoz. As part of their 15-month contract, students complete an internship and write their Bachelor's thesis at the company while completing their studies at MCI.
The Bachelor's thesis, which concludes the Biotechnology & Food Engineering study program, can be completed in companies and research institutions from numerous industries, which also reflect the diverse professional fields:
Biomedical research and development
Pharmaceutical industry and diagnostics
Chemical industry
Agriculture, fertilizer & fodder industries
Apparatus & plant engineering for biotechnological applications
Measuring, testing and analysis
Environmental engineering
Public infrastructure, associations and interest groups
International co-operations and organizations
Consulting, free-lancing
Continue studying
The MCI offers a number of internationally oriented Master's courses. The master programs in Biotechnology and Food Technology & Nutrition are aimed directly at the graduates of this bachelor program. The completion of a master's degree qualifies for the relevant doctoral studies.
Suitable master's programs
News
Biotechnology & Food Engineering
Questions & Answers
All students in the bachelor’s in Biotechnology & Food Engineering program attend the same courses in the first three semesters. The specialization subjects take place in the 4th semester to the extent of 9 ECTS and in the 5th semester to the extent of 18 ECTS. Students make this choice in the 3rd semester.
No. In the first three semesters, students have the opportunity to gain an impression of both directions. Only then is the choice of specialization made. Detailed information is provided at the beginning of the degree course and at specific information events. If students are unable to make a decision, we will be happy to advise them and allocate them if necessary.
No. Unfortunately, it is not possible to attend or mix courses from both specializations, as some of them take place in parallel.
For citizens of the following countries, the tuition fee is EUR 363,36 per semester plus a fee for compulsory membership to the Austrian National Union of Students:
EU citizens,
EEA and Swiss citizens, and
non-EU citizens who, according to § 2 of the University of Applied Sciences Studies Act, are subject to § 1 of the Regulation on Eligible Groups of Persons (see Federal Law Gazette II No. 340/2013, in its current version).
For students of non-EU countries not considered eligible according to above regulations, the tuition fee is as follows:
Bachelor’s programs: EUR 7.500,- / semester plus statutory ÖH contribution
Master’s programs: EUR 7.500,- / semester plus statutory ÖH contribution
Your application documents regarding nationality will be assessed in detail as part of your admission procedure. Scholarships are available for applicants from non-EU countries and can be applied for as part of your online application.
Yes, it is possible to complete the fifth semester at one of the numerous partner universities or to spend the sixth semester abroad as part of an internship in order to write the bachelor's thesis. If someone does not wish to go abroad, they attend the regular courses at MCI together with incoming students from the partner universities. For this reason, courses at MCI are taught entirely in English in the fifth semester.
Apart from the choice of specialization within the studyprogram ("Biotech, Biodata & Pharma" or "Food Tech & Science"), there is also a free elective module in the 5th semester, which can be selected from a wide range of courses offered at the MCI. In addition, numerous courses, optional subjects and language courses can also be taken at the MCI outside of the curriculum. But that's not all: the semester abroad with its numerous partner universities (all of which have slightly different focuses), the professional internship and the final thesis allow students to choose and organize their studies and make them an individual experience.
Yes. The fifth semester is officially deemed an international semester. All courses attended during this semester are held in English. MCI also regularly invites international experts and guest lecturers to give talks and presentations in English.
Our students work in the laboratory as from the first semester. This is to allow you to immediately apply your newly acquired theoretical knowledge to practice.
Yes. Each year, only as many students as we can accommodate are admitted to MCI study programs. This is to ensure that all our students have their own laboratory place, and to avoid any delays in your studies due to a lack of study space.
The mandatory twelve-week internship is to be completed during semester breaks between the fourth and sixth semesters. It is also possible to split the internship time and visit several companies to get a taste of different professions. Should you have completed a relevant internship or gained professional experience already prior to the fourth semester, our department will consider the possibility of recognition for this.
Yes, the academic degree is recognized in Italy due to a grade conversion agreement (“Notenwechsel”) starting May 1, 2026.
This bilateral agreement between Austria and Italy provides a simplified procedure for the recognition of many academic degrees. Further information can be found here.