"Three paths to biotech & life sciences -
The Freiburg BioRegion | BioValley offers a wide range of training programmes at schools, vocational colleges and universities."
BioRegio Freiburg | BioValley
Located in the border triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland, Freiburg - together with Basel and Strasbourg - is one of the central locations of the tri-national BioValley network. The region combines a diverse business and research landscape with excellent cross-border cooperation.
As part of the BioRegions established in 1996, Freiburg specifically promotes the economic utilisation of modern biotechnologies and thus strengthens the international knowledge and innovation location on the Upper Rhine. Today, this is recognised as an internationally renowned cross-border cluster for knowledge transfer, innovation and economic strength in the field of life sciences.
The trinational BioValley in figures
- 50,000+ employees in the life sciences sector
- 600+ companies in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical technology
- 300 pharmaceutical/biotech companies
- 250+ medtech companies
- 40% of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies represented
- 10 universities, colleges and research institutes
- 14 life sciences parks and incubators
Excellent education, research and innovation
The Freiburg region within the BioValley stands for intensive connections between science, business and society - regionally, nationally and across borders.
This strong research and innovation landscape creates ideal conditions for further developing the Upper Rhine tri-national metropolitan region as a leading European knowledge and innovation region.
At its centre is the emerging European Campus of the five Upper Rhine universities.
With 15,000 researchers, 11,000 doctoral candidates and 115,000 students, it forms the scientific heart of Europe on the Upper Rhine - a magnet for talent, ideas and international cooperation.
University & Colleges
Degrees in key areas of life sciences can be obtained at the University of Freiburg and at the universities of Offenburg and Furtwangen.
A particularly unique feature is the trinational biotechnology degree programme, which has been offered jointly by the Universities of Freiburg, Basel and Strasbourg - École Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg (ESBS) - since 1989. It combines excellent education, international co-operation and practical research in a unique way.
The Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg was founded in 1457 and is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Germany. It is a research-intensive comprehensive university with a broad spectrum of around 240 degree programmes in 11 faculties. The university promotes global networking, interdisciplinary research and an open, inclusive culture. It is also committed to sustainability in all areas.
Offenburg University of Applied Sciences is a leading university of applied sciences specialising in technology, business and media. Its mission statement emphasises practice-oriented, high-quality teaching and strengthens the innovative capacity of the regional economy. Through close co-operation with companies and the promotion of business start-ups, it contributes to job creation and economic value creation.
Furtwangen University (HFU) is a leading German university characterised by the high quality and innovation of its teaching. It attaches great importance to practical relevance through cooperation with industry and international partnerships. Its research focuses on production technology, smart systems, medical technology as well as society, health and sustainability, providing impetus for technological and social change.
The DHBW is the first state-run dual university in Germany. It was founded in 2009 and continues the successful dual model of the former Baden-Württemberg University of Cooperative Education. DHBW Lörrach is characterised by the combination of theory and practice by bringing together students and companies in the region. It makes a significant contribution to strengthening the state's innovation and competitiveness.
The ESBS in Strasbourg is a European engineering school that operates as part of the Franco-German-Swiss Eucor network. It offers an education in the field of biotechnology with a strong foundation in natural sciences and engineering. The international network and close links to industry enable students to complete internships and research projects worldwide.
Biotechnological grammar schools
Pupils in the Freiburg BioRegion can gain insights into the world of biotechnology and life sciences during their school education.
At the biotechnological grammar schools (BTG), the curriculum includes practical content from microbiology, molecular biology, metabolic physiology, bioprocess engineering and medicine.
Graduates of these vocational grammar schools are specifically prepared for training and studies in the future fields of biotechnology - an ideal basis for a career in research, technology or medicine.
If you have curiosity, a spirit of research and an interest in the natural sciences, this is the perfect starting point for a career in one of the most exciting industries of the future.
The Biotechnological Grammar School (BTG) at the Merian School in Freiburg prepares pupils specifically for the innovative world of biotechnology and life sciences. Lessons deepen theoretical knowledge and practical skills in subjects such as microbiology, molecular biology, bioprocess engineering and medicine in order to create an optimal basis for future careers and degree programmes in this forward-looking field.
The Biotechnological Grammar School (BTG) at the Mathilde-Planck-Schule in Lörrach prepares pupils specifically for the innovative world of biotechnology and life sciences. Lessons deepen theoretical knowledge and practical skills in subjects such as microbiology, molecular biology, bioprocess engineering and medicine to create an optimal foundation for future careers and degree programmes in this forward-looking field.
The domestic and agricultural schools in Offenburg offer a broad spectrum of biological and technological expertise as part of the Biotechnological Grammar School (BTG). Students specialising in microbiology and medicine learn how modern biotechnology contributes to progress in the healthcare sector. The practice-orientated lessons prepare students specifically for the challenges of their studies and careers.
The Biotechnological Grammar School (BTG) at the Albert Schweitzer School in Villingen-Schwenningen focuses on teaching core competences in the life sciences. Students deepen their knowledge in areas such as molecular biology and bioprocess engineering in order to understand the complex interrelationships of biotechnology. The programme is designed to prepare talented graduates for challenging apprenticeships and degree courses in this innovative sector.
Vocational colleges for biotechnological assistants
The vocational colleges in Freiburg, Offenburg and Waldshut offer the ideal introduction for all those who want to experience and learn biotechnology in a practical way. The two-year training programme to become a state-certified technical assistant for biotechnology (BioTA) combines scientific know-how with practical laboratory experience.
Building on a secondary school leaving certificate, the training programme provides both specialist qualifications and an extended general education. Thanks to the close relationship between theory and practice, graduates are optimally prepared for their career entry in research, laboratories or industry - and thus make a valuable contribution to the biotechnology of the future.
The two-year vocational college for biotechnological assistants (2BKBT) at the Merian School in Freiburg combines scientific principles with practical laboratory work. Students acquire in-depth knowledge of biotechnology, biology, chemistry and physics and are specifically prepared for the state examination to become a biological-technical assistant. The programme also enables students to obtain a university entrance qualification.
The vocational college with a biotechnology profile at the domestic and agricultural schools in Offenburg prepares students for a career in the life sciences. In practical laboratory exercises and theoretical lessons, students acquire comprehensive knowledge in the fields of molecular biology, microbiology and bioprocess engineering. The vocational college leads to the advanced technical college entrance qualification and qualifies students for a variety of training and study programmes.
At the Justus-von-Liebig-Schule in Waldshut-Tiengen, the two-year vocational college for biotechnology (2BKBT) offers a practice-orientated education that is ideal for anyone aspiring to a career in the natural sciences. The focus is on teaching specialised knowledge in the fields of biology, chemistry and biotechnology. Graduates of this programme obtain a university entrance qualification and can go straight into training or university.