CH · Master's
University of Fribourg
MSc Environmental Biology
University of Fribourg
Course Overview
The University of Fribourg's Master of Science in Environmental Biology is a multidisciplinary, English-taught programme run by the Department of Biology, where English is the official language for all activities. It spans fundamental ecology and evolution, the molecular biology of plants and microbes, and applied solutions for environmental policy and sustainable development. Students choose one of four options: Ecology and Evolution, Plant and Microbial Sciences, or Applied Environmental Biology (each 120 ECTS over four semesters), or a 90-ECTS Teaching option. Master's students join active research groups, so the thesis is genuine research rather than a desk project.
Sri Lankan biology and botany graduates from Peradeniya, Colombo, Kelaniya, Sri Jayewardenepura or Ruhuna will find the programme directly relevant to home challenges: biodiversity loss, invasive species, soil and water microbiology, and climate-resilient agriculture. Fribourg's public-university fee is under CHF 2,000 a year, so the degree costs far less in tuition than comparable UK master's. Graduates move into research, federal and cantonal environmental agencies, agricultural research (Agroscope, FiBL) and PhD study.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle A Bachelor of Science in Biology, or an equivalent degree judged acceptable by the Faculty of Science and Medicine; biochemistry graduates are eligible if they took the necessary biology courses.
- check_circle Sri Lankan BSc graduates in biology, botany, zoology, molecular biology or environmental science from Peradeniya, Colombo, Kelaniya, Sri Jayewardenepura or Ruhuna are well matched.
- check_circle Applicants whose degree is not fully equivalent may be admitted with additional requirements or pre-master coursework.
- check_circle Online application with certified copies of degree certificates and transcripts; a CHF 100 application fee applies to foreign diplomas.
English Proficiency
- check_circle English at CEFR B2 level is required for the University of Fribourg's English-taught master's programmes.
- check_circle Evidence this with a recognised certificate such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a Cambridge English qualification.
- check_circle No French or German is required for the programme itself, although basic French helps with fieldwork and daily life in Fribourg.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (CHF) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Registration Fees (per year, foreign students) | CHF 1,970 | Rs. 730,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Fribourg) | CHF 20,000 | Rs. 7,400,000 |
| Health Insurance (per year) | CHF 3,600 | Rs. 1,330,000 |
| Residence Permit & Setup | CHF 400 | Rs. 150,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | CHF 25,970 | Rs. 9,610,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Switzerland allows non-EU graduates of Swiss universities to stay up to 6 months to look for qualified work. Fribourg environmental-biology graduates work in university research and higher education, teaching, agro-industry, and federal and cantonal research institutes and offices such as Agroscope and FiBL, and many go on to PhD positions. Sri Lankan returnees are well placed for roles with the Central Environmental Authority, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, plantation and agricultural research institutes (Tea, Rubber and Coconut Research Institutes), and conservation NGOs such as IUCN Sri Lanka.
Related Programs
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Our counsellors have helped hundreds of Sri Lankan students secure placements in CH. We handle everything from applications to visa processing — and it starts with a free, in-person visit to one of our three offices.
ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.
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- location_on Rajagiriya (head office) 8th Floor, Jana Jaya City Mall, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka
- location_on Jaffna 158 Hospital Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
- location_on Matara No. 474 New Tangalle Road, Matara, Sri Lanka
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