Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
FHNW School of Life Sciences English requirement
From FHNW's programme pages for Biotechnology, Applied Cell Biology and Medical Informatics.
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Life Sciences: Biotechnology | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 72, Cambridge B2/FCE |
| MSc Life Sciences: Applied Cell Biology | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 72, Cambridge B2/FCE |
| MSc Medical Informatics | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 72, Cambridge B2/FCE |
Below the level at the start
On the Biotechnology and Applied Cell Biology pages, FHNW says that if you cannot provide evidence of the required English, you must improve it during the master's, through its advanced English course or other suitable courses, and prove the level by the end of the programme.
Medical Informatics also asks for a very good command of English and a successful interview. Duolingo and PTE are not listed.
Free test: are you at FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Admission and interview
Direct admission to the Life Sciences master's needs a related bachelor's with a good grade. If you do not fully meet the requirements, FHNW may invite you to a personal interview. The Life Sciences master's is run with BFH, HES-SO and ZHAW.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your FHNW programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does FHNW need?+
IELTS 5.5 for the School of Life Sciences master's, including Biotechnology, Applied Cell Biology and Medical Informatics.
Can I start an FHNW master's below IELTS 5.5?+
In the Life Sciences specialisations, yes, but you must improve your English during the programme and prove the level before you finish.
Does FHNW accept TOEFL?+
Yes. TOEFL iBT 72 is accepted.
Does FHNW accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo is not listed on the Life Sciences programme pages.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Switzerland
- ZHAW IELTS requirement
- University of Bern IELTS requirement
- IELTS band score calculator
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy