Master of Science in Biotechnology | Full Time & Part Time

Opportunities

Scholarships available to MSc students in Biotechnology

Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships (funded by HKSAR Government) To meritorious local students joining the program to pursue inter-disciplinary and in-depth postgraduate training in priority area of strategic importance for Hong Kong.
Admission Scholarship (funded by program*) To local and non-local student(s) with outstanding undergraduate academic performance.
Biotechnology Scholarship (funded by program*) To local and non-local student(s) with exemplary academic performance during the MSc degree period.

*Note: scholarships are subject to availability of funding.

STEM Internship Scheme

The STEM Internship Scheme is offered by the Innovation and Technology Commission and it aims to encourage STEM students to gain innovation and technology ("I&T")-related work experience during their studies and to foster their interest in pursuing a career in I&T after graduation. Both local and non-local students are eligible. Non-local students are allowed to enrol in internships in Hong Kong only, subject to the conditions of stay of their visa/entry permit issued by the Immigration Department. Under the Scheme, allowance will be provided for students taking full-time STEM-related programmes to enrol in short-term internships. More information can be found at the Innovation and Technology Commission's website.

Biotechnology-related Internship Program

The aim is to enhance the classroom learning by offering off-campus working experience relevant to the biotechnology business or industry during the Summer Term.

Subject to prior approval from the Program Director, qualified MSc students may engage in internship work during the Summer Term. By working as interns, students can develop their interest in a particular application sector and specialize in it. The experience may also help to increase the chances of employment after graduation.

Here are some of the companies that offered summer internships previously:

NanoMab Technology Ltd.
Govita Tech Ltd.
Laitai Medical Biotechnology Co. Ltd.

Our Activities

Different activities have been organized in order to enrich the learning experiences and campus life of students.

Orientation Gatherings: To welcome all new students every year. Course coordinators and instructors of the program join the gathering to chat with newcomers.
Company Visits: Visits to local biotechnology companies are organized for students to understand the business and operation aspects of the industry.
Career Talks: Guest speakers from biotechnology-related fields are invited to provide career information and assist students to understand the practice, sub-culture and expectations of the biotechnology business and industry.
Visits to Hong Kong Science and Technology Park: To acquaint the industry and technological development in Hong Kong, which certainly is in line with the educational scope of our program.
Guest talks: Professionals from the industry and academia are invited to give talks about their research interests and platforms, latest trends in biotechnology field, and operational and business sides of the industry.
Recruitment: Recruitment campaigns supported by biotechnology companies are organized at HKUST.

Our Graduates

Our graduates can get full-time employment or further study within 6 months after graduation. Depending on their career aspirations, the employment sectors for our graduates are highly diversified, which include commerce and business, scientific and research work, product development and quality assurance, education, and government and related organizations. Some of our graduates have successfully pursued a doctoral degree either locally or abroad.

Results of the Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships Scheme 2023/24

The Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships Scheme was launched by the HKSAR government in 2020. The Master of Science in Biotechnology program was one of the programs awarded by the University Grants Committee (UGC). There were 9 awardees for the academic year 2023/24. Congratulations to the following awardees:

Name of Awardees	Mode of Study
CHAN, Gabriel Emmanuel	Full-time
CHENG YEUNG, Kei Yan Margaux	Part-Time
GUAN, Ziting	Part-Time
GUO, Xisi	Part-Time
HO, Nga Ting	Part-Time
LO, Grace	Part-Time
POON, Paola	Part-Time
WU, Beryl	Part-Time
YIM, Tsz Wai	Part-Time

Students Said......

I have been delighted to make many new friends and build team spirit with my enthusiastic and energetic colleagues in the company. By working as interns, I can develop interest in a particular application sector and specialize in it. I believe this experience can help to increase the chances to advance my career. Lau Chun Ting Victor Graduates of 2013-14		The internship opportunity in this summer made me obsessed with practical research techniques, brought me valuable hands-on industry experience, acquainted me with a network of elites, and pushed me struggle hard to achieve success. This network of elites is definitely something I will continue to treasure after completing the internship. Lam Kwok Man Bill Graduates of 2013-14

I am so lucky that I chose to join the MSc Biotechnology Program at HKUST. This one year of study not only broadened my view in biotechnology area, but also improved my hands-on laboratory skills in the research laboratory. It was also a great living experience in HK that I shared with my fellows of Biotechnology Program. Besides, I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient of the scholarship, which certainly is a generous gift to support my study. All in all, this is an unforgettable learning experience in my life. Lin Xuansheng Leo Graduates of 2014-15		I feel privileged to have chosen MSc Biotechnology postgraduate studies at the HKUST. In addition to the coverage of contemporary knowledge and hands-on laboratory workshops, I have also equipped myself with sound understanding on the essential business and industrial practices in the pharmaceutical industry. Together with the social network forged in the past one year of my study, I believe this unique experience has tremendously value-added to my personal and professional learning journeys. Tan Kuan Loong Aden Graduates of 2015-16

The curriculum encompasses both the technical and business aspects of biotechnology, which enabled me to gain invaluable insights into the workings of biopharma from industry veterans. I was also delighted by the opportunity to explore my interest in biochemistry via the research projects. While this rewarding experience can broaden my career options, it would not be completed without the generous support from my research supervisor, fellow classmates and members of the program office who helped me throughout the year with my studies. Leung Ching Yiu Crystal Graduates of 2016-17		The program offers a wide range of lectures that cover both the contemporary scientific and technological development, which gives us the opportunity to learn not only in-depth knowledge but also perspectives from a practical point of view. The research project also provides abundant laboratory training and practices, which serve as a great experience for anyone interested in perusing a doctoral degree in the future. This learning journey contributes to a very fruitful and memorable milestone of my life. XU Ziqi Laura Graduates of 2017-18

I am so lucky that I chose to join the MSc Biotechnology Program at HKUST. This one year of study not only broadened my view in biotechnology area, but also improved my hands-on laboratory skills in the research laboratory. It was also a great living experience in HK that I shared with my fellows of Biotechnology Program. Besides, I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient of the scholarship, which certainly is a generous gift to support my study. All in all, this is an unforgettable learning experience in my life. SAM Tsz Wing, Sara Graduates of 2018-19		I am sincerely honored to be selected as the recipient of the Biotechnology Scholarship. I have been interested in the knowledge of medicine since childhood. Being a student majoring in Biotechnology gave me an opportunity to get more professional knowledge about the technology of biotechnology and biological drugs. The program is very great, the past one year will be the treasure of my whole life. Professors and students in this program are very excellent. Working with them helped me make up for the inadequacy of my knowledge and improve my working competence. I will not forget the days and nights I spent with my partners and professors doing homework and experiments and solving problems we met. I truly believe that the program helps me lay a solid foundation for my future career in biological pharmacy. MOK Weng Kei Graduates of 2019-20

The curriculum of MSc Biotechnology Program had provided invaluable chance for students to expand their network with other students from diverse background, such as different field of work and countries. Most importantly, the research courses had offered students chances to obtain hands-on experience of academic research. My supervisor and colleagues had provided me comprehensive training that covered not only the experiment skills, but also the opportunities to take part in the actual research projects and participate in the design of my own experiments. With the generous support from our supervisors, course coordinators, fellow classmates, and members of the program office, our class had an inspiring and fruitful year in UST. LO Tung Yan Graduates of 2020-21		Studying the MSc Biotechnology program at HKUST was a worthwhile experience. The courses placed great emphasis on the application of knowledge and strengthened my critical thinking skills. The research project challenged me to not only analyze a company’s technology through a scientific lens but also from a business viewpoint. Undoubtedly, the program has offered me additional perspectives on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. It has also equipped me with advanced knowledge and valuable skills that will benefit my career development. YU Wing SUM Graduates of 2021-22

This program firstly fascinates me from two facets: the comprehensive yet in-depth curriculum that imparts a strong academic foundation and the exceptional opportunities to engage as an industry analyst in start-up biotechs and a researcher in a lab. After completing one year of study, I have to say this program did an amazing job of equipping students with both academic and practical capabilities in the ever-changing field of biotechnology. The dedicated professors and supportive staff have played a significant role in nurturing our growth and development. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in biotechnology. AN Qi Graduates of 2022-23

Students Said......

I have been delighted to make many new friends and build team spirit with my enthusiastic and energetic colleagues in the company. By working as interns, I can develop interest in a particular application sector and specialize in it. I believe this experience can help to increase the chances to advance my career. Lau Chun Ting Victor Graduates of 2013-14		The internship opportunity in this summer made me obsessed with practical research techniques, brought me valuable hands-on industry experience, acquainted me with a network of elites, and pushed me struggle hard to achieve success. This network of elites is definitely something I will continue to treasure after completing the internship. Lam Kwok Man Bill Graduates of 2013-14

I am so lucky that I chose to join the MSc Biotechnology Program at HKUST. This one year of study not only broadened my view in biotechnology area, but also improved my hands-on laboratory skills in the research laboratory. It was also a great living experience in HK that I shared with my fellows of Biotechnology Program. Besides, I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient of the scholarship, which certainly is a generous gift to support my study. All in all, this is an unforgettable learning experience in my life. Lin Xuansheng Leo Graduates of 2014-15		I feel privileged to have chosen MSc Biotechnology postgraduate studies at the HKUST. In addition to the coverage of contemporary knowledge and hands-on laboratory workshops, I have also equipped myself with sound understanding on the essential business and industrial practices in the pharmaceutical industry. Together with the social network forged in the past one year of my study, I believe this unique experience has tremendously value-added to my personal and professional learning journeys. Tan Kuan Loong Aden Graduates of 2015-16

The curriculum encompasses both the technical and business aspects of biotechnology, which enabled me to gain invaluable insights into the workings of biopharma from industry veterans. I was also delighted by the opportunity to explore my interest in biochemistry via the research projects. While this rewarding experience can broaden my career options, it would not be completed without the generous support from my research supervisor, fellow classmates and members of the program office who helped me throughout the year with my studies. Leung Ching Yiu Crystal Graduates of 2016-17		The program offers a wide range of lectures that cover both the contemporary scientific and technological development, which gives us the opportunity to learn not only in-depth knowledge but also perspectives from a practical point of view. The research project also provides abundant laboratory training and practices, which serve as a great experience for anyone interested in perusing a doctoral degree in the future. This learning journey contributes to a very fruitful and memorable milestone of my life. XU Ziqi Laura Graduates of 2017-18

It was a wonderful year, not only to pursue the advanced level of knowledge but also to gain new insight into the industry, expand my network and explore my interest in the research career. The curriculum provides comprehensive training to students, which covers the latest application of technologies in biological sciences, practical laboratory workshops and skills in business management, that allows every one of us to be a fully competent candidate in joining the industry or further study. I am lucky to be in the family of MSc Biotechnology 2018-2019, and I am sure all of us feel the same! SAM Tsz Wing, Sara Graduates of 2018-19		I am sincerely honored to be selected as the recipient of the Biotechnology Scholarship. I have been interested in the knowledge of medicine since childhood. Being a student majoring in Biotechnology gave me an opportunity to get more professional knowledge about the technology of biotechnology and biological drugs. The program is very great, the past one year will be the treasure of my whole life. Professors and students in this program are very excellent. Working with them helped me make up for the inadequacy of my knowledge and improve my working competence. I will not forget the days and nights I spent with my partners and professors doing homework and experiments and solving problems we met. I truly believe that the program helps me lay a solid foundation for my future career in biological pharmacy. MOK Weng Kei Graduates of 2019-20

The curriculum of MSc Biotechnology Program had provided invaluable chance for students to expand their network with other students from diverse background, such as different field of work and countries. Most importantly, the research courses had offered students chances to obtain hands-on experience of academic research. My supervisor and colleagues had provided me comprehensive training that covered not only the experiment skills, but also the opportunities to take part in the actual research projects and participate in the design of my own experiments. With the generous support from our supervisors, course coordinators, fellow classmates, and members of the program office, our class had an inspiring and fruitful year in UST. LO Tung Yan Graduates of 2020-21		Studying the MSc Biotechnology program at HKUST was a worthwhile experience. The courses placed great emphasis on the application of knowledge and strengthened my critical thinking skills. The research project challenged me to not only analyze a company’s technology through a scientific lens but also from a business viewpoint. Undoubtedly, the program has offered me additional perspectives on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. It has also equipped me with advanced knowledge and valuable skills that will benefit my career development. YU Wing SUM Graduates of 2021-22

This program firstly fascinates me from two facets: the comprehensive yet in-depth curriculum that imparts a strong academic foundation and the exceptional opportunities to engage as an industry analyst in start-up biotechs and a researcher in a lab. After completing one year of study, I have to say this program did an amazing job of equipping students with both academic and practical capabilities in the ever-changing field of biotechnology. The dedicated professors and supportive staff have played a significant role in nurturing our growth and development. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in biotechnology. AN Qi Graduates of 2022-23

I have been delighted to make many new friends and build team spirit with my enthusiastic and energetic colleagues in the company. By working as interns, I can develop interest in a particular application sector and specialize in it. I believe this experience can help to increase the chances to advance my career.

Lau Chun Ting Victor

Graduates of 2013-14

The internship opportunity in this summer made me obsessed with practical research techniques, brought me valuable hands-on industry experience, acquainted me with a network of elites, and pushed me struggle hard to achieve success. This network of elites is definitely something I will continue to treasure after completing the internship.

Lam Kwok Man Bill

Graduates of 2013-14

I am so lucky that I chose to join the MSc Biotechnology Program at HKUST. This one year of study not only broadened my view in biotechnology area, but also improved my hands-on laboratory skills in the research laboratory. It was also a great living experience in HK that I shared with my fellows of Biotechnology Program. Besides, I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient of the scholarship, which certainly is a generous gift to support my study. All in all, this is an unforgettable learning experience in my life.

Lin Xuansheng Leo

Graduates of 2014-15

I feel privileged to have chosen MSc Biotechnology postgraduate studies at the HKUST. In addition to the coverage of contemporary knowledge and hands-on laboratory workshops, I have also equipped myself with sound understanding on the essential business and industrial practices in the pharmaceutical industry. Together with the social network forged in the past one year of my study, I believe this unique experience has tremendously value-added to my personal and professional learning journeys.

Tan Kuan Loong Aden

Graduates of 2015-16

The curriculum encompasses both the technical and business aspects of biotechnology, which enabled me to gain invaluable insights into the workings of biopharma from industry veterans. I was also delighted by the opportunity to explore my interest in biochemistry via the research projects. While this rewarding experience can broaden my career options, it would not be completed without the generous support from my research supervisor, fellow classmates and members of the program office who helped me throughout the year with my studies.

Leung Ching Yiu Crystal

Graduates of 2016-17

The program offers a wide range of lectures that cover both the contemporary scientific and technological development, which gives us the opportunity to learn not only in-depth knowledge but also perspectives from a practical point of view. The research project also provides abundant laboratory training and practices, which serve as a great experience for anyone interested in perusing a doctoral degree in the future. This learning journey contributes to a very fruitful and memorable milestone of my life.

XU Ziqi Laura

Graduates of 2017-18

It was a wonderful year, not only to pursue the advanced level of knowledge but also to gain new insight into the industry, expand my network and explore my interest in the research career. The curriculum provides comprehensive training to students, which covers the latest application of technologies in biological sciences, practical laboratory workshops and skills in business management, that allows every one of us to be a fully competent candidate in joining the industry or further study. I am lucky to be in the family of MSc Biotechnology 2018-2019, and I am sure all of us feel the same!

SAM Tsz Wing, Sara

Graduates of 2018-19

I am sincerely honored to be selected as the recipient of the Biotechnology Scholarship. I have been interested in the knowledge of medicine since childhood. Being a student majoring in Biotechnology gave me an opportunity to get more professional knowledge about the technology of biotechnology and biological drugs. The program is very great, the past one year will be the treasure of my whole life. Professors and students in this program are very excellent. Working with them helped me make up for the inadequacy of my knowledge and improve my working competence. I will not forget the days and nights I spent with my partners and professors doing homework and experiments and solving problems we met. I truly believe that the program helps me lay a solid foundation for my future career in biological pharmacy.

MOK Weng Kei

Graduates of 2019-20

The curriculum of MSc Biotechnology Program had provided invaluable chance for students to expand their network with other students from diverse background, such as different field of work and countries. Most importantly, the research courses had offered students chances to obtain hands-on experience of academic research. My supervisor and colleagues had provided me comprehensive training that covered not only the experiment skills, but also the opportunities to take part in the actual research projects and participate in the design of my own experiments. With the generous support from our supervisors, course coordinators, fellow classmates, and members of the program office, our class had an inspiring and fruitful year in UST.

LO Tung Yan

Graduates of 2020-21

Studying the MSc Biotechnology program at HKUST was a worthwhile experience. The courses placed great emphasis on the application of knowledge and strengthened my critical thinking skills. The research project challenged me to not only analyze a company’s technology through a scientific lens but also from a business viewpoint. Undoubtedly, the program has offered me additional perspectives on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. It has also equipped me with advanced knowledge and valuable skills that will benefit my career development.

YU Wing SUM

Graduates of 2021-22

This program firstly fascinates me from two facets: the comprehensive yet in-depth curriculum that imparts a strong academic foundation and the exceptional opportunities to engage as an industry analyst in start-up biotechs and a researcher in a lab. After completing one year of study, I have to say this program did an amazing job of equipping students with both academic and practical capabilities in the ever-changing field of biotechnology. The dedicated professors and supportive staff have played a significant role in nurturing our growth and development. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in biotechnology.

AN Qi

Graduates of 2022-23