Frequently asked questions
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have submitted all required supporting documents, including references, and that they meet the specified requirements and format in time for the deadline to which you are applying. Otherwise, your application might not be assessed by the deadline. The entire process takes approximately one month. The resolution dates will be published on the MMRES website.
Incomplete applications will be denied. If you want to be considered in the next round, please contact education@bist.edu to complete your application.
No, there are no exemptions. All candidates must pay the application fee, which is non-refundable.
If you wish to be considered again, contact education@bist.edu to improve your candidacy with new documentation.
The entire programme is taught in English. An English level certificate is optional (minimum B2), however you will need a good level of English writing and speaking to follow the classes.
No, the video is optional. If you choose to include a video, please send it via email to education@bist.edu. It will be part of your application package and will also be assessed for your level of English and communication skills.
Admission and visa letters will be sent by email once the student has been admitted and has reserved his/her place in the master’s programme.
Yes, the Master of Multidisciplinary Research in Experimental Sciences is an official master’s degree issued by Pompeu Fabra University.
The average GPA of admitted students is 8. However, students with double undergraduate degrees, research experience and other relevant qualifications are also admitted regardless of their GPA.
The minimum rent for a room in a shared apartment in Barcelona is around 600€. You will need an average of 1000€/month to live in Barcelona. You can also live in the outskirts of the city, such as in Bellaterra (if your major project is at ICN2 or IFAE), where the cost of an apartment can be lower. You can also check out our Living in Barcelona section.
No, the programme does not offer housing for students. However, we will put you in contact with alumni to find housing options together and share resources. You can also check out our Living in Barcelona section.
A BIST tuition waiver will cover the cost of the tuition fee. You will only need to pay the reservation fee, which will be reimbursed at the end of the programme.
A maximum of 10 BIST tuition waivers are offered to the top ranked student at each of the BIST community centres and the Department of Medicine and Life Sciences. In addition, two tuition waivers will be offered exclusively to international students. These fellowships are merit-based and awarded by the master’s selection committee. See our Fees and Fellowships page for more information.
Each BIST community centre and MELIS will offer living allowances at its discretion and following internal policies to students assigned to that centre.
Yes, the reservation fee (600€) is mandatory for all admitted students. The reservation fee will be refunded at the end of the programme to students who were awarded a BIST tuition waiver.
National students can apply for the Beca General del Estado for master’s programmes. Other opportunities are available at some centres, like the ICFO Maria Yzuel Program. International students should check for opportunities in their country of origin, like Becas Chile for example.
No, the fee will not be reimbursed. However, if the cause of resignation is due to medical problems, the coordination will reconsider the admission into a new edition.
The master’s is a one-year full-time programme. It takes place entirely in person at UPF’s Campus Mar for the initial training period, and at the BIST community centres.
Yes, the initial training period is an intensive 6-week programme with theoretical classes (statistics and data analysis, seminars, responsible research and innovation) at the beginning of the programme (September and October). Students must attend in person at Campus Mar of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra.
Attendance is mandatory for 80% of the classes. If you are unable to attend, please contact your professor and course coordinator and send them the justification for the absence. Justified absences: Medical appointment, VISA, NIE, religious events, and PhD/job interviews.
Once the programme has started, each student will decide on their Minor Project together with their Major research project supervisor. The minor project cannot start before November or after April. An educational agreement will need to be completed before starting the minor research project.
The minor project is a total stay of 6-10 weeks in a centre within or outside the BIST community. From 2023-2024, there is the possibility to perform your minor project in Europe through ERASMUS+ funds. Before internal selection, the student and supervisor will jointly select a destination based on their past or prospective scientific collaborations, ensuring mutual benefit and profitability.
National students can apply for the Beca General del Estado for master’s programmes. Other opportunities are available at some centres, like the ICFO Maria Yzuel Program. International students should check for opportunities in their country of origin, like Becas Chile for example.
No, the fee will not be reimbursed. However, if the cause of resignation is due to medical problems, the coordination will reconsider the admission into a new edition.
Yes, you need medical insurance. All students have a basic student’s insurance, however this is just to cover you in case of an accident. We ask that you have your own private medical insurance.
As an international student you need to complete different legal paperwork before and after arriving in Barcelona (VISA, NIE, Social Security Number). Please check the UPF website for more details.
Contact education@bist.edu. The MMRES academic officer will answer you in a maximum of three working days.
