UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM · NETHERLANDS
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (joint degree UvA/VU)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Joint degree with VU AmsterdamCollaboration
- Excellent international reputationRecognition
- Personal academic mentorshipSupport
- High demand for graduatesCareer Prospects
- 120 ECTS creditsProgramme Size
- Starts in SeptemberIntake
The Master's programme in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, a joint degree from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and VU Amsterdam, is designed for students interested in combining molecular and cellular biology with informatics, mathematics, and data science. This interdisciplinary programme focuses on unraveling the biomolecular differences between health and disease through the use of machine learning, sequence analysis, computational models, and systematic experiments. Students will benefit from the combined expertise and research environments of both universities, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to analyze large-scale molecular datasets and develop algorithms to derive biological insights. The curriculum covers both Bioinformatics, exploring biology through data, and Systems Biology, understanding life as a system by integrating experiments with mathematical modeling. This full-time, English-taught programme is delivered across UvA Science Park and VU Campus locations. It prepares students for a significant impact in life sciences research, with graduates often securing employment even before completing their studies, thanks to strong industry connections and ample research opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master's programme?
- You need a relevant Bachelor's degree and sufficient English language proficiency. For IELTS, an overall score of 7 with at least 6.5 in each sub-score is required. For TOEFL iBT, aim for 100 overall with specific minimums in each section (valid for tests taken before January 26, 2026).
- How much does the tuition cost for international students?
- Tuition fees at the University of Amsterdam depend on your nationality and the specific programme. Please refer to the official UvA Fees and Funding page for accurate international tuition rates.
- What is the duration of the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master's programme?
- This is a full-time Master's programme. The programme consists of 120 ECTS credits.
- In what language is the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master's programme taught?
- The programme is taught entirely in English.
- How do I apply for the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master's programme?
- You must check the entry requirements, gather necessary documents like transcripts and English proficiency proof, and submit your application via the UvA's online application portal (SIS) before the deadline.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students in this programme?
- Yes, international students may be eligible for scholarships such as the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship or faculty-specific scholarships. Details and application procedures can be found on the UvA's Master's scholarships page.
Entry requirements
IELTS Academic7 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-score
TOEFL iBT100 overall, with a minimum of 24 Reading, 22 Listening, 25 Speaking, 24 Writing (for tests taken before 26 January 2026)
Automatic exemptions for English language requirements apply if you have: a Bachelor's degree from an accredited Dutch academic university; a HAVO diploma (grade 8 for English) with a Dutch-taught HBO Bachelor's; a VWO diploma (English as a subject) with a Dutch-taught HBO Bachelor's; a fully English-taught accredited Bachelor's degree (3+ years, official statement required, exceptions for US, Canada (excl. Quebec), Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland); a fully English-taught accredited Master's degree (official diploma supplement required, must be solely taught in English); or an International Baccalaureate diploma taught in English. Test results are only valid if taken within the past two years from the application submission date.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees depend on your nationality and programme. Please refer to the official UvA Fees and Funding page for specific international rates.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees depend on your nationality and programme. Please refer to the official UvA Fees and Funding page for specific domestic rates.
Living—
The University of Amsterdam provides information on tuition fees, which vary based on nationality and programme. No specific amounts for international or home tuition were provided on the program page, nor were living cost estimates.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsBefore applying, ensure you meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements for the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master's programme. Refer to the 'Entry Requirements' section for detailed criteria.
2. Gather Required DocumentsPrepare all necessary application documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, a proof of English language proficiency (unless exempt), and any other programme-specific documents.
3. Submit Application in SISApply through the UvA's online application portal (SIS). You must submit your official English language proficiency certificate as part of your application; it is not possible to provide it later. Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline.
4. Await Admission DecisionAfter submitting your application, the Admissions Office will review your documents and assess your eligibility. You will be informed of the admission decision via the SIS portal.
5. EnrollIf admitted, follow the instructions to formally enroll in the programme and complete any remaining registration steps.
Scholarships
Amsterdam Merit ScholarshipVaries
Faculty-specific scholarshipsVaries
External financial aidVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master's programme?
+
You need a relevant Bachelor's degree and sufficient English language proficiency. For IELTS, an overall score of 7 with at least 6.5 in each sub-score is required. For TOEFL iBT, aim for 100 overall with specific minimums in each section (valid for tests taken before January 26, 2026).
How much does the tuition cost for international students?
+
Tuition fees at the University of Amsterdam depend on your nationality and the specific programme. Please refer to the official UvA Fees and Funding page for accurate international tuition rates.
What is the duration of the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master's programme?
+
This is a full-time Master's programme. The programme consists of 120 ECTS credits.
In what language is the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master's programme taught?
+
The programme is taught entirely in English.
How do I apply for the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master's programme?
+
You must check the entry requirements, gather necessary documents like transcripts and English proficiency proof, and submit your application via the UvA's online application portal (SIS) before the deadline.
Are there any scholarships available for international students in this programme?
+
Yes, international students may be eligible for scholarships such as the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship or faculty-specific scholarships. Details and application procedures can be found on the UvA's Master's scholarships page.