Overview

Bioinformatics and Systems Biology is a joint degree Master's programme from VU Amsterdam and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

The M.Sc. in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology - Systems Biology programme teaches you to combine molecular and cell biology, computer science and mathematical modelling to integrate vast amounts of biological data into a fundamental understanding of life at the molecular level.

During the programme, you will develop skills in scientific research and a high level of abstraction and quantitative thinking. You will learn to apply and combine rapid developments in different research fields and obtain an interdisciplinary mind-set with many transferrable skills.

The Systems Biology specialisation track comprises three additional profile courses. In these courses, you will learn how to model large metabolic pathways, how to deal with large and heterogeneous experimental datasets, how to set up experiments to probe biological systems and how experiment modelling and data analysis should be combined.

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With a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, you are versatile. The qualities you have developed during the programme are relevant in many different positions, and you will have obtained many interdisciplinary and transferrable skills.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Basic Models of Biological Networks

Systems Biology in Practice

Statistics with R

Biology
Microbiology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
- Apply before 2026-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

92

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Disciplines

Biology Bioinformatics & Biostatistics View 48 other Masters in Biology in Netherlands

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

92

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

The Bioinformatics and Systems Biology programme is open to both Dutch and international students. The Faculty’s Admission Board will decide upon your admission after having evaluated your complete online application.

For admission to the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master’s programme it is required to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited research university, with at least three full years of academic study amounting to a minimum of 180 ECTS or equivalent.

The programme is aimed at science Bachelor's graduates (chemistry, biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, physics or similar) with a strong interest in biological research topics and computational (quantitative) methods.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and/or in Netherlands, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

23490 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 23490 EUR per year during 24 months.
EU/EEA

2601 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 2601 EUR per year during 24 months.

Living costs for Amsterdam

1000 - 1500 EUR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Bioinformatics and Systems Biology - Systems Biology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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