StudyQA — Master: Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

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The Master's in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology at the University of Amsterdam offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for cutting-edge research and professional careers in the rapidly evolving fields of bioinformatics and systems biology. This program combines the principles of biology, computer science, mathematics, and physics to equip students with the skills necessary to analyze and interpret complex biological data, develop computational models, and contribute to advancements in personalized medicine, biotechnology, and biomedical research.

Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that covers essential topics such as genomics, proteomics, computational biology, data analysis, and systems modeling. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through practical laboratory work, programming projects, and collaborations with research institutes and industry partners. This approach ensures that graduates are proficient in a variety of computational tools and methodologies, including machine learning, statistical analysis, and software development, enabling them to tackle real-world biological problems effectively.

The program is structured to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, preparing students for dynamic careers in academia, healthcare, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech industries. Students will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and participate in seminars, workshops, and internships that expand their professional network and expose them to the latest scientific advances.

Graduates of the Master's in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology will be well-equipped to contribute to scientific discoveries, develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and lead interdisciplinary research projects. With a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and practical applications, students will be capable of addressing some of the most pressing biological and medical challenges of our time. The program's international environment and collaborative ethos make it an ideal choice for motivated students aiming to make a meaningful impact in life sciences and computational biology.

You can choose to complete your programme either with a more theoretical focus on the computational aspects of systems biology and on bioinformatics, or with a more experimental training relevant to systems biology. However, all students will be provided with a programme that guarantees cross-over to such an extent that the successful student can communicate with his colleagues irrespective of his focus on experimental or computational disciplines.

All students will get a basic introduction to biomathematics, biostatistics and programming. Aside from this, there are two tracks to choose from: Bioinformatics or Systems Biology, each with its own focus.

Bioinformatics specialisation

The Bioinformatics specialisation has a theoretical focus on the computational aspects.

Topics that are covered in the programme are:

Algorithms in sequence analysis
Protein structure prediction and simulation
Next Generation Sequencing
Medical applications of Bioinformatics

Systems Biology specialisation

The Systems Biology specialisation has a strong experimental focus.

Topics that are covered in the programme are:

Modeling techniques
Experimental verification of models
Relevance of Systems Biology to cancer research
Synthetic biology (possibility to join the iGEM competition)

General outline

In the first year each student should complete four compulsory courses, and has to choose two optional courses depending on their field of interest. There is a large number of advanced courses offered by the participating institutes of the University of Amsterdam and the VU University Amsterdam. See for an overview of the course the Course Catalogue.

The second year is primarily devoted to individual research training resulting in a Master's thesis. After that students work on a smaller research project conducted in a different research group. A literature study concludes the programme.

Usually the research project(s) will be carried out at one of the participating institutes of departments of either the VU University Amsterdam or the University of Amsterdam.

Society- or business oriented majors/minors

In general, Master’s students are trained to become independent researchers. But you can also choose to complete your Master’s programme with a professional major, that focuses on other skills such as entrepreneurship, science communication or teaching.

The programme in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology welcomes students with a bachelor background in chemistry, biology, informatics, mathematics, physics or any other Bachelor's degree that relates to one of the before mentioned disciplines.

Applications will be reviewed by the exam committee for students with backgrounds that are not considered evidently suitable.

Online application and required documents

After registering in Studielink, within 48 hours you will receive an email with your UvA student number (UvA-net ID) and an email with instructions for the next step of the application process. You need your UvA-net ID to submit your online application via Datanose.

In Datanose, we expect you to upload the following documents:

A motivation letter
Your Curriculum Vitae
A copy of your high school grade list and diploma
A list of courses of your final year (if you have not yet finished your current academic programme)
A copy of your Bachelor transcript and diploma, including an explanation of your University’s grading system
A description of your Bachelor thesis/project
Two academic reference letters
Proof of English proficiency

Grade point average

Applicants are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) equivalent to at least:

3.0 (American system)
2.1 (a second class upper/division one degree in the British system)
C (ECTS-system)

English language requirements

All our international programmes are conducted in English, therefore, applicants must show their ability to write and speak in English on an academic level. Students with a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university and students who successfully finished a full academic programme at an esteemed institute in one of the following countries are exempt: UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Please note we only accept the TOEFL Test, the test of the International English Language Testing Service (Academic IELTS) or a Cambridge Examination Score. For Non-EU/EEA students the required English test result should be received on or before 1 February in the year of application by the International Team at the Faculty of Science. If this in any case is not possible, contact the International Team first, before applying. For EU/EEA students the deadline of submitting the test results is 1 July.

TOEFL Test

The minimum scores required on the TOEFL Test are:

Internet-based test (iBT): 92 with a minimum of 20 on each subject

Exceptions:
Artificial Intelligence, Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies: 98, with a minimum of 22 for reading and listining and 24 for writing and speaking
Software Engineering: 98 with a minimum of 22 on each subject

Please note the TOEFL-code for the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam is: 8628.

IELTS Test (only Academic IELTS is accepted)

Minimum score 6.5, at least 6.0 on sub-scores (listening/reading/writing/speaking).

Exceptions

Artificial Intelligence, Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies> minimum score 7.0, sub-scores on writing and speaking at least 7.0, sub-scores on listening and reading at least 6.5
Software Engineering > minimum score 7.0, at least 6.5 on each sub-score (listening/reading/writing/speaking)
The UvA offers the IELTS test for free to current UvA students to assess their English language proficiency.

Cambridge Examination Score

A Cambridge Examination Score with a minimum test result of C1 Advanced (CAE) A or B will also be accepted. For the C2 Proficiency test (CPE) a minimal score of C is required.

Nuffic Certificate for Chinese students

Chinese applicants are required to take an IELTS test or the TOEFL (Internet-based test only). These are the only two tests accepted by the Nuffic, which provides certificates to all Chinese students who wish to study in the Netherlands.

Please note there are some differences between the TOEFL and IELTS test. Available practice material, test dates, prices and locations differ per country.

The financing for the Master’s in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology at the University of Amsterdam primarily involves a combination of government funding, student tuition fees, and potential scholarships. Dutch students and residents of the European Union (EU) generally benefit from the Dutch government’s funding schemes, which significantly reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses during their studies. The tuition fees for EU/EEA students are set annually by the university and are relatively affordable compared to non-EU students. Non-EU international students, however, face higher tuition fees, which are also established annually and are subject to change.

Students are encouraged to explore various financial aid options available through the university, including scholarships and grants specifically for international students and students demonstrating financial need. The University of Amsterdam offers several scholarship programs, such as the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships and Holland Scholarships, which are merit-based and aim to support talented students from around the world. These scholarships often cover partial or full tuition fees and sometimes provide additional stipends for living expenses. Application procedures and eligibility criteria vary; students interested in these opportunities should consult the university’s official scholarship webpage for detailed information and deadlines.

In addition to scholarships, students may seek external funding sources, including government-sponsored grants, private foundations, and research grants. Some students may also qualify for loans provided by their home countries or international financial institutions that support international education.

Funding for research components of the programme may come from research grants awarded to faculty members, which sometimes include stipends or funding for student research assistants. It is also common for students engaged in research projects to receive support from faculty-led research grants.

Students are advised to carefully plan their finances before beginning their studies, taking into account tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, daily living costs, and transportation. The university’s student services offer financial advice and support to help students navigate funding options and budget effectively throughout their studies. Overall, financing a degree in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology at the University of Amsterdam involves exploring a variety of funding sources, understanding tuition fee structures, and applying for scholarships early in the admission process to maximize financial support.