Programs/Master/Mathematics, natural sciences and computer science
Master

Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (joint degree)

★ StudyPath verdict
7.5/10
Best for students interested in computational approaches to understanding biomolecules in health and disease. Trade-off: joint degree with UvA may require navigating two Amsterdam campuses.
Tuition · Intl
€23,490
via SKDB 2025 ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2023
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
404
DUO ↑79% ↗
Intl. %
40%
of students ↗
S:F ratio
25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
Bachelor
7 direct routes ↗
Satisfaction
3.9/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
94%
field est. ↗
Median salary
€3,351
/mo gross · field ↗
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 25 Jun 2026
About this program
To be able to understand the secrets of life, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology converts huge volumes of genomics data into real understanding. High-throughput methods like massively parallel sequencing and mass spectrometry generate more raw data than conventional computer models can handle efficiently. To process and analyse this data, computational techniques from Bioinformatics – such as sequence alignment, sequence assembly, biostatistics and machine learning – are required in order to make predictions about health outcome and to decide on a personalized treatment for the patient. Both Bioinformatics and Systems Biology are strongly interdisciplinary fields. This programme combines molecular and cell biology, computer science and mathematical modelling to integrate vast amounts of biological data into fundamental knowledge. You will develop a strong feel for scientific research and high levels of abstraction, and learn to combine the rapid developments in these fields.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Natural SciencesSector: InterdisciplinairCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
Computer assignmentsGroup assignmentGroup discussionIndividual assignmentInternshipLab workLectureLiterature study
About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a public research university founded in 1880. Known for its international outlook and innovative research, VU has over 30,000 students and offers programs across humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Living in Amsterdam
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€700/mo
Monthly total
€1,000–€2,000
Cost of living
High
Population
873k

Bustling, international, and culturally rich. Amsterdam balances historic charm with modern innovation. The city is bike-friendly, walkable, and offers endless opportunities for exploration and networking.

View city guide →
Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
BioinformaticsSpecialisation
The Bioinformatics specialization has a theoretical focus on the computational aspects.
Systems biologySpecialisation
This specialization has a strong experimental focus.
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Below average job-market outlookfield: biochemie, biologische laboratoriumtechniek
Median starting salary (field)€3,351/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating94%
Months to a substantial job3
Permanent contract33%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree66%
Women among first-years59%
International students40%
Say workload is “just right”52%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
3.9/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 58 respondents
Content & set-up3.8
Teachers4
Atmosphere4.3
Involvement & contact4
Study guidance3.9
Testing & assessment3.7
Facilities4
Career preparation3.6
Teachers' English4.4
Would choose again3.8
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-05-31
Non-EU deadline
2026-04-01
Application deadline
2027-05-31
Non-EU deadline
2027-04-01
Application deadline
2028-05-31
Upcoming open days
Open dayonline
2 Nov 2026
Open dayonline
26 Nov 2026
Open day
6 Mar 2027
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
  • IELTS overall band: 6.5
  • TOEFL paper based: 580
  • TOEFL computer based: 237
  • TOEFL internet based: 92
Internships
?No data yet
🤝
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