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

Biological Sciences

★ StudyPath verdict
7.8/10
Best for students seeking research-oriented biology training with flexible tracks in ecology, evolution or molecular sciences at a top Dutch university; limited industry links and competitive admission are the main tradeoffs.
Tuition · Intl
€26,000
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2022
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
524
DUO ↑116% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
22:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
Bachelor
4 bachelor routes ↗
Satisfaction
3.8/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
93%
field est. ↗
Median salary
€3,127
/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: 23 Jun 2026
About this program
Biological Sciences at the UvA is a challenging Master's programme with world-renowned research on plant and animal species and the ecosystems to which they belong. It invites you to explore the options to sustainably use and protect the earth's biodiversity. Your Master's diploma qualifies for excellent positions both in- and outside the academia, anywhere in the world. Here's why you want to study Biological Sciences at the UvA * Word-renowned research Biological research at the UvA is carried out at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) and the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS). * Unravel We aim to unravel how organisms and ecosystems function in all their complexity, and how they change because of natural processes and human influence. * Be part of our community As a student you participate actively in increasing our understanding of the diversity and dynamics of ecosystems, from the level of molecules and genes to entire ecosystems. * Specialised tracks There are four specialised study tracks, each with its own focus within the larger field of biology research, and one more general track. Discover your programme The Master's programme in Biological Sciences at the UvA offers specialised tracks in: * Ecology and Evolution * Freshwater & Marine Biology * Green Life Sciences * General Biology * Evolution of Behaviour and Mind
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Natural SciencesSector: Aarde en MilieuCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
About University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam (UvA), founded in 1632, is one of Europe's largest research universities with over 35,000 students. Located in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam, it's renowned for social sciences, humanities, and business programs. Ranked #53 worldwide and known for its progressive academic culture.
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
Year 3 tracks
?No data yet
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Below average job-market outlookfield: biologie
Median starting salary (field)€3,127/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating93%
Months to a substantial job7
Working in their own field72%
Permanent contract33%
Satisfied with their job4/5
Top graduate occupations (field)
Professoren en andere onderwijsgevenden in het hoger onderwijs22%
Biologen, botanici, zoölogen e.d.19%
Milieudeskundigen14%
Bedrijfs- en organisatieanalisten5%
Onderwijsgevenden in het secundair onderwijs4%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree69%
Women among first-years63%
Say workload is “just right”68%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
3.8/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 68 respondents
Content & set-up4
Teachers4.2
Atmosphere4.3
Involvement & contact4.1
Study guidance3.8
Testing & assessment3.8
Facilities3.9
Career preparation3.8
Teachers' English4.5
Would choose again3.9
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-05-01
Non-EU deadline
2026-02-01
Upcoming open days
Open dayonline
2 Nov 2026
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
  • TOEFL internet based: 92
  • IELTS overall band: 6.5
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: 180
Scholarships
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) - Faculty of ScienceSee scholarship page; limited scholarships for excellent non-EU/EEA MSc students
Internships
?No data yet
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