★ StudyPath verdict
7.8/10
Best for students seeking research-focused biology training with choices across cell biology, molecular genetics and related fields at a strong Dutch research university. Trade-off: lighter emphasis on applied industry or clinical tracks th
Tuition · Intl
↗€22,500
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
2 years
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2024
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
↗455
DUO ↑15% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
↗25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
↗Bachelor
1 direct routes ↗
Satisfaction
↗3.7/5
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: 28 Jun 2026
About this program
This multi-disciplinary programme offers a wealth of opportunities for students interested in fundamental or applied molecular bioscience, organismal and behavioural biology, evolution, biodiversity or conservation, and prepares you for a career in or outside academia.
The programme is a collaboration between the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), the Institute for Environmental Sciences (CML), and the National Museum of Natural History, Naturalis. These leading institutes offer state-of-the art facilities and cutting-edge research with a broad and diverse scope. The Institute for Biology Leiden (IBL) and the Institute for Environmental Sciences (CML) are part of the Faculty of Science, which facilitates ample opportunities for crossing borders with other science areas.
The close proximity of the Bio Science Park with its many companies active in the (bio)medical field and the cooperation with the Leiden University Medical Center expand options for study and internships.
In addition, the availability of important biodiversity collections at the National Herbarium, the famous Hortus Botanicus and Naturalis contribute to an attractive environment for biologists in Leiden.
Students can combine training in biological research with training in science communication, education or science-based business.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
EnglishMaster of ScienceField area: Natural SciencesSector: Aarde en MilieuCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
ColloquiumLab workLectureLiterature studyOral presentationResearch projectSelf-studySeminar
About Leiden University
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and one of Europe's most prestigious. Known for excellence in law, humanities, and international studies. 16 Nobel Prize winners are affiliated, including Einstein who was a professor there. Has a second campus in The Hague.
Living in Leiden
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€520/mo
Monthly total
€900–€1,600
Cost of living
Medium
Population
126k
Intellectual, historic, and cultured. Leiden exudes academic tradition with its beautiful old buildings and prestigious university. The city is quieter than Amsterdam but offers rich cultural experiences, including world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.
View city guide →Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
International Leiden Leadership Programme ↗Honourstraject
Do you have the drive and ambition to further develop your leadership qualities and your knowledge of leadership? And would you like to learn more about leadership in practice?
…
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: 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 degree73%
Women among first-years54%
Say workload is “just right”71%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
3.7/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 131 respondents
Content & set-up3.7
Teachers3.9
Atmosphere4
Involvement & contact3.8
Study guidance3.3
Testing & assessment3.6
Facilities3.6
Career preparation3.8
Teachers' English4.2
Would choose again3.7
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-05-15
Non-EU deadline
2026-04-01
Upcoming open days
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
- IELTS overall band: 6.5
- TOEFL internet based: 90
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: 180
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: 180
Internships
?No data yet
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