★ StudyPath verdict
8.2/10
Best for research-oriented students interested in marine ecology, conservation, and policy in unique Wadden Sea settings; weigh the selective nature and strong NIOZ collaboration against potentially narrower industry focus.
Tuition · Intl
↗€24,900
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by Mar 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2022
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
↗134
DUO ↑120% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
↗25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
↗Bachelor
1 bachelor routes ↗
Satisfaction
↗4.3/5
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
How does climate change affect whales, algae, or coral reefs? Can we restore marine biodiversity in environments ranging from the Wadden Sea to the tropics? Are you ready to contribute to the science that protects our oceans? The Master's degree in Marine Biology at the University of Groningen is for you.What to expect from the Master's programme in Marine Biology✔ Design your own research-focused programme with a dedicated mentor✔ Study topics like marine ecology, conservation, oceanography, and evolution✔ Conduct fieldwork and research in world-class labs — including NIOZ and GELIFES✔ Choose an academic, industry, or policy-oriented trackThis selective two-year international Master's programme dives deep into the biology of our oceans and seas. Whether you're interested in polar phytoplankton, marine mammals, tropical reefs, or carbon cycles, you'll build advanced expertise in marine systems.You'll work closely with top scientists from the University of Groningen and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) to explore real-world issues like overfishing, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The programme has a strong interdisciplinary foundation and practical focus, thus preparing you for PhD research or high-level careers in marine conservation, consultancy, and policy.Choose from the following tracksResearch profileScience, Business & PolicyWant to learn
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 Groningen
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is the second oldest university in the Netherlands with over 33,000 students. Known for its vibrant student city atmosphere (1 in 4 residents is a student), excellent research output, and 4 Nobel Prize laureates including Ben Feringa (Chemistry 2016).
Living in Groningen
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€450/mo
Monthly total
€800–€1,400
Cost of living
Medium
Population
234k
Young, vibrant, and welcoming. Groningen has a laid-back northern Dutch charm combined with the energy of a true student city. The compact city center is easy to navigate by bike, and the local community is known for being friendly and open to international students.
View city guide →Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
Research profileSpecialisation
This is a 2-year programme of 60 credits (ECTs) per year.
You will start with 4 mandatory courses: Principles of Biological Oceanography, Principles of Marine Biology, Marine Cons…
Science, Business & PolicySpecialisation
Interested in the business side of science? You can combine this Master's programme with the Science Business & Policy profile. The SBP profile includes a six-month internship as a…
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 degree78%
Women among first-years61%
Say workload is “just right”55%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4.3/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 20 respondents
Content & set-up4.1
Teachers4.3
Atmosphere4.6
Involvement & contact4.2
Study guidance4.1
Testing & assessment3.9
Facilities4.2
Career preparation3.9
Teachers' English4.3
Would choose again4.5
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 90
Scholarships
Internships
?No data yet
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