Master
Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
★ StudyPath verdict
7.5/10
Best for students who excel in problem-based learning and seek to blend computational methods with biological research at an innovative Dutch university; weigh the interdisciplinary curriculum against more specialised bioinformatics tracks
Tuition · Intl
↗€19,100
via SKDB 2024 ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by Jun 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2022
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
↗120
DUO ↑76% ↗
Intl. %
↗59%
of students ↗
S:F ratio
↗18:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
↗Bachelor
43 bachelor routes ↗
Satisfaction
↗4.0/5
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: 25 Jun 2026
About this program
Would you like to learn how scientists can combine mathematics, biology and data science to tackle human health challenges?
The field of systems biology is at the heart of modern biology and health research. It is dedicated to understanding the dynamic interactions between all the components of a living system. Just think of the interplay between, for example, our genes, proteins, cells and their environment. Systems biology connects all these factors through modelling, simulating and predicting biological processes in both health and disease - or to personalise medicine.
This programme provides you with the necessary knowledge about the cornerstones of this field of study: mathematics and biology. You'll learn to model biological systems in order to understand their functions, predict their behaviour and plan new, valuable experiments. Cutting-edge research in molecular imaging, neurobiology, cardiovascular diseases or cancer cannot be done without the aid of systems biologists. The programme will fully prepare you to take on your expert role in these exciting and important sectors, driving advances in human biology and health. Our mission is to train interdisciplinary scientists who have a broad view of biological systems, with a focus on: biomedical and human healthcare applications.
Any questions? Contact our students on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/um_SystemsBiology
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Natural SciencesSector: InterdisciplinairCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
Case studyComputer assignmentsCAD/CAMGroup assignmentGroup discussionIndividual assignmentInternshipLab work
About Maastricht University
Founded in 1976, Maastricht University is known for its innovative Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach and highly international character with 59% international students. Located in the charming southern city of Maastricht near Belgium and Germany, it excels in economics, law, and health sciences.
Living in Maastricht
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€470/mo
Monthly total
€750–€1,400
Cost of living
Medium
Population
122k
Cosmopolitan, Burgundian, and culturally rich. Maastricht feels distinctly different from other Dutch cities, with influences from Belgium, Germany, and France. The city is known for its excellent food, wine culture, and relaxed southern lifestyle.
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 degree83%
Women among first-years50%
International students59%
Say workload is “just right”47%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 17 respondents
Content & set-up3.8
Teachers4.2
Atmosphere4.5
Involvement & contact4.1
Study guidance3.7
Testing & assessment3.6
Facilities4
Career preparation3.5
Teachers' English4.7
Would choose again3.9
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
- IELTS overall band: 6.5
- TOEFL paper based: 575
- TOEFL computer based: 232
- TOEFL internet based: 90
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: 180
Scholarships
Maastricht University NL-High Potential ScholarshipFor non-EU/EEA students in participating master's programmes; competitive and programme eligibility applies.
UM Brightlands Talent ScholarshipFor non-EU/EEA students in participating master's programmes; competitive and programme eligibility applies.
UM Global Studies ScholarshipFor Global Studies bachelor's students; eligibility applies.
Fulbright / Maastricht University AwardExternal scholarship listed for master's students; nationality/eligibility conditions apply.
Internships
?No data yet
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