Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

Check whether you meet the programme requirements and apply

• I have a Dutch university level (WO) Bachelor’s degree (VU Bachelor’s degree, VU pre-master or Bachelor’s degree at another university)

  For admission to the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master’s programme it is required to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited research university, with at least three full years of academic study amounting to a minimum of 180 ECTS or equivalent. The programme is aimed at science bachelor graduates (chemistry, biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, physics or similar) with a strong interest in biological research topics and computational (quantitative) methods. The master requires proficiency in three key subjects: Mathematics, Programming, and (Molecular) Biology. If you have received training in  all three key subjects you are directly admissible.  If you have had training in two of the three key subjects, your GPA should be at least 6.5; if you only received training in one of the three key subjects, your GPA needs to be at least 7.0. In all cases proficiency of mathematics must be proven by having successfully completed a course of 6 ECTS in Calculus at university Bachelor's level, or equivalent.

  Minor knowledge gaps in either biology, programming or mathematics will be cared for as an integral part of the master curriculum during the first two compulsory courses (“Fundamentals of Bioinformatics” and “Introduction to Systems Biology”). However, it is strongly advised to select introductory courses during your (current) Bachelor for an optimal transition to the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master programme. Depending on your background, take one or several of:

  • Introductory course programming (preferably in Python)
  • Introductory course calculus (and optionally linear algebra; most important are differential equations and matrices)
  • Molecular cell biology, e.g. a book like 'Essential Cell Biology' (Alberts)
  • Introductory course Bioinformatics, like Principles of Bioinformatics
  • Introductory course Systems Biology, like Principles of Systems Biology

  Please refer to this page for more information.

  Bring your own device
  All students enrolled in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology are requested to bring their own laptop, due to the nature of the programme. More information on specific system requirements can be found here.

• I have a Dutch higher vocational education (HBO) Bachelor’s degree (pre-master)

  If you hold a certificate of University of Applied Sciences (HBO) or an equivalent of a VU BSc degree your your GPA should be at least 7.0 when you have proficiency in two subjects, and at least 7.5 if you have proficiency in only one subject. Proficiency of mathematics must be proven by having successfully completed a course of 6 ECTS in Calculus at university Bachelor's level, or equivalent. In all other cases, you will be directed to our pre-master's programme Bioinformatics and Systems Biology which consists of a selection of the courses that are listed below, depending on your prior training and background.
  
  For your admission you are requested to provide:

  • Your Curriculum Vitae
  • A motivation letter of at most one A4. This letter should contain one paragraph on why you would like to enrol into this programme. Most importantly, for each of the three key subjects Mathematics, Programming and Molecular Biology state your proficiency. Please clearly indicate which courses, programs or other activities prove sufficient training and background in these subjects. Also indicate on which of the three key subjects you will still need to follow training during the MSc.
  • An official transcript of your academic grades, including your GPA. 

  Minor knowledge gaps in either biology, programming or mathematics will be cared for as an integral part of the master curriculum during the first two compulsory courses (“Fundamentals of Bioinformatics” and “Introduction to Systems Biology”). However, it is strongly advised to select introductory courses during your (current) Bachelor for an optimal transition to the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master programme. Depending on your background, take one or several of:

  • Introductory course programming (preferably in Python)
  • Introductory course calculus (and optionally linear algebra; most important are differential equations and matrices)
  • Molecular cell biology, e.g. a book like 'Essential Cell Biology' (Alberts)
  • Introductory course Bioinformatics, like Principles of Bioinformatics
  • Introductory course Systems Biology, like Principles of Systems Biology

  Please refer to this page for more information.

  Bring your own device
  All students enrolled in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology are requested to bring their own laptop, due to the nature of the programme. More information on specific system requirements can be found here.
  
  Language requirements
  
  Students with a HBO degree (in Dutch) must take an English Language Test. Check the requirements and exemptions on the webpage.

  You can also submit the result of the English language test after you have been conditionally accepted, the deadline for submitting the test result is August 31st. Please send a scan of your test result to toelating.beta@vu.nl.  For more information see under the heading ‘Application with a Dutch degree’ below.

• Application with a Dutch degree

  The Bioinformatics and Systems Biology programme is open to both Dutch and International Students. The Faculty’s Admission Board will decide upon your admission after having evaluated your complete online application. You find all information about the general application procedure with a Dutch degree on the application page.

  The application deadline is:

  1 June for holders of a Dutch bachelor’s degree (with a Dutch or EU/EEA nationality).

  Your application will be rejected in case you didn’t upload the required documents in ‘your dashboard’ within 6 weeks after your enrolment in Studielink, OR in case you’ve uploaded (one or more) of the required documents after June 1^st. Applications and documents submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

  Required documents (deadline June 1^st)

  This (Pre)Master’s programme requires students with a Dutch bachelor's degree to upload the following documents as soon as possible and in any case 6 weeks after your enrolment and before 1 June.

  • Letter of Motivation (max. one A4), addressing: one paragraph on why you would like to enrol into this programme. Most importantly, for each of the three key subjects Mathematics, Programming and Molecular Biology state your proficiency. Please clearly indicate which courses, programs or other activities prove sufficient training and background in these subjects. Also indicate on which of the three key subjects you will still need to follow training during the MSc.
  • Bachelor's transcript, including your GPA.
  • CV (only for applicants of the premaster programme).

  Your online dashboard gives you an overview of the submitted and missing documents. Check your dashboard regularly.

  Additional required documents (deadline August 31^st)

  • In addition, HBO students need to send in a sufficient English language test result (check the requirements and exemptions on the webpage).

  You can also submit the result of the programming and the English language test after you have been conditionally accepted, the deadline for submitting the test result is August 31^st. Please send a scan of your test result to toelating.beta@vu.nl.

• I have an international degree

  The Bioinformatics and Systems Biology programme is open to both Dutch and international students. The Faculty’s Admission Board will decide upon your admission after having evaluated your complete online application.

  For admission to the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master’s programme it is required to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited research university, with at least three full years of academic study amounting to a minimum of 180 ECTS or equivalent.

  The programme is aimed at science Bachelor's graduates (chemistry, biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, physics or similar) with a strong interest in biological research topics and computational (quantitative) methods. 

  The Master's requires proficiency in three key subjects: Mathematics, Programming, and (Molecular) Biology. If you have had prior training in all three key subjects you are directly admissible, if in two of the three key subjects, your GPA should be at least 6.5 on the dutch 10 point scale (the VU international office will translate your grades to this scale); if only in one key subject, your GPA needs to be at least 7.0. In all cases proficiency of mathematics must be proven by having successfully completed a course of 6 ECTS in Calculus at university Bachelor's level, or equivalent.

  Minor knowledge gaps in either biology, programming or mathematics will be cared for as an integral part of the master curriculum during the first two compulsory courses (“Fundamentals of Bioinformatics” and “Introduction to Systems Biology”). However, it is strongly advised to select introductory courses during your (current) Bachelor for an optimal transition to the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Master programme. Depending on your background, take one or several of:

  • Introductory course programming (preferably in Python)
  • Introductory course calculus (and optionally linear algebra; most important are differential equations and matrices)
  • Molecular cell biology, e.g. a book like 'Essential Cell Biology' (Alberts)
  • Introductory course Bioinformatics, like Principles of Bioinformatics
  • Introductory course Systems Biology, like Principles of Systems Biology

  Please refer to this page for more information.

  Bring your own device
  All students enrolled in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology are requested to bring their own laptop, due to the nature of the programme. More information on specific system requirements can be found here.

  English language requirements

  If you are applying for one of our English-taught Master's degree programmes you will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency by submitting English test results. 

  Applicants should demonstrate that they have a sufficient level of proficiency in English by meeting at least one of the following standards, no more than two years before the start of the programme:

  • (academic) IELTS: 6.5 overall, with minimum sub-scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking of 6.0
  • TOEFL paper based test: a minimum score of 18 for the Reading section, a minimum score of 19 for the Listening section, and a minimum score of 23 for the Writing section.
  • TOEFL internet based test: 92 overall, with minimum sub-scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking of 19, 18, 23 and 19 respectively.

  Although complete applications are preferred, you can begin your application before you have completed the test and then submit your passing score once you have been conditionally admitted.

  You can find which test types and scores are accepted, the deadlines for submitting test results and all other relevant information on our application page under the Language Proficiency Requirements tab.

• Application with an international degree

  Application documents

  To apply you are required to provide the following documents:

  • Scan of your passport or national ID card (ID for EEA students only) valid at the start date of the programme
  • Master Application File please download the correct file from this page. In this file you can see which documents are required to apply for your programme.
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if already obtained): upload your proof of English language proficiency or English language test results. Please find the English language requirements here.

  After having prepared the required documents, please follow the online application procedure. 

  Application fee & deadlines

  All students seeking admission to an international Master’s programme with an international degree are required to pay a non-refundable €100 application fee. Only after you have paid this fee will we be able to start the evaluation of your application file. If you are applying for more than one programme, you will only need to pay the application fee once. Your application fee payment is valid for two years.
  
  Information on how to apply with an international university degree and deadlines can be found here. 

  Grants and scholarships

  As an international student planning to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you can apply for a variety of grants and bursaries. Detailed information about scholarships and deadlines can be found on www.vu.nl/scholarships or www.grantfinder.nl.

  International Student and Alumni Ambassadors 

  Our International Student and Alumni Ambassadors are happy to tell you all about their experiences with studying at VU Amsterdam and living in Amsterdam.

  • Our Student Ambassadors are current students at VU Amsterdam that represent a wide variety of programmes and countries.
  • Our International Alumni Ambassadors are VU Amsterdam graduates who are currently either working in the Netherlands or abroad, or doing a PhD or (second) Master's.

  You will find the full overview of our Ambassadors here: vu.nl/ambassadors. There you can chat with them directly.

• Additional costs

  Master students Bioinformatics and Systems Biology will have to spend approximately 200 euro per year for buying books. Students are expected to possess a laptop computer, running either Windows 10 or mac OSX, for participating in educational activities (which comes down to approx. 300 euro per academic year).