Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

Check whether you meet the programme requirements and apply

• Coronavirus: additional information admission

  IMPORTANT: CORONA VIRUS UPDATE

  Generally speaking, students must complete their Bachelor’s or pre-Master’s before starting on their Master’s programme. This is known as the ‘BSc-before-MSc rule’. Due to the corona crisis, however, some students have had to partially stop their studies, resulting in an unfortunate delay.

  There has been examined how an exception to this BSc-before-MSc rule can be made possible for Master’s programmes at VU Amsterdam. This means that, under certain conditions, students who are lacking credits for no more than a few courses including their bachelor project, will still be able to start their Master’s at VU Amsterdam next year. This is a one-off measure. The missing credits must be completed during the 2022-2023 academic year, in other words no later than August 31, 2023. Please read carefully below which rules apply for admission into this Master’s programme.

  The following rules apply this year for admission into this Master’s programme:

  Target group	Number of EC at least achieved / % EC achieved
  Bachelor students at a Dutch University (incl. VU)	150 EC
  Current premaster students	24 EC
  HBO bachelor students	210 EC

  You are required to have obtained your Bachelor degree before you are able to start the Major Bioinformatics Research Project or the Major Systems Biology Research Project.

  Please note that, apart from the rules above, the following passages are still applicable and must be met to be considered for admission into the Master’s programme:

  • Admission criteria / requirements that are not EC related
  • English language proficiency requirements

  Do you want to start a Master’s programme in September? 
  Then complete the form for exceptional admission to a Master’s programme.

• I have a Dutch university level (WO) Bachelor’s degree (VU Bachelor’s degree, VU premaster 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.

  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

  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 (premaster)

  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. 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

  
  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.

• Application with a Dutch degree

  Enthusiastic about this programme? And do you meet the admission requirements? Find out how to apply.

  If you want to apply for a Master's programme at VU Amsterdam, the application procedure depends on your previous degree(s) and whether you obtained your diploma in the Netherlands or abroad. You find all information about the application procedure with a Dutch degree on the application page.

  Required documents 

  This Master’s programme requires students with a Dutch bachelor's degree to upload the following documents in VUweb:

  • Letter of Motivation 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. 

  The application deadlines are:

  • 1 February for international students applying for one of the VU scholarships 
  • 1 April for non-EU/EEA students*
  • 1 June for non-Dutch EU/EEA students
  • 1 June for holders of a Dutch bachelor’s degree (with a Dutch or EU/EEA nationality)

  *non-EU/EEA students who do not need a study visa and/or a residence permit can still apply until 1 June

• 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. 

  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

  
  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

  VU Amsterdam requires all applicants to take an English test. You can, however, begin your application without having the test results. Exceptions are made for students who have completed their education in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia.

  The minimum English language proficiency requirements for admission to the programme in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology are:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall
  • TOEFL Internet-based test: 92 overall
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): A, B, C
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A, B, C

  Please note that students who need a study visa must submit their English test results before 1 June. All other students have to submit the test certificate before 31 August (preferably sooner).

  TOEFL and IELTS tests must have been completed no more than two years before 1 September of the year in which your course starts. Note that MyBestScore is not accepted. Our institution's code is 7947.

  A copy of your English test result can be sent to the following email (for non-Dutch degree holders): masters.fs@vu.
  The general requirements regarding language proficiency are found here.

• Application with an international degree

  Required format and required documents
  Please note: you will need to upload all required documents in one PDF file, using this Application Form Template.
  After having prepared the required documents, please follow the online application procedure.

  For more information, international students may also contact the International Student Advisors: masters.fs@vu.nl.

  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.
  • Proof of English proficiency (can also be provided after conditional admission).
  • A description in English of the relevant courses followed in the three key subjects mentioned above and literature used during your previous higher education.

  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).