Degree from a Dutch research university
This page outlines the step-by-step process for completing your application to a Master's programme at Utrecht University. Please read this information thoroughly before starting your application.
This is a selective Master's programme. You will be considered for admission to the Master's programme Molecular and cellular life sciences if you can demonstrate:
1. A relevant Bachelor's degree
ÀÖÓãºǫ́ Bachelor's programmes that most likely meet the requirements are:
- Molecular (and Biophysical) Life Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- College of Pharmaceutical sciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Physics and Mathematics with a profile that matches ambition to work in Life Sciences
- UCU / UCR Bachelor's programme with a relevant major
2. Relevant knowledge, insight and skills
- In depth understanding as well as mastery of methods and techniques in structural, molecular and/or cell biology (advanced Bachelor's level (year 2 and 3))
3. High overall score (GPA, average grade, grading tables) and high grades for relevant courses.
A GPA ≥ 3 or average grade ≥ 7 is used as the standard requirement*.
4. High level of academic competences, specifically:
- Time to degree in previous education*
- Study progress (grade development over the years)*
- The ability to design, carry out and report on research projects
*If you fail to meet requirements under 3-4, please indicate why you feel you are still eligible for admission in your motivation letter.
5. Personal competences
- A clear motivation for participation in this Master’s programme and the specific track
- Genuine research interest in understanding how molecules work in health and disease in key life processes.
- A broad interest in advances in e.g. cell biology & biochemistry, biophysics & technology, bioinformatics, theoretical biology and computer science.
- Relevant extracurricular activities
English language requirements
You are exempt from the English language requirement because you obtained your previous degree from a Dutch Research University.
If you do not meet the requirements
Unfortunately this programme does not offer the possibility of a pre-Master's programme.
Not sure if your eligible?
You can contact the Programme Coordinator with questions about your eligibility.
| Applications open | 1 October |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for scholarship candidates | 1 February |
| Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 April |
| Application deadline for EU passport holders | 1 April |
All deadlines expire at 23:59 [CET/CEST] on the specified date. You must complete the application process (including submitting your application documents in OSIRIS Online Application and paying the application fee) by this time.
If you need an early admissions decision in order to apply for scholarships, you should submit your application before February 1. In addition, please send proof of your scholarship application to the Biosciences Administration Office at science.gsls@uu.nl.
The following documents must be uploaded before the application deadline (depending on your previous education):
Degree from Utrecht University
Transcript from OSIRIS
Motivation statement Please ensure your motivation letter reflects your personal experiences and aspirations, making it uniquely yours.
Degree from another Dutch research university
Diploma or certified graduation statement (with graduation date and without any conditions)
Certified transcript (including courses, grades and GPA)
Please make sure the document has a stamp/signature and contact information of the institute.Motivation statement Please ensure your motivation letter reflects your personal experiences and aspirations, making it uniquely yours.
Visit Studielink and complete the registration process. You can find all information on how to use Studielink . After completing your Studielink application, you will receive login details for OSIRIS Online Application within 2 working days.
After submitting your application to Studielink, you will receive an email with login details for OSIRIS Online Application. Here you can upload all required documents, check the status of your application and, if applicable, enter contact details of your referee(s).
After you upload all documents in OSIRIS, the Graduate School will evaluate them. We strive to inform you of our decision within 30 working days after the application deadline.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee reviews all requests for admission and selects students that meet the entry requirements. The Admissions Committee also assesses whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the set time frame. This means the decision on your application is based on a thorough analysis.
The programme admits a maximum of 70 students each year. If the number of selected candidates exceeds the number of available places, the Admissions Committee will select only the most eligible candidates. This means that students who are eligible still might not be admitted in the end. Ranking of candidates takes place on the basis of the above mentioned criteria.
You will receive a written notification of the decision of the Admissions Committee. You will also be notified when you are placed on waiting list and/or if you still have to fulfil certain conditions. All applicants are notified in a timely manner, but not at the exact same time. If you have received a (conditional) letter of acceptance, we expect you to accept or decline the offer within two weeks.