Master of Bioinformatics in Computational Biology

University of Copenhagen
Bioinformatics in Computational Biology
Masters
Computer & It
Public University
Denmark

Computational Biology is one of two specialisations in the two-year, 120 ECTS MSc in Bioinformatics at the University of Copenhagen, taught in English mainly at North Campus (details taken from the parent programme page). It focuses on biological sequence analysis, molecular phylogeny, structural bioinformatics, systems biology and the analysis of gene expression and proteomics data. Students work in nine-week blocks with a mix of compulsory courses, restricted electives and electives. Group work and projects are common, and exams are often written reports with an oral defence. The specialisation suits students who want a stronger biological emphasis alongside statistics and computing.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Copenhagen
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	01-September,15-January,
Fee Per Year	130000
Application Fee	750
Currency	dkk
Intake Link	https://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
Deadline Link	https://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
Intakes	February
Program language requirement	Unless you apply with a bachelor's degree which provide legal right of admission, you must document that you fulfil the language requirements. English language requirement When you apply for admission to a master's degree programme, you must document your English language proficiency, which means you must have passed English (level A or B) at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition (MyBest scores are not accepted): Minimum 83 with at least 20 in each subscore, IELTS Academic, IELTS Online (One Skill Retake are not accepted): 6.5 with at least 6 in each subscore, Cambridge Advanced English (CAE/CP1),Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE/CP2): 180 (C1-level), Danish language requirement If you apply for admission to a master's degree programme taught in Danish, you must have acquired Danish language skills prior to admission equivalent to level A Danish at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example the study test (studieprøven).

Who can Choose this program?

Degree type: A relevant Bachelor’s degree from an HEC‑recognized Pakistani university. Required field(s): Bioinformatics, computer science, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, or a closely related discipline. The program expects a strong foundation in both life sciences and computing.

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates of the bioinformatics programme often work in biotech companies, and many go on to PhD programmes. The Computational Biology profile, with its emphasis on genomics, population genetics, structural analysis and expression data, fits research and development roles where large biological datasets must be interpreted. The programme lists competences including analysing large datasets from complex biological processes and taking responsibility for collaborations. Graduates receive the title Master of Science in Bioinformatics. The flexible elective space lets students lean toward areas such as next-generation sequencing or RNA biology depending on their interests.
Program entry requirement	To apply for admission to this master's degree programme, you must have completed a qualifying bachelor’s degree or a similar Danish or international degree programme which is assessed to be relevant. Apply for admission via the application portal. Below, you can read more about admission requirements and which documents to upload in the application portal. Bachelor programmes that fulfil the academic requirements You meet all academic requirements if you hold one of the degrees listed below. Learn about when and how to apply. Note, however, that you still need to document that you meet the programme's language requirements. From University of Copenhagen Biology (biologi) with a specialisation in Bioinformatics Biochemistry (biokemi) with a specialisation in Bioinformatics Computer Science (datalogi) Machine Learning and Data Science (machine learning og datavidenskab) Physics (fysik) New admission requirements for the academic year 2027/28 The following requirements are valid if you apply for admission to the programme in the next application round starting from 15 November 2026 (Non-EU applicants) or 15 January 2027 (EU-applicants): Legal right of admission With a Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics (bioinformatik) from University of Copenhagen you are granted reserved access and guaranteed a place on the Master’s programme in Bioinformatics if you apply in time to begin within 3 years of the completion of your Bachelor’s degree. Bachelor programmes that fulfil the academic requirements Applicants with one of the following Bachelor’s degrees automatically fulfil the academic requirements for admission to the MSc Programme in Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics (bioinformatik) from University of Copenhagen (legal right of admission) Other Danish or international education Applicants with a Bachelor's degree, Professional Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from Danish or international universities are qualified for admission to the MSc Programme in Bioinformatics if the programme includes the following: Courses in basic mathematics of at least 10 ECTS Courses in biology, molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry corresponding to a minimum of 10 ECTS Programming courses of at least 5 ECTS Bioinformatics courses of at least 10 ECTS Machine Learning courses of at least 5 ECTS
Required GPA	Bachelor’s: CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE Required	No. GRE scores are not listed as an admission requirement; admission is based on a relevant bachelor's degree, programme-specific requirements and proof of English proficiency.
GMAT Required	No. GMAT scores are not listed as an admission requirement for this programme.
Application Process	Application Process: University Application Documents • Completed university application form • All academic transcripts (officially translated into English or Danish) • Passport/Travel document • ID Photo • CV • LoM / SOP (Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose) • Proof of English/Danish language proficiency • Proof of financial support • Any other required documents depending on the University (e.g., references, medical certificates) 2. Attestation & Legalization (For Visa ONLY – Not for University Application) • Legalization of educational documents is a must for Visa Apply not for applying in University. (Depends case to case) • Attestation from IBCC, HEC and MOFA is also mandatory for Visa application but not for applying in university. (Depends case to case) 3. Visa Fee & Financial Requirements • Visa fee: 334 Euros • Bank Statement: 11k Euros • Bank statement age: 6 months old • Sponsor: Self or Parents
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/danish-government-scholarship/
Program accreditation	The University of Copenhagen holds a positive institutional accreditation from the Danish Accreditation Institution (decision of February 2025, valid until 2031), so its degree programmes are quality-assured and state-recognised within the Danish higher education system. The programme page lists no separate programme-specific accreditation.
Living expenses	Living Expenses in Denmark • Monthly Budget: Generally ranges from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 (~€800 to €1,350). Copenhagen is significantly more expensive than regional cities. • Upfront Costs: Expect a heavy initial cash layout—landlords frequently require 3 months of rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. • Visa Proof of Funds: You must show access to roughly €11,000 to €13,000 in a bank account under your name to satisfy SIRI visa requirements for the first year. • Perk: Public healthcare is 100% free once you receive your CPR number.
Visa Process Details	Visa Checklist 1. Paper/Online Application Form (Online Preferred) 2. SIRI Processing Fee Receipt 3. Travel Document / Passport 4. Previous Visa History Documents (if any) 5. Recent ID Photos (recent, white background, no headwear) 6. All Academic Transcripts 7. Previous Work Experience (if any) 8. Original CNIC & Family Registration Certificate issued by NADRA (in English) 9. Police Character Certificate 10. Medical and Travel Insurance (covers €30,000 in Schengen Area) 11. Proof of English/Danish Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) 12. Verification of payment for studies provided by the educational establishment 13. Proof of Accommodation and Flight Reservation (both ways) 14. LOM / SOP 15. Financial Means Proof: Bank statement for the last six months in your own name or your guardian's name, containing funds to support your stay – €914 per month. You must multiply the amount by the number of months you will be studying in a higher educational program in Denmark (for a maximum of 12 months, approximately €11,000). However, the bank statement must not be older than 30 days. 16. The Consular might ask for additional documents if found necessary.
Part timework	Part-Time Work in Denmark • Hours: Non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during semesters and full-time in June, July, and August. • Average Pay: High hourly wages, typically DKK 130 to DKK 200 (~€17 to €27) depending on the sector. • Essentials: Requires a CPR number (residence registration), a NemKonto (bank account), and a Tax Card (Skattekort) to avoid a default 55% tax rate.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities • 3-Year Job-Seeking Permit: Automatically granted or easily accessible upon graduating from an accredited Danish higher education program. • Work Rights: You can continue working part-time (90 hours/month) while searching for a career-level role. • Switching to a Full Work Visa: Once you find a full-time professional job, you can transition smoothly into a regular work permit via fast-track systems like the Pay Limit Scheme (minimum salary requirement applies) or the Positive List (shortage occupations).

What are the English language requirements for the MSc in Bioinformatics at the University of Copenhagen?

To apply for admission to the MSc in Bioinformatics, you must document your English language proficiency by having passed English (level A or B) at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide this documentation, you can take an approved language test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

What is the duration and structure of the MSc in Computational Biology program?

The MSc in Computational Biology is a two-year program that requires the completion of 120 ECTS credits. In the first year, students take compulsory courses worth 37.5 ECTS and have opportunities for restricted electives. In the second year, students engage in a master's thesis and additional electives, with the chance to add practical projects or study abroad.

What is the application fee for the Computational Biology master's program?

The application fee for the MSc in Computational Biology at the University of Copenhagen is 750 DKK.

What are the post-study work opportunities available for graduates of the University of Copenhagen?

Graduates receive a 3-year job-seeking permit, allowing them to search for career-level roles in Denmark. They can work part-time (up to 90 hours per month) while job hunting and may transition to a full work visa once they secure a full-time position.

What are the living expenses like for students in Copenhagen?

Living expenses in Copenhagen generally range from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 per month. Students should expect a heavy initial cash layout as landlords often require three months of rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. Additionally, students must show proof of funds for visa requirements, which is approximately €11,000 to €13,000 for the first year.