Master of Bioinformatics in Systems Biology

Ghent University
Bioinformatics in Systems Biology
Masters
Computer & It
Public University
Belgium

The Master of Bioinformatics in Systems Biology at Ghent University is a 2-year, 120-credit full-time master’s programme taught in English. It sits within Computer & IT and covers computational biology, omics data analysis, network modelling and systems biology. Students combine core courses with specialised electives, and the programme builds toward an independent master’s thesis or research project. Ghent University is one of Flanders’ largest universities and has a strong research profile, which shapes the teaching and project work. The programme is aimed at students who want a rigorous grounding in this field in an international classroom. Listed tuition is about €6,929 per year.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	UFO
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	31-March,
Fee Per Year	6929
Application Fee	public universities charging between €50 and €200 (or no fee at all), while private institutions and business schools generally charge higher fees ranging from €100 to €300+
Currency	euro
Intake Link	https://studiekiezer.ugent.be/2025/master-of-science-in-bioinformatics-systems-biology-en
Deadline Link	https://studiekiezer.ugent.be/2025/master-of-science-in-bioinformatics-systems-biology-en
Intakes	September
Program language requirement	IELTS ~6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT ~90–100 (B2–C1)

Who can Choose this program?

Life Sciences Track: Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Pharmacy, or a related life science discipline. Computational Sciences Track: Computer Science, Informatics, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates of the Master of Bioinformatics in Systems Biology can find work in biotech, pharma, healthcare data and research institutes. Typical roles include bioinformatician, computational biologist, data scientist. Graduates can pursue doctoral research at Ghent University or other institutions, or enter the job market directly. International graduates can explore both the Belgian and wider European job markets. The degree builds analytical thinking, subject expertise and the ability to work in international, interdisciplinary teams.
Program entry requirement	The programme is open to students with at least a bachelor degree that consists of the four learning trajectories that are present in Ghent University’s bachelor in business economics programme: economics trajectory: microeconomics, macroeconomics, labour economics, monetary economics, etc. business economics trajectory: accounting, corporate finance, marketing, management accounting, etc. quantitative trajectory: mathematics, calculus, algebra, etc. methodological trajectory: statistics, econometrics, research methods, etc.
Required GPA	Master's: A recognized 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 or equivalent. Competitive universities generally prefer 3.0/4.0 or higher.
GRE Required	No
GMAT Required	No
Application Process	1. Apply to a Belgian university or higher education institution by submitting academic transcripts and certificates, a personal statement or motivation letter, and proof of language proficiency (English/French/Dutch, such as IELTS or institutional requirements). 2. Receive an official admission/acceptance letter from a recognized Belgian institution. 3. Pay the required tuition fee or enrollment fee (if requested by the institution). Proof of payment is often required before or during the visa application process. 4. Start your long-stay (Type D) student visa application through the Belgian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global in your country (Belgium does not use an online system like AVATS). 5. Prepare and submit all required supporting documents, including a passport valid for at least 12 months, an acceptance letter from a Belgian institution, proof of sufficient financial means (blocked account, sponsorship, or scholarship), proof of accommodation in Belgium, a medical certificate, a police clearance certificate (if required), health/medical insurance, a motivation letter / Statement of Purpose (SOP), and recent passport-sized photographs. 6. Pay the visa application fee as instructed by the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global. 7. Submit your application, documents, and biometrics at the nearest Belgian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global Visa Application Centre. 8. Track your application using the reference number provided after submission and wait for the visa decision.
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/scholarships/
Program accreditation	Accredited by NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders), the Flemish programme accreditation body
Living expenses	Cost of Living in Belgium The cost of living for international students in Belgium depends on the city and your lifestyle. On average, students spend between €700–€800, and in some cases over €1,000 per month. Accommodation  €300–€500 per month for student housing  Private apartments or studios cost more  Brussels is relatively affordable compared to cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin Food  Around €250–€300 per month  Cooking at home helps save money  Eating out regularly increases costs Transportation  Students get discounted public transport passes  Leuven: yearly bus pass costs about €25  Brussels: under-24 students can get a yearly pass for as low as €12 Overall Monthly Budget  Average: €700–€800  Higher end (private housing & lifestyle): €1,000
Visa Process Details	1. Passport: Valid passport with old ones if available (Mandatory). 2. CNIC / B-Form / FRC: ID and family relation documents (Mandatory). 3. Photographs: Biometric/passport-sized photo (Mandatory). 4. Offer Letter: Official unconditional admission letter (Mandatory). 5. Tuition Fee Receipt: Deposit, payment, or scholarship proof (Mandatory/Conditional). 6. Academic Documents: Transcripts and degrees with attestations (Mandatory). 7. Language Certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or language proof (Conditional). 8. CV / Resume: Updated resume with gap details (Mandatory/Conditional). 9. SOP / Motivation Letter: Study plan and home ties explanation (Mandatory/Conditional). 10. Financial Documents: Bank statements, income, and funds proof (Mandatory). 11. Sponsor Documents: Sponsor ID, relation, affidavit, and income proof (Conditional). 12. Accommodation Proof: Housing booking or address (Mandatory/Conditional). 13. Insurance: Travel/health insurance (Mandatory/Conditional). 14. Police Certificate: Character certificate if required (Conditional). 15. Medical Certificate: Medical/TB/polio clear certificate (Conditional). 16. Translations / Legalization: Certified translations or attestations (Conditional). 17. Previous Refusals: Refusal letters with explanations (Mandatory if applicable). 18. Travel History: Visas, stamps, and travel proof (Conditional). 19. Family / Home Ties: Property, business, or family return proof (Recommended). 20. Country-Specific: Blocked account / Annex 32 / solvency proof (Country-specific). 21. Country-Specific: Medical and police clearance (Country-specific). 22. Country-Specific: Belgian institution enrolment evidence (Country-specific).
Part timework	Part-Time Job Options for International Students in Belgium International students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time while studying, subject to visa conditions. Common Part-Time Job Options Retail jobs: supermarkets, clothing stores, shopping centers Hospitality sector: cafés, restaurants, hotels, fast-food outlets Customer service: call centers, front desk assistants Campus jobs: library assistant, administrative support, student ambassador Delivery & logistics: food delivery, warehouse assistant (where legally permitted) Tutoring: academic tutoring or language support (subject-based skills) Working Hours  Up to 20 hours per week during term time •Full-time work allowed during official holidays (summer, winter, and Easter breaks) Wages  Minimum wage depends on age and experience  Average student earnings range from €11–€13 per hour Requirements  Valid Belgian residence permit (student status)  Student employment contract  Registration with the National Social Security Office (NSSO)  Belgian bank account (recommended)
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities Belgium's post-study work situation improved significantly with 2018 immigration reforms, but it's still not as straightforward as Canada or Australia's graduate visa programs. Students can work 20 hours/week during their studies (outside class hours).

What are the entry requirements for the Master of Bioinformatics in Systems Biology at Ghent University?

The program is open to students with at least a bachelor's degree that includes four learning trajectories: economics, business economics, quantitative, and methodological. A minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 is required, with competitive applicants aiming for 3.0/4.0 or higher.

What is the cost of living for international students in Belgium?

The average cost of living for international students in Belgium is between €700 and €800 per month, although it can exceed €1,000 depending on housing and lifestyle choices.

Is there a language requirement for the Master of Bioinformatics program?

Yes, applicants are generally required to have an IELTS score between 6.5 and 7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 90 to 100, indicating a B2 to C1 level of proficiency in English.

What are the job prospects after completing the Master of Bioinformatics in Systems Biology?

Graduates can find employment in biotech, pharma, and healthcare data sectors as bioinformaticians, computational biologists, or data scientists. They may also pursue doctoral research or enter the wider job market in Belgium and Europe.

Can international students work part-time while studying in Belgium?

Yes, international students are permitted to work part-time, with a limit of up to 20 hours per week during the term time and full-time during official holidays. Common job options include retail, hospitality, and campus jobs.