Master of Bioinformatics

Why study Bioinformatics at KU Leuven?

Modern biology is characterised by the generation of large amounts of data. Consider, for instance, genomic sequencing of patients as well as plants, bacteria and viruses. Moreover, the technologies used to generate these data are constantly changing. During this programme you will learn how to formulate biologically relevant questions, how to design the correct solution and implement it by managing and analysing biological and sequencing data, and how to interpret the obtained results. Bioinformatics is essential to modern molecular biology and biotechnology.

• The programme is truly multidisciplinary. On the one hand, students obtain detailed theoretical knowledge of quantitative methods and on the other hand become familiar with the molecular techniques that are used in modern biology.
• The input from teaching staff from different faculties (Bioscience Engineering, Engineering, Science) provides a broad view on the application areas of bioinformatics, from basic science to plant breeding and medical applications.

This programme is also available in Dutch.

Accreditations and rankings

• #74 - Times Higher Education (Physical Sciences subject ranking)
• #73 - QS (Physics & Astronomy subject ranking)

Am I a good fit for this programme? 

• You are a biochemist or molecular biologist with a keen interest in mathematics and programming.
• You are a mathematician or statistician and want to apply your knowledge to complex biological questions.
• You want to develop new methods that can be used by doctors, biologists and biotechnology engineers.
• This programme provides you with fundamental knowledge on the theoretical basis of bioinformatics technologies. Therefore, an aptitude for mathematics is required. In your previous higher education, a good grade should have been obtained for a course in at least one of the areas: statistics, calculus or linear algebra.

Check the official and current admission requirements

Student-exchange opportunities & internships

KU Leuven has a tradition as an international university and is one of Europe’s leading research universities, with a wide range of partnerships and agreements with top universities worldwide. Within the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering we are committed to offering programmes of the highest academic quality, with opportunities to gain insight into the professional field via (international) internships and to study abroad during your master’s degree.

Study abroad options

The Master of Bioinformatics (120 ECTS) consists of three parts:

• A reorientation package provides you with the extra background knowledge in disciplines that were not included in your bachelor’s programme.
• A common package that builds upon the elementary knowledge and skills achieved during prior studies as well as during the reorientation package, integrating them into different bioinformatics courses. This package consists of a biology module, a statistics module and a bioinformatics module.
• Depending on your prior education, you choose one of three majors with which you strengthen your profile:
  • Science
  • Bioscience engineering
  • Engineering

Find out which courses you will take, the options available to you, and what a typical week looks like.

Your programme in detail

The admissions process will depend on whether you've obtained your secondary education and/or previous degree(s) in the Flemish Community (Belgium) or at an academic institution outside of Flanders.

Tuition fees

The fees for any individual student are contingent upon their academic programme and the nationality of the student.  

For the most recent – and only official – information on tuition fees, check the tuition fee calculator.

Study costs

The study costs consist of the yearly tuition fee on the one hand and degree-specific costs on the other hand. Besides study costs you also need to take living and transportation expenses into account. 

• Specific study costs for this degree
• Cost of living in Belgium 

Scholarships

KU Leuven offers a variety of scholarships for qualifying students. Just as with our tuition fees, these scholarships may be contingent on a student’s academic programme or nationality, so be sure to thoroughly check eligibility requirements before applying.

What are the career prospects for graduates of this programme?

Bioinformaticians find careers in the life sciences domain in the broadest sense: industry, academic world, health care, etc. The expanding need for bioinformatics in biological and medical research ensures a large variety of job opportunities in fundamental and applied research. 50% of our graduates start a PhD programme after graduation.

For innovative and entrepreneurial students wanting to start their own business, KU Leuven is proud to offer KICK. This unique KU Leuven community offers the resources, support and encouragement to get their businesses off the ground.

Where do our students go after graduating?

• If you are passionate about research, pursuing a PhD is one possible pathway. 
• You can further deepen your expertise by pursuing a second master’s degree or a specialised advanced master’s programme.
• Interested in lifelong learning? Explore the wide range of postgraduate programmes, continuing professional development courses and more offered by KU Leuven Continue. 

Career support & alumni network

Our Student Career Center is happy to put you on the right track toward your desired career. We offer a range of services for those just starting out, including job search coaching and interview preparation. As a KU Leuven graduate, you are part of a worldwide network of over 340,000 alumni. Stay in touch with your former classmates with the exclusive KU Leuven Connect alumni platform.