Biomedical Sciences
- Met: Diploma
- Not yet clear: Subjects
- Met: Language
- Met: Age
- Not yet clear: Other
The programme
This English-taught BSc studies human health and disease from molecules and genes through cells and organs to populations, using a research-focused approach distinct from patient treatment. Problem-based learning in groups of up to twelve combines biomedical themes with practical and research skills; students later choose electives and a minor and complete a supervised research thesis.
Bachelor of Science
Fairly sure — Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
Diploma: Bachelor of Science
- €2,771 a year Statutory rate for an EU/EEA, Swiss or Surinamese student eligible for the first-bachelor statutory fee.
Other prices, for students in another situation (your profile decides which one you see):
- €18,700 a year For an EU/EEA, Swiss or Surinamese student starting a further bachelor after a completed Dutch bachelor, the institutional rate normally applies. UM states a statutory-fee exception for a second Dutch bachelor in healthcare or education if the student has not already obtained a Dutch bachelor in either area; the official programme classification must be checked before applying that exception.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
The statutory tuition fee (generally for EU/EEA students) for this programme is: €2,771
The institutional tuition fee (generally for non-EU/EEA students) for this programme is: €18,700
EU/EEA student tuition fees (statutory) for academic year 2027/28 … Full-time bachelor’s and master’s programmes* | €2,771
If you start a second bachelor’s or a second master’s programme at UM after finishing a(n) (earlier) bachelor’s or master’s programme in the Netherlands, then you no longer qualify for the tuition fees for nationals from the EU/EEA or Switzerland or Suriname (the statutory tuition fees), and you will have to pay the higher tuition fees (that is normally required from non-EU/EEA students: the institutional tuition fees) for the second bachelor’s or second master’s programme. … your second Dutch bachelor’s programme is in the area of healthcare or education, and you have not yet obtained a bachelor’s degree In the Netherlands in one of these two areas.
Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
Applicants for this study programme whose diploma is based on a non-EU/EEA curriculum are required to pay a handling fee. This applies even if the educational institution is located within the EU/EEA, as the fee is based on the curriculum, not the location of the institution.
Aanmelders voor deze opleiding van wie het diploma gebaseerd is op een niet-EU/EER curriculum, moeten een handling fee (administratiekosten) betalen.
Rank in biology Where Maastricht University ranks in world subject rankings. Lower is better. A subject ranking rates the university’s work in a subject across all its faculties, not one department or this programme, so every programme there in the subject shares it. Under each list, what it mostly rests on. The colour shows where the university stands among the other universities on this site, not among all universities in the world: green ahead of most, red behind most. The combined score averages those standings over the lists: 10 is ahead of all of them in every list, 1 behind all. So it compares only the universities on this site, and can change as more are added. Rankings mostly measure research, not teaching.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
topuniversities.com · biological sciences251-300 … Maastricht University
shanghairanking.com201-300 … Maastricht University
Where Maastricht University ranks in world subject rankings. Lower is better. A subject ranking rates the university’s work in a subject across all its faculties, not one department or this programme, so every programme there in the subject shares it. Under each list, what it mostly rests on. The colour shows where the university stands among the other universities on this site, not among all universities in the world: green ahead of most, red behind most. The combined score averages those standings over the lists: 10 is ahead of all of them in every list, 1 behind all. So it compares only the universities on this site, and can change as more are added. Rankings mostly measure research, not teaching.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
251-300 … Maastricht University
201-300 … Maastricht University
Can you get in?
- School diploma requiredVWO (Dutch pre-university diploma)
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
maastrichtuniversity.nl · admission requirementsIf you have one of the diplomas stated below, you qualify for admission: VWO diploma with profile ‘Natuur en Gezondheid’ including Physics; VWO diploma with profile ‘Natuur en Techniek’ including Biology. For this study programme, Mathematics A or B, Physics, Chemistry and Biology on VWO level are required.
maastrichtuniversity.nl · toelatingseisenBen je in het bezit van een van de onderstaande diploma's, dan kom je in aanmerking voor toelating: Vwo-diploma met profiel Natuur en Gezondheid met natuurkunde; Vwo-diploma met Natuur en Techniek met biologie.
For you, Met: Your VWO diploma counts. - Required school subjectsWiskunde A or wiskunde B and scheikunde as a VWO exam subject
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
maastrichtuniversity.nl · admission requirementsFor this study programme, Mathematics A or B, Physics, Chemistry and Biology on VWO level are required.
VWO diploma with profile ‘Natuur en Gezondheid’ including Physics; VWO diploma with profile ‘Natuur en Techniek’ including Biology.
maastrichtuniversity.nl · toelatingseisenVwo-diploma met profiel Natuur en Gezondheid met natuurkunde; Vwo-diploma met Natuur en Techniek met biologie. Voor deze opleiding zijn wiskunde A of B, natuurkunde, scheikunde en biologie op vwo-niveau vereist.
For you, Not yet clear: Enter your subjects to check. - Minimum subject gradesNone
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
wetten.overheid.nlIndien de uitoefening van het beroep of de beroepen waarop een opleiding voorbereidt, dan wel de organisatie en de inrichting van het onderwijs, specifieke eisen stelt ten aanzien van kennis of vaardigheden ... kunnen bij ministeriële regeling opleidingen worden aangewezen die op daarbij aangegeven gronden eisen kunnen stellen in aanvulling op de eisen, bedoeld in artikel 7.24.
maastrichtuniversity.nlAs of academic year 2025-2026, the bachelor’s programme will no longer be a numerus fixus programme.
wetten.overheid.nlHet instellingsbestuur kan per opleiding in verband met de beschikbare onderwijscapaciteit het maximum aantal studenten vaststellen dat voor de eerste maal kan worden ingeschreven voor de propedeutische fase van de desbetreffende opleiding.
- Minimum overall gradeNone
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
rijksoverheid.nl · studiekeuze en toelatingIedereen die over het juiste diploma beschikt, heeft toelatingsrecht tot het hoger onderwijs. In sommige gevallen vindt er een selectie plaats.
maastrichtuniversity.nlAs of academic year 2025-2026, the bachelor’s programme will no longer be a numerus fixus programme.
wetten.overheid.nlHet instellingsbestuur kan per opleiding in verband met de beschikbare onderwijscapaciteit het maximum aantal studenten vaststellen dat voor de eerste maal kan worden ingeschreven voor de propedeutische fase van de desbetreffende opleiding.
- Language level requiredEnglish: covered by a VWO diploma
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
maastrichtuniversity.nl · eng lang requirement guide bapdfDo you hold a Dutch pre-university education (VWO) diploma? Yes … You automatically meet the language requirements for this study programme.
maastrichtuniversity.nlHolders of a non- Dutch diploma may only register, if they have met the requirement concerning a sufficient command of English by passing one of the following language proficiency tests before the programme begins:
For you, Met: English: your VWO diploma covers it. - Minimum ageNo minimum age
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
maastrichtuniversity.nl · admission requirementsIf you have one of the diplomas stated below, you qualify for admission: VWO diploma with profile ‘Natuur en Gezondheid’ including Physics; VWO diploma with profile ‘Natuur en Techniek’ including Biology.
maastrichtuniversity.nl · toelatingseisenBen je in het bezit van een van de onderstaande diploma's, dan kom je in aanmerking voor toelating: Vwo-diploma met profiel Natuur en Gezondheid met natuurkunde; Vwo-diploma met Natuur en Techniek met biologie.
For you, Met: There is no minimum-age condition to meet. - Extra stepsStudiekeuzecheckThe optional questionnaire arrives at the email address registered in Studielink; it helps applicants consider whether the programme fits. UM also offers open and experience days and the option to ask questions or arrange a meeting with a study adviser.A check of whether the programme suits you. Optional. The result is advice only: it cannot stop you from starting. How it works
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
studiekeuze123.nlJe deelname aan de SKC is echter geen verplicht onderdeel van de toelatingsprocedure. Het deelnemen aan een SKC is daarom een optioneel onderdeel van de toelatingsprocedure. Je ontvangt een vragenlijst op het e-mailadres dat je hebt opgegeven in Studielink.
maastrichtuniversity.nl · toelatingseisenMaastricht University finds it important that you choose a study programme and learning environment which suits you well and in which you can be successful. This is why we offer you several opportunities to explore whether the programme matches your background and interest (for example Open Days and Experience Days). In addition, you may pose questions to evaluate your match with the programme and/or arrange a meeting with one of our study advisers by sending an email to: studiekeuzecheck@maastrichtuniversity.nl
- Other requirementsThe required subject combination depends on the VWO profile: NG with physics; NT with biology; another VWO profile with both physics and biology.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
maastrichtuniversity.nl · admission requirementsVWO diploma with profile ‘Natuur en Gezondheid’ including Physics; VWO diploma with profile ‘Natuur en Techniek’ including Biology; VWO diploma other than mentioned above. … For this study programme, Mathematics A or B, Physics, Chemistry and Biology on VWO level are required.
For you, Not yet clear: Enter your VWO profile to check this requirement.
Applying
Where you apply
Through Studielink.
- Recent portrait picture
- Copy of valid passport or EU/EEA identity card
- Copy of most recent grades transcript
- Copy of diploma if already obtained
Dates
- 1 May 2027Complete the application process for applicants with EU/EEA or Swiss nationality in 7 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
maastrichtuniversity.nl · admission requirements1 May 2027, 23:59 CET … Deadline for completing the entire application process if you have an EU/EEA or Swiss nationality
- 1 Jun 2027Submit a syllabus for a sufficiency check if UM notifies the applicant; EU/EEA or Swiss nationality in 8 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
maastrichtuniversity.nl · admission requirements1 June 2027, 16:00 CET … Applying for a sufficiency check (if applicable) for applicants with an EU/EEA or Swiss nationality. A number of applicants can apply for a “sufficiency check” if the knowledge in a specific subject needs to be assessed. Applicants notified of this in the My Application portal … will have the opportunity to upload a syllabus … before the deadline of 1 June.
- 1 Aug 2027Strongly recommended deadline for paying tuition fees in 10 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
maastrichtuniversity.nl · admission requirements1 August 2027 — Strongly recommended deadline for paying the tuition fee
- 31 Aug 2027Submit proof of meeting the statutory further previous-education requirements in 11 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
maastrichtuniversity.nl · admission requirements31 August 2027, 16:00 CET … You must submit proof that you meet the statutory (further) previous education requirements 2027-2028 by this deadline at the latest
- 31 Aug 2027Complete all tasks in the MyApplication portal in 11 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
maastrichtuniversity.nl · admission requirements31 August 2027, 23:59 CET … Deadline for completing all tasks in the MyApplication portal
More about the programme
What students say Scores out of 5 from the NSE 2026, the national student survey, for this programme. The notch on each bar is the national average for the same study, over 6 programmes.
Green: 0.2 or more above that average. Red: 0.2 or more below. Grey: closer than that, which a few dozen answers cannot tell apart. The small ticks under a bar are the other programmes in Netherlands on this site.
Data from Landelijk Centrum Studiekeuze (NSE 2026).
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Source
studiekeuze123.nlNSE 2026 … 3.8 … Landelijk gemiddelde … 4
Scores out of 5 from the NSE 2026, the national student survey, for this programme. The notch on each bar is the national average for the same study, over 6 programmes.
Green: 0.2 or more above that average. Red: 0.2 or more below. Grey: closer than that, which a few dozen answers cannot tell apart. The small ticks under a bar are the other programmes in Netherlands on this site.
Data from Landelijk Centrum Studiekeuze (NSE 2026).
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Source
NSE 2026 … 3.8 … Landelijk gemiddelde … 4
How places are given
- Cap on places (numerus fixus)No cap on places
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
maastrichtuniversity.nl · free selective and fixus bachelorsAs of academic year 2025-2026, the bachelor’s programme will no longer be a numerus fixus programme.
maastrichtuniversity.nl · admission requirementsApplication deadlines ... applicable for applicants who want to start their studies in September 2027.
maastrichtuniversity.nlAs of academic year 2025-2026, the bachelor’s programme will no longer be a numerus fixus programme.
maastrichtuniversity.nlPersons who have a Dutch pre-university education diploma as referred to in Section 7.24 of the Act … are eligible for admission to the programme.
- How applicants are pickedNobody is picked: everyone who meets the requirements gets a place
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
maastrichtuniversity.nl · free selective and fixus bachelorsAs of academic year 2025-2026, the bachelor’s programme will no longer be a numerus fixus programme.
rijksoverheid.nl · studiekeuze en toelatingIedereen die over het juiste diploma beschikt, heeft toelatingsrecht tot het hoger onderwijs. In sommige gevallen vindt er een selectie plaats.
maastrichtuniversity.nlAs of academic year 2025-2026, the bachelor’s programme will no longer be a numerus fixus programme.
- Past admission numbers319 students started in 2025.
Fairly sure — This is the 2025 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
studiekeuze123.nl · voltijdAantal eerstejaars … Septemberinstroom 2025 - 2026 … deze opleiding … Maastricht … 319
Once you have started
- First-year minimum to continuePass at least 43 of 60 credits in the first year; if you do not, you can resit or repeat the year
Every course is worth a number of credits, which you earn by passing it; a full year is 60.
In the university’s words: To progress to year 2, students need at least 43 first-year credits, including at least 31 credits from the B- and I-competences, 6 from the P-competence and 6 from the C-competence. Below 43 credits, they cannot access second- or third-year education and exams for the entire academic year; they may repeat or remediate failed first-year work.
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
maastrichtuniversity.nlNotwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1, students, who have obtained at least 43 credits of the assessment activities in course year 1 of which 31 credits have to come from the B- and I-competences, 6 credits from the P- competence, and 6 credits from the C-competence of the first year … may also participate in all assessment activities and exams of the second course year. … Students who have obtained less than 43 credits of the assessment activities in the first course year at the start of any academic year cannot access the education and exams for the second and third course years of the programme for the entire duration of that academic year.
All students will be issued non-binding study advice by or on behalf of the Faculty Board regarding the continuation of their studies at the end of their first year of registration in the programme.
After you graduate
- Where graduates goThe university lists research at universities and hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology work, health-policy roles, and teaching; further study options include Biomedical Sciences, Epidemiology, Global Health and other FHML master’s programmes.What Maastricht University says its graduates go on to do; not measured.
Fairly sure — Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
maastrichtuniversity.nl · your futureAt universities and hospitals, biomedical scientists conduct investigations into the causes and possible preventions of different diseases ... Others go on to help pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms develop new drugs. ... a career in government ... If you take the education track in Biomedical Sciences, you can become a biology teacher ... Maastricht University’s Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences offers eight master’s programmes that connect to the bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences.
- Where graduates went (measured)87% of this programme's graduates started another higher-education programme in the Netherlands within two years (national average for similar programmes: 91%). The source does not state the graduation cohort year. No job or salary figures are published for Dutch university bachelor's graduates.Measured from graduates of this programme. Past graduates, not a promise.
Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
studiekeuze123.nl · voltijdAfgestudeerden die na het diploma verder studeren in het Nederlandse hoger onderwijs … Maastricht … 87% … Landelijk gemiddelde (6 opleidingen) … 91%
studiekeuze123.nlVoor het wo geldt dat de gegevens betrekking hebben op de arbeidsmarktpositie van wo-masterstudenten, omdat zij worden bevraagd in de Nationale Alumni Enquête. Bij wo-bacheloropleidingen worden geen cijfers getoond, omdat hier geen gegevens van bekend zijn.
lcsk.nlDit cijfer geeft weer welk percentage van de afgestudeerden van deze opleiding binnen twee jaar begint met een nieuwe opleiding in het hoger onderwijs.
JAAR = (MEESTRECENT-2)