Biology
Requirements unclear
3 of 4, 1 open- Met: Diploma
- Not yet clear: Subjects
- Met: Language
- Met: Age
Next deadline in 7 months
1 May 2027: Submit the first-year application in Studielink
The programme
An English-taught biology programme covering living systems from molecules to ecosystems, combined with mathematics, physics and chemistry. The first semester is broad; from year two you choose a major: Ecology and Evolution, Molecular Life Sciences, Behaviour and Neurosciences or Biomedical Sciences. It includes lab and fieldwork.
BSc
Degree
BSc in Biology
Fairly sure — Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
rug.nl · biology
Degree BSc in Biology
3 years
Full time
English
Taught in
€2,771 a year
Tuition
- €2,771 a year Qualifies for the statutory fee (listed nationalities) and has not already obtained a Bachelor's degree at a government-funded institution in the Netherlands.
Other prices, for students in another situation (your profile decides which one you see):
- €16,500 a year Second Bachelor's degree (a Bachelor's degree was already obtained at a government-funded institution in the Netherlands), EU/EEA students, Science and Engineering.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
rug.nl · biology
EU/EEA | 2027-2028 | € 2771 | full-time
rug.nl · bachelor
Statutory tuition fees … Academic year 2027-2028 … € 2,771
University tuition fees II for a second degree programme (EU/EER students) … Academic year 2027-2028 … Science and Engineering … € 16,500
Free
Application fee
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
rug.nl · application fee
The application fee will not be waived except for very specific cases. These are: … students applying based on a Dutch secondary education or a Dutch Bachelor's degree
rug.nl · faq enrolment tuition fees
Who has to pay the application fee? Every student applying to one of our programmes on the basis of a foreign diploma has to pay the application fee. The application fee will not be waived except for very specific cases. These are: … students who are applying on the basis of a Dutch diploma
Rank in biology Where Rijksuniversiteit Groningen 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 sciences=105 … University of Groningen
timeshighereducation.com · life sciences=85 … University of Groningen
shanghairanking.com51-75 … University of Groningen
Where Rijksuniversiteit Groningen 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 sciences
=105 … University of Groningen
timeshighereducation.com · life sciences
=85 … University of Groningen
shanghairanking.com
51-75 … University of Groningen
Combinedamong those here
105QS 2026, Biological Sciencesreputation
85THE 2026, Life Sciencesresearch and teaching
51-75ARWU 2026, Biological Sciencesresearch papers
Can you get in?
- School diploma requiredVWO (Dutch pre-university diploma)
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
rug.nl · bachelor dutch qualificationYou will be admitted to university with a Dutch VWO diploma, but certain programmes may apply additional requirements.
rug.nl · biologyAdmissible Dutch diploma profiles … VWO Natuur & Techniek … Biologie … VWO Natuur & Gezondheid … Natuurkunde
wetten.overheid.nlOnverminderd het derde lid geldt voor de inschrijving voor een opleiding in het wetenschappelijk onderwijs als opleidingseis het bezit van het diploma vwo
For you, Met: Your VWO diploma counts. - Required school subjectsBiologie and natuurkunde and scheikunde and wiskunde A or wiskunde B as a VWO exam subject
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
rug.nl · bachelor dutch qualificationBiology … N+G supplemented with physics; N+T supplemented with biology; E+M and C+M supplemented with mathematics A or B, physics, chemistry and biology
rug.nl · biologyAll other profiles and their equivalents must be supplemented by Mathematics A or B, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
Admissible Dutch diploma profiles … VWO Natuur & Techniek … Biologie … VWO Natuur & Gezondheid … Natuurkunde
rijksoverheid.nl · hoe zit het vwo in elkaarNatuur en gezondheid … Wiskunde A; Biologie; Scheikunde
Natuur en techniek Wiskunde B; Natuurkunde; Scheikunde. Natuur en gezondheid Wiskunde A; Biologie; Scheikunde.
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Natuur en techniek … Wiskunde B; Natuurkunde; Scheikunde
rug.nl · biologyToelaatbare profielen Nederlandse diploma's VWO Natuur & Techniek Biologie VWO Natuur & Gezondheid Natuurkunde … Alle andere profielen moeten aangevuld worden met Wiskunde A of B, Natuurkunde, Scheikunde en Biologie
rug.nl · fixus dutch qualificationBiology** N+G supplemented with physics; N+T supplemented with biology; E+M and C+M supplemented with mathematics A or B, physics, chemistry and biology
For you, Not yet clear: Enter your subjects to check. - Minimum subject gradesNone
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
rug.nl · fixus dutch qualificationOverview fixed-quota programmes 2027-2028 … Dentistry (69 places) … International Business (400 places) … Medicine (400 places) … Psychology (Dutch track) (365 places) … Psychology (English track) (225 places)
rijksoverheid.nl · studiekeuze en toelatingIedereen die over het juiste diploma beschikt, heeft toelatingsrecht tot het hoger onderwijs. Maar in sommige gevallen vindt er een selectie plaats.
Iedereen met het juiste diploma heeft toelatingsrecht tot het hoger onderwijs. In sommige gevallen vindt er een selectie plaats, of zijn er extra toelatingseisen.
rug.nl · biologyAdmissible Dutch diploma profiles … VWO Natuur & Techniek … Biologie … VWO Natuur & Gezondheid … Natuurkunde
wetten.overheid.nlHet instellingsbestuur selecteert de aspirant-studenten in verband met de beschikbare onderwijscapaciteit uitsluitend op grond van: a. ten minste twee kwalitatieve selectiecriteria; b. ongewogen loting;
rug.nl · biologyToelaatbare profielen Nederlandse diploma's VWO Natuur & Techniek Biologie VWO Natuur & Gezondheid Natuurkunde … Alle andere profielen moeten aangevuld worden met Wiskunde A of B, Natuurkunde, Scheikunde en Biologie
- Minimum overall gradeNone
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
rug.nl · fixus dutch qualificationOverview fixed-quota programmes 2027-2028 … Dentistry (69 places) … International Business (400 places) … Medicine (400 places) … Psychology (Dutch track) (365 places) … Psychology (English track) (225 places)
rijksoverheid.nl · studiekeuze en toelatingIedereen die over het juiste diploma beschikt, heeft toelatingsrecht tot het hoger onderwijs. Maar in sommige gevallen vindt er een selectie plaats.
Iedereen met het juiste diploma heeft toelatingsrecht tot het hoger onderwijs. In sommige gevallen vindt er een selectie plaats, of zijn er extra toelatingseisen.
rug.nl · biologyAdmissible Dutch diploma profiles … VWO Natuur & Techniek … Biologie … VWO Natuur & Gezondheid … Natuurkunde
wetten.overheid.nlHet instellingsbestuur selecteert de aspirant-studenten in verband met de beschikbare onderwijscapaciteit uitsluitend op grond van: a. ten minste twee kwalitatieve selectiecriteria; b. ongewogen loting;
rug.nl · biologyToelaatbare profielen Nederlandse diploma's VWO Natuur & Techniek Biologie VWO Natuur & Gezondheid Natuurkunde … Alle andere profielen moeten aangevuld worden met Wiskunde A of B, Natuurkunde, Scheikunde en Biologie
- Language level requiredEnglish: covered by a VWO diploma
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
rug.nl · biologyLanguage proficiency certificate for English (except for applicants with a Dutch pre-university education (VWO) as well as the exemptions listed on the language exemptions webpage).
rug.nl · biologyEen voldoende voor je vwo-Engels is aan te bevelen omdat de opleiding Engelstalig is. Indien je tijdens je vooropleiding geen Engelse taalvaardigheid op VWO-niveau hebt gehad, dien je hiervoor een toets af te leggen.
For you, Met: English: your VWO diploma covers it. - Minimum ageNo minimum age
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
rug.nl · bachelor dutch qualificationYou will be admitted to university with a Dutch VWO diploma, but certain programmes may apply additional requirements.
The colloquium doctum procedure is a special entrance examination for prospective students who do not have a qualification that grants direct access to a Bachelor's degree programme. At the start of the degree programme, you must be 21 year or older.
rug.nl · biologyToelaatbare profielen Nederlandse diploma's VWO Natuur & Techniek Biologie VWO Natuur & Gezondheid Natuurkunde … Alle andere profielen moeten aangevuld worden met Wiskunde A of B, Natuurkunde, Scheikunde en Biologie
For you, Met: There is no minimum-age condition to meet. - Extra stepsMatching (optional matching event)Optional: the faculty expects you to prepare yourself through Open Days, a Student for a Day programme and/or a Web Class and decide yourself whether you match; you may still take part in a matching event.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.
Sources
rug.nl · matchingIf you want to start a bachelor's programme at the Faculty of Science and Engineering in September and you apply before the May 1 deadline, you are not required to participate in matching. As a prospective student, you can still exercise your right to participate in a matching event.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering assumes that you have thoroughly prepared yourself for the programme of your choice by visiting the Open Days, participating in a Student for a Day programme, and/or attending a Web Class.
rug.nl · matchingMatching is a way for first-year students of a Bachelor’s degree programme without a selection procedure to find out whether their chosen degree programme matches with what they want.
- Other requirementsNone
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
rug.nl · biologyAdmissible Dutch diploma profiles … VWO Natuur & Techniek … Biologie … VWO Natuur & Gezondheid … Natuurkunde
Language proficiency certificate for English (except for applicants with a Dutch pre-university education (VWO) as well as the exemptions listed on the language exemptions webpage).
rug.nl · biologyToelaatbare profielen Nederlandse diploma's VWO Natuur & Techniek Biologie VWO Natuur & Gezondheid Natuurkunde … Alle andere profielen moeten aangevuld worden met Wiskunde A of B, Natuurkunde, Scheikunde en Biologie
Een voldoende voor je vwo-Engels is aan te bevelen omdat de opleiding Engelstalig is. Indien je tijdens je vooropleiding geen Engelse taalvaardigheid op VWO-niveau hebt gehad, dien je hiervoor een toets af te leggen.
rug.nl · bachelor dutch qualificationYou will be admitted to university with a Dutch VWO diploma, but certain programmes may apply additional requirements.
Applying
Where you apply
Through Studielink, with course code 56860.
Dates
- 1 May 2027Submit the first-year application in Studielink in 7 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
rug.nl · biologyApplication deadlines … Dutch students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 … EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 … non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027
rug.nl · bachelor dutch qualification1 May 2027 … If you are applying to the first year, you will need to submit your application in Studielink before 1 May.
1 May 2027 Application deadline If you are applying to the first year, you will need to submit your application in Studielink before 1 May.
rug.nl · biologyInschrijvingsdeadlines Type student Deadline Start opleiding Nederlandse studenten 01 mei 2027 01 september 2027
- 31 Jul 2027Last date to apply in Studielink after 1 May, only when an exceptional late-application reason is accepted in 10 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
rug.nl · matchingMake sure that you apply in Studielink no later than July 31, 2027. Applications after this date will not be accepted.
Please note: when you apply with a non-Dutch diploma you cannot be admitted to the programme anymore, and you can neither participate in the Matching procedure.
- 31 Aug 2027Payment of tuition fees received by the UG to start on 1 September in 11 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
rug.nl · bachelor dutch qualification31 August 2027 … If you want to start your degree programme on 1 September, the UG must have received your payment nog later than 31 August.
31 August 2027 Payment of tuition fees If you want to start your degree programme on 1 September, the UG must have received your payment nog later than 31 August.
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 7 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 … 4 … Landelijk gemiddelde … 4.1
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 7 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.nl
NSE 2026 … 4 … Landelijk gemiddelde … 4.1
How places are given
- Cap on places (numerus fixus)No cap on places
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
rug.nl · fixus dutch qualificationOverview fixed-quota programmes 2027-2028 … Dentistry (69 places) … International Business (400 places) … Medicine (400 places) … Psychology (Dutch track) (365 places) … Psychology (English track) (225 places)
rug.nl · biologyNederlandse studenten 01 mei 2027 01 september 2027
- How applicants are pickedNobody is picked: everyone who meets the requirements gets a place
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
rug.nl · fixus dutch qualificationOverview fixed-quota programmes 2027-2028 … Dentistry (69 places) … International Business (400 places) … Medicine (400 places) … Psychology (Dutch track) (365 places) … Psychology (English track) (225 places)
rijksoverheid.nl · studiekeuze en toelatingIedereen die over het juiste diploma beschikt, heeft toelatingsrecht tot het hoger onderwijs. Maar in sommige gevallen vindt er een selectie plaats.
Iedereen met het juiste diploma heeft toelatingsrecht tot het hoger onderwijs. In sommige gevallen vindt er een selectie plaats, of zijn er extra toelatingseisen.
- Past admission numbers209 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 | Groningen | 209
Aantal eerstejaars Septemberinstroom 2025 - 2026 deze opleiding Groningen 209
Once you have started
- First-year minimum to continuePass at least 45 of 60 credits in the first year, or you must leave the programme
Every course is worth a number of credits, which you earn by passing it; a full year is 60.
In the university’s words: Binding study advice: fewer than 45 ECTS at the end of year 1 results in a negative advice, after which the student may not continue in the programme.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
rug.nl · biologyA minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months (binding)
If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.
rug.nlAt least 45 ECTS by the end of the first year (20 part-time).
At least 45 ECTS by the end of the first year (20 part-time). … a negative BSA is valid for a period of 2 years (starting 1 September of the subsequent academic year). … a negative BSA for a certain degree programme may also apply to a cluster of related degree programmes.
rug.nl · biologyMinimaal 45 EC in de eerste 12 maanden (bindend) … Je krijgt een positief studieadvies als je minimaal 45 ECTS hebt gehaald (op een totaal van 60 ECTS; de meeste vakken zijn 5 ECTS). Bij een negatief studieadvies (minder dan 45 ECTS) mag je helaas niet doorgaan met de opleiding.
After you graduate
- Where graduates goGraduates can move on to master's programmes such as Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biomolecular Sciences, Ecology and Evolution or Marine Biology. The university lists jobs such as researcher, environmental or health advisor, ecologist, microbiologist, policy advisor, science communication or journalism, and teacher or lecturer.What Rijksuniversiteit Groningen says its graduates go on to do; not measured.
Fairly sure — Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
rug.nl · biologyJob examples … Researcher … Environmental advisor … Health advisor … Ecologist … Microbiologist … Policy advisor … Science communication or journalism … Teacher/lecturer
A lot of biologists work as researchers, either for a short while or as a long-term career.
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Related master's programmes … Biology … Biomedical Sciences … Biomolecular Sciences … Ecology and Evolution … Marine Biology
- Where graduates went (measured)85% of this programme's graduates start another higher-education programme in the Netherlands within two years (national average for similar programmes: 86%). Across all seven Dutch biology bachelor's, the most-chosen master's is Biology (30%), then Biomedical Sciences (17%) and Biosciences (15%). No job or salary figures are published for Dutch university bachelor's graduates.Measured from graduates of this programme (2023). 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 · voltijdDoorstuderen … Afgestudeerden die na het diploma verder studeren in het Nederlandse hoger onderwijs … deze opleiding … Groningen … 85% … Landelijk gemiddelde (7 opleidingen) … 86%
studiekeuze123.nlDoorstuderen … 85% … studeert door na afronden van deze opleiding
Meest gekozen masters … Biology … 205 studenten … 30% … Biomedical Sciences … 114 studenten … 17% … Biosciences … 100 studenten … 15%
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Voor 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)
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In het meest recente geval: 2016 t/m 2025.
Ook studenten in het buitenland zitten niet in dit bestand.