BSc Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences

About the course

An English-taught science degree combining biology, chemistry, physics and pharmaceutical sciences, with lab work and computational training in the first three semesters. You then shape your programme through electives in four themes (Genes to Organisms, Molecules and Cells, Molecules and Medicine, Biophysics and Modelling) and finish with a three-month research project.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• Utrecht University accepts the Irish Leaving Certificate with at least 6 exam subjects, of which at least 2 must be at Higher Level with a grade of H1-H4. This makes you eligible, but each programme can add its own subject requirements.
• You need Mathematics (equivalent to Dutch VWO Mathematics B), Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The programme’s country subject list does not include Ireland, so the university checks your subjects and levels individually. Contact admissions early to confirm; taking these subjects at Higher Level is the safest route (for comparison, UK applicants need A-Level Maths, Biology and Chemistry plus at least AS-Level Physics).
• English: the required level is EMI-ready. A secondary school diploma from Ireland exempts you from an English test.

How to apply

1. Apply on StudielinkRegister from 1 October 2026 and apply by 1 May 2027 at the latest.
2. Upload documentsComplete the tasks in the Utrecht University application portal, including your Leaving Cert subjects and predicted or final results.
3. MatchingMatching is voluntary for applicants living outside the Netherlands, but the university highly recommends it.
4. Admission decisionThe university checks your subject requirements. Send your final Leaving Cert results as soon as they are released to confirm your place.

Costs

• Standard Dutch EU fee: €2,694 (2026/27). The 2027/28 fee is set by the Dutch government each year (expected to be close to €2,800).
• EU students may be eligible for a Dutch tuition-fee loan (DUO).

At a glance