Home
/
Studies
/
Master studies
/
Bioinformatics: Biology
M_GMC_Molekuline_biotechnologija_III.jpg

Bioinformatics: Biology

N
New Study Programme

The Master’s programme in Bioinformatics is designed to train highly qualified specialists capable of integrating knowledge from computer science and life sciences. Students learn to analyse biological data using computational methods, develop software tools, and solve complex biological problems using bioinformatics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence approaches. The programme is delivered in English by the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center in collaboration with the Vilnius University Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. As Lithuania’s life sciences sector continues to expand rapidly, the demand for highly skilled bioinformatics professionals is steadily increasing.

Bioinformatics: Biology

N
New Study Programme

The Master’s programme in Bioinformatics is designed to train highly qualified specialists capable of integrating knowledge from computer science and life sciences. Students learn to analyse biological data using computational methods, develop software tools, and solve complex biological problems using bioinformatics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence approaches. The programme is delivered in English by the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center in collaboration with the Vilnius University Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. As Lithuania’s life sciences sector continues to expand rapidly, the demand for highly skilled bioinformatics professionals is steadily increasing.

M_GMC_Molekuline_biotechnologija_III.jpg
GMC_1.jpg
Pateik prašymą
Presentation
Programme plan
Admission requirements
Admission steps
Learning outcomes
Financing

Presentation

Presentation

Presentation

Programme plan

Programme plan

The Bioinformatics programme combines hands-on research experience with advanced theoretical training in life sciences and computer science. During the first semester, students strengthen their background in either biology or computer science, depending on their previous studies. The second semester focuses on machine learning, omics data analysis, and a practical research project carried out in a research group or company. In the third semester, students study phylogenetics and structural bioinformatics while completing a second practical project. The fourth semester is dedicated to the preparation and defence of the Master’s thesis. To accommodate individual interests, students may choose from more than 30 elective courses offered by the Life Sciences Center and the Faculties of Mathematics and Informatics, Medicine, and Chemistry and Geosciences.

Programme structure
Admission requirements
Language requirements

English

The following language certificates are accepted for study programmes taught in English: IELTS Academic 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 81+, Cambridge English Exam 176+, Pearson PTE Academic 59+, LanguageCert IESOL B2, Duolingo English Test 120+, Password Skills Plus 6.5+ or another language proficiency certificate equivalent to B2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

If your first language is English and/or if you have a university degree in English, you will be exempt from providing an English language test score.

Proving your language skills
Other requirements

A motivation letter must be added to your application.

Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher)

N. B. for non-EU/EFTA applicants: the gap since your completed Bachelor degree should not exceed five years.

Applicants for Bioinformatics master programme should have a Bachelor or equivalent degree in one of these fields: Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Biology, Cell biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Data science, Mathematics

Applicants must have carried-out an experimental research work for a bachelor’s thesis in Bioinformatics or related sciences.

During the bachelor’s studies, all of the following subjects must have been studied:

Applicants with an overall grade average of at least 70% are eligible for admission.

Eligible applicants will be invited to take an entrance examination in biochemistry.

The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Lithuanian.

Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Translation is considered to be official when it is bound together with the certified true copy of the original document and is confirmed by the translator’s signature. Documents issued in English, Lithuanian must be certified true copies and do not require translation.

Check additional country-specific requirements
Admission steps

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Find your programme

When choosing a study programme, consider whether the subjects match your interests and strengths, as this will keep you motivated. You should also think about career opportunities, costs, and whether the programme fits your long-term goals.

Keep in mind that each applicant can choose up to three study programmes in one application, but you can only get admitted to one programme.

Check the application dates

For international applicants: 
1 May | for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries 
1 July | for applicants who are citizens of EU/EFTA countries and for non-EU/EFTA applicants with a 90-day visa-free period that has not yet been exceeded.
The academic year always begins on 1 September.

Our International admissions have one intake per academic year. You can only submit your application during the application period.  

The application dates may differ if you are applying for a programme taught in Lithuanian or if you are eligible to apply for state-funded places.

Check your eligibility and prepare the necessary documents

In order to apply to Vilnius University, you must meet the general and programme-specific admission requirements, as well as the language proficiency requirements. In certain cases, specific territorial requirements may also apply. You can find all the specific requirements for this programme in the 'Admissions requirements' section.

For applicants from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, the period between obtaining your most recent secondary or higher education qualification and submitting your application may not exceed 5 years.

 

Check the country-specific requirements

Pay the application fee and submit your application

The application to the international bachelor's or integrated studies degree programmes must be submitted on apply.vu.lt

The application fee is 100 EUR per application. The invoice is paid after adding the programmes to the application. Application fee payments are accepted only through the Flywire payment platform.

An online application will be processed only after the application fee is collected and the application is submitted with all the required documents. All documents must be submitted before the application submission deadline; otherwise, the application is terminated.

Please note: The application fee is non-refundable. Be sure to read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before applying, as fees cannot be refunded if you are found ineligible or miss a deadline.

Create the application accountPrepare the required documents

Take the interview

The motivational interview is organised remotely, the time is agreed upon individually.

Confirm the acceptance and pay the tuition fee

Your application will be assessed within 30 calendar days from the date all required documents are submitted (this period may be extended in specific cases).

Acceptance letters or rejection notifications will be sent via the online application system https://apply.vu.lt.

Students are obliged to confirm if they accept the study offer within 7 working days.

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

Description of the Procedure of Payment, Reimbursement, and Recovery of Tuition Fees at Vilnius University 

The information about the tuition fee refund policy  

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Arrange your arrival

Things to consider:

  • All international students have to apply for a visa, temporary residence permit or certificate of temporary residence in the Republic of Lithuania depending on their citizenship and the length of their studies at Vilnius University. 
  • If you require accommodation, you may apply for a dormitory via the application platform at apply.vu.lt. The task for accommodation appears after the tuition fee is paid and the final acceptance letter is received. 
  • More information about the start of your studies here.
Visa & Residence PermitArrange you accommodation
Learning outcomes
  • Apply bioinformatics methods to solve biological problems and analyse biological processes.
  • Analyse and interpret large-scale biological datasets using modern bioinformatics approaches.
  • Develop innovative algorithms and software tools for biological data analysis.
  • Apply machine learning, artificial intelligence, and statistical methods in life sciences research.
  • Integrate knowledge from computer science and life sciences to address complex interdisciplinary challenges.
  • Independently plan, organise, and critically evaluate scientific research in a responsible and reproducible manner.
  • Communicate scientific results effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Financing
  • 5 538 EUR
Application fee

The application fee is €100 per application. Each applicant can choose up to three programmes within one application. 
Online applications will only be processed once the application fee has been paid. 

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. Make sure you read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before submitting your application, as the fee cannot be refunded if you are found to be ineligible or miss a deadline. 

Scholarships for Master's
Presentation
Programme plan
Admission requirements
Admission steps
Learning outcomes
Financing

Presentation

Presentation

Presentation

Programme plan

Programme plan

The Bioinformatics programme combines hands-on research experience with advanced theoretical training in life sciences and computer science. During the first semester, students strengthen their background in either biology or computer science, depending on their previous studies. The second semester focuses on machine learning, omics data analysis, and a practical research project carried out in a research group or company. In the third semester, students study phylogenetics and structural bioinformatics while completing a second practical project. The fourth semester is dedicated to the preparation and defence of the Master’s thesis. To accommodate individual interests, students may choose from more than 30 elective courses offered by the Life Sciences Center and the Faculties of Mathematics and Informatics, Medicine, and Chemistry and Geosciences.

Programme structure
Admission requirements
Language requirements

English

The following language certificates are accepted for study programmes taught in English: IELTS Academic 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 81+, Cambridge English Exam 176+, Pearson PTE Academic 59+, LanguageCert IESOL B2, Duolingo English Test 120+, Password Skills Plus 6.5+ or another language proficiency certificate equivalent to B2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

If your first language is English and/or if you have a university degree in English, you will be exempt from providing an English language test score.

Proving your language skills
Other requirements

A motivation letter must be added to your application.

Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher)

N. B. for non-EU/EFTA applicants: the gap since your completed Bachelor degree should not exceed five years.

Applicants for Bioinformatics master programme should have a Bachelor or equivalent degree in one of these fields: Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Biology, Cell biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Data science, Mathematics

Applicants must have carried-out an experimental research work for a bachelor’s thesis in Bioinformatics or related sciences.

During the bachelor’s studies, all of the following subjects must have been studied:

Applicants with an overall grade average of at least 70% are eligible for admission.

Eligible applicants will be invited to take an entrance examination in biochemistry.

The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Lithuanian.

Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Translation is considered to be official when it is bound together with the certified true copy of the original document and is confirmed by the translator’s signature. Documents issued in English, Lithuanian must be certified true copies and do not require translation.

Check additional country-specific requirements
Admission steps

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Find your programme

When choosing a study programme, consider whether the subjects match your interests and strengths, as this will keep you motivated. You should also think about career opportunities, costs, and whether the programme fits your long-term goals.

Keep in mind that each applicant can choose up to three study programmes in one application, but you can only get admitted to one programme.

Check the application dates

For international applicants: 
1 May | for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries 
1 July | for applicants who are citizens of EU/EFTA countries and for non-EU/EFTA applicants with a 90-day visa-free period that has not yet been exceeded.
The academic year always begins on 1 September.

Our International admissions have one intake per academic year. You can only submit your application during the application period.  

The application dates may differ if you are applying for a programme taught in Lithuanian or if you are eligible to apply for state-funded places.

Check your eligibility and prepare the necessary documents

In order to apply to Vilnius University, you must meet the general and programme-specific admission requirements, as well as the language proficiency requirements. In certain cases, specific territorial requirements may also apply. You can find all the specific requirements for this programme in the 'Admissions requirements' section.

For applicants from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, the period between obtaining your most recent secondary or higher education qualification and submitting your application may not exceed 5 years.

 

Check the country-specific requirements

Pay the application fee and submit your application

The application to the international bachelor's or integrated studies degree programmes must be submitted on apply.vu.lt

The application fee is 100 EUR per application. The invoice is paid after adding the programmes to the application. Application fee payments are accepted only through the Flywire payment platform.

An online application will be processed only after the application fee is collected and the application is submitted with all the required documents. All documents must be submitted before the application submission deadline; otherwise, the application is terminated.

Please note: The application fee is non-refundable. Be sure to read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before applying, as fees cannot be refunded if you are found ineligible or miss a deadline.

Create the application accountPrepare the required documents

Take the interview

The motivational interview is organised remotely, the time is agreed upon individually.

Confirm the acceptance and pay the tuition fee

Your application will be assessed within 30 calendar days from the date all required documents are submitted (this period may be extended in specific cases).

Acceptance letters or rejection notifications will be sent via the online application system https://apply.vu.lt.

Students are obliged to confirm if they accept the study offer within 7 working days.

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

Description of the Procedure of Payment, Reimbursement, and Recovery of Tuition Fees at Vilnius University 

The information about the tuition fee refund policy  

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Arrange your arrival

Things to consider:

  • All international students have to apply for a visa, temporary residence permit or certificate of temporary residence in the Republic of Lithuania depending on their citizenship and the length of their studies at Vilnius University. 
  • If you require accommodation, you may apply for a dormitory via the application platform at apply.vu.lt. The task for accommodation appears after the tuition fee is paid and the final acceptance letter is received. 
  • More information about the start of your studies here.
Visa & Residence PermitArrange you accommodation
Learning outcomes
  • Apply bioinformatics methods to solve biological problems and analyse biological processes.
  • Analyse and interpret large-scale biological datasets using modern bioinformatics approaches.
  • Develop innovative algorithms and software tools for biological data analysis.
  • Apply machine learning, artificial intelligence, and statistical methods in life sciences research.
  • Integrate knowledge from computer science and life sciences to address complex interdisciplinary challenges.
  • Independently plan, organise, and critically evaluate scientific research in a responsible and reproducible manner.
  • Communicate scientific results effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Financing
  • 5 538 EUR
Application fee

The application fee is €100 per application. Each applicant can choose up to three programmes within one application. 
Online applications will only be processed once the application fee has been paid. 

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. Make sure you read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before submitting your application, as the fee cannot be refunded if you are found to be ineligible or miss a deadline. 

Scholarships for Master's
M_GMC_Molekuline biotechnologija.jpg

Career prospects

A degree in Bioinformatics opens career opportunities in biotechnology, healthcare, biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical research, and health data analytics. Graduates may work in biotechnology companies, clinical laboratories, hospitals, and research institutions. Their expertise is particularly valuable in R&D departments, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology start-ups, and healthcare organisations that require advanced knowledge of both life sciences and computing. Graduates may also continue their studies at the doctoral level in computer science, biology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering at universities in Lithuania and abroad.

What's next?
Biotechnologist / Health Data Analyst

Frequently asked questions

What Bachelor’s degree is required?

Applicants must hold a university Bachelor’s degree in any field. Basic knowledge of mathematical analysis, probability theory, statistics, and either computer science or life sciences is required. 

Applicants who have completed Bachelor’s studies outside the fields of Mathematics (A), Informatics (B), Physical Sciences (C), Life Sciences (D), Engineering (E), Technology (F), or Health Sciences (G) will be invited to a motivation interview as part of the admissions process. 

How many students are admitted each year?

Approximately 15 students are admitted annually, ensuring a high-quality learning experience and individual attention for each student. 

Chat with VU students

If you need more information or personalised advice, choose a VU Ambassador from your home country or the desired study programme and submit your question using the form below. You can expect to hear back from us within 2–3 working days.

Contact our Ambassadors
Nespalvota_James_McLean.png

Contact us

By submitting this form you agree to receive information from Vilnius University.
Any data collected will be processed in accordance with our
Privacy Policy