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Systems Biology

Systems biology is a holistic approach to understanding the complex interactions within biological systems. Unlike traditional reductionist biology, which focuses on individual components, systems biology integrates data from multiple biological levels to study systems as a whole. This interdisciplinary field combines biology with computer science, engineering, mathematics, bioinformatics, physics, and other scientific domains to model and predict how living systems behave under varying conditions. At its core, systems biology is based on the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

  • Interdisciplinary and inclusive
  • Real-world data analysis through partnerships with major institutions
  • Access to large-scale medical datasets

Systems Biology

Systems biology is a holistic approach to understanding the complex interactions within biological systems. Unlike traditional reductionist biology, which focuses on individual components, systems biology integrates data from multiple biological levels to study systems as a whole. This interdisciplinary field combines biology with computer science, engineering, mathematics, bioinformatics, physics, and other scientific domains to model and predict how living systems behave under varying conditions. At its core, systems biology is based on the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

  • Interdisciplinary and inclusive
  • Real-world data analysis through partnerships with major institutions
  • Access to large-scale medical datasets
M_Systems_Biology_II.jpg
MF_fakulteto_fragmentas_bendriniam_banneriui_I_b_variantas.jpg
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  • degree of Master of Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • 2
  • Health Sciences
  • Medical Technology
  • 120.0
  • Full-time
  • English

  • degree of Master of Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • 2
  • Health Sciences
  • Medical Technology
  • 120.0
  • Full-time
  • English

It is an interdisciplinary programme taught in English and awarded as a Master in Health Sciences. At first, You will take core courses like Data Mining, Genomics, Multivariate Statistics with R, and Programming for Biological Data Analysis — with an option for an elective. Later the curriculum expands into Epigenomics, Mathematical Modelling, Transcriptomics, Neurobiology, Proteomics, Systems Biology theory and specialized electives or seminars. Finally, in the fourth semester the focus is entirely on the Master Final Thesis, giving students a chance to apply their knowledge to a substantial research project. A key strength of the programme is its strong integration of theory and practice. From the first semester, students are encouraged to explore scientific topics of personal interest, choose one, and begin developing a research proposal. This project evolves into the Master’s thesis, which is developed over the course of the programme. Students work closely with academic mentors to implement their research throughout their studies, culminating in the final written thesis and its defense at the end of the last semester. This long-term project structure ensures that students are deeply engaged in scientific inquiry and practical application from the beginning of their studies.

Peržiūrėti programos planą
  • The programme was jointly developed by the Faculty of Medicine, the Life Sciences Center, and the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, ensuring strong cross-disciplinary expertise. It prepares students to engage in practical and theoretical work across various rapidly evolving fields, such as biological systems modelling, bioengineering, synthetic biology, neurobiology, bioinformatics, and biomedical data analysis.
  • Systems biology provides a powerful framework for addressing complex challenges in health and environmental sustainability, offering new opportunities by combining experimental approaches with computational insight.
Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher)

Completed university bachelor’s degree studies in medicine or medical technology field of the life sciences study field group, health sciences study field group, bioinformatics or informatics engineering field of the informatics study field group, applied mathematics or biostatistics field of the mathematical sciences study field group, bioengineering field of the engineering sciences study field group, biotechnology field of the technological sciences study field group. In other cases, the approval of the Systems Biology study programme committee is necessary.

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

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
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.

Please answer the given questions as clearly and as on-point as possible. Please include any other additional information that you think might be important to show your suitability to study Systems Biology.

Why have I chosen to apply to this programme?

What do I expect to gain from my studies?

Why does my background make me a suitable candidate?

How will the programme help me to achieve my goals?

How is informatics and/or mathematics used in biological sciences? Provide several distinct examples.

Why is informatics/mathematics useful/efficient in natural sciences? Biological sciences?

What is a (bio)informatics/mathematics/statistics problem that you have recently enjoyed solving/learning?

Could you provide examples how systems biology can be applied in neurosciences?

Selection Criteria:
1. CV prepared according to Europass.
2. Scientific essay.

Candidate should prepare scientific essay in one of the announced topics.

Topics and instructions for the essay

1

2

3

4

5

6

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

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
  • 5 538 EUR
Tuition fee

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.

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).

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

  • degree of Master of Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • 2
  • Health Sciences
  • Medical Technology
  • 120.0
  • Full-time
  • English

  • degree of Master of Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • 2
  • Health Sciences
  • Medical Technology
  • 120.0
  • Full-time
  • English

It is an interdisciplinary programme taught in English and awarded as a Master in Health Sciences. At first, You will take core courses like Data Mining, Genomics, Multivariate Statistics with R, and Programming for Biological Data Analysis — with an option for an elective. Later the curriculum expands into Epigenomics, Mathematical Modelling, Transcriptomics, Neurobiology, Proteomics, Systems Biology theory and specialized electives or seminars. Finally, in the fourth semester the focus is entirely on the Master Final Thesis, giving students a chance to apply their knowledge to a substantial research project. A key strength of the programme is its strong integration of theory and practice. From the first semester, students are encouraged to explore scientific topics of personal interest, choose one, and begin developing a research proposal. This project evolves into the Master’s thesis, which is developed over the course of the programme. Students work closely with academic mentors to implement their research throughout their studies, culminating in the final written thesis and its defense at the end of the last semester. This long-term project structure ensures that students are deeply engaged in scientific inquiry and practical application from the beginning of their studies.

Peržiūrėti programos planą
  • The programme was jointly developed by the Faculty of Medicine, the Life Sciences Center, and the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, ensuring strong cross-disciplinary expertise. It prepares students to engage in practical and theoretical work across various rapidly evolving fields, such as biological systems modelling, bioengineering, synthetic biology, neurobiology, bioinformatics, and biomedical data analysis.
  • Systems biology provides a powerful framework for addressing complex challenges in health and environmental sustainability, offering new opportunities by combining experimental approaches with computational insight.
Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher)

Completed university bachelor’s degree studies in medicine or medical technology field of the life sciences study field group, health sciences study field group, bioinformatics or informatics engineering field of the informatics study field group, applied mathematics or biostatistics field of the mathematical sciences study field group, bioengineering field of the engineering sciences study field group, biotechnology field of the technological sciences study field group. In other cases, the approval of the Systems Biology study programme committee is necessary.

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

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
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.

Please answer the given questions as clearly and as on-point as possible. Please include any other additional information that you think might be important to show your suitability to study Systems Biology.

Why have I chosen to apply to this programme?

What do I expect to gain from my studies?

Why does my background make me a suitable candidate?

How will the programme help me to achieve my goals?

How is informatics and/or mathematics used in biological sciences? Provide several distinct examples.

Why is informatics/mathematics useful/efficient in natural sciences? Biological sciences?

What is a (bio)informatics/mathematics/statistics problem that you have recently enjoyed solving/learning?

Could you provide examples how systems biology can be applied in neurosciences?

Selection Criteria:
1. CV prepared according to Europass.
2. Scientific essay.

Candidate should prepare scientific essay in one of the announced topics.

Topics and instructions for the essay

1

2

3

4

5

6

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

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
  • 5 538 EUR
Tuition fee

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.

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).

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
MF_karjeros_galimybes_banneris_III_studijoms_anglu_kalba.jpg

Career prospects

Systems biology is a rapidly growing, interdisciplinary field that combines biology with data science, engineering, and mathematics. Advances in high-throughput technologies and big-data analytics have expanded its capabilities, enabling major breakthroughs in health and environmental research.

The field is essential in biomedical innovation, helping scientists understand complex diseases, identify biomarkers, and develop targeted and personalized therapies. It also drives progress in genomics, proteomics, and computational biology.

Demand for systems biologists is rising across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and environmental science. Graduates find opportunities in universities, research institutes, hospitals, biobanks, healthcare laboratories, and biotech and pharmaceutical companies, especially in roles involving omics data, bioinformatics, and data analysis.

Many graduates pursue PhD studies, join international research networks, or become academic researchers or tutors. Ultimately, systems biology offers a powerful way to understand complex life processes and apply that knowledge to improve human health and address scientific challenges.

Systems Biologist

/

Research Scientist

/

Specialist in Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology Companies

/

Bioinformatician / Computational Biologist

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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.

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