Bioinformatics - Master Programme
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
Research within medicine, biochemistry, ecology and biology generate massive amounts of biological data, which leads to high demand for experts in bioinformatics. On this programme, you will learn to use modern programming tools and methods to analyse biological data, develop and test hypotheses, and write academic research papers.
The programme covers diverse subjects, including – but not limited to – biology, medicine, informatics, computer science and statistics. We bring together international students from different educational backgrounds, contributing to an interdisciplinary environment. The bioinformatics programme is designed to equip you with advanced skills in bioinformatics, using modern facilities and specialised computer labs dedicated for bioinformatics.
You will work with powerful computers and the latest software to analyse entire genomes and genetic data, compare messenger RNA and protein expression, identify harmful mutations and their effects, model protein structures to understand their functions, study bacterial communities and their roles, and develop bioinformatics applications through programming.
The Master’s programme in Bioinformatics provides valuable insights into the field, whether your background is in maths, computer science, or life sciences. This program is specifically designed for students with and without computational experience.
The first year begins with a course on the fundamentals of bioinformatics and sequence analysis, followed by a course on programming in Python. Thereafter you will complete courses on modelling and statistics. During the spring semester, you will delve more deeply into DNA sequencing informatics and then conduct a research project or applied work in bioinformatics.
During the third semester, you can start your degree project, do an additional project or a course. The degree project is worth 30, 45 or 60 credits. It is generally done in a research team, but can also be carried out in cooperation with a company. In addition, the programme offers the option of doing an internship, which can provide valuable contacts.
The programme has a high proportion of scheduled lessons and the interaction with teaching staff is relaxed. The lecturers are multi-disciplinary researchers, and the programme is continuously updated based on the latest cutting-edge research. You will practice both oral and written presentations and obtain ample experience in working alone and in groups.
For your project work, you will join our leading research groups and work to solve real-world problems. Bioinformatics is a critical element of the research environments at the Department of Biology and other departments at Lund University, above all at the Faculty of Medicine. All classes are taught in Englis
Bioinformatic experts are in short supply, and our sought-for graduates are offered exciting opportunities and competitive salaries. This Master’s programme prepares you for a successful career in research and development in academic institutions or in biotechnology and life science-oriented companies.
Our Master’s programme has a perfect 100 % work assignment rate, with more than half of our graduates continuing to do a postgraduate degree and others taking leading roles in the biotech industry.
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in molecular biology, biomedicine, biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry or the equivalent, including 5 credits in statistics or mathematics. Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school. or Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in computer science, mathematics or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.
Selection criteria
Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, as well as a statement of purpose for the application and qualifications from research/work of relevance to the study programme (from the applicant’s “Summary sheet”).
Computers in the programme
The student must have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a Macintosh computer. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.
Conditions in the study environment and during study visits and field studies
The programme contains compulsory elements that require you to be able to work independently and safely in a laboratory environment, in a hospital environment, in workshops, in production facilities, or during study visits and field studies. These elements require the ability to comply with safety regulations, rules and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely.
Ethical concerns
The programme includes compulsory elements that some people may have concerns about, such as patient-centred activities in healthcare, animal testing or dissection. However, the student is obliged to acquire knowledge and skills in these areas as well, to the extent necessary to fulfil the learning outcomes of the course. For some elements, there might be specific requirements regarding rules on hygiene, protective work clothing, confidentiality and professionalism.
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.
SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.