Microbiology (specialisation)

Entry requirements

A completed Bachelor's degree in Biology, Medical Biology, Molecular Life Sciences, Microbial Biochemistry or related area

All students must have passed preliminary examinations in the following subjects, containing the subject matter of the following well-known international textbooks (or equivalent literature):

A proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English.This requirement has been satisfied when the student meets the conditions, listed on our website.

Motivation letter

Please also supply a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) that includes:

• A short description of your previous education
• An explanation of why you want to take part in this specialisation
• An indication of your future ambitions

Letter of reference

You also need to include at least one letter of reference from an expert in a relevant field, preferably your Bachelor’s thesis advisor.

Would you like to know if you are eligible to be admitted to this programme? Take our E-Check and instantly get an insight in your eligibility.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Radboud University’s Master’s specialisation in Microbiology deals with the interface between fundamental biological and medical sciences. It focuses on molecular, medical and environmental microbiology to improve our health and environment and provides in-depth insight into present-day microbial research in general and clinical microbiology.

What will you learn?

• Learn how microbiology can be used in biotechnology and environmental issues to improve energy-efficiency
• Explore immunology and how microorganisms related to disease and the development of vaccines
• Understand how organisms interact through genomes
• Get valuable experience developing, conducting and presenting your own research

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme can find positions in a variety of different organisations:

• Researcher at universities, research institutes, companies or governmental bodies
• Consultants for governmental agencies or private companies
• Risk analyst
• Policy officer at governmental organisations or NGOs
• Project coordinator in water or ecosystem management
• Communications officer
• Biology teacher

*This is a specialisation of the Master's in Biology

If you have any questions, email us here: study-information@ru.nl

Learn more via the Radboud University contact form.

Information for international students

Application deadlines

Non-EU/EEA students

• The deadline for non-EU/EEA students who wish to apply for a scholarship is 31 January prior to the September intake. For the requirements and selection procedure for scholarships, please check our scholarship overview.
• The deadline for those not applying for a scholarship is 1 April for non-EU/EEA nationals for the September 2026 intake. You can apply for the September 2026 intake from 1 October 2025.

EU/EEA students

• The application deadline for EU/EEA students with housing assistance for the September 2026 intake is 1 May, and the deadline without housing assistance is 1 July. You can apply from 1 October onward for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The application deadlines for Master’s starting in February are 1 November for non-EU/EEA citizens and 1 December for EU/EEA citizens.

Fees and funding

Radboud University offers 3 different scholarships that are open to prospective Master's students from non-EU/EEA countries and who want to follow an English-taught Master's programme.

Radboud Scholarship Programme

The Radboud Scholarship Programme offers talented, highly motivated, non-EU/EEA students with outstanding study results the opportunity to be awarded a partial scholarship for an English-taught Master’s programme.

NL Scholarship (for prospective students)

The NL Scholarship (formerly known as Holland Scholarship) is a partial scholarship for non-EU/EEA students who want to do their Master’s in the Netherlands.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

The Fulbright Commission, sponsored by Radboud University, is offering scholarships for talented American students to study at Radboud University.