Brain and Cognitive Sciences
University of Amsterdam offers this 24-month English-taught master's in Natural Sciences in Amsterdam, ranked #62 by Times Higher Education.
What it takes to get in
Entry bar: moderate. Driven by GPA floor 3.0 (American system) / 2.1 (British system) / 7.5 (Dutch EC-system) and specific prior degree.
- GPA / grades
- 3.0 (American system) / 2.1 (British system) / 7.5 (Dutch EC-system)(American 4-point system, British system, Dutch 10-point system)
- English tests
- TOEFL iBT 92
- English requirement
- All information regarding the English language proficiency obligations can be found here: English language proficiency
- Prior degree
- Bachelor's degree in Psychobiology, Biomedical Science, Biology or equivalent (Translational Neuroscience track); Bachelor's degree in Psychobiology, (Cognitive/Biological) Psychology, Cognitive Science or equivalent (Cognitive Neuroscience track); Bachelor's degree in (Cognitive) Psychology, Cognitive Science, Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics, Philosophy of Mind or equivalent (Cognitive Science track). Applicants with another Bachelor's degree may also be admitted to the Research Master provided they have an adequate academic background in neuroscience and/or cognitive sciences.
- Accepted degrees
- PsychobiologyBiomedical ScienceBiologyCognitive/Biological PsychologyCognitive ScienceArtificial IntelligenceLinguisticsPhilosophy of Mind
- Deadline
- 30 Apr 2027
What it costs
Plan for roughly €54k–€57k per year all-in as a Non-EU student — tuition plus a normal Amsterdam student life.
Living in Amsterdam →
What you'll study
120 ECTS over 24 months — core foundations, then a track of your choice, then a thesis.
Core courses
Milestones, Promises and Pitfalls · Entry Course 1 (Higher Cognitive Functions, Brain Organisation and Cognition, or Neuroscience: From Cell to Behaviour) · Entry Course 2 (Introduction to Computational Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurophysiology: Introduction to Electrophysiology and Imaging, or Experimental Neurobiology) · Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research · Research Project 1 · MBCS Summer School · Literature Thesis · Research Project 2
Tracks
Are you fascinated by cognitive processes and the brain? The Master’s degree Brain and Cognitive Sciences offers the opportunity to investigate all aspects of the field, from molecule to mind. The programme is unique in its interdisciplinary perspective that incorporates the fields of neuroscience, biology, neurology, psychology, behavioural economics, linguistics, logic, artificial intelligence and philosophy.
Rankings
- Times Higher Education 2026#62
- QS World 2025#55
- Times Higher Education 2025#58
- THE — Physical Sciences 2026#74
- THE — Life Sciences 2026#94
Visa & life in the Netherlands
The practical stuff — what's allowed, what's funded, what to expect after you graduate.
- Student visa
- Non-EU students need a residence permit (VVR), arranged by the university on your behalf. EU students only need to register with the local municipality.
- Post-study work
- Orientation Year (zoekjaar) visa — 12 months to find skilled work after graduation. No employer sponsorship needed during this period.
- Tuition
- Statutory fee around €2,500/yr for EU students; institutional fees for non-EU students typically range €14,000–26,000/yr depending on the field.
- Scholarships
- Holland Scholarship (€5,000), university-specific funds such as the Amsterdam Excellence and Justus & Louise van Effen scholarships, plus Erasmus+ for EU mobility.
About University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam serves 41,000 students across 147 master's programs, with particular depth in Arts & Humanities, Business & Law, and Social Sciences. Based in Amsterdam, it ranks 55th globally in the QS World Rankings 2025, with subject-level strengths in Medicine (QS #29) and Law (QS #36).
Worth comparing
Same field, similar entry tier. Most applicants apply to 3–5.
Common questions
What GPA do I need for Brain and Cognitive Sciences at University of Amsterdam?
Admission requires a GPA of 3.0 (American system) / 2.1 (British system) / 7.5 (Dutch EC-system) on the American 4-point system, British system, Dutch 10-point system scale.
Is Brain and Cognitive Sciences at University of Amsterdam taught in English?
Yes — the programme is taught entirely in English. Non-native speakers need TOEFL iBT 92 (minimum).
How much does Brain and Cognitive Sciences at University of Amsterdam cost?
International tuition is €26,000 per year. Over the full 24-month programme that's roughly €52,000 in tuition, before living costs.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Amsterdam?
Not published. Most European public universities don't release acceptance rates — admission is requirements-based, so if you meet the stated requirements your application gets a full review rather than competing against a fixed quota. Based on the published requirements (GPA floor 3.0 (American system) / 2.1 (British system) / 7.5 (Dutch EC-system), specific prior degree), the entry bar here is moderate.
Do I need GRE or GMAT scores?
No — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for this programme.
Can I work in the Netherlands after graduating?
Yes. The Netherlands offers a one-year Orientation Year (zoekjaar) residence permit to graduates of Dutch universities, letting you live and work in the country while looking for a job — no sponsor required during that year.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 30 Apr 2027. Deadlines can differ by nationality — confirm on the programme page.
Is University of Amsterdam good for Natural Sciences?
University of Amsterdam ranks #74 in Physical Sciences (THE 2026).
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