Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's in Nanoscience

The Master's in Nanoscience at the University of Groningen is a top-ranked, selective program that offers students the opportunity to explore the intersection of physics, chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students who are driven by questions about the fabrication of cheaper and more efficient batteries and solar cells, the creation of computers that function like the human brain, and the control of quantum effects on the nanoscale for practical applications.

Program Description

The Master's in Nanoscience is a two-year program that consists of 120 ECTS credits. The program is divided into two years, with 60 ECTS credits per year. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nanoscience and nanotechnology, including the design and synthesis of materials, device building, characterization, and investigation.

What to Expect from the Master's Program

• Study in a top-ranked, selective program with strong links to cutting-edge research.
• Explore the intersection of physics, chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry.
• Gain hands-on lab experience and participate in real-world research projects.
• Join an international, diverse, and highly motivated student cohort with excellent career prospects.

Admission Requirements

• A university Bachelor's degree in either Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Previous study results (transcript of records) and planning of the remaining course units (if applicable).
• Assessment interview: Promising candidates are invited to Groningen for a selection interview, mostly between April and June (depending on date of application and visa requirements).
• Reference letter: Two reference letters need to be provided.
• (Motivation-) letter: This is a selective master's program, and the application should contain a letter of motivation and curriculum vitae.
• Optional admissions requirements include:
  • WRITING SAMPLE (optional document): Provide a report personally written by the applicant that reflects the ability to produce a well-structured and concise report.
  • RELEVANT COURSE DESCRIPTION (optional document): Provide a description of relevant courses taken.

Registration Procedure

• Early bird application: Applications before 15 November will be processed with priority. Promising candidates are invited for a selection interview in February.
• The Top Master's degree program in Nanoscience is a selective master's degree program for which about 15 students are accepted each year.
• The program values high-quality and small-scale education with plenty of room for personal attention and interaction with professors and development of students.

Tuition Fees

• Nationality: EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA
• Year: 2026
• Fee: € 2601 (EU/EEA), € 24900 (non-EU/EEA)
• Program form: full-time

Job Prospects

• The program is designed for people who want to pursue a career in scientific research.
• A PhD in the Netherlands normally takes four years, after the Master's degree has been obtained.
• Upon successful completion of the Top Master Program in Nanoscience, the student will be in an excellent position for a career in research in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
• 95% of the Top Master Nanoscience graduates continue their career in a PhD position at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials National Research Centre or elsewhere.

Job Examples

• PhD research position at a University or research institute
• R&D positions at companies
• Consulting
• Large companies
• Innovative start-up companies

Research

• The Top Master's degree program in Nanoscience is closely linked to the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, a leading international research centre, ranked amongst the top 20 of the world.
• The Institute's mission is the design and scientific study of materials for functionality.
• The Institute conducts research that is addressing fundamental questions in the fields of functional materials.

Study Associations

• De Chemische Binding (The Chemical Bond): The study association for students taking a program in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering at the University of Groningen.
• FMF: The association for the Bachelor's programs Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, Applied Physics, Physics, Astronomy, and all of the subsequent Master's programs at the University of Groningen.
• T.F.V. 'Professor Francken': The study association for students of Applied Physics at the University of Groningen.

Alumni Testimonials

• Tsedenia Zewdie: "Seeing women succeed in science while balancing different aspects of life motivated me to persevere."
• Pradnesh Mahadeshwar: "The support that the program provides you is something that you will never find in any other program."
• Gustavo de Ponce Leon: "I feel that the program prepared me well for this PhD position."
• Vincent Goossens: "One of the highlights of the program was the integration into research groups."
• Machteld Kamminga: "My research proposal got funded and led to a PhD position."
• Alina Veligura: "The lecturers treat you as colleagues rather than as students."
• Sietse Dijt: "We spend a lot of time in the nano rooms, where you can work together or have a chat on campus."