Bachelor in Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications at Sapienza University of Rome
Three-year English-taught L-29 bachelor by Sapienza University of Rome at its Latina campus, combining molecular biology, medicinal chemistry and programming for drug discovery, with an internship. Entry is by CEnT-S or SAT ranking, with English at B2.
Bachelor
3 years
Rome
English
Sapienza University of Rome
Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications is a three-year, 180 ECTS bachelor's degree (class L-29) taught in English by Sapienza University of Rome at its Latina campus. Places are limited and ranked by CEnT-S or SAT score. Non-EU applicants need 12 years of schooling, a school GPA of at least 60/100 and English at B2. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Sapienza's Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications bachelor has limited places, ranked by CEnT-S or SAT score. Non-EU applicants who need a study visa need a school diploma after at least 12 years of schooling, a GPA of at least 60/100 for MoveIn pre-selection, a pre-acceptance letter, a converted test score above zero and English at B2. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
School-leaving requirement
You need an upper secondary school diploma, already obtained or due in the year you apply (2026 for the 2026/27 intake). [1] Sapienza's pre-selection rules for this degree add: [2]
- Schooling: at least 12 years of schooling in total.
- Minimum GPA: 60/100 in your school results.
- Subject knowledge: basic knowledge of physics, mathematics, biology and chemistry, as normally taught at secondary school, plus logical, reading and writing skills.
Pre-selection alone does not give admission: pre-selected applicants still take part in the admission procedure set by the call. [2]
What this means for your school results
The rules set a minimum GPA and expect a science base, and the admission test decides your rank. As a guide, based on the rules above:
- Usually a fit: Class 12 or Higher Secondary results of 60% or more overall, after 12 years of schooling, with physics, chemistry, biology and maths.
- Check carefully: results close to 60%, grades on a letter, 4-point or 10-point scale, including A levels, and streams without biology or maths, such as Commerce or PCM, since the CEnT-S tests maths, biology, chemistry and physics.
- Often short: overall results below 60%, or fewer than 12 years of schooling in total.
English
English at CEFR level B2. The call notes that you need B2 to sit the CEnT-S or the SAT, because both tests are in English. [1] For pre-selection, Sapienza accepts: [2]
- IELTS 5.5 or higher
- TOEFL iBT 80 or higher
- Cambridge English B2 First or higher
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English, ISE II or higher
The certificate is waived for native English speakers, holders of an English-taught diploma or degree from an accredited institution in the EU, EEA or Schengen area, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US or another country on the university's list, and holders of an International Baccalaureate, GCSE or comparable diploma. The third year includes a test certifying advanced English at C1 level. [2]
Admission test and ranking
Places go by a ranking of CEnT-S or SAT scores, converted to a scale of 100. You need a converted total score above zero to enter the ranking. [1]
- Valid tests: the CEnT-S at a university or at home (@CASA), taken from 1 November 2025, or the SAT General Test, taken from 1 January 2025. The English TOLC is no longer accepted. [2]
- CEnT-S: 55 questions in English: Mathematics (15), Reasoning on texts and data (15), Biology (10), Chemistry (10) and Physics (5). All five sections count. Sapienza uses the unnormalised score: 1 point for a correct answer, 0 for a blank and minus 0.25 for a wrong answer. You can sit it once per main test period.
- Conversion: the CEnT-S counts out of 55, and SAT total scores from 600 to 1600 are scaled to 0 to 100. If you sit a test more than once, your best valid score counts.
- SAT scores: must reach Sapienza through the College Board (institution code 9038) by the selection deadline.
- Ties: go to the younger candidate.
- Maths catch-up (OFA): a CEnT-S Mathematics score below 7, or a SAT Math score below 343, adds a first-year requirement, cleared by passing the Mathematics exam or an OFA resit. If it is not cleared in the first year, you repeat the first year.
For pre-selection, MoveIn asks for the test certificate as a PDF true to the original, with a converted score above zero. [2]
Places in 2026/27
The 2026/27 call offered 50 places: 20 for EU applicants and non-EU applicants legally resident in Italy, and 30 for non-EU applicants living abroad who need a study visa. Non-EU places left empty pass to EU applicants. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad who needed a study visa had these dates: [1]
- MoveIn pre-selection: by 15 May 2026.
- CEnT-S or SAT: taken by 18 June 2026, with SAT scores sent by the selection deadline.
- Universitaly pre-enrolment: by 30 June 2026.
- Infostud registration (code 14229): 22 June to 6 July 2026.
- Scores published 10 July 2026, ranking by 21 July 2026, first fee instalment paid from 1 to 7 September 2026.
- Lists of alternates: 10 and 17 September 2026.
EU applicants and non-EU applicants legally resident in Italy had a later window, from 2 July to 17 September 2026. The 2027/28 call sets the new dates. [1]
Pre-acceptance, Universitaly and enrolment
Non-EU applicants who need a study visa must hold a pre-acceptance letter for this degree, downloaded as a PDF from MoveIn after a positive pre-selection. MoveIn pre-selection is separate from the ranking registration on Infostud. The letter does not by itself give a right to a visa or to enrolment. [1]
Universitaly pre-enrolment is required for the study visa but does not by itself give admission. If you win a place, you enrol by paying the first fee instalment with enrolment code 33457, and by providing the documents Sapienza lists for foreign school qualifications. [1]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- Sapienza University of Rome, Faculties of Pharmacy and Medicine and of Information Engineering, Computer Science and Statistics. Call for applications for admission to the restricted-access Bachelor's degree programme in Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications (L-29, Latina campus), taught in English, academic year 2026-2027, Rector's Decree No. 1177/2026. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Sapienza University of Rome. Online pre-selection for international students (MoveIn): programme descriptions and entry requirements, academic year 2026-2027. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Sapienza University of Rome, International admissions page for non-EU applicants living abroad (MoveIn pre-selection), academic year 2026-2027. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Sapienza University of Rome, Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications programme page (degree class, language, duration, faculties, department, teaching mode and 2026-2027 teaching location). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications is a three-year bachelor's degree in class L-29 (pharmaceutical sciences), worth 180 ECTS and taught entirely in English by Sapienza University of Rome at its Latina campus, in the Lazio region. [1][4] It belongs to the Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine and is managed by the Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, with teaching from the Faculty of Information Engineering, Informatics and Statistics. Teaching is in person, and for 2026/27 first-semester classes are held at the Faculty of Economics in Latina. [4]
The degree brings together three fields that usually sit in separate courses: molecular biology, medicinal chemistry and information technology. Its stated aim is to show how these fields are changing the way drugs are discovered. It suits school leavers with a good base in biology, chemistry and maths who also want to learn to code. Access is limited: for 2026/27 the call offered 20 places for EU students and 30 for non-EU students living abroad. [1]
What you will study
There is a single curriculum. Year one covers programming, mathematics, physics, general and organic chemistry and statistics. Year two moves to biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and the principles of medicinal chemistry, and year three adds pathology, drug delivery and machine learning. Units in the study plan include:
- Introduction to Programming and Laboratory
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- Molecular Biology and Applied Molecular Biology Laboratory
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry
- Human Genetics
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Bio-Active Compound Delivery and Targeting
- Machine Learning and Computational Biology
How the programme is taught
Laboratory work is built into core units such as the programming and molecular biology laboratories. The first year leaves room for 12 ECTS of elective courses, the third year includes 9 ECTS of internship activities, and the degree ends with a final exam worth 6 ECTS. The third year also includes a test certifying advanced English at C1 level. [2]
Career paths
The university describes two graduate profiles: an expert in biomolecular disciplines integrated with computer science, and an expert in pharmaceutical chemistry integrated with computer science. Both combine lab knowledge of bioactive compounds with skills in big data and machine learning. Graduates can go on to a master's degree or work in:
- Public and private pharmaceutical and biomedical companies
- Molecular biology and pharmaceutical research institutes
- Software companies working on scientific applications
- Hospital centres that support scientific research
- Food, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries
- Science communication and dissemination
Fees and scholarships
Sapienza sets tuition by family income (ISEE). Students who declare income earned abroad and cannot provide an ISEE pay a fixed enrolment fee based on their country. [1] The regional scholarship body is DiSCo Lazio, and its scholarship winners also get a tuition waiver, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. The region decides scholarship awards.
How to apply from outside the EU
This degree has its own call with a ranking. Non-EU applicants living abroad who need a study visa first request pre-selection on MoveIn, with at most two programmes per academic year. For 2026/27 the window ran from 22 December 2025 to 15 May 2026, and MoveIn asked for a school GPA of at least 60/100 for this degree. [2][3] You also need a CEnT-S or SAT score (by 18 June 2026 for that year), and we register you on Infostud, between 22 June and 6 July 2026 that year, to enter the ranking of non-EU places. The 2027/28 call sets the new dates. [1]
With the pre-acceptance letter, we also complete Universitaly pre-enrolment (by 30 June 2026 for 2026/27), and you apply for a type D study visa. If you win a place, you pay the first fee instalment, and Sapienza needs the documents on its list for foreign school qualifications, which we prepare with you. [1]
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your school results against Sapienza's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your MoveIn pre-selection application, Infostud ranking entry and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your DiSCo Lazio scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What school results do I need for Sapienza's Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science bachelor?
A secondary school diploma after at least 12 years of schooling, obtained or due in the year you apply. For MoveIn pre-selection, non-EU applicants need a GPA of at least 60/100, and Sapienza expects basic knowledge of physics, maths, biology and chemistry. [1][2]
Which entrance test do I need?
The CEnT-S taken from November 2025, or the SAT General Test taken from January 2025. Scores are converted to a scale of 100, and you need a converted score above zero to enter the ranking. The English TOLC is no longer accepted. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2. Sapienza accepts IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 80, Cambridge B2 First or Trinity ISE II or higher. Native speakers and holders of an IB, a GCSE or an English-taught diploma from the listed countries are exempt. The third year includes a C1 English test. [2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants who needed a visa had to register for MoveIn pre-selection by 15 May 2026, take the CEnT-S or SAT by 18 June 2026, complete Universitaly by 30 June 2026 and register on Infostud between 22 June and 6 July 2026. The 2027/28 call sets the new dates. [1]
How many places are there for non-EU students?
The 2026/27 call offered 30 places for non-EU applicants living abroad who need a study visa, and 20 for EU and equivalent applicants. Places go by test ranking, and empty non-EU places pass to EU applicants. [1]
Is this degree taught in Rome?
No. It is a Sapienza University of Rome degree, but the 2026/27 call places it at the Latina campus, and Sapienza's programme page says first-semester classes for 2026/27 are held at the Faculty of Economics in Latina. Teaching is in person and entirely in English. [1][4]
I studied Commerce, or PCM without biology, in Class 12. Can I still apply?
Possibly. Sapienza lists no required school subjects, but it says basic knowledge of physics, maths, biology and chemistry is important, and the CEnT-S tests all four. The SAT is the alternative test. You also need a GPA of at least 60/100 for pre-selection, so we check your results first. [1][2]
What careers does it lead to?
The university lists pharmaceutical and biomedical companies, research institutes, hospital research centres, software companies and the food, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries. Graduates can also continue to a master's degree.
Can someone handle my whole application to Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science at Sapienza?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your school results against Sapienza's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the DiSCo Lazio scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science?
Sapienza asks for 12 years of schooling and, for MoveIn pre-selection, a school GPA of at least 60/100, so we check your Class 12 results against that rule. You also need a CEnT-S or SAT score and English at B2, such as IELTS 5.5. The steps are MoveIn pre-selection, the test, the Infostud ranking entry and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][2] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: MoveIn pre-selection, a CEnT-S or SAT score, a place in the ranking and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: MoveIn pre-selection, a CEnT-S or SAT score, a place in the ranking and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science are the same whatever your nationality, and your school results are assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: MoveIn pre-selection, a CEnT-S or SAT score, a place in the ranking and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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