Master in Engineering of Paper and Cardboard at University of Pisa
Two-year English-taught LM-33 master's from the University of Pisa, taught in Lucca, training engineers for paper production, converting plants, automation and sustainability. Entry needs set engineering and science credits, English at B2 and an interview.
Master
2 years
Pisa
English
University of Pisa
Engineering of Paper and Cardboard is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-33) taught in English by the University of Pisa at its Lucca campus. Entry needs a three-year engineering degree with set credits in maths, sciences and chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering, plus English at B2, a file review and a video interview. DSU Toscana scholarship winners are exempt from tuition, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Pisa's Engineering of Paper and Cardboard master asks for a three-year bachelor's in engineering or an equivalent first-cycle degree with set minimum credits in maths, sciences and three engineering areas, plus English at B2. Applicants with a foreign degree are scored on their file and then interviewed by video. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
The credit rule
You need a bachelor's degree in engineering, or an equivalent first-cycle degree from a programme of at least three years, with a suitable background in maths, statistics, computer science, chemistry, physics, and chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering. The minimum credits are: [1]
- At least 30 ECTS in mathematics, statistics and computer science
- At least 18 ECTS in chemistry and physics
- At least 6 ECTS each in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering
If your degree does not use ECTS, the workload of each course must be clearly shown. [1]
What this means for your transcript
As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E. in Mechanical, Chemical or Electrical Engineering, or in Pulp and Paper Technology, when the transcript also shows at least 6 credits in each of the other two engineering areas.
- Check carefully: a B.Tech in Computer Science, Electronics or Production Engineering often covers maths and physics but may have little chemistry or chemical engineering.
- Often short: a B.Sc. in Chemistry or Physics, a BCA, B.Com or BBA. These usually lack the engineering blocks, and the call asks for an engineering degree or an equivalent first-cycle degree.
Credits on South Asian transcripts are not ECTS, so the workload of each course needs to be clear in your file. [1]
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher is mandatory, because all teaching is in English. In the application you declare your English proficiency, stating the length of any studies in English and any certificate you hold. The call does not list specific tests or minimum scores, and the interview also assesses your fluency. [1] The programme page says English is subject to verification, and a suitable certificate can exempt you from it. [2]
Selection and interview
Up to 30 applicants are admitted. An evaluation committee of the programme's professors scores your background, education, potential skills and attitude out of 60 points. Below 42 points means rejection; 42 or more puts you on the shortlist for an interview. [1]
Interviews take place by videoconference, and you must show the ID uploaded with your application. The committee assesses motivation, expectations, technical skills and English fluency, scored out of 40. You need at least 28 points to be eligible, and eligible candidates are ranked, with the first 30 admitted. Missing your interview slot means exclusion. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
The 2026/27 call had two rounds for applicants with a foreign qualification. [1]
- First round: applications closed on 5 February 2026, interviews were scheduled for 9 to 13 March 2026 and results were due by 30 March 2026.
- Second round: applications ran from 6 February to 30 April 2026, interviews were scheduled for 11 to 15 May 2026 and results were due by 20 May 2026.
Final-year students pre-enrolled on Universitaly could apply if they expected to graduate by 1 September 2026; later graduates could not be admitted. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
Applications go through the University of Pisa portal for English-taught master's degrees. You can submit up to two applications on the portal, and each one goes to the committee once it is complete. You upload: [1]
- A declaration of English proficiency
- Your degree certificate and transcripts, translated into English or Italian, showing a programme of at least three years
- A valid passport or ID
- A full CV covering your education and relevant experience; reference letters and other certificates are optional, in PDF only
Incomplete applications are invalid, and no documents can be added after the deadline. Admitted students receive an admission letter by email, use it for Universitaly pre-enrolment, and apply for a student visa before enrolling in Italy. [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.
- University of Pisa. Call for applications for applicants with a foreign qualification, Master's degree in Engineering of Paper and Cardboard, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering. Engineering of Paper and Cardboard (LM-33) programme page, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Engineering of Paper and Cardboard (in Italian, Tecnologia e produzione della carta e del cartone) is a two-year master's degree in class LM-33, mechanical engineering. It is run by the University of Pisa's Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, taught entirely in English and based at the Lucca campus. It carries 120 ECTS. The 2026/27 call for applicants with a foreign degree admitted up to 30 students. [1]
The degree suits engineering graduates who want to work in paper and board production, from process chemistry to plant design, automation and maintenance.
What you will study
The study plan is a single path with 12 credits of electives. First-year units cover materials, plants and automation; the second year turns to converting, energy and sustainability and ends with a 24 credit final examination. Required units in the 2026/27 plan include:
- Chemistry and Technology of Paper Materials
- Paper Production Plants
- Automation and Drives
- Design and Construction of Machines and Computer Aided Design
- Information Technologies for Industry 4.0
- Paper and Cardboard Converting Plants
- Energy and Energy Efficiency, and Plant Maintenance
- Sustainability and Circular Economy
Electives include Health, Safety, Environment and Quality, Project Management, and a unit on soft and complementary skills.
How the programme is taught
Classes take place in Lucca rather than in Pisa, so plan your housing there. The course has a single study plan shared by all students, which keeps the class focused on the paper and board industry from the first semester.
Career paths
According to the university, graduates work as technical and managerial supervisors in national and international paper companies, including firms that build papermaking machines. The mix of process, mechanical and automation units also fits roles in plant engineering, maintenance and energy management within the sector.
Fees and scholarships
Fees at the University of Pisa depend on family income or country of origin, and students can apply for a fee reduction. The regional body DSU Toscana offers scholarships that include exemption from tuition fees, housing and meals; eligible students can apply, and awards are decided by the region. Details are on the fees and scholarships page.
How to apply from outside the EU
If your degree is from outside Italy, we apply through the University of Pisa portal for English-taught master's degrees. A committee scores your file out of 60, and applicants with 42 or more are interviewed by video. For 2026/27 the two rounds closed on 5 February and 30 April 2026; the 2027/28 dates are set by the next call. [1]
After admission, we complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, and you apply for a type D study visa. Enrolment is only possible with a study visa for the corresponding academic year.
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 transcript against Pisa's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your application on Pisa's English-taught master's portal and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your DSU Toscana 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 bachelor's degree do I need for Pisa's Paper and Cardboard Engineering master?
A three-year bachelor's in engineering or an equivalent first-cycle degree with at least 30 ECTS in maths, statistics and computing, 18 in chemistry and physics, and 6 each in chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. The committee scores your file out of 60, and applicants with 42 or more are interviewed by video. The interview is scored out of 40, you need at least 28 to be eligible, and up to 30 students are admitted. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2 or higher. The 2026/27 call asks you to declare your proficiency and any certificate, does not list specific tests or scores, and the interview also checks your English. We check which proof of B2 your file can use. [1][2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27 there were two rounds for applicants with a foreign qualification: the first closed on 5 February 2026 and the second on 30 April 2026. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, if you graduate in time. For 2026/27, final-year students pre-enrolled on Universitaly could apply if they expected to graduate by 1 September 2026. Later graduates could not be admitted. [1]
I have a B.Tech in Computer Science or a B.Sc. in Chemistry. Can I apply?
Possibly, but check carefully. A Computer Science B.Tech usually covers the maths block but may lack chemistry and the three engineering blocks. A Chemistry B.Sc. covers the sciences but is not an engineering degree and often lacks the engineering credits. We check your transcript subject by subject. [1]
Where is Engineering of Paper and Cardboard taught?
It is a University of Pisa degree run by the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, but teaching takes place at the Lucca campus. The whole programme is taught in English. [2]
What jobs does it lead to?
The university names technical and managerial supervisor roles in national and international paper companies, including firms that build papermaking machines. [2]
Can someone handle my whole application to Paper and Cardboard Engineering at Pisa?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Pisa's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the DSU Toscana 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 Paper and Cardboard Engineering?
A three-year Indian B.Tech or B.E. can meet the degree rule if its subjects cover the credit minimums: 30 in maths, statistics or computing, 18 in physics and chemistry, and 6 each in chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering. You also need English at B2. The steps are the portal application, a video interview, the admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1] 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 Paper and Cardboard Engineering are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: portal application, video interview, admission letter 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 Paper and Cardboard Engineering are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: portal application, video interview, admission letter 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 Paper and Cardboard Engineering are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: portal application, video interview, admission letter 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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