Master in Artificial Intelligence and Automation Engineering at University of Siena
Two-year English-taught LM-32 master's at the University of Siena in machine learning, AI, robotics and control, with Intelligent Systems and Robotics and Automation curricula, a 6-credit traineeship and a double degree option with ESTIA in France. Entry needs an engineering, computing, physics or maths degree and B2 English.
Master
2 years
Siena
English
University of Siena
Artificial Intelligence and Automation Engineering is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-32) taught in English at the University of Siena. Entry needs a bachelor's of at least three years in engineering, computer science, physics or maths, English at B2 and, for international applicants, an online test and interview. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Siena's Artificial Intelligence and Automation Engineering master asks for a bachelor's of at least three years in engineering, computer science, physics or mathematics, or a foreign degree with matching aims, English at B2 and, for international applicants, an online test and interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree requirement
You need a bachelor's degree of at least three years, or a qualification from abroad recognised as suitable. Italian graduates need a degree in one of these classes: [1]
- L-7 civil and environmental engineering
- L-8 information engineering
- L-9 industrial engineering
- L-30 physics
- L-31 computer science
- L-35 mathematics
For a degree from a foreign university, the Teaching Committee checks that the course lasted at least three years and that its learning aims match one of these classes closely enough. You cannot enrol with missing credits. [1]
The admissions portal asks for a background in mathematics, statistics and physics equivalent to an information engineering bachelor's, the fundamentals of computer science, control, electronics and telecommunications, and basic programming skills. [2]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit: one CFU stands for 25 hours of student work, and the committee looks at what your degree covers, not just its title. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science, IT, Electronics and Communication or Electrical Engineering, which covers maths, computing, electronics and control.
- Check carefully: a B.Tech in Mechanical, Civil or Chemical Engineering, or a B.Sc. in Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics, or a BCA. These match the listed fields, but the online test covers calculus, probability, electronics and control, so gaps show quickly.
- Often short: a B.Com, BBA, BA or a B.Sc. in Biology or Chemistry, which falls outside the listed fields.
English
English at CEFR B2 or higher. Siena accepts an international certificate it recognises, or an equivalent result from its University Language Centre (CLA). [5]
Applicants without a recognised certificate can book a fee-based interview with the CLA to show B2. The Teaching Committee assesses certificates, and no minimum test scores are listed. [4]
Students whose first language is not Italian and who are below Italian A1 must add activities to reach that level to their study plan. [1]
Selection
International applicants apply online and are preselected on their documents. Those selected sit an online test on the basics of calculus, algebra, probability, computer science, electronics and control systems, followed by an online interview on motivation and knowledge. The test and interview results decide the evaluation used for admission. [1]
Test dates are sent by email, and the outcome arrives about one month after the application deadline, or earlier. [2]
Italian graduates who meet the degree rule with a final mark of at least 95/110 are exempt from the test. For degrees from foreign universities, the Teaching Committee assesses preparation case by case. [1]
Applying before you graduate
Students still finishing their degree can sit the admission test if they hold at least 120 credits by the test date. [1] The application accepts a provisional certificate in place of a final transcript. [2]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants who needed a study visa had a single window, which closed on 6 May 2026, with no summer intake. Non-EU applicants who did not need a visa and EU applicants could also apply from 7 May to 30 September 2026. Applications outside the window for your category are rejected. [3]
The admissions portal says the 2027/28 intake opens in November 2026. [2]
Documents and non-EU steps
The online application asks for: [2]
- A valid passport.
- A CV, with the Europass format recommended.
- An official transcript, stamped and signed by your university, or a provisional certificate if your degree is in progress. A Diploma Supplement can replace it where available.
- Your English certificate.
- Certified translations of documents not in Italian or English.
Legalised documents are not needed to apply but are required at enrolment. Admitted applicants receive a letter of eligibility, which non-EU students need for Universitaly pre-enrolment and the study visa. [2]
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 Siena, Department of Information Engineering and Mathematics. Annual course record (SUA-CdS), Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence and Automation Engineering (LM-32), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, international admissions portal: Artificial Intelligence and Automation Engineering programme entry (academic year 2026/27), home page and the pages on the admission process, documents required and application fees. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, international admissions portal. Admission calendar for master's degree programmes, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, Artificial Intelligence and Automation Engineering programme website: home page, 2026/27 study plans, English language and academic fees pages. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, Department of Information Engineering and Mathematics. Teaching regulations of the Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence and Automation Engineering, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, International Relations Office. Double degree programme with ESTIA School of Engineering, notice of selection, academic year 2024/25. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Artificial Intelligence and Automation Engineering is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-32, computer engineering) taught in English and worth 120 ECTS. It is run by the Department of Information Engineering and Mathematics (DIISM) at Palazzo San Niccolò, via Roma 56, in the centre of Siena. [2][4]
The degree trains engineers in intelligent systems, industrial automation and robotics, with a focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, high performance computing for large data sets, human-robot interfaces and production automation. It is open to graduates in engineering, computer science, physics or mathematics. [1][5]
What you will study
You choose one of two curricula. Both share Artificial Intelligence, Discrete-Event Systems and Network Optimization in the first year. In the 2026/27 study plans: [4]
- Intelligent Systems: Machine Learning, High Performance Computer Architecture, Big Data, Digital Image Processing and Models and Languages for Bioinformatics in year one, then Design of Applications, Services and Systems in year two, with options such as Advanced Machine Learning, Language Processing Technologies and Bioinformatics.
- Robotics and Automation: System Identification and Data Analysis, Human-Centered Robotics, Fundamentals of Machine Learning, Complex Systems and Industrial Robotics in year one, then Advanced Control Systems, Dynamic Programming and Reinforcement Learning and Sensors and Microsystems in year two.
Each curriculum includes 12 free-choice credits, a 6-credit traineeship and a 21-credit final exam. [4]
How the programme is taught
Teaching runs over two semesters a year. Attendance is not usually compulsory but is strongly recommended, and units built mainly on practical or lab work can set a minimum attendance. [5]
The traineeship can take place in companies, public bodies or university and research labs. The thesis can be written in English, Italian or another official EU language, and part of the thesis work can be done during a traineeship. [1][5]
Double degree with ESTIA
The department runs a double degree with the ESTIA School of Engineering in Bidart, France, which also awards ESTIA's master's in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. In the 2024/25 selection it was open to first-year students with a weighted average of at least 28/30 and B2 English, with 5 places and at least one semester of the second year spent at ESTIA. [4][6]
Career paths
Graduates work in research and development, design and management for companies, public bodies and research centres, in Italy or abroad. The course record lists outlets in: [1]
- industrial automation and process control
- robotics
- modelling and simulation of dynamic systems, and data analysis
- information systems and computer systems with built-in intelligence
- integrated hardware and software design
- language-based human-machine interfaces
The degree also prepares you for a PhD in information engineering or for work as an independent consultant. [1]
Fees and scholarships
Siena sets tuition from family income, declared through the ISEE, and from merit, under fee rules published each year. [4] DSU Toscana runs the regional scholarship and decides awards, and this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
We apply on Siena's international admissions portal, and you can apply to up to three programmes. Applicants who pass the document check are invited to the online test and interview, and the outcome follows about one month after the deadline, or earlier. [1][2]
If you are admitted, you receive a letter of eligibility, which you need for Universitaly pre-enrolment and the type D study visa. For 2026/27, the window for applicants needing a visa closed on 6 May 2026. The portal says the 2027/28 intake opens in November 2026. [2][3]
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 Siena's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your online application 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 Siena's AI and Automation Engineering master?
A bachelor's of at least three years in civil, information or industrial engineering, physics, computer science or mathematics (Italian classes L-7, L-8, L-9, L-30, L-31 or L-35), or a foreign degree whose aims match one of these. You cannot enrol with missing credits. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
Yes, for international applicants. After a document check, you sit an online test on calculus, algebra, probability, computer science, electronics and control systems, then an online interview on motivation and knowledge. Both results decide admission. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2. Siena accepts an international certificate it recognises or an equivalent Language Centre result, and the Centre runs a fee-based interview for applicants without a certificate. No minimum scores are listed, so we check your certificate. [4][5]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants who needed a study visa had a single window that closed on 6 May 2026, with no summer intake. The admissions portal says the 2027/28 intake opens in November 2026. [2][3]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. Students still finishing a degree can sit the admission test if they hold at least 120 credits by the test date, and the application accepts a provisional certificate in place of a final transcript. [1][2]
I have a BCA or a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering. Can I apply?
Possibly. Computer science and industrial engineering are among the accepted fields, but the committee checks that your degree aims match and the online test covers calculus, probability, electronics and control. Gaps cannot be made up after enrolment, so we review your transcript first. [1]
Which curricula can I choose?
Two. Intelligent Systems covers machine learning, artificial intelligence, high performance computing, big data and image processing. Robotics and Automation covers system identification, robotics, complex systems, advanced control and reinforcement learning. Both include a 6-credit traineeship and a 21-credit final exam. [4]
What careers does it lead to?
Research and development, design and management roles in companies, public bodies and research centres working on intelligent systems, industrial automation and robotics, or work as a consultant. The degree also prepares you for a PhD in information engineering. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to AI and Automation Engineering at Siena?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Siena'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 AI and Automation Engineering?
A recognised Indian bachelor's of at least three years, such as a B.Tech or B.E. in computer, electronics or electrical engineering, or a B.Sc. in computer science, maths or physics, can meet the degree rule if its aims match. You also need English at B2. The steps are the online application, the online test and interview, 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 AI and Automation Engineering are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application, online test and interview, letter of eligibility 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 AI and Automation Engineering are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application, online test and interview, letter of eligibility 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 AI and Automation 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: online application, online test and interview, letter of eligibility 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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