Master in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at University of Calabria
Two-year English-taught LM-18 master's at the University of Calabria combining deep learning, intelligent agents and neurosymbolic AI with a Data Science or Computer Security curriculum, plus an internship and thesis.
Master
2 years
Rende
English
University of Calabria
Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-18) taught in English at the University of Calabria in Rende, with curricula in Data Science and Computer Security. Non-EU students pay a flat fee or win a scholarship place, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree in computing or another scientific subject that gives access to master's study in the country where it was awarded.
- Sound knowledge of programming, algorithms, databases and mathematics.
- No minimum grade average, although your CGPA can be used to rank applications.
- English at B2 level, written and spoken, assessed in an online interview.
- Selection on academic background and CV, with an online oral exam or interview on computer science for shortlisted candidates.
- A declaration of value or a CIMEA statement of comparability for your foreign degree.
About the programme
Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-18, computer science, 120 ECTS) taught in English by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Calabria (UniCal). It runs on the Arcavacata di Rende campus near Cosenza.
The course combines solid foundations in computer science with a specialisation in artificial intelligence, which the university describes as a field of international excellence for UniCal. It suits graduates in computer science or a related scientific field who want to design and build advanced AI and data systems.
What you will study
All students take a common AI core, then choose the Data Science curriculum, focused on data analysis, or the Computer Security curriculum, focused on protecting computer systems. Units in the 2026/27 study plan include:
- Deep Learning (9 ECTS) and Intelligent Systems, with modules in Automated Planning and Intelligent Agents
- Theoretical Computer Science: Decidability and Logics, and Computational Complexity
- Agile Software Development and Research Seminars in AI and CS
- Neurosymbolic AI, including Foundations of Neurosymbolic AI and an LLM Lab, plus Algorithmic Game Theory
- Data Science units such as Data Warehouse and Visualization, Big Data Analytics, Statistical Methods for Data Science and Massively Parallel Programming on GPUs
- Computer Security units such as Cryptography, Network Security, Secure Software Design, and Cyber Offense and Defense
- Training activities (6 ECTS) and a thesis (18 ECTS)
How the programme is taught
The course relies on projects and laboratory work, and students can do training periods and internships in companies and research centres in Italy and abroad. The department reports internship links with more than 100 Italian and international ICT companies, and the course page mentions double-degree options with European universities. More details sit on the course website, ai.unical.it.
Career paths
Graduates work as analysts and specialists in artificial intelligence, data science and computer security, in ICT companies or public institutions, or continue to a PhD or postgraduate school. The university lists these roles:
- Design and development of advanced information systems, including AI systems
- Data analysis and big data engineering
- Computer and network security
- Management, estimation and testing of complex software projects
After the state exam, graduates can also register as information engineers in Italy.
Fees and scholarships
Nine of this course's non-EU places come with a UniCal scholarship: winners pay only a token fee and also receive free accommodation, campus canteen meals and about €3,600 in pocket money. For 2026/27, non-EU students on a non-scholarship place pay a single annual fee of €1,000, with the regional tax included. UniCal's right-to-study office awards further grants on an ISEE parificato, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
Competition is tight: the 2026/27 call offered just 15 places to non-EU applicants living abroad, 9 with a scholarship and 6 without. Applications go through UniCal's Esse3 portal under the call for extra-EU students, for one degree only, with a €10 fee. The committee ranks CVs and qualifications, then holds online oral exams for a shortlist of at least twice the number of places, and checks English in an online interview.
For 2026/27 applications closed on 30 March 2026; the 2027/28 call should appear around January 2027. Once admitted, you pre-enrol on Universitaly, request a type D study visa and provide a declaration of value or CIMEA statement.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Is the AI and Computer Science master taught in English?
Yes. The degree is fully taught in English and applicants need B2 English, written and spoken. Non-EU applicants have their English checked in an online interview.
What are the two curricula?
After a shared core in artificial intelligence and theoretical computer science, you choose Data Science, focused on data analysis and big data, or Computer Security, focused on cryptography, network security and secure software.
Which bachelor's degrees are accepted?
A computing or other scientific bachelor's that gives access to master's study in your country, with sound knowledge of programming, algorithms, databases and mathematics. There is no minimum grade, but CGPA can be used for ranking.
Is there an entrance test?
There is no written test. Candidates are ranked on CV and qualifications, and a shortlist is invited to an online oral exam or interview covering computer science and English.
How many places are there for non-EU students?
The 2026/27 call offered 15 places for non-EU applicants living abroad: 9 with a scholarship covering fees, housing, meals and pocket money, and 6 without.
When is the deadline for 2027/28?
The 2027/28 call is not published yet; UniCal expects it around January 2027. For 2026/27 the deadline was 30 March 2026 and the application fee was €10.
Similar programmes
More programmes in this city
They began right where you are
