Master in Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering at University of Pisa
Two-year English-taught LM-32 master's at the University of Pisa in data mining, machine learning, large-scale databases, cloud computing and AI. Entry needs five core computing exams, strong maths and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Pisa
English
University of Pisa
Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-32) taught in English at the University of Pisa. Entry needs a bachelor's of at least three years with exams in algorithms and programming, computer architecture, operating systems, networks and databases, plus strong maths and English at B2. DSU Toscana scholarship winners are exempt from tuition, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Pisa's Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering master asks for a bachelor's of at least three years with exams in algorithms and programming, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks and databases, strong maths and English at B2. Applicants with a foreign degree are selected on grades, exam fit and CV, with a final online interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and required exams
You need a Bachelor of Science or equivalent first-cycle degree of at least three years, with courses in computer hardware and software comparable to those of a computer engineering or computer science graduate. [1]
- Five required exams: algorithms and programming, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks and database systems. Missing any one of them makes the application ineligible.
- Maths: a strong background in mathematics is required.
- Related subjects: electronics, telecommunications, automation or management count in your favour.
- Not accepted: merely technical or professional degrees, such as a Bachelor of Computer Applications or equivalent.
The committee judges only whether your degree suits this programme. Qualifications from non-EU countries are verified and recognised by the Italian diplomatic authorities at a later stage. [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 Computer Science, Computer Engineering or IT, or a B.Sc. in Computer Science, when the transcript shows all five exams and solid maths.
- Check carefully: a B.Tech or B.E. in Electronics, Electrical or Telecommunications Engineering brings the maths and the related subjects the call favours, but often lacks one of the five exams, such as operating systems or databases. A B.Sc. IT needs the maths as well as the five exams.
- Often short: a B.Sc. in Physics or Mathematics without the five computing exams, and a B.Com, BBA or BA.
A BCA does not qualify, because the call excludes the Bachelor of Computer Applications by name. The committee reads your transcript exam by exam, so course titles and content matter more than credit totals. [1]
English
English at CEFR level B2. In the application you declare your English, stating the length of study and the certificate you hold. If your bachelor's was taught in English, a document certified by your university stating the teaching language can replace the language certificate. The call does not list accepted tests or minimum scores. [1]
Selection
Selection runs in three steps. [1]
- Eligibility: the committee checks the admission requirements and rejects invalid applications.
- Merit review: applicants are assessed on their bachelor's results, read in the context of their country, how closely their exams match the programme, and any further education or work in their CV. The committee can ask for online tests or interviews.
- Final online interview: applicants who pass the earlier steps are invited by email.
Results are posted on the application portal at the end of the selection, not before. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, applicants with a foreign qualification had until 5 February 2026 (23:59 GMT) to apply, a strict deadline. Decisions were expected by 13 March 2026, and classes started at the end of September 2026. [1][3]
You can apply before you graduate if you expect to finish your bachelor's before the Universitaly pre-enrolment deadline set by the Italian embassy or consulate for your country. Admission then depends on graduating by that deadline. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
Applications go through the University of Pisa's portal for English-taught master's degrees. You can file at most two applications there, and each is finalised on the portal. You upload: [1]
- Your English declaration, or the university document confirming English-medium teaching.
- Your degree certificate and transcripts, translated into English or Italian, with the legal length of the course.
- A valid passport.
- A full CV covering your studies, projects, relevant work, awards and publications.
All files must be PDFs, and an incomplete application cannot be completed after the deadline. Admitted students receive a formal admission letter, pre-enrol on Universitaly, apply for the study visa and then enrol in Pisa. The call notes that the visa can take several weeks or months. [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, Department of Information Engineering. Call for applications, Master's degree programmes in Computer Engineering and in Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering programme page (degree class, teaching language, study plan and admission requirements), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Department of Information Engineering. How to apply to the Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-32, computer systems engineering) worth 120 ECTS, run by the Department of Information Engineering within the School of Engineering of the University of Pisa. It has open admission for Italian graduates, while holders of foreign degrees go through a selective call. Teaching is in Pisa.
The degree trains engineers who build systems to manage large volumes of data and extract knowledge from them, and who design intelligent systems using AI techniques. It welcomes computer engineering graduates as well as graduates from nearby fields with solid programming skills. All compulsory units are taught in English and the English credits are enough to graduate; some electives and the catch-up units in basic computer engineering are taught only in Italian.
What you will study
The first year builds data and infrastructure skills, with 15 credits chosen from an elective group that includes Statistics, Databases, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, Internet of Things and Robotics. The second year turns to AI methods and the thesis. Units in the 2026/27 plan include:
- Data Mining and Machine Learning (12 ECTS)
- Large-scale and Multi-structured Databases (9 ECTS)
- Cloud Computing (9 ECTS) and Business and Project Management (9 ECTS)
- Optimization Methods and Game Theory (6 ECTS)
- Information Retrieval and Language Technologies (9 ECTS)
- Deep Learning and Vision, Symbolic and Evolutionary AI, and Process Mining and Intelligence (6 ECTS each)
- A final thesis worth 24 ECTS, plus 9 credits of free choice
How the programme is taught
Every unit combines lectures with laboratory work, with an emphasis on applications that process big data efficiently. The call for applicants also mentions an academic excellence award for the student with the best results at the end of the first year.
Career paths
The department lists profiles such as big data engineer, data service or platform engineer, data analytics engineer, big data infrastructure engineer, business process engineer, AI software engineer or architect, machine learning engineer, big data and AI consultant, and researcher in public or private laboratories. Pisa has one of Italy's largest ICT districts, which the department highlights as a draw for students.
Fees and scholarships
Yearly fees depend on your country of origin. DSU Toscana scholarships bring free housing, meals and a tuition exemption, so the degree can be tuition-free for eligible students. The programme also takes part in MAECI and Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarships. See the fees page.
How to apply from outside the EU
Holders of a foreign degree must pass a selection run through a joint call with Computer Engineering. For 2026/27 the deadline on the English master's portal was 5 February 2026 (23:59 GMT); we upload your degree certificate and transcripts, passport, CV and English declaration. Decisions were due by 13 March 2026, and the next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
Admitted students receive a letter, pre-enrol on Universitaly and apply for a type D study visa, then enrol in Pisa with a declaration of value or CIMEA statement of comparability.
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 AI and Data Engineering master?
A bachelor's of at least three years with exams in algorithms and programming, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks and database systems, plus a strong maths background. Missing any one of these five exams makes the application ineligible. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
There is no fixed written exam. The committee checks eligibility, then assesses your grades, how well your exams match the programme and your CV. It can add online tests or interviews, and shortlisted applicants have a final online interview. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2. You declare your certificate in the application, and if your bachelor's was taught in English, a certified document from your university can replace it. The call does not set minimum test scores, so we check which proof of B2 your file can use. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, applicants with a foreign degree had until 5 February 2026 at 23:59 GMT, with decisions expected by 13 March 2026. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, if you expect to graduate before the Universitaly pre-enrolment deadline set by the Italian embassy or consulate for your country. Your admission then depends on graduating by that deadline. [1]
I have a BCA. Can I apply?
No. The call excludes merely technical or professional degrees and names the Bachelor of Computer Applications. A B.Tech, B.E. or B.Sc. of at least three years can qualify if it includes all five required computing exams and strong maths. [1]
Is the programme taught in English?
Yes. The University of Pisa lists English as the teaching language, and the Department of Information Engineering runs it as one of its two English-taught master's degrees in class LM-32, alongside Computer Engineering. [1][2]
What jobs do graduates do?
The university lists big data service or platform engineer, data analytics engineer, AI software engineer or architect, machine learning engineer or architect, big data and AI consultant, and researcher. [2]
Can someone handle my whole application to AI and Data 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 AI and Data Engineering?
A B.Tech, B.E. or B.Sc. of at least three years can meet the degree rule if it includes exams in algorithms and programming, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks and databases, with strong maths. A BCA is not accepted. You also need English at B2. The steps are the portal application, the online 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 AI and Data Engineering are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: portal application, online 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 AI and Data Engineering are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: portal application, online 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 AI and Data 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, online 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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