Master in Artificial Intelligence at University of Bologna
Two-year English-taught master in Bologna covering AI foundations, machine learning, deep learning, NLP and computer vision, with open access. Entry depends on a related bachelor's, a grade and computing-credit threshold and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Bologna
English
University of Bologna
Artificial Intelligence is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (classes LM-18 and LM-32) taught in English at the University of Bologna. Entry needs a bachelor's in computer science, engineering, maths, physics or statistics, a strong converted grade average with enough computing credits, and English at B2. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Bologna's Artificial Intelligence master asks for a bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, physics, statistics or another listed field, an academic record that meets the programme's grade and computing-credit thresholds, and an English certificate at B2. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree requirement
You need a three-year bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Informatics, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Automation, Electronics, Telecommunications or Biomedical Engineering, or a foreign equivalent. Italian degrees in classes L-8, L-30, L-31, L-35 and L-41 qualify. A foreign degree must be judged suitable by the Degree Programme Board. [2]
You can apply before you graduate if your transcript shows at least 150 credits. For 2026/27 you had to graduate by 31 December 2026. [1][2]
Grades and computing credits
The committee assesses your academic record, relevant work experience in AI and your English. A final grade of 110/110, or its foreign equivalent, is enough on its own. Otherwise two indicators are used: [2]
- Academic performance indicator (API): your results converted to a 30-point scale. With a final graduation grade, it weights your CGPA two thirds and the final grade one third. Without one, it is your CGPA converted to 30, plus 0.25.
- Computer science credits: credits in the sectors INF/01 or ING-INF/05.
You meet the threshold with an API of at least 26 and 18 computer science credits, or an API of at least 25.5 and 48 computer science credits. Files with an API of 25.5 or more that miss the credit minimum are reviewed individually. An API below 25.5 is judged inadequate. [2]
What this means for your transcript
Your CGPA and credits are converted to Bologna's scales during the assessment, and the subjects of your degree matter as much as the total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science, Electronics or Telecommunications, or a B.Sc. in Computer Science, with a strong CGPA and at least 18 credits in computing subjects.
- Check carefully: a BCA or B.Sc. IT, where we check how the degree matches the listed fields, and a B.Sc. in Mathematics, Physics or Statistics with few programming courses, where the computer science credits decide. A CGPA close to the 25.5 cut-off also needs care.
- Often short: a B.Com, BBA or BA, engineering degrees outside the listed fields such as Civil or Mechanical, and a CGPA that converts below 25.5 out of 30.
English
You need an English certificate at CEFR B2, no older than three years. The programme lists IELTS (5.5 to 6.5), TOEFL iBT (80 to 99), PTE Academic (51 to 65), Cambridge First, Trinity ISE II, TOEIC with set section scores, and a B2 result from the University of Bologna language centre or another Italian university language centre. [2]
Medium of instruction (MOI) certificates and English letters from foreign universities are not accepted. Applicants who completed a degree in, or are nationals of, listed countries including the UK, USA, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa do not need to prove English. [2]
Assessment and Italian
There is no entrance test. A committee checks the documents you upload and the programme's mandatory online form, then gives a result of admitted or not admitted. An Italian certificate is optional: without one, you meet the Italian requirement during the degree. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
- Intake 1: 27 November 2025 to 14 January 2026, results by 10 February 2026.
- Intake 2: 15 January to 25 February 2026, results by 24 March 2026.
- Intake 3: 26 February to 9 April 2026, results by 12 May 2026.
For this programme, applications from non-EU applicants living abroad closed on 9 April 2026, and intakes 4 to 8 were for EU and equivalent applicants only. Applicants not admitted in intake 1 could reapply in a later intake, but from intake 2 on a refusal was final for the year. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
On Studenti Online you upload your degree certificate or transcript, translated into Italian or English, with the Diploma Supplement where available, plus your passport, English certificate and CV. You also complete the programme's mandatory online form by the intake deadline. A motivational letter and an Italian certificate are optional. [1][2]
Admitted non-EU applicants living abroad pre-enrol on Universitaly and apply for a study visa. At enrolment they upload their qualification and visa, the translation, authenticity and value of foreign documents are verified where required, and originals are checked on arrival. Career activation had to be completed by 26 February 2027. [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 Bologna, Engineering and Computer Science departments. Admission notice for second cycle degree programmes including Artificial Intelligence (LM-18/LM-32, code 6700), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Bologna, Artificial Intelligence programme website, How to enrol page: curricular requirements, admission assessment and English certificates, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Bologna, Artificial Intelligence programme website: overview and course structure diagram, 2026/27 cohort. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Artificial Intelligence is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale) taught in English at the University of Bologna. It is an interclass degree in classes LM-18 (computer science) and LM-32 (computer systems engineering), run by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (DISI), with teaching in Bologna. Access is open: there is no cap on places, but you must meet the entry requirements and pass a committee's assessment. [1][3]
The degree gives broad training in the founding disciplines of artificial intelligence, from algorithms, mathematical methods and machine learning to planning and decision-making. It also covers application areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, AI architectures, robotics and the Internet of Things, along with cognitive neuroscience and the ethical and legal foundations of AI. [3]
What you will study
The 2026/27 study plan has 60 CFU of compulsory units in the first year: [3]
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Representation (12 CFU)
- Machine Learning and Deep Learning (12 CFU)
- Languages and Algorithms for AI (12 CFU), covering computability, complexity and languages for AI
- Statistical and Mathematical Methods for AI (6 CFU)
- Combinatorial Decision Making and Optimization (6 CFU)
- Image Processing and Computer Vision (6 CFU)
- Cognition and Neuroscience (6 CFU)
The second year adds Natural Language Processing and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (6 CFU each), one elective such as Architecture and Platforms for AI, Big Data Analytics and Text Mining, Machine Learning for Computer Vision, Multi-Agent Systems or Internet of Things, two short project works and at least 12 free-choice credits. Free-choice options include Agentic AI Systems, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence for Medicine. [3]
How the programme is taught
Teaching is in English in Bologna. The final examination is worth 24 CFU: either a full thesis, or an 18-credit internship or thesis preparation period, in Italy or abroad, followed by a 6-credit final exam. The programme also offers internships abroad and exchange programmes. [3]
Career paths
The programme prepares AI experts for a global labour market, in hi-tech companies and in research at public institutions. The programme website reports that 95% of its graduates are in work. [3]
Fees and scholarships
Bologna sets tuition by family income (ISEE), up to a maximum set for each programme. Without valid income documents, you pay the full fee, and international students with income and assets only abroad document them through a separate route. ER.GO, the Emilia-Romagna right-to-study body, runs the regional scholarship. This programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [1]
How to apply from outside the EU
Applications are made on Studenti Online in intakes. For 2026/27, the first intake ran from 27 November 2025 to 14 January 2026, the second from 15 January to 25 February 2026 and the third from 26 February to 9 April 2026. Applications from non-EU applicants living abroad closed on 9 April 2026, and later intakes were for EU and equivalent applicants only. [1]
If you are not admitted in the first intake, you can apply again in a later one. From the second intake on, a refusal is final for that year. Admitted non-EU applicants complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a study visa. The 2027/28 call is not yet published. [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 transcript against Bologna's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your Studenti Online application with the programme's online form, and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your ER.GO Emilia-Romagna 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 Bologna's Artificial Intelligence master?
A bachelor's of at least 180 ECTS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Informatics, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Automation, Electronics, Telecommunications or Biomedical Engineering, or a foreign equivalent judged suitable by the Degree Programme Board. Your grades and computer science credits are then assessed. [2]
What CGPA do I need?
A final grade of 110/110 or equivalent is enough. Otherwise your results are converted to 30 points: you need at least 26 with 18 computer science credits, or 25.5 with 48. Files above 25.5 that miss the credit minimum are reviewed individually. [2]
Is there an entrance exam?
No. Access is open, with no cap on places. A committee checks your degree, grades, computing credits, relevant work experience and English from the documents and the mandatory online form you submit, then marks you admitted or not admitted. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2, with a certificate no older than three years, such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge First. MOI certificates from foreign universities are not accepted, so most applicants from India need a test. Nationals of listed countries such as the UK and USA are exempt. [2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad could apply in intakes 1 to 3, from 27 November 2025 until 9 April 2026. Applying in intake 1, which closed on 14 January 2026, left room to reapply if refused. The 2027/28 call is not yet published. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, if your transcript already shows at least 150 credits. For 2026/27 you had to graduate by 31 December 2026, or your enrolment would be cancelled. [1][2]
I have a BCA or a B.Com. Can I apply?
A BCA may fit if its subjects match a listed field such as Computer Science or Applied Informatics, which we check, and it usually brings computing credits. A B.Com is outside the listed fields, so it is often short of the degree rule. [2]
What will I study?
The first year covers AI fundamentals, machine learning and deep learning, computer vision, optimisation, maths for AI and cognitive neuroscience. The second year adds NLP and AI ethics, electives, project work and a 24-credit final examination that can include an internship abroad. [3]
Can someone handle my whole application to Artificial Intelligence at Bologna?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Bologna's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ER.GO Emilia-Romagna 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 Artificial Intelligence?
A B.Tech, B.E. or B.Sc. in Computer Science, Electronics, Telecommunications, Mathematics, Physics or Statistics matches the listed fields if your CGPA converts to at least 26 out of 30 with 18 computing credits, or 25.5 with 48. MOI letters do not count for English, so you need a test such as IELTS. The steps are the Studenti Online application in an early intake, assessment and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [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 Artificial Intelligence are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: Studenti Online application in an early intake, committee assessment 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 Artificial Intelligence are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: Studenti Online application in an early intake, committee assessment 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 Artificial Intelligence 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: Studenti Online application in an early intake, committee assessment 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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