Master in Astrophysics and Cosmology at Sapienza University of Rome
Two-year English-taught LM-58 master's at Sapienza University of Rome in stellar and high-energy astrophysics, general relativity and cosmology, with a 38 ECTS research thesis. Entry needs 65 physics credits, 20 in maths or computing and 5 in chemistry.
Master
2 years
Rome
English
Sapienza University of Rome
Astrophysics and Cosmology is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-58) taught in English at Sapienza University of Rome. Entry needs a three-year bachelor's with at least 65 physics credits, 20 in maths or computing and 5 in chemistry, plus a good command of English, assessed through a B2 certificate or an interview. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Sapienza's Astrophysics and Cosmology master asks for a three-year bachelor's degree or recognised foreign equivalent with at least 65 credits in physics, 20 in maths or computer science and 5 in chemistry, a good command of English, a positive eligibility check and a personal knowledge assessment. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
The credit rule
Your first degree must be a three-year university degree, or a recognised foreign equivalent, that includes at least: [1]
- 20 credits in mathematics or computer science (sectors MAT/01 to MAT/08, INF/01 and ING-INF/05).
- 5 credits in chemistry (CHIM/01 to 03 and CHIM/06).
- 65 credits in physics (FIS/01 to FIS/08), of which at least 40 in experimental physics (FIS/01), 12 in theoretical physics and mathematical methods (FIS/02) and 5 in the physics of matter or nuclear and subnuclear physics (FIS/03, FIS/04).
The programme also expects a good knowledge of classical and modern physics, the fundamentals of chemistry and the mathematical and computational tools of the field. A three-year Physics degree from Sapienza meets the academic requirements automatically. [1]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit, and Sapienza looks at your subjects, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics with laboratory courses, mathematical methods and some chemistry.
- Check carefully: a general B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, where physics is one of three subjects and may fall short of 65 physics credits or 40 experimental physics credits, or a B.Tech in Engineering Physics.
- Often short: a B.Tech or B.E. in other branches, a BCA, a B.Sc. in Mathematics or Computer Science, or a B.Com, BBA or BA, which rarely include 65 physics credits.
Missing credits can be made up by passing single examinations before enrolment, under Sapienza's single-examination rules. [1]
English
You need a good command of written and spoken English, including technical vocabulary. Applicants who meet the entry requirements, hold a three-year Italian degree in class L-30 and have an English certificate at CEFR B2 or equivalent are admitted automatically. Other eligible applicants have their English assessed by the committee in an interview. The call does not list specific test scores. [1]
Eligibility check and personal knowledge assessment
The eligibility check is requested on Sapienza's Infostud system (code 33607). If you meet the academic requirements, a committee assesses your personal knowledge as described above. The call sets no written entrance test. You can enrol only after Sapienza confirms both checks by email. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
Eligibility checks opened on 2 July 2026. Non-EU applicants who need a student visa had one date: 15 September 2026. Other applicants can choose 15 October, 17 November or 17 December 2026, and 14 January 2027 is reserved for students who have graduated or are about to graduate from Sapienza. [1]
Applicants still finishing a degree could apply if they graduate by 19 December 2026 (other Italian or international universities) or 23 January 2027 (Sapienza). [1]
Non-EU applicants living abroad
Applicants from non-EU countries who live abroad and need a student visa must hold a pre-acceptance letter from Sapienza's international admissions process. After a positive eligibility check or a pre-acceptance letter, holders of a foreign qualification complete Sapienza's enrolment procedure for foreign qualifications. [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.
- Sapienza University of Rome, Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences. Admission procedure for the Master's degree programme in Astrophysics and Cosmology (LM-58), academic year 2026-2027, Infostud code 33607. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Sapienza University of Rome, Astrophysics and Cosmology programme page (degree class, language, duration, department and 2026-2027 semester dates). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Astrophysics and Cosmology (Astrofisica e cosmologia in Italian) is a two-year master's degree in class LM-58, Sciences of the Universe, worth 120 ECTS. It is run by the Department of Physics in Sapienza's Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, taught in English and in person in Rome, and has no cap on enrolment.
The programme starts from a solid grounding in modern astrophysics and cosmology, closely tied to the underlying physics, and moves on to specialised topics at the research frontier. Graduates are expected to master the scientific method, the mathematical and computational tools of the field, modern instruments and observational techniques, data analysis and modelling, and technical English. It suits physics and astronomy graduates who want a research career or a quantitative role in industry.
What you will study
The degree has a single curriculum. The first year is built around compulsory units in advanced physics, theoretical astrophysics, general relativity, cosmology and laboratory work, while electives are grouped into an experimental and observational track and a theoretical track linked to the department's research. Compulsory units in the 2026/27 study plan include:
- Astrophysical Processes and Plasmas
- General Relativity
- Stellar Astrophysics
- Physical Cosmology
- Astrophysics Laboratory (12 ECTS across the first year)
Elective topics include observational and theoretical cosmology, high energy astrophysics, exoplanets, extragalactic astrophysics, space methods, gravitational waves, stellar dynamics, astronomical optics, astroparticle physics and computational methods. One elective group is in theoretical physics, such as quantum mechanics and field theory.
How the programme is taught
The first year concentrates on the compulsory courses, including the year-long astrophysics laboratory and 4 ECTS of further language skills. In the second year you take your remaining electives and write a thesis worth 38 ECTS, which takes up the whole second semester and lets you work inside one of the department's research groups. For 2026/27 the first semester runs from 28 September 2026 to 15 January 2027 and the second from 25 February to 11 June 2027. [2]
Career paths
The university describes two main profiles:
- Research scientist in astrophysics and cosmology, at universities, public research bodies, national and international observatories or private companies, designing and analysing observations, building theoretical models and developing new instruments. This path usually continues with a PhD in Italy or abroad and postdoctoral contracts.
- Technologist and analyst in industry and services, applying quantitative training in electronics, software development, data analysis and aerospace, at high-innovation companies, financial institutions and public administration.
The degree presentation also mentions openings in secondary school teaching, information technology, management and finance.
Fees and scholarships
Sapienza sets tuition by family income, and students whose family income is abroad pay a yearly amount set by country rather than through an Italian ISEE, under the fee rules Sapienza publishes each year. The regional scholarship body for Rome is DiSCo Lazio, and its scholarship winners also get a tuition waiver, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. The region decides scholarship awards.
How to apply from outside the EU
Non-EU applicants living abroad who need a student visa must hold a pre-acceptance letter from Sapienza's international admissions process. For 2026/27, the eligibility check for this group had a single deadline: 15 September 2026. The check is requested through Sapienza's Infostud system using code 33607. [1]
If your credits meet the rule, a committee assesses your personal knowledge, including your English in an interview unless you qualify for automatic admission. You can enrol only after Sapienza confirms both checks by email. [1] Students then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a type D study visa. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published.
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 Sapienza's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your eligibility check, pre-acceptance request and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your DiSCo Lazio 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 Sapienza's Astrophysics and Cosmology master?
A three-year bachelor's or recognised foreign equivalent with at least 65 physics credits (40 in experimental physics, 12 in theoretical physics and 5 in matter or nuclear physics), 20 in maths or computer science and 5 in chemistry. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. Sapienza first checks your credits, then a committee assesses your personal knowledge. Italian L-30 graduates with a B2 English certificate are admitted automatically, and other eligible applicants have their English assessed in an interview. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
You need a good command of written and spoken English. A CEFR B2 certificate counts towards automatic admission for Italian L-30 graduates, and other applicants have an English interview. The call does not list specific test scores, so we check which proof your file can use. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants who need a student visa had one eligibility-check date: 15 September 2026, and they also need a pre-acceptance letter. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, if you graduate in time. For 2026/27, applicants finishing a degree at another Italian or international university had to graduate by 19 December 2026. [1]
I have a B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry and Maths, or a B.Tech. Can I apply?
Possibly. A general B.Sc. splits time across three subjects and may fall short of 65 physics credits or 40 experimental physics credits, and B.Tech branches other than Engineering Physics are often short on physics. Missing credits can be made up through single examinations before enrolment. [1]
Is there a research thesis?
Yes. The thesis is worth 38 ECTS and takes up the whole second semester of the second year, so you can work inside one of the Physics Department's research groups.
What careers does it lead to?
Research in astrophysics and cosmology at universities, observatories and research bodies, usually after a PhD, or technologist and analyst roles in electronics, software, data analysis, aerospace, finance and public administration.
Can someone handle my whole application to Astrophysics and Cosmology at Sapienza?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Sapienza's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the DiSCo Lazio 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 Astrophysics and Cosmology?
A recognised three-year Indian bachelor's in physics, such as a B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics, can meet the rule if it covers at least 65 physics credits, 20 in maths or computing and 5 in chemistry. You also need a good command of English, which the committee can assess in an interview. The steps are the eligibility check, a pre-acceptance 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 Astrophysics and Cosmology are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: eligibility check, pre-acceptance 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 Astrophysics and Cosmology are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: eligibility check, pre-acceptance 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 Astrophysics and Cosmology 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: eligibility check, pre-acceptance 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.
More English-taught programmes at this university
Other public universities in this city
They began right where you are
