Master in Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics at University of Milan
Two-year English-taught LM-8-R joint master of the University of Milan and Politecnico di Milano training genomic data scientists in bioinformatics, genomics, machine learning and systems biology, with a research internship and ISCB endorsement. Entry needs a life science or quantitative degree and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Milan
English
University of Milan
Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-8-R) taught in English at the University of Milan, jointly with Politecnico di Milano. Entry needs a bachelor's in life sciences with 30 biology credits, or in computing, engineering, maths, physics or statistics with 30 quantitative credits, plus English at B2. Scholarship winners get a fee waiver, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Milan's Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics master asks for a bachelor's degree in life sciences with at least 30 credits in biology, or in computing, engineering, mathematics, physics or statistics with at least 30 quantitative credits, plus English at B2. Places are limited: non-EU visa applicants are ranked on their academic CV alone for 10 reserved places, with a minimum score of 60 out of 100. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and subject requirements
The 2026/27 call accepts a bachelor's degree, held or obtained by 31 October 2026, in one of two profiles: [1]
- Life sciences: biotechnology, biology, agriculture and food sciences, or pharmacological sciences, with at least 30 credits in biological subjects, including at least 18 in genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry (at least 6 in each).
- Quantitative: information engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics or statistics, with at least 30 credits in computer science, information or biomedical engineering, mathematics or statistics, including at least 6 in mathematics and at least 12 in computer science, information engineering, biomedical engineering or statistics.
Foreign degrees are judged on the same criteria where subjects and credits can be clearly identified. If they cannot, the Teachers Council examines your full academic record. [1] If your country does not use ECTS, the admission board checks your transcript for an equivalent workload in the required subjects. [2]
What this means for your transcript
As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. or B.Tech in Biotechnology, or a B.Sc. in Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology or Life Sciences with separate genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry courses; or a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science or IT, or a B.Sc. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics or Physics with programming and maths courses.
- Check carefully: a B.Pharm, B.Sc. Agriculture or B.Sc. Food Science, where the 6 credits each in genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry must be visible on the transcript; and a BCA or B.Sc. IT, where the maths credits and the fit with the listed degree types need a closer look.
- Often short: a B.Com, BBA or BA, or a B.Tech in mechanical, civil or chemical engineering, which rarely show either credit block.
In the first semester, quantitative graduates take Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, and life science graduates take Programming and Data Bases and Statistics, to close the gap. [3]
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher. [1] The university accepts certificates no more than three years old at submission, or two years for TOEFL, covering all four skills. [2][6] On the university's list, B2 includes IELTS Academic or General 5.5 to 6.5, TOEFL iBT 72 to 94, PTE Academic 59 to 75, Cambridge B2 First, Oxford Test of English 111 to 140 and Trinity ISE II. [6]
Candidates without a certificate can exceptionally be admitted if their English is clearly good at the interview, but visa applicants do not have an interview. Visa applicants must also show B2 in the language of instruction to obtain a study visa. [1][2]
Selection
Non-EU applicants living abroad who need a visa do not sit the interview. They are scored out of 100 on their academic CV alone: type of degree, exam grades, further courses and additional degrees. They are ranked separately for the 10 reserved places. [1]
EU applicants and non-EU applicants living in Italy are scored up to 50 points on their CV and up to 50 on an online interview about their bachelor's topics and their motivation. [1]
The minimum score is 60 out of 100, and candidates below it are not admitted even if places remain. In a tie, the younger candidate comes first. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
These dates come from the 2026/27 call; the 2027/28 call sets new ones. [1]
- Non-EU visa applicants: applications from 24 March to 29 May 2026, 2 p.m.
- Other applicants: applications until 26 June 2026, with the online interview on 1 July 2026.
- Ranking lists: published on 7 July 2026, with enrolment until 16 July 2026 and a first update from 17 to 23 July 2026.
- Universitaly pre-enrolment: by 31 July 2026 for visa applicants, with no late submissions accepted.
You could apply before graduating if you obtained your bachelor's by 31 October 2026, giving your credits, average grade and remaining exams in the application. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
Candidates with a foreign degree apply on apply.unimi.it by the deadline. The 2026/27 call asked for: [1]
- A CV in English.
- Your bachelor's degree or degree certificate, in Italian, English, French, German or Spanish.
- A Diploma Supplement or a transcript listing your courses and marks.
- Your B2 English certificate, if you have it.
- The personal pages of your passport.
To finalise enrolment, you upload your legalised or apostilled bachelor's degree, your school-leaving diploma, an Italian translation where needed, and a CIMEA statement of comparability or a declaration of value from the Italian embassy. For 2026/27 these were due by 30 November 2026, and admission stays provisional until they are checked. [1][7]
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 Milan. Call for applications for admission to the joint degree Master programme in Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics (LM-8 R), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milan, international application portal. Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics: entry requirements, selection, language requirement and programme overview, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milan. Programme description, Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics (LM-8 R), students enrolling in academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milan. Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics programme page and admissions summary, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milan. Fees for academic year 2026/27, Regulation on tuition and fees, and country groups for international students, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milan. Accepted English language certificates, list updated June 2025. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milan. Master's degree documents for finalising enrolment, and international enrolment in degree programmes, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics is a two-year joint master's degree in class LM-8-R (industrial biotechnology), taught entirely in English by the University of Milan and Politecnico di Milano. Candidates with a foreign degree apply on the University of Milan's apply.unimi.it platform, and you enrol at the University of Milan. Its Department of Biosciences and Department of Computer Science are the reference departments, and teaching takes place at the Città Studi campus and at Politecnico's Leonardo campus. [1][3][4]
The degree trains a new generation of genomic data scientists fluent in bioinformatics and in the analysis of heterogeneous biomolecular data. It is open to both life science and quantitative graduates, and holds the degree-granting endorsement of the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB). [2][4]
What you will study
The first semester includes alignment courses chosen by background, from Biochemistry and Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology to Programming and Databases and Statistics. After that, the core is shared: genome organisation, gene regulation, genomic technologies, algorithms, databases and systems biology. Units in the 2026/27 plan include: [3]
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Genomics and Transcriptomics (12 ECTS)
- Machine Learning
- Scientific Programming
- Biostatistics
- Advanced Genomics and Epigenomics (12 ECTS)
- Systems Biology and Network Analysis
- Genomic Big Data Management and Computing (elective)
How the programme is taught
The second year ends with an 18 ECTS research internship in a laboratory at the University of Milan or another Italian or international institute, followed by a written dissertation (3 ECTS). There are 12 ECTS of free-choice activities, and electives include an interdisciplinary project and Neurogenomics and Brain Disease Modelling. Erasmus+ agreements cover universities in Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Norway and the Netherlands. [3]
Career paths
The university prepares graduates for work as biologists and biotechnologists in research settings, in basic or applied genomics. [3] The skills it lists are to:
- Design large-scale genomic analyses and extract biological meaning from the results
- Design bioinformatic tools and protocols
- Lead research groups
- Coordinate projects in basic or applied genomic research
The application portal also names roles such as bioinformatics scientist, computational biologist, genome data scientist and bioinformatics software developer, with employers from biotech and pharma companies to precision medicine firms, research centres and universities. [2]
Fees and scholarships
The joint degree is billed by the University of Milan in fee Area B. Students whose family income and assets are abroad pay a fixed second instalment by country group, and India, Pakistan and Nigeria are in Group A, the lowest group. Recipients of regional or University of Milan scholarships get a waiver on the second instalment, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [5]
How to apply from outside the EU
This is a limited-enrolment master with its own call. Non-EU visa applicants do not sit the interview: they are ranked only on their academic CV, out of 100 points with a minimum of 60, for the 10 reserved places. For 2026/27 their window on apply.unimi.it ran from 24 March to 29 May 2026. The 2027/28 call is not yet published. [1][2]
If you are ranked, we submit the Universitaly pre-enrolment (by 31 July for 2026/27), and you apply for a type D study visa. To finalise enrolment you upload your legalised or apostilled degree and a CIMEA statement of comparability or a declaration of value; for 2026/27 these documents were due by 30 November 2026. [1][7]
Compare related master's programmes
If you are exploring computational biosciences, compare the curriculum and entry requirements on these programme pages before choosing your shortlist.
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 Milan's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your application on apply.unimi.it, enrolment documents and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your University of Milan DSU 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 Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics in Milan?
Either a life science degree with at least 30 biology credits, including 18 in genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry, or a degree in information engineering, computer science, physics, maths or statistics with at least 30 credits in computing, maths or statistics, including 6 in maths. [1]
Is there an entrance exam or interview?
Not for non-EU visa applicants. They are scored out of 100 on their academic CV alone, with a minimum of 60, and ranked separately for 10 places. EU applicants are scored on their CV and an online interview. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2. On the university's list, IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 counts as B2, as do TOEFL iBT 72 to 94 and PTE Academic 59 to 75. Certificates must be under three years old, or two for TOEFL, and visa applicants have no interview to prove English instead. [1][2][6]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU visa applicants had from 24 March to 29 May 2026, earlier than the 26 June deadline for other applicants. The 2027/28 call is not yet published, and the application portal is currently closed. [1][2]
How many places are there for non-EU students?
For 2026/27 there were 50 places plus 10 reserved for non-EU citizens living abroad who apply for a visa. Visa applicants are ranked separately, and nobody below 60 out of 100 is admitted. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. For 2026/27 you could apply if you obtained your bachelor's by 31 October 2026. In the application you give your credits so far, your average grade and the exams still to take. [1]
I have a BCA or a B.Tech in Computer Science. Can I apply?
A B.Tech in Computer Science usually matches the quantitative profile if it shows 30 credits in computing, maths or statistics, including 6 in maths. A BCA needs a closer check of maths and the degree type. Quantitative graduates take biology and biochemistry alignment courses in the first semester. [1][3]
Is this a joint degree?
Yes. It is a joint master's degree of the University of Milan and Politecnico di Milano, taught in English. Candidates with a foreign degree apply on the University of Milan's platform, and teaching runs at both universities' Milan campuses. [1][3][4]
Can someone handle my whole application to Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics at Milan?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Milan's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the University of Milan DSU 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 Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics?
An Indian bachelor's in biotechnology, biology or life sciences can fit if your transcript shows 30 biology credits, 18 of them in genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry. A degree in computer science, engineering, maths, physics or statistics can fit with 30 computing, maths or statistics credits. You need English at B2. The steps are the online application, a CV-based ranking, enrolment 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 Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application on apply.unimi.it, a CV-based ranking for the reserved visa places, enrolment 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 Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application on apply.unimi.it, a CV-based ranking for the reserved visa places, enrolment 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 Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics 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 on apply.unimi.it, a CV-based ranking for the reserved visa places, enrolment 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
