Master in Biotechnologies and Applied Artificial Intelligence for Health at University of Pisa
Two-year English-taught master's (LM-9) at the University of Pisa that combines medical biotechnology with artificial intelligence, with separate curricula for biology and engineering graduates, an internship and a thesis.
Master
2 years
Pisa
English
University of Pisa
Biotechnologies and Applied Artificial Intelligence for Health is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's (LM-9) taught in English by the University of Pisa's Department of Biology. It joins biotechnology with AI for human health. Fees follow family income, with reductions on request and exemption for DSU Toscana winners, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Pisa’s English-taught Biotechnologies and Applied Artificial Intelligence for Health master has three academic entry routes, English B2 and committee assessment. The 2026/27 regulation confirms the detailed credit requirements and permits conditional transition courses after assessment. Foreign-degree applicants must already hold the bachelor’s award and use the call for the correct academic year. [1-5]
Biotechnology/biology degree route
For L-2 Biotechnology or L-13 Biological Sciences, the regulation requires at least 30 ECTS in BIO/01-BIO/19 biology disciplines and at least 18 ECTS in BIO/10 Biochemistry, BIO/18 Genetics and BIO/11 Molecular Biology. These specific subject conditions accompany the degree-class route. The 18 credits count within the broader 30-credit biology group, not on top of it. The committee maps your credits to these groups. [1]
Engineering/computer-science route
For L-8/L-9 Engineering or L-31 Computer Science, candidates need at least 30 ECTS across INF/01, ING-INF/05, ING-INF/06, MAT/01-MAT/09 and SECS-S/01, with at least 6 mathematics ECTS and 12 ECTS across the listed informatics/biomedical-engineering/statistics sectors. The specific minima count within the broad 30-credit subject set, not on top of it. A named engineering degree without the required subject content does not establish eligibility. [1]
Other degrees and foreign-course mapping
Other degree classes need at least 90 ECTS in the foundation sectors specified for L-2 or L-13. The eligible groups include physics, mathematics, statistics, chemistry, biology and computing, with the regulation’s specific sector lists rather than unrestricted science credits. L-2’s list also includes MED/01 and SECS-S/02; the L-13 list includes ING-INF/05. The same academic criteria apply to foreign awards. [1]
Foreign records outside ECTS must clearly show the workload for each course. We submit your complete academic record so the committee can assess content and credit correspondence. Applicants must already possess the required bachelor’s award both for the foreign-call application and for participation in the assessment. Pending-graduation allowances at other Pisa courses do not apply to this programme. [1, 2]
Possible written pre-selection, then English oral
The committee may introduce an online written pre-selection depending on applicant numbers. If introduced, all applicants through that call undergo it; curricular review and interview eligibility follow successful pre-selection. The interview is compulsory for eligible candidates and takes place remotely on Microsoft Teams. It is conducted entirely in English, assessing preparation and at least B2 English. The sources publish no IELTS score cutoff and no certificate-based waiver of the interview. [1, 2]
What to prepare for the interview
- Mathematics: induction/logic, sets, basic functions, vectors/matrices, graphs/trees, quadratic equations, extrema, differential and integral calculus. [4]
- Computing: representation of numbers/text, computational complexity, linear/binary search and common sorting algorithms. [4]
- Biochemistry: protein structure, enzyme function/kinetics, ATP/bioenergetics and metabolic pathways. [4]
- Cell/organism biology: prokaryotic/eukaryotic cells, organelles, macromolecules, cell division/inheritance, nervous-system physiology and sensory transduction. The suggested textbooks are preparation aids, not extra qualifications. [4]
Conditional outcome and assigned curriculum
Assessment can result in admission with Biology/Engineering curriculum assignment, rejection or conditional admission requiring specified educational activities. The regulation allows up to 40 CFU through Single Transition Courses to remedy the identified preparation gap. The committee decides whether this applies, and it does not replace the degree or curricular conditions. The Biology curriculum complements life-science graduates with computing/bioengineering; Engineering complements technology graduates with biological studies. [1, 2]
Closed call and admission-letter validity
The only 2026/27 foreign-qualification call ran from 28 November 2025 to 5 February 2026. It is explicitly closed. Applications are made on the application portal, and at most two programme applications are allowed there. [2, 3, 5]
We follow the departmental call webpage for test dates, the interview list and results, because the procedure says there are no individual notifications for those updates. Keep the portal student ID and show the same identity document at interview. An admission letter applies only to the academic year of its call. The former two-calendar-year validity was repealed in February 2025, so inability to enrol requires a fresh application and selection for the next year. The department also says no international merit tuition exemption applies for 2026/27; DSU remains a separate scholarship competition. [2]
After admission: visa route and final registration
For non-EU applicants needing a study visa, academic acceptance is followed by Universitaly pre-enrolment, the visa application and final enrolment after arrival in Pisa. The central 2026/27 page gives 31 December 2026 as the visa-applicant final enrolment deadline. That deadline does not reopen a course’s earlier selection. [5]
The central final-enrolment list includes the bachelor’s diploma, transcript, Pisa admission letter, valid foreign-qualification verification through a Declaration of Value or CIMEA comparability statement, residence-permit application evidence and official Italian tax code. It asks for high-school qualification details rather than the original school diploma. Academic subject eligibility, foreign-award verification and immigration evidence are separate checks. [5]
Sources and verification
- University of Pisa, WBHR-LM Teaching Regulation 2026/27, document dated 27 May 2026, pages 6-7; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Pisa Biology Department, Foreign-qualification admission procedure and closed 2026/27 call; current webpage, publication date not stated; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, WBH-LM single foreign-qualification call 2026/27; publication date not stated; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, WBH admission-test syllabus; undated standing document; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, English-taught master international admission and enrolment, 2026/27; publication date not stated; reviewed 6 October 2026.
About the programme
Biotechnologies and Applied Artificial Intelligence for Health is a two-year master's degree in class LM-9, pharmaceutical, veterinary and medical biotechnologies. It is run by the Department of Biology of the University of Pisa, taught in English in Pisa and carries 120 ECTS. Admission is open, with no fixed number of places, but every applicant sits an admission test.
The degree brings biologists and engineers into the same classroom to design and analyse new procedures and products for human health, using artificial intelligence alongside laboratory biotechnology.
What you will study
There are two curricula. Biology graduates follow the Biology curriculum, which adds bioinformatics, statistics, and smart materials and sensors. Engineering and computer science graduates follow the Engineering curriculum, which adds microbiology, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology. Both share units such as:
- Artificial Intelligence I and II
- Advanced Biochemistry
- Physio-pathology
- Biotechnology Applied to Sense Physiology
- Bioengineering and Experimental Models in Health and Disease
- Cell Signaling and Imaging Tools
- Omics: Biotechnology and AI for Health
- Bioinformatics in Silico Models (Biology curriculum)
Electives in the 2026/27 plan include focused lab training, metagenomics, the law and ethics of AI-driven biomedical innovation, and molecular genetics and molecular medicine in the AI era.
How the programme is taught
The second year includes a 6 credit internship, 3 credits of job placement activities and a 21 credit thesis. The first year also includes a 1 credit unit on health and safety in the laboratory.
Career paths
The university describes graduates designing, running, controlling and analysing innovative procedures and products in biotechnology for human health. Settings named include:
- Universities and public research institutions
- Research laboratories in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and computing centres
- Freelance consulting as a biotechnology expert
Fees and scholarships
This degree follows the university-wide fee rule. Fees follow family income, and you can request a reduction. DSU Toscana awards regional scholarships that include exemption from tuition fees, a place in a residence or a rent subsidy, and meals; eligible students can apply and the region decides. More on the DSU scholarship page.
How to apply from outside the EU
Foreign-degree candidates must already hold the bachelor’s award when applying. The committee may set an online written pre-selection and requires an English oral interview after curricular clearance. The single 2026/27 call is closed; an admission letter is valid only for its stated academic year. We prepare your file against the detailed requirements and document instructions above. [1-4]
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 foreign-qualification application 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
Can I apply while finishing my bachelor’s?
Foreign-degree applicants must already hold the required bachelor’s award when applying; the regulation also requires it for the tests. [1, 2]
What credits do biology graduates need?
At least 30 biology ECTS and 18 within biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology. The narrower group overlaps the broad biology list. [1]
Can another degree qualify?
Yes, with at least 90 eligible foundation credits in the specified L-2/L-13 sectors and successful committee assessment. [1]
Is a written test always compulsory?
The committee may set a written pre-selection based on applicant numbers. When used, it must be passed before interview eligibility. The English oral interview remains required. [1, 2]
Can admission include preparatory courses?
Yes, by committee decision, with up to 40 CFU of Single Transition Courses. It does not automatically waive the required award or curriculum. [1]
Can I reuse a previous admission letter next year?
No. The foreign procedure limits admission to the academic year of the call and requires a fresh selection if enrolment is not completed. [2]
Can someone handle my whole application to Biotech and Applied AI for Health 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 Biotech and Applied AI for Health?
An Indian bachelor's in biology or biotechnology, or in engineering or computer science, can fit if its courses cover the credit groups in the regulation, for example 30 biology credits including 18 in biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology [1]. You must already hold the degree, then pass the committee review and an English oral interview at B2 [1, 2]. The steps are the online application, the assessment and Universitaly pre-enrolment. 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 Biotech and Applied AI for Health are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application, committee assessment with an English oral interview, 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 Biotech and Applied AI for Health are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application, committee assessment with an English oral interview, 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 Biotech and Applied AI for Health 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, committee assessment with an English oral interview, 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
