Master in Chemistry at University of Siena
Two-year English-taught LM-54 chemistry master's at the University of Siena with advanced core chemistry, a 12 ECTS internship and a 26 ECTS experimental thesis project. Entry needs a strong chemistry base and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Siena
English
University of Siena
Chemistry is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-54) taught entirely in English at the University of Siena. Entry needs a three-year bachelor's with a strong chemistry base, such as an Italian chemistry degree or at least 90 chemistry credits, plus English at B2 and a check of your preparation. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Siena's Chemistry master asks for a three-year bachelor's with a strong chemistry base, meaning an Italian chemistry degree or at least 90 credits in chemistry, plus English at B2 and a check of your preparation, which for international applicants is an interview and/or online test. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
You need a three-year bachelor's degree or a foreign qualification recognised as suitable, with adequate preparation in the core subjects for a chemist: mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science. [1]
An Italian degree in class L-27 (Chemical Sciences and Technologies) meets the curricular requirements. Graduates from other degree classes can be admitted if they have at least 90 credits in chemistry subjects (sectors CHEM-01 to CHEM-08, formerly CHIM/01 to CHIM/12). [1]
For international students, the Teaching Committee or its delegate decides admission by reviewing the documents uploaded to the online application platform. The 2026/27 programme listing asks for a background in mathematics, chemistry and physics, plus basic computer science. [1][2]
These rules come from the course regulations in force from 2025/26, the latest published. [1]
What this means for your transcript
The 90-credit chemistry benchmark is high: in Italian terms it equals a year and a half of full-time study in chemistry alone. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. (Honours) in Chemistry, or a B.Sc. with chemistry as the main subject in all three years.
- Check carefully: a general B.Sc. with chemistry as one of three subjects (such as Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics), a B.Tech or B.E. in Chemical Engineering, a B.Pharm, or a B.Sc. in Biochemistry or Industrial Chemistry. These can carry substantial chemistry but may fall short of 90 credits.
- Often short: a B.Sc. in Biology or Physics, a BCA, B.Com, BBA or BA.
The committee assesses foreign degrees through the documents you upload, so we map your transcript against the 90-credit chemistry benchmark before you apply.
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher. If you do not have a certificate, the University Language Centre assesses your level. [1]
Siena's admissions portal accepts certificates from its approved list and does not publish minimum scores. Citizens of countries on its exemption list, such as the UK, US, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, are exempt, and applicants whose previous degree was taught in English may be exempt with an official certificate or letter confirming it. The committee decides exemptions and may call you for a remote interview. Siena also offers an online English interview, with limited availability, for B2-level candidates without a recognised certificate. [3]
Check of your preparation
The check of your personal preparation is compulsory. It counts as passed for Italian chemistry graduates (class L-27 or the older class 21) with a final mark of at least 95/110. International applicants, and others below that mark, take an interview, which can be online, and/or an online assessment test. [1]
On the 2026/27 listing, applicants are first screened on their documents, and the Enrolment Committee may then invite them to a remote online test and/or an interview. Results arrive about one month after the deadline, or earlier. [2]
Students still finishing their degree can take the check if they already have at least 120 credits, including all the credits required in the set subject areas. If they pass, they are admitted conditionally and can enrol once they graduate within the deadline. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants who needed a study visa had a single window, which closed on 6 May 2026, with no summer intake. Siena says applications for 2027/28 open in November 2026. [3]
Documents and non-EU steps
Non-EU applicants apply on Siena's online admissions portal. You can submit up to three applications. [2][3][4]
The application asks for a passport, a CV, an official transcript stamped and signed by your university (or a Diploma Supplement where your country takes part in that scheme) and your English certificate. Documents not in Italian or English need certified translations. Final-year students can apply with a provisional certificate, and legalised copies of your qualifications are needed only after admission. [3]
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 Siena, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy. Teaching regulations of the Master's degree in Chemistry (LM-54), in force from academic year 2025/26. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, international admissions portal: Chemistry (LM-54) programme entry, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, international admissions portal: admission calendar for master's degree programmes, documents required, admission fees and English proficiency pages, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena. Regulation on student contributions, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
The master's degree in Chemistry is a two-year laurea magistrale in class LM-54, worth 120 ECTS and taught entirely in English. It is run by the Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy at via Aldo Moro 2 in Siena, with international teaching staff and a multinational class.
The degree focuses on the design, synthesis and characterisation of products and materials that meet efficiency and sustainability standards, and on modern techniques for molecular structural analysis. It suits chemistry graduates, or graduates with equivalent maths, chemistry and physics, who aim for a PhD or a research or industry career.
What you will study
The first year is built on compulsory advanced courses across the main branches of chemistry, plus electives. Core units in the 2026/27 study plan are:
- Advanced Physical Chemistry I and II
- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I and II
- Advanced Organic Chemistry (12 ECTS)
- Advanced Analytical Chemistry
- Advanced Biological Chemistry
Electives include Biophysical Chemistry, Surface Chemistry and Nanomaterials, Computational Organic Spectroscopy, Green Chemistry, Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Sustainable and Efficient Energy, Programming for Data Science and Structural Biology.
How the programme is taught
The second year is mostly research: a 26 ECTS experimental project for the final dissertation and a 12 ECTS internship in a company or research laboratory, supported by partnerships with local and international companies. Under the course regulations, the thesis work takes at least six months in a research laboratory, lab classes need at least 75% attendance, and you complete a health and safety course before any lab work. [1] The university's English degree list also mentions the option of an international double degree.
Career paths
Graduates can go on to national and international PhD programmes or work in:
- chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, dyes and materials industries
- quality control, production and applications
- research institutes and public or private laboratories
- public agencies for environmental and health control
- independent practice as a senior chemist after registration in the Italian Register of Chemists
Fees and scholarships
At Siena fees depend on the Italian ISEE; an ISEE parificato is not accepted. Students without a valid ISEE pay a rate set by their country of citizenship. [4] DSU Toscana winners and eligible students are fully exempt, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
Applications go through apply.unisi.it. [2] The committee first assesses your degree, transcripts and B2 English proof; applicants who pass this screening may be invited to a remote online test or interview. [1][2]
For 2026/27, applicants needing a visa had a single window that closed on 6 May 2026; the later summer intake was only for students without a visa requirement. After admission we complete Universitaly pre-enrolment for a study visa. Siena says applications for 2027/28 open in November 2026. [3]
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 Siena's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your online application on Siena's admissions 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 Siena's Chemistry master?
A three-year bachelor's with adequate maths, physics, chemistry and computing. An Italian chemistry degree (class L-27) qualifies directly; other degrees need at least 90 credits in chemistry subjects. For international applicants, the committee decides from your uploaded documents. [1]
Is there an entrance test?
International applicants are screened on their documents first. The committee may then invite them to an online test and/or an interview, which can be held remotely. Results arrive about one month after the deadline, or earlier. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2 or higher. Siena accepts certificates from its approved list and publishes no minimum scores. Without a certificate, the University Language Centre assesses your level, and applicants whose previous degree was taught in English may be exempt. [1][3]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants who needed a study visa had a single window that closed on 6 May 2026, with no summer intake. Siena says applications for 2027/28 open in November 2026, and we prepare your file before then. [3]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. Final-year students can apply with a provisional certificate. To take the check before graduating you need at least 120 credits, including all the required subject credits, and you are admitted conditionally until you graduate within the deadline. [1][3]
I have a B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Can I apply?
Possibly. A general B.Sc. with chemistry as one of three subjects may fall short of the 90 chemistry credits the regulations set for degrees outside chemistry. The committee decides from your documents, so we map your chemistry courses against that benchmark first. [1]
Does the degree include an internship?
Yes. The second year includes a 12 ECTS internship in a company or research lab and a 26 ECTS experimental project for the dissertation. Under the regulations, the thesis work takes at least six months in a research laboratory. [1]
What careers does it lead to?
Graduates work as senior chemists in research labs, public and private bodies and industry, can practise independently after registering with the professional register, and can continue to a PhD in Italy or abroad. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to Chemistry at Siena?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Siena'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 Chemistry?
An Indian B.Sc. (Honours) in Chemistry, or a B.Sc. with chemistry as the main subject, can meet the rule of a strong chemistry base, which Siena checks against a benchmark of 90 chemistry credits for other degrees. You need English at B2. The steps are the online application, a possible online test or interview 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 Chemistry are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application on apply.unisi.it, the committee's document review with a possible test or 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 Chemistry are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application on apply.unisi.it, the committee's document review with a possible test or 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 Chemistry 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.unisi.it, the committee's document review with a possible test or 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.
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