Master in Computer Engineering at University of Pavia

Detailed entry requirements

Pavia's Computer Engineering master asks for a bachelor's degree, which the application portal says should be in engineering, or a recognised foreign equivalent with at least 81 CFU in set subject areas, plus English at B2 and a positive check of your preparation by a committee. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]

The 81-credit rule

You need a three-year bachelor's degree, a three-year university diploma, an older five-year Italian degree or a foreign qualification recognised as valid. [1] The application portal lists the entry qualification as a bachelor's or master's degree awarded in engineering. [3]

Across your previous university studies you need at least 81 CFU in two groups: [1][2]

• At least 36 CFU in basic subjects: mathematics (algebra, geometry, analysis, probability, mathematical physics, numerical analysis and operational research), statistics, physics, chemistry, computer science and computer engineering (sectors CHEM-06/A, PHYS-01/A, PHYS-03/A, INFO-01/A, IINF-05/A, MATH-02/A, MATH-02/B, MATH-03/A, MATH-03/B, MATH-04/A, MATH-05/A, MATH-06/A and STAT-01/B).
• At least 45 CFU in specific subjects: computer science and computer engineering, automation, electronics, electromagnetic fields, telecommunications, bioengineering, electronic measurements, electrical engineering and electrical drives, applied mechanics, manufacturing, industrial plants and management engineering (sectors INFO-01/A, IINF-01/A to IINF-05/A, IBIO-01/A, IMIS-01/B, IIET-01/A, IIND-08/A, IIND-02/A, IIND-04/A, IIND-05/A and IEGE-01/A).

For graduates of foreign universities, a committee appointed by the degree board checks whether your studies meet these requirements. [1]

What this means for your transcript

Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit: one CFU stands for about 25 hours of student work, and the committee looks at your subjects, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:

• Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication or Electrical and Electronics Engineering, where maths, physics and programming cover the basic block and computing, electronics, telecommunications or control subjects cover the specific block.
• Check carefully: a B.Tech in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Instrumentation or Biomedical Engineering. Applied mechanics, manufacturing, measurement, control and bioengineering subjects count, but you need 45 credits from the list.
• Often short: a BCA or a B.Sc. in Computer Science or IT, which can carry computing credits but is not the engineering degree the portal asks for, and a B.Com, BBA or BA, which rarely include the listed subjects.

If your record does not fully match but you have a strong background or motivation, the committee can still admit you and add up to 12 CFU of courses to your study plan, or set single examinations to pass before you enrol. It may also interview you. [1]

English

English at CEFR level B2 or higher. Certificates accepted automatically include: [1]

• IELTS: 5.5
• TOEFL iBT: 77
• PTE Academic: 59
• Cambridge B2 First or B2 Business Vantage: 160
• Oxford Test of English B2: 111
• TOEIC: 785 in Listening and Reading plus 310 in Speaking and Writing
• Trinity College London ISE II, on all modules

You need no certificate if you passed an English examination of at least 3 CFU or an examination taught in English during your degree. Students from countries where English is one of the main languages, and graduates of institutions that teach in English, also need no certificate but must show documents. Without a certificate, the committee may check your English itself. Partial certificates, such as speaking and listening only, are not valid. [1]

Preparation check and minimum grade

The committee checks that you have a solid grounding in engineering basics and good theoretical and practical knowledge in advanced engineering subjects. There is no national entrance test. [1]

• Italian degrees: a final mark of 92/110 or above exempts you. Others sit an assessment in September to October or January to February.
• Foreign degrees: the committee assesses you case by case from the documents you submit and may hold an interview.

The application portal also points to the Faculty of Engineering's country-specific minimum grades. [3] Because of high application numbers from India, Iran and Pakistan, the Faculty has set minimums for these countries. Its list gives 65 out of 100 (percentage or weighted score), 13.75 out of 20 and 2.65 out of 4, and your transcript or a certified university document must show your average and the grading system. [5]

Italian course in the study plan

Students with a qualification from outside Italy must include the 3 ECTS Italian Language for Foreign Students course and one more 3 ECTS activity in their study plan, unless they show Italian at B1 or above or hold an Italian school or university qualification. [1]

2027/28 application calls

The application portal lists these calls for Computer Engineering in 2027/28: [3]

• First call: 12 to 18 November 2026, for EU and non-EU applicants.
• Second call: 12 to 20 January 2027, for EU and non-EU applicants.
• Third call: 12 to 22 March 2027. It opens to non-EU applicants living abroad only if places remain.
• June and September 2027 calls: the portal marks the June call as not applicable for non-EU citizens, and the September call is for EU applicants and non-EU applicants living in Italy.

Each call closes at 23:59 Central European Time, and studies start on 14 September 2027. The programme takes a maximum number of non-EU students, so we apply in the first two calls. [3]

Documents and non-EU steps

You apply on Pavia's application portal with scanned copies of your original degree documents in English, French, Italian or Spanish. Admitted candidates submit verified documents at enrolment. [3]

Students still finishing a degree can request the committee's credit review if they have an approved study plan, and can sit the preparation assessment once they hold at least 150 CFU. Conditional enrolment lets you attend first-semester lessons, but you sit examinations only after you graduate, within the university's deadline. [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.

1. University of Pavia, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering. Course regulations, Second-cycle degree in Computer Engineering (LM-32), academic year 2026/2027, with study plans. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
2. University of Pavia, Faculty of Engineering. Course regulations, Second-cycle degree in Computer Engineering (LM-32), academic year 2024/2025. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
3. University of Pavia, application portal. Master's degree in Computer Engineering: entry requirements, documents and application calls, academic year 2027/2028. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
4. University of Pavia. Fees regulation, academic year 2026/2027, including flat-rate fee brackets for non-EU students. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
5. University of Pavia, Faculty of Engineering. Country-specific requirements related to your degree: minimum GPA, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
6. University of Pavia, Computer Engineering programme page (degree class, language, duration, access and department). Reviewed 8 October 2026.

What bachelor's degree do I need for Pavia's Computer Engineering master?

A bachelor's or recognised foreign equivalent, which the application portal says should be in engineering, with at least 81 CFU: 36 in maths, statistics, physics, chemistry or computing, and 45 in listed computer, information, electrical and industrial engineering subjects. A committee reviews foreign degrees. [1][3]

Is there an entrance exam?

No national test. A committee checks your preparation. Italian graduates with 92/110 or above are exempt and others sit an assessment. For a foreign degree, the committee assesses you case by case from your documents and may hold an interview. [1]

What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?

English at CEFR B2. Accepted certificates include IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 77, PTE Academic 59 and Cambridge B2 First 160. You need no certificate if your degree was taught in English or included a 3 CFU English examination, with documents to prove it. [1]

When is the deadline for non-EU students?

For 2027/28, the first call runs from 12 to 18 November 2026 and the second from 12 to 20 January 2027. A March 2027 call opens to non-EU applicants living abroad only if places remain, and non-EU places are capped. Studies start on 14 September 2027. [3]

Can I apply before I graduate?

Yes. You can request the credit review with an approved study plan, and sit the preparation assessment once you hold 150 CFU. Conditional enrolment lets you attend first-semester lessons, and you sit examinations only after you graduate, within the university's deadline. [1]

I have a BCA or a B.Sc. in Computer Science. Can I apply?

Possibly, but check carefully. Computing subjects count towards both credit groups, but the application portal asks for a degree awarded in engineering. The committee can admit strong, motivated candidates whose background does not fully match, adding up to 12 CFU of courses to the study plan. [1][3]

Which curricula can I choose?

Four tracks in 2026/27: Computer Science and Multimedia, Data Science, Embedded IoT Systems and Intelligent Control Systems. Each has its own core units, such as machine and deep learning, embedded IoT systems or nonlinear control, and all end with a 24 ECTS thesis. [1]

What jobs do graduates do?

The application portal lists information systems design, network and web architectures, real-time and multimedia systems, automation systems for industry and services, robotics, and modelling, simulation and control of complex systems. [3]

Can someone handle my whole application to Computer Engineering at Pavia?

Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Pavia's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the regional 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 Computer Engineering?

A recognised Indian engineering bachelor's, such as a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science, IT, Electronics and Communication or Electrical and Electronics, can meet the rule if it has 36 credits in maths, physics or computing and 45 in the listed computer, information and electrical subjects. Pavia's Faculty of Engineering also sets a minimum grade for Indian degrees, and you need English at B2. [1][5] 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 Computer Engineering are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application, the committee's review of your credits and preparation, 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 Computer Engineering are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application, the committee's review of your credits and preparation, 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 Computer Engineering 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, the committee's review of your credits and preparation, 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.