Master in Computer Engineering at University of Pisa
Two-year English-taught LM-32 master's at the University of Pisa with tracks in Computer Systems and Networks, Cyber-physical Systems and Cybersecurity. Entry needs five core computing exams, strong maths and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Pisa
English
University of Pisa
Computer Engineering is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-32) taught in English at the University of Pisa, with tracks in computer systems and networks, cyber-physical systems and cybersecurity. Entry needs a bachelor's of at least three years with exams in algorithms and programming, computer architecture, operating systems, networks and databases, plus English at B2. DSU Toscana scholarship winners are exempt from tuition, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Pisa's Computer Engineering master asks for a bachelor's of at least three years with exams in algorithms and programming, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks and databases, strong maths and English at B2. Applicants with a foreign degree are selected on grades, exam fit and CV, with a final online interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and required exams
You need a Bachelor of Science or equivalent first-cycle degree of at least three years, with courses in computer hardware and software comparable to those of a computer engineering or computer science graduate. [1]
- Five required exams: algorithms and programming, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks and database systems. Missing any one of them makes the application ineligible.
- Maths: a strong background in mathematics is required.
- Related subjects: electronics, telecommunications, automation or management count in your favour.
- Not accepted: merely technical or professional degrees, such as a Bachelor of Computer Applications or equivalent.
For foreign degrees, the committee assesses the requirements from the length of your courses and their exam content. It judges only whether your degree suits this programme, and qualifications from non-EU countries are verified and recognised by the Italian diplomatic authorities at a later stage. [1][2]
What this means for your transcript
As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or IT, or a B.Sc. in Computer Science, when the transcript shows all five exams and solid maths.
- Check carefully: a B.Tech or B.E. in Electronics, Electrical or Telecommunications Engineering brings the maths and the related subjects the call favours, but often lacks one of the five exams, such as operating systems or databases. A B.Sc. IT needs the maths as well as the five exams.
- Often short: a B.Sc. in Physics or Mathematics without the five computing exams, and a B.Com, BBA or BA.
A BCA does not qualify, because the call excludes the Bachelor of Computer Applications by name. The committee reads your transcript exam by exam, so course titles and content matter more than credit totals. [1]
English
English at CEFR level B2. In the application you declare your English, stating the length of study and the certificate you hold. If your bachelor's was taught in English, a document certified by your university stating the teaching language can replace the language certificate. The call does not list accepted tests or minimum scores. [1]
Selection
Computer Engineering and AI and Data Engineering share one call, and every application goes through the same selection in three steps. [1]
- Eligibility: the committee checks the admission requirements and rejects invalid applications.
- Merit review: applicants are assessed on their bachelor's results, read in the context of their country, how closely their exams match the programme, and any further education or work in their CV. The committee can ask for online tests or interviews.
- Final online interview: applicants who pass the earlier steps are invited by email.
Results are posted on the application portal at the end of the selection, not before. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, applicants with a foreign qualification had until 5 February 2026 (23:59 GMT) to apply, a strict deadline. Decisions were expected by 13 March 2026, and classes started at the end of September 2026. [1][3]
You can apply before you graduate if you expect to finish your bachelor's before the Universitaly pre-enrolment deadline set by the Italian embassy or consulate for your country. Admission then depends on graduating by that deadline. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
Applications go through the University of Pisa's portal for English-taught master's degrees. You can file at most two applications there, and each one is finalised on the portal. You upload: [1]
- Your English declaration, or the university document confirming English-medium teaching.
- Your degree certificate and transcripts, translated into English or Italian, with the legal length of the course.
- A valid passport.
- A full CV covering your studies, projects, relevant work, awards and publications.
All files must be PDFs, and an incomplete application cannot be completed after the deadline. Admitted students receive a formal admission letter, pre-enrol on Universitaly, apply for the study visa and then enrol in Pisa. The call notes that the visa can take several weeks or months. [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.
- University of Pisa, Department of Information Engineering. Call for applications, Master's degree programmes in Computer Engineering and in Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Computer Engineering programme page (degree class, teaching language, admission requirements and study plan), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Department of Information Engineering. How to apply to the Master's degree in Computer Engineering, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Computer Engineering is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-32, computer systems engineering) worth 120 ECTS, taught in English by the Department of Information Engineering and the School of Engineering of the University of Pisa. Teaching is in Pisa, and applicants with foreign degrees go through a selective call.
The degree gives a solid scientific and technical base in line with innovation in computer engineering, preparing engineers who design and integrate complex computing systems in many sectors. It suits graduates in computer engineering or computer science who want to go deeper into systems, networks, embedded devices or security.
What you will study
A shared first year covers the core of the discipline, then you follow one of three tracks. Computer Systems and Networks works on large-scale computing and networking infrastructure; Cyberphysical Systems covers embedded systems and the Internet of Things; Cybersecurity focuses on designing secure systems and applications. Units in the 2026/27 plan include:
- Computer Architecture and Performance Evaluation of Computer Systems and Networks (9 ECTS each)
- Foundations of Cybersecurity and Large-Scale and Multi-Structured Databases (9 ECTS each)
- Intelligent Systems (6 ECTS) and Electronics and Communications Systems (9 ECTS)
- Cloud Computing and Advanced Computer Networking (Computer Systems and Networks track)
- Internet of Things and Industrial Applications and Product Innovation (Cyberphysical Systems track)
- Dependable and Secure Systems and System and Network Hacking (Cybersecurity track)
- Distributed Systems and Middleware Technologies, Mobile and Social Sensing Systems, and Software Systems Engineering
- A final thesis worth 24 ECTS
How the programme is taught
The second year combines track units with 9 credits of electives, including options such as Quantum Computing and Quantum Internet, before the 24 credit thesis. The call for foreign applicants also mentions an academic excellence award for the top student at the end of year one.
Career paths
The department lists roles as project engineer for advanced networking, multimedia and e-commerce services, cybersecurity specialist, cloud computing architect, Industry 4.0 development manager, mobile and IoT solutions engineer, chief information officer, IT consultant and researcher in public or private laboratories.
Fees and scholarships
Fees vary with your country of origin, and fee reductions can be requested. DSU Toscana scholarships cover housing, meals and a tuition exemption, so the degree can be tuition-free for eligible students. MAECI and Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarships are also listed. See the DSU scholarship page.
How to apply from outside the EU
Computer Engineering shares one call with AI and Data Engineering, and each applicant may file at most two applications on the English master's portal. For 2026/27 the deadline was 5 February 2026 at 23:59 GMT, with decisions around 13 March 2026. You uploaded your degree and transcripts, passport, CV and English declaration. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
With the admission letter we pre-enrol you on Universitaly, and you apply for a type D study visa; enrolment in Pisa needs a declaration of value or a CIMEA statement of comparability.
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 application on Pisa's English-taught master's 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 Pisa's Computer Engineering master?
A bachelor's of at least three years with exams in algorithms and programming, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks and database systems, plus a strong maths background. Missing any one of these five exams makes the application ineligible. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
There is no fixed written exam. The committee checks eligibility, then assesses your grades, how well your exams match the programme and your CV. It can add online tests or interviews, and shortlisted applicants have a final online interview. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2. You declare your certificate in the application, and if your bachelor's was taught in English, a certified document from your university can replace it. The call does not set minimum test scores, so we check which proof of B2 your file can use. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, applicants with a foreign degree had until 5 February 2026 at 23:59 GMT, with decisions expected by 13 March 2026. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, if you expect to graduate before the Universitaly pre-enrolment deadline set by the Italian embassy or consulate for your country. Your admission then depends on graduating by that deadline. [1]
I have a BCA. Can I apply?
No. The call excludes merely technical or professional degrees and names the Bachelor of Computer Applications. A B.Tech, B.E. or B.Sc. of at least three years can qualify if it includes all five required computing exams and strong maths. [1]
Which tracks can I choose?
Three: Computer Systems and Networks, Cyber-physical Systems, and Cybersecurity. All share computer architecture, performance evaluation, intelligent systems, electronics and communications systems, large-scale databases and foundations of cybersecurity in the first year. [2]
Can I apply to both Computer Engineering and AI and Data Engineering?
Yes. The two programmes share one call and the same selection, and the portal accepts up to two applications to University of Pisa master's degrees. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to Computer Engineering 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 Computer Engineering?
A B.Tech, B.E. or B.Sc. of at least three years can meet the degree rule if it includes exams in algorithms and programming, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks and databases, with strong maths. A BCA is not accepted. You also need English at B2. The steps are the portal application, the online interview, the admission 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 Computer Engineering are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: portal application, online interview, admission 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 Computer Engineering are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: portal application, online interview, admission 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 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: portal application, online interview, admission 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
