Master in Computer Science at University of Insubria
English-taught two-year LM-18 master's in Varese with core units in machine learning, data security, software engineering and logic for AI, wide electives, a six-month internship and a double degree with Université Côte d'Azur. Entry needs 60 computing and 18 maths credits, B2 English and an interview.
Master
2 years
Como
English
University of Insubria
Computer Science is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-18) taught in English at the University of Insubria in Varese. Entry needs a bachelor's in computer science or information engineering, or another degree with at least 60 credits in computing and 18 in maths, plus English at B2 and a compulsory interview. Fees follow family income or a country flat rate, and the programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Insubria's Computer Science master asks for a bachelor's in computer science or information engineering, or another degree, including a recognised foreign one, with at least 60 credits in computing and 18 in maths, plus English at B2 and a pass in a compulsory interview on computer science fundamentals. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
Your bachelor's must be in one of these Italian classes: computer science (L-31, or class 26 under the older system) or information engineering (L-8, or class 09). [1]
Graduates of other classes, three-year university diplomas and foreign qualifications recognised as suitable also qualify if they hold: [1]
- At least 60 CFU in computing: computer science or information processing systems (sectors INF-01/A and IINF-05/A, formerly INF/01 and ING-INF/05).
- At least 18 CFU in maths: any of the mathematics sectors MATH-01/A to MATH-06/A (formerly MAT/01 to MAT/09).
For a foreign degree, the teaching board can recognise your credits as equivalent to these sectors. The interview comes only after your credits are confirmed. [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 25 hours of student work, and the board looks at the subject of each course. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science or IT, or a B.Sc. in Computer Science with maths courses.
- Check carefully: a BCA or B.Sc. IT usually covers the computing block but can fall short of 18 maths credits. A B.Tech in Electronics or Electrical Engineering usually covers the maths but can fall short of 60 computing credits.
- Often short: a B.Sc. in Mathematics or Physics, or a B.Com or BBA, rarely reaches 60 computing credits.
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher, shown by one of: [1]
- A passed university English exam at B2 or higher
- A recognised international B2 certificate no more than 5 calendar years old. IGCSE, IELTS and TOEFL count for only 2 calendar years.
- A Medium of Instruction letter from your university, if your bachelor's was taught entirely in English
The regulations do not list minimum test scores. No Italian test is needed for English-taught courses. [1][2]
Admission interview
Every applicant who meets the credit rule sits a compulsory interview that checks the essential knowledge of the computer science (L-31) and information engineering (L-8) bachelor's classes. A committee of lecturers runs it, and a negative result bars admission for that academic year. [1]
The interview is held online on Microsoft Teams, with the link sent by email a few days before. If you do not join at the start time you are treated as withdrawn and your pre-registration is cancelled, and technical problems are not accepted as an excuse. For 2026/27, sessions were set for 10 September, 7 October and 3 November 2026. [3]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, Universitaly pre-enrolments submitted by 30 June 2026 were considered. Complete degree documents and the study visa had to be uploaded by 1 February 2027, after which the enrolment application is rejected. Universitaly opens around late March or early April each year, and the 2027/28 dates come with the next calendar. [2]
Documents and non-EU steps
Non-EU applicants living abroad pre-enrol on Universitaly, choosing Insubria and this course. Pre-enrolment is needed for the study visa. To enrol, you provide: [2]
- Your degree certificate with an Italian translation
- A CIMEA verification certificate, or legalisation or apostille where it applies
- A CIMEA statement of comparability, a declaration of value or an ARDI certificate (ARDI only if your university's accreditation can be verified)
- An official transcript of your degree and exams, translated into Italian or another language the course accepts, and legalised
- Course programmes for each subject where required, translated and legalised in the same way
After enrolment you apply for your residence permit at the police headquarters (Questura). [2]
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 Insubria, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences. Course regulations of the Master's degree in Computer Science (class LM-18), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Insubria, Enrolment of non-EU students living abroad, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Insubria, Assessment of personal preparation for the Master's degree in Computer Science (admission interview), 2026 sessions. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Computer Science (Informatica) is a two-year master's degree in class LM-18, run by the Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences (DiSTA) at the University of Insubria. It is taught entirely in English at the Varese campus, with in-person lectures and labs. Attendance is not compulsory but strongly recommended. The degree holds the GRIN quality certification for computer science degrees.
The programme gives advanced knowledge for designing and running complex IT systems, with strong attention to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data analysis. It suits graduates in computer science or information engineering who want technical or research careers, including a PhD.
What you will study
There are no fixed curricula: five compulsory units in the first year give a shared base, and electives let you shape the rest. The 2026/27 plan includes:
- Machine Learning (9 ECTS)
- Data Security and Privacy (9 ECTS)
- Software Engineering Fundamentals (9 ECTS)
- Logic for Artificial Intelligence (9 ECTS)
- English for Computer Science (6 ECTS)
- Electives such as Deep Learning, Cloud Data Management, Database Technologies for Big Data and Requirements Engineering
- Related units such as Foundations of Blockchains and Process Algebras, plus 12 ECTS of free choice
How the programme is taught
The second year ends with a 30 ECTS thesis block (design, preparation and final presentation), written in English. It builds on a required six-month internship in a company, a public or private body or a research group, supervised by a university tutor. Internship projects must be innovative, bringing a new method or approach to a problem. A double degree with Université Côte d'Azur in France is also available.
Career paths
The 2026/27 regulation describes three profiles:
- Data management and security specialist: analyses, designs and maintains data systems, responsible for privacy and security
- Software production specialist: manages development from feasibility to deployment, improving efficiency and quality
- Researcher in public or private laboratories
Graduates work in software companies, network management firms and public administration. They can go on to a PhD or, after the state exam, register in the professional engineers' roll.
Fees and scholarships
The contribution follows the 2026/27 rules: it is based on family income through the ISEE, with no contribution due for an ISEE of €28,000 or less. Students with income and assets abroad pay by country group instead, and countries like India are in the lowest group. DSU scholarships are run by the university, and winners are exempt, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
Access is open, but the department checks your computer science and maths credits and interviews you on the fundamentals before you enrol. Non-EU applicants living abroad pre-enrol for the course on Universitaly, and the university assesses them from there. For 2026/27, pre-enrolments submitted by 30 June 2026 were considered, and degree documents and the study visa had to be uploaded by 1 February 2027. The interview is held online on Microsoft Teams.
The document list on the non-EU admissions page includes a CIMEA Statement of Comparability or Declaration of Value, verification or legalisation of your degree, and translated, legalised transcripts and syllabi. An Italian language test is not needed for English-taught courses. After a positive outcome you apply for a type D study visa.
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 Insubria's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your Universitaly pre-enrolment, entry-requirements file and enrolment documents.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your regional 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 Computer Science at Insubria?
A bachelor's in computer science (L-31) or information engineering (L-8), or another degree, including a recognised foreign one, with at least 60 credits in computer science or information processing and at least 18 in maths. [1]
I have a BCA or a B.Tech in Electronics. Can I apply?
Possibly. A BCA usually has plenty of computing but can fall short of the 18 maths credits, while an Electronics B.Tech usually has the maths but can fall short of 60 computing credits. We check your transcript against both blocks first. [1]
Is there an entrance test?
No written test. Once your credits are confirmed, you have a compulsory interview on computer science fundamentals with a committee of lecturers, held online on Microsoft Teams. A negative result blocks admission for that academic year. [1][3]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2. A university B2 exam or a recognised international certificate works, but IELTS and TOEFL count only within 2 calendar years of the test. A Medium of Instruction letter from a fully English-taught bachelor's is also accepted. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, Universitaly pre-enrolments submitted by 30 June 2026 were considered, and degree documents and the study visa had to be uploaded by 1 February 2027. Universitaly opens around late March or early April each year. [2]
Does it include an internship?
Yes. Every student does a six-month internship in a company, a public or private body or a research group, and the thesis usually describes that work. The thesis block is worth 30 ECTS and is written in English. [1]
Is attendance compulsory?
No. Attendance is not compulsory but strongly recommended, and lecturers share course materials on the e-learning platform. Teaching takes place in Varese, entirely in English. [1]
Is there a double degree?
Yes. Up to five students from each university can join a double degree with Université Côte d'Azur in France, earning the Insubria master's and the Master parcours Informatique et Interactions. A joint committee of lecturers selects them. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to Computer Science at Insubria?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Insubria'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 Science?
A recognised Indian bachelor's, such as a B.Tech, B.E., B.Sc. or BCA, can meet the rule if it has at least 60 credits in computer science and 18 in maths. You also need English at B2 and a pass in the online interview. The steps are Universitaly pre-enrolment, the credit check and interview, then enrolment with CIMEA or declaration of value documents. [1][2] 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 Science are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: Universitaly pre-enrolment, the credit check and the online admission interview, 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 Science are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: Universitaly pre-enrolment, the credit check and the online admission interview. 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 Science 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: Universitaly pre-enrolment, the credit check and the online admission interview, 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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