Master in Computer Science at University of L’Aquila
Two-year LM-18 master's at the University of L'Aquila with all compulsory units in English, covering software engineering, AI, networks and data analytics, with double-degree tracks. Entry needs 48 computing and 12 maths credits plus English at B2.
Master
2 years
L'Aquila
English
University of L’Aquila
Computer Science is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-18) taught in English at the University of L'Aquila in L'Aquila. Entry needs a computer science bachelor's or at least 48 computing credits plus 12 maths credits, and English at B2. A committee ranks applicants on their documents. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
L'Aquila's Computer Science master asks for a three-year bachelor's or recognised foreign degree in computer science, or at least 48 credits in computing plus 12 in maths, English at B2, and a place in the committee's ranking based on your documents and a possible interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and the 48 plus 12 credit rule
You need a university degree of at least three years, or a foreign degree recognised as suitable, that gives access to this master's. [1][2]
- Direct fit: a degree in computer science (class L-31, or the older class 26).
- Otherwise: previous studies equal to at least 48 CFU in computer science or computer engineering (sectors INFO-01/A or IINF-05/A) plus 12 CFU in mathematics (MATH-01 to MATH-06).
The programme committee decides which of your credits count and can set a specific study path depending on which requirements you meet. [2]
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 L'Aquila looks at your subjects, not just your total. [2] 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, which usually cover both the computing and maths blocks.
- Check carefully: a BCA or B.Sc. IT usually covers the computing block but can fall short on the 12 maths credits, and a B.Tech in Electronics or Electrical Engineering often has the maths but may not reach 48 computing credits.
- Often short: a B.Sc. in Mathematics or Physics, a B.Com, BBA or BA, which usually lack the 48 computing credits.
English
English at CEFR B2 or higher, written and spoken, is an admission requirement. [1][2] The 2026/27 call asks for proof at B2 or C1 level, uploaded with the application or sent through ETS (code 3676). Certificates issued more than four years ago are not accepted, and the call lists no minimum test scores. [1]
If you studied in English for one or more years, in a degree or at high school, or English is your mother tongue, you can self-certify it in the application. [1]
Selection and interview
There is no written entrance test. After the deadline, a committee of at least three members checks the admission requirements and sets its own evaluation criteria. Selection is on titles only, or on titles and an interview. If there is an interview, you are told at least 5 days before. [1]
Each committee draws up a ranking of eligible candidates, which the university may also use to award financial help or grants. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27 (cohort 2026), the call was published on 7 November 2025 and applications on the PICA portal closed on 25 February 2026 at 1:00 pm Italian time. [1]
Applicants still finishing a degree could take part if they graduated by 15 August 2026. Their admission was conditional until they submitted a copy of the degree certificate by that date, or no later than 10 days after graduating. The 2027/28 call is not yet published. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
One application covers up to two programme rankings. All documents must be in English: [1]
- A CV, preferably in Europass format.
- The degree certificate and transcript of the degree you apply with, plus those of any other higher education degrees.
- Official descriptions of your relevant courses, or the self-certification form attached to the call.
- A motivation letter, and up to two reference letters if you have them.
- Proof of English at B2 or C1, or the self-certification.
- An identity document valid in Italy.
Ranked applicants who need a visa register on Universitaly for this programme, and the university approves the pre-enrolment without a further academic review. You still complete the regular enrolment for cohort 2026, and you can enrol only with a valid study visa. [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 L'Aquila, International Relations Office. Call for the selection of students with a foreign bachelor's degree for master's degree courses taught in English, cohort 2026, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of L'Aquila. Teaching regulations of the Master's degree in Computer Science (Informatica, class LM-18), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of L'Aquila, Computer Science (Informatica) programme page, academic year 2026/27 (degree class, language, department and double-degree partners). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Computer Science (Informatica) is a two-year master's degree in class LM-18 at the University of L'Aquila, run by the Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics (DISIM). The 2026/27 regulation describes it as an international degree: all compulsory units are taught in English, while a few electives are in Italian. It is taught in person in L'Aquila and carries 120 ECTS. [2][3]
The programme deepens the core disciplines of a computer science bachelor's and prepares graduates for design and decision-making roles. It covers the theory, methods and technology behind the design and building of software systems. It suits graduates in computer science or in fields with a large computing component.
What you will study
Students choose one of five curricula, three of which are double degrees with partner universities:
- Advanced Software Engineering (ASE): Artificial Intelligence, Model Driven Engineering and IoT Software Engineering, Software Architectures and Quality, Data Analytics, Service-Oriented Engineering
- AI, Complex Networks and Data Analytics (AICONDA): Distributed Computing and Algorithms, Network Algorithms, Intelligent Agents, Data Analytics
- Global Software Engineering (GSEEM), a double degree with Mälardalen University in Sweden
- EDISS, on data-intensive intelligent software systems, a double degree with Åbo Akademi University in Finland and a partner in Sweden, Spain or Italy
- I2COST, an Indo-Italian double degree with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, for students already on Amrita's M.Tech programmes in Computer Science and Engineering, Cybersecurity Systems or Wireless Networks and Applications, who spend their second year in L'Aquila [2]
How the programme is taught
In GSEEM, one track starts in L'Aquila and moves to Sweden for the second year and the other works the other way round. The course page also lists the SE4GreenDeal consortium with LUT University in Finland and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. [3] Every student completes at least 6 ECTS of traineeship and a 21 ECTS thesis, an original project or written work on a curriculum topic that can be written and defended in English. The degree encourages English at C1 level and offers Italian courses at A1 and A2 for international students.
Career paths
According to the regulation, graduates work in private companies, public administration and as freelance professionals, in activities such as:
- Planning, design and development of software systems
- Project management
- Testing and quality assurance
- Management of computing systems
- Design and decision-making roles, including in international settings
Fees and scholarships
L'Aquila charges fees by income band. In the 2026/27 fee guide non-EU students not resident in Italy fall into the lowest band (ISEE up to €24,000), with no annual contribution, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students; to keep it from the second year you need a minimum of credits. ADSU L'Aquila awards regional scholarships.
How to apply from outside the EU
You need a computer science bachelor's (L-31) or a degree with at least 48 credits in computing and 12 in maths, plus English at B2. [2] Computer Science is in the university's call for master's degrees taught in English, run on the PICA portal. For 2026/27 the deadline was 25 February 2026 at 1:00 pm Italian time. A committee assessed CV, transcripts, course descriptions, a motivation letter and English proof, on titles only or on titles and an interview. [1]
Ranked applicants who need a visa register on Universitaly for the same programme, which the university approves without a further academic review, and then apply for a study visa. You can enrol only with a valid study visa. The 2027/28 call is not yet published. [1]
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 L'Aquila's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your PICA application with CV, transcripts, course descriptions and motivation letter, and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- 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 L'Aquila?
A three-year degree in computer science (class L-31) or a recognised foreign equivalent, or studies equal to at least 48 credits in computer science or computer engineering plus 12 credits in mathematics. You also need English at B2. [1][2]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. A committee checks your requirements and ranks you on your titles, such as CV, transcripts, course descriptions and motivation letter. It may add an interview, announced at least 5 days ahead. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2 or higher. The 2026/27 call accepts B2 or C1 proof issued in the last four years and lists no minimum scores. If you studied in English for at least one year, at degree or high school level, you can self-certify it. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, applications on the PICA portal closed on 25 February 2026 at 1:00 pm Italian time, after the call opened in November 2025. The 2027/28 call is not yet published. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, if you graduate in time. The 2026/27 call accepted applicants due to graduate by 15 August 2026, with conditional admission until they submitted the degree certificate. [1]
I have a BCA or a B.Tech in Electronics. Can I apply?
Possibly. A BCA often covers the 48 computing credits but can fall short on the 12 maths credits, and an Electronics B.Tech usually has the maths but may lack computing credits. The programme committee decides which credits count. [2]
Is Computer Science at L'Aquila taught in English?
Yes for all compulsory units. The 2026/27 regulation calls it an international degree taught mainly in English, with a few electives in Italian. The thesis can be written and defended in English. [2]
Which curricula can I choose?
Advanced Software Engineering, and AI, Complex Networks and Data Analytics, plus double-degree tracks: GSEEM with Mälardalen University in Sweden and EDISS with Åbo Akademi and partners. I2COST is for students already on Amrita M.Tech programmes. [2][3]
Can someone handle my whole application to Computer Science at L'Aquila?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against L'Aquila'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 three-year Indian bachelor's, such as a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science or IT, a B.Sc. in Computer Science or a BCA, can meet the rule if it covers 48 computing credits and 12 maths credits, and you also need English at B2. The steps are the PICA application, the committee ranking and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [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: PICA application, committee ranking 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 Science are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: PICA application, committee ranking 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 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: PICA application, committee ranking 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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