Master in Computer Science at University of Pisa
Two-year English-taught LM-18 master's at the University of Pisa with four tracks: Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Technologies, Foundations of Software and ICT Solutions Architect. Entry needs a related degree or 72 subject credits and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Pisa
English
University of Pisa
Computer Science is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-18) taught in English by the University of Pisa's Department of Computer Science, with four tracks. Entry needs a degree in computer science, computer engineering, maths or physics, or 72 credits in these areas, 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 Science master asks for a three-year degree in computer science, computer engineering, maths or physics, or at least 72 credits in these areas, plus English at B2. Non-EU applicants living abroad are selected on their CGPA, how well their exams fit the degree and their CV. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and the 72-credit rule
The general requirement is a three-year degree in one of these Italian classes, or an equivalent: [2]
- Computer Science: class L-31.
- Computer Engineering: class L-8.
- Mathematics: class L-35.
- Physics: class L-30.
With a three-year degree from another class, or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad, you can be admitted if you have at least 72 ECTS in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics or physics (sectors INF/01, ING-INF/05, MAT and FIS). At least 36 of these must be in computer science or computer engineering, and at least 18 in mathematics and physics. [2]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit, and the department 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 or IT, or a B.Sc. in Computer Science with solid maths.
- Check carefully: a BCA or B.Sc. IT usually has the 36 computing credits but can fall short on the 18 maths and physics credits. A B.E. in Electronics or Electrical Engineering often has the maths and physics but needs 36 credits in computing.
- Often short: a B.Sc. in Physics or Mathematics without programming, algorithms and operating systems courses, and a B.Com, BBA or BA.
The department also expects basic knowledge of programming, algorithms and data structures, computer architecture and operating systems, and probability and statistics. [3]
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher. You upload an international certificate at B2 level, such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge, to the admissions portal. The department does not publish minimum scores for each test. [2][4]
Selection
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living outside Italy were selected on three things: their bachelor's grades (CGPA), how closely their transcript exams match the master's, and any further education or work experience in their CV. The call does not mention a written test. [1]
Under the teaching regulations, the committee checks your preparation by evaluating your curriculum and can add a test if needed. Graduates in Computer Science (L-31) or Computer Engineering (L-8) are considered adequately prepared, subject to the English check. [2]
Each track adds its own prerequisites. Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Technologies and Foundations of Software expect calculus, numerical analysis and formal logic; ICT Solutions Architect expects operating systems, networking, software engineering, and probability and statistics. [3]
2026/27 deadlines
Non-EU applicants living outside Italy could apply from November 2025 until 5 February 2026 (Anywhere on Earth). Admission or rejection notices came by 9 March 2026, and classes start in person in Pisa in mid-September 2026. Admitted students could finalise registration until 31 December 2026. [1]
EU citizens and non-EU citizens with an Italian residence permit could apply until 31 August 2026. The 2027/28 dates are set by the next call. [4]
Application and visa steps
Applications go through the University of Pisa's portal for English-taught master's degrees. Each applicant can submit up to two applications, and each one goes to the evaluation committee once it is complete. [1]
The call asks admitted students to start the visa process straight away, because in past years some admitted students could not enrol after visa delays. [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 Computer Science. Call for applications of non-EU citizens residing outside Italy, Master's degree programmes in Computer Science, Data Science and Business Informatics, and Informatics for Digital Health, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Department of Computer Science. Extract of the teaching regulations, Master's degree in Computer Science (LM-18), academic year 2025/26. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Department of Computer Science. Guidelines for individual assessment: competencies required for admission to the Master's degree programme, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Department of Computer Science. Master's programme web pages: English language requirements (B2 certification) and degrees offered in English, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Computer Science is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-18) worth 120 ECTS, taught in English by the Department of Computer Science of the University of Pisa. Admission is open, with no fixed number of places, and classes are held in Pisa.
The department describes it as a demanding degree for highly motivated students who want solid theoretical foundations together with advanced skills in information technology. It suits graduates in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics or physics who are comfortable with programming, algorithms and formal reasoning.
What you will study
You choose one of four tracks when you plan your studies. Artificial Intelligence covers machine learning, deep learning, robotics, computer vision and large language models. Big Data Technologies deals with storing, processing and mining large-scale data. Foundations of Software focuses on formal modelling and verification of complex software. ICT Solutions Architect covers systems that combine software and hardware, with attention to performance, security and scalability. Units in the 2026/27 study plan include:
- Machine Learning and Computational Mathematics for Learning and Data Analysis (9 ECTS each)
- Distributed Systems: Paradigms and Models (9 ECTS)
- Generative and Deep Learning, Computer Vision and Human Language Technologies (AI track)
- Advanced Databases, Data Mining Techniques and Algorithm Engineering (Big Data track)
- Software Verification: Principles and Techniques, and Software Verification Laboratory (Foundations of Software track)
- Network Security, Peer to Peer Systems and Blockchains, and ICT Infrastructures (ICT Solutions Architect track)
- A final dissertation worth 24 ECTS
How the programme is taught
Each track mixes compulsory units with elective groups. Electives range from Introduction to Quantum Computing, Learning on Graphs and Computational Neuroscience to a Laboratory on ICT Startup Building, so you can shape a profile towards research or industry. Most tracks leave 9 credits of free choice, and the second year centres on the 24 credit dissertation.
Career paths
The course page points graduates to roles as advanced software developers, data scientists, computer security experts, IT consultants, researchers in universities or industrial labs, and managers of complex technology projects. Typical employers are in IT, telecommunications, banking, government agencies and high-tech industry, in Italy and abroad.
Fees and scholarships
Fees follow family income and country of origin, and you can apply for a reduction. Winners of the DSU Toscana scholarship are exempt from tuition fees, so the degree can be tuition-free for eligible students. See the fees page.
How to apply from outside the EU
If you hold a foreign degree, we apply on the University of Pisa English-taught master's portal, where each applicant can file at most two applications. For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad could apply from November 2025 until 5 February 2026, and results came out by 9 March 2026. The 2027/28 call is not yet published.
Once you are admitted, we pre-enrol you on Universitaly, and you apply for a type D study visa. To finish enrolment in Pisa the university asks for a declaration of value or a CIMEA statement of comparability for your bachelor's degree.
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 Science master?
A three-year degree in computer science, computer engineering, maths or physics, or an equivalent. With another degree you need at least 72 credits in computing, maths or physics, including at least 36 in computer science or computer engineering and 18 in maths and physics. [2]
Is there an entrance exam?
The 2026/27 call for non-EU applicants abroad ranks you on your CGPA, how closely your exams match the degree, and extra education or work in your CV. It does not mention a written test, although the regulations allow one if the committee needs it. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2 or higher, shown by an international certificate such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge, uploaded to the admissions portal. The department does not publish minimum scores for each test, so we check that your certificate shows B2. [4]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living outside Italy could apply from November 2025 until 5 February 2026, and results came out by 9 March 2026. The 2027/28 call is not yet published. [1]
How many programmes can I apply to on the portal?
Up to two. Each application is submitted on the portal and then goes to the evaluation committee. [1]
I have a BCA or a B.Sc. in Physics. Can I apply?
Possibly. A BCA usually has the 36 computing credits but can fall short on the 18 maths and physics credits or the 72 total. A Physics degree often has the maths and physics but needs 36 computing credits. We check your transcript subject by subject. [2]
Which tracks can I choose?
Four: Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Technologies, Foundations of Software and ICT Solutions Architect. You choose one when you enrol in the first year, and each track has its own prerequisites, such as calculus, numerical analysis and formal logic for the AI track. [2][3]
Can someone handle my whole application to Computer Science 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 Science?
A three-year or longer Indian B.Tech, B.E. or B.Sc. in computer science or IT can meet the degree rule. Other degrees need at least 72 credits in computing, maths or physics, with 36 in computing and 18 in maths and physics. Selection weighs your CGPA, exam fit and CV, and you need English at B2. The steps are the portal application, the admission letter 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: portal application, 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 Science are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: portal application, 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 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: portal application, 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.
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