Master in Computer Science at University of Pisa

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

The Department of Computer Science notes that the annual fee for international students depends on the country of origin. Across the university, the all-inclusive fee for 2026/27 is capped at €2,900 a year within the standard duration, including the €140 regional tax, 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, you apply on the University of Pisa English-taught master's portal, where you can file at most two applications. For 2026/27 the portal opened on 1 December 2025 and closed on 5 February 2026 for non-EU applicants living abroad; the fee was €30 per application and results came out on 9 March 2026.

Once admitted, you pre-enrol on Universitaly and 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

If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.