Master in Computer Science at University of Trento
Two-year English-taught LM-18 master's at the University of Trento with a Computer Science and Technology track (seven specialisation areas) and an ICT Innovation track linked to EIT Digital, in cyber security, data science or fintech.
Master
2 years
Trento
English
University of Trento
Computer Science is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-18) taught in English by the Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Trento. Non-EU fees depend on your admission score, and the programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree of at least three years in computer science or a related field. Italian L-8 or L-31 graduates qualify directly; others need at least 30 ECTS in maths, physics or statistics and 45 ECTS in computer science or information engineering.
- Graduates from systems without ECTS are checked for knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, programming, computer architecture, probability and statistics, physics, networking and signal processing.
- English at B2 level, shown by a recognised certificate, a university statement that your degree was taught in English, or citizenship of an English-speaking country.
- No entrance test: a committee scores your file out of 100 and may call you for an interview; 50 is the minimum to be ranked.
- Upload your passport, CV, degree certificate (or enrolment certificate with expected graduation date), full transcript with grading scale, and English proof.
About the programme
Computer Science is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-18) worth 120 ECTS and taught entirely in English. It is run by the Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science (DISI) of the University of Trento. The university reports that the degree ranked first in Italy in the computer science and ICT group of the 2026/27 Censis rankings.
The course trains professionals and researchers who can plan, design, build, test and manage complex systems for generating, transmitting and processing information. It suits graduates in computer science or computer engineering who want deeper theory alongside hands-on laboratory work.
What you will study
You choose between two tracks. On the Computer Science and Technology track you pick one specialisation area: Computational Foundations, Cyber Security, Data Science, Bioinformatics, Software and Service Architectures, Systems and Networks, or Human-Computer Interaction. The ICT Innovation track covers cybersecurity, data science or financial technology and adds innovation and entrepreneurship training from European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) programmes. Course units in the current plan include:
- Computability and Computational Complexity (6 ECTS)
- Distributed Systems, Machine Learning and Security Testing
- Automated Reasoning and Formal Verification (12 ECTS)
- Deep Learning, Natural Language Understanding and Foundation Models
- Network Security, Ethical Hacking and Applied Cryptography
- On the ICT Innovation track: Business Development Laboratory and ICT Innovation (9 ECTS each)
- 24 ECTS of free-choice units, an internship (6 ECTS) and a final thesis (24 ECTS)
How the programme is taught
Theory courses alternate with practical laboratory courses throughout the two years. You can broaden the plan with units from other UniTrento degrees such as biology, economics or mathematics. The second year closes with an internship and a 24 ECTS thesis.
Career paths
Graduates work in the design, organisation, development, management and maintenance of IT systems. The official programme sheet lists roles such as software analyst and designer, systems analyst, web application designer, network specialist, IT security specialist and university researcher. Graduates can also continue to a PhD, for example at UniTrento's ICT International Doctoral School.
Fees and scholarships
Computer Science sits in fee group B of UniTrento's 2026/27 rules for non-EU students living abroad. The first-year fee follows your admission score: a full exemption at 90 or more, then €1,000 (70 to 89), €3,000 (60 to 69) or €6,500 (50 to 59). Year two depends on credits earned by 10 August. Top-ranked applicants scoring at least 70 may receive a UniTrento scholarship with a fee exemption, and Opera Universitaria di Trento runs income-based grants, so the degree can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
For 2026/27 there were 60 places for non-EU applicants living abroad, 20 of them reserved for candidates selected under the EIT programme. The committee scored coherence with the degree (30 points), your academic record (65) and extra language skills (5).
You applied online by 4 March 2026 at 12:00 CET with a €30 fee; rankings came out by 25 May 2026 and a €100 fee confirmed the place. Admitted students then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment within two weeks and apply for a type D study visa. The 2027/28 call is not published yet.
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.
Questions and answers
Is the Computer Science master taught in English?
Yes. The degree is taught in English, and you need English at B2 level, shown by a certificate, a statement that your bachelor's was taught in English, or citizenship of an English-speaking country.
Which bachelor's degrees are accepted?
Italian L-8 or L-31 degrees qualify directly. Other graduates need at least 30 ECTS in maths, physics or statistics and 45 ECTS in computer science or information engineering, or equivalent knowledge checked by the committee.
Is there an entrance test?
No written test. A committee scores your file out of 100 on coherence, academic record and languages, and may interview you if the documents are not enough. You need at least 50 points.
When can I apply for the 2027/28 intake?
The 2027/28 call is not out yet. As a guide, for 2026/27 non-EU applicants applied by 4 March 2026 at 12:00 CET, paid a €30 fee and received rankings by 25 May 2026.
How much are tuition fees?
In 2026/27 non-EU students living abroad paid by admission score: a full exemption at 90 or more, otherwise €1,000, €3,000 or €6,500 in year one. UniTrento and Opera Universitaria scholarships are open to eligible students.
What jobs does the degree lead to?
Graduates design, develop and manage IT systems as software analysts, systems analysts, network or IT security specialists, and researchers. Many continue to a PhD in Trento or abroad.
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