Master in Cybersecurity at University of Pisa

About the programme

Cybersecurity is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-66, computer systems security) worth 120 ECTS, taught entirely in English in Pisa. It is offered jointly by the University of Pisa's Department of Information Engineering and Department of Computer Science, and answers the growing need for specialists with deep scientific and technological expertise in security.

The course gives a solid grounding in the foundations, methods and technologies of the field, so that graduates can deal with security problems in very different application areas and contribute to research. It suits graduates in computer science or computer engineering with a strong academic record.

What you will study

The first year covers the core of the discipline plus a bridging unit chosen according to your background, and the second year adds AI-based security, a choice of advanced units and a substantial thesis. The 2026/27 study plan includes:

• Foundations of cybersecurity and Data and system security (9 ECTS each)
• Hardware and embedded security
• Language-based technology for security
• Organisational sciences and information technology law (12 ECTS)
• Artificial intelligence for cybersecurity
• Two of Network security, System and network hacking, Dependable and secure systems, or Software engineering
• Electives such as Biometric systems and Electromagnetic security, and a 24 ECTS thesis

Career paths

According to the University of Pisa, graduates work in public or private organisations that need specialised staff for their security needs, or in companies developing new cybersecurity solutions. Research careers are also open, in universities and in public or private research organisations working on security. Typical settings include:

• Security teams in companies and public bodies
• Vendors building security products and services
• University and industrial research groups

Fees and scholarships

The programme says scholarship and fee reduction options for international students change each year and are set out in each call. Under the University of Pisa's 2026/27 rules, fees are capped at €2,900 a year, with automatic lower bands of €290, €580 or €1,160 by your country's World Bank income group, or an ISEEU parificato calculation. DSU Toscana scholarship winners are exempt from tuition, so the course can be tuition-free for eligible students.

How to apply from outside the EU

Non-EU applicants living abroad apply only through the programme's own call on the applymscenglish portal. There are usually two rounds, one published around late December or early January and a second in March or April; the next call is expected in December 2026 or January 2027. The course reports around 1,500 applications a year and about 20 admissions, judged mainly on your bachelor's CGPA and your university's international standing, followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates.

Admitted students pre-enrol on Universitaly and apply for a type D study visa.

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.