Master in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at University of Palermo
Two-year English-taught LM-18 master's at the University of Palermo in algorithms, big data, AI and deep learning, NLP and cybersecurity, with a cybersecurity, AI or methodologies focus. Entry needs a related degree or 6 maths and 12 computing credits, plus English at B2.
Master
2 years
Palermo
English
University of Palermo
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-18) taught in English at the University of Palermo. Entry needs a degree in computer science, maths, information engineering, statistics or physics, or any degree with 6 credits in maths and physics and 12 in computing, plus English at B2. Fees can follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
The University of Palermo's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence master asks for a degree in computer science, mathematics, information engineering, statistics or physics, or any degree with at least 6 credits in maths and physics and 12 in computing, plus English at B2 and a personal knowledge interview. There is no written test. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
You need one of the following. [1]
- A degree in a listed class: L-31 (computer science), L-35 (mathematics), L-8 (information engineering), L-41 (statistics) or L-30 (physics).
- Any other bachelor's or master's degree that includes at least 6 CFU in mathematics and physics (sectors MAT/01 to MAT/09 and FIS/01 to FIS/07) and at least 12 CFU in computer science (INF/01, ING-INF/03 and ING-INF/05).
- A foreign degree equivalent to either of the above and judged suitable under the university's teaching regulations.
Closely related subject sectors count as equivalent, and the course council can accept further sectors. These rules come from the course regulations for the 2024/25 cohort, approved in June 2025, and the programme page shows the same requirements. [1][3]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit, and the committee looks at the subjects you studied, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science, IT, Electronics or Telecommunications, a BCA, or a B.Sc. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or Statistics.
- Check carefully: a B.Tech or B.E. in another branch, such as Mechanical or Civil Engineering, which usually covers the maths and physics but may have fewer than 12 credits in computing. A B.Com or BBA with computer applications papers also needs a close look.
- Often short: a BA, or a B.Com without maths or computing courses.
If your degree is not in computer science, expect the interview to cover basic maths and computing. [1]
English
English at CEFR level B2, checked at entry on top of the degree and preparation requirements. [1] Non-EU applicants upload a language certificate at B2 or higher, or a Medium of Instruction certificate from their university, and the interview also assesses English. [2] Neither source lists minimum test scores.
Evaluation and interview
There is no written entrance test. The administrative office reviews your documents, then the course coordinator evaluates them academically and issues an admission letter. You then have a personal knowledge interview with the coordinator on your academic preparation, motivation, expectations and English, and your application is on hold until the outcome is confirmed. [2]
If your degree is not in class L-31, the interview also checks basic maths and computing. The coordinator or a group of lecturers may suggest an individual study plan to strengthen your computing foundations. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad had to create their UniPa portal pre-application by 20 July 2026 and their Universitaly application by 4 August 2026. Visa procedures for that intake must be completed by 30 November 2026. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [2]
Documents and non-EU steps
On the UniPa Student Portal and Universitaly you upload: [2]
- a valid passport and a passport photo
- your bachelor's degree and transcript of records
- an English certificate at B2 or higher, or a Medium of Instruction certificate
- your CV
To finalise enrolment you need a declaration of value from the Italian consulate, or a CIMEA statement of comparability, Diploma Supplement or ARDI, each with a CIMEA statement of verification. You also need your original degree and transcript with a legalised Italian or English translation, and proof that you requested a residence permit. The admission letter does not by itself give you a visa: the Italian embassy or consulate decides. [2]
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 Palermo, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. Course regulations of the Master's degree in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (class LM-18), 2024/25 cohort, approved June 2025. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Palermo, International Office. Enrolment procedure for non-EU students living abroad, master's degree courses, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Palermo, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence programme page (class, language, coordinator, courses and admission requirements). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Palermo. Tuition fees for international students, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree in class LM-18 (computer science), run by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Palermo and taught in English in Palermo.
It replaces the former master's in Data, Algorithms and Machine Intelligence, has open access, and both years are active under course code 2323, coordinated by Professor Simona Ester Rombo.
The degree provides theoretical, experimental and practical skills in data representation and computation, for efficient and intelligent information processing. It suits graduates in computer science, mathematics, information engineering, statistics or physics who want to go deeper into algorithms, data and machine intelligence.
What you will study
The programme combines transversal topics in data, algorithms and machine intelligence with in-depth study of application areas where data are big, relations are complex and machine learning structures are deep. The classes the degree page lists as taught in English include:
- Combinatorial and Probabilistic Algorithms
- Big Data Management
- Knowledge Representation and Reasoning
- Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning
- Machine Intelligence for Optimization
- Information Retrieval and Natural Language Processing
- Cloud and High Performance Computing
- Cybersecurity
Other listed classes are Multisensory Data Exploration, Information Theory and Data Compression, Data Encryption and Codes, Complex Networks and Pattern Discovery for Life Sciences.
How the programme is taught
Teaching is in person in Palermo, with a lecture timetable, teaching calendar and exam calendar published on the degree page. The study plan of each intake, so far the 2025/26 and 2026/27 cohorts, is published as a manifesto in the UniPa course catalogue.
The course regulations provide for a double degree with a foreign university, in particular Université Gustave Eiffel, and the programme has many Erasmus agreements. [1]
Career paths
The course regulations say the degree, taught entirely in English, prepares graduates for jobs that increasingly involve international teams, with skills that reflect what employers ask for today. Through recommended electives you can lean towards cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or methodologies for research and teaching. [1]
The university also states the aim: theoretical, experimental and practical skills for efficient and intelligent information processing, applied to areas where data are big, relations are complex and machine learning structures are deep.
Fees and scholarships
UniPa applies one fee system to all degrees.
For 2026/27, non-EU students residing abroad choose either a fixed fee set by their country list or an income-based fee calculated through an ISEE parificato; see the fees page. [4]
ERSU Palermo, the regional body, awards scholarships on merit and family income, and UniPa lists a tuition fee waiver among their benefits.
How to apply from outside the EU
We check first that your degree matches the entry rules: a bachelor's in computer science, mathematics, information engineering, statistics or physics, or any degree with at least 6 credits in mathematics and physics and 12 in computer and information sciences, or a foreign equivalent.
We then apply on the UniPa student portal with your passport, photo, degree, transcript, CV and English B2 or Medium of Instruction certificate; the coordinator evaluates the file and holds a personal knowledge interview.
For 2026/27 the portal deadline was 20 July 2026 and Universitaly closed on 4 August 2026, and the 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [2] The consulate decides the type D study visa; enrolment documents are listed in the non-EU master's procedure.
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 Palermo's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your UniPa portal application and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your ERSU Palermo 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
Which bachelor's degrees qualify for Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Palermo?
Degrees in computer science, mathematics, information engineering, statistics or physics qualify, as do equivalent foreign degrees. Any other degree also works if it includes at least 6 credits in mathematics and physics and 12 in computer science. [1]
Is there an entrance test?
No written test. The coordinator evaluates your documents, then holds a personal knowledge interview on your preparation, motivation and English. If your degree is not in computer science, the interview also checks basic maths and computing. [1][2]
What English level do I need? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2. Non-EU applicants upload a B2 or higher language certificate, or a Medium of Instruction certificate from their university, so a test certificate is not the only route. No minimum scores are listed, and the interview also checks your English. [1][2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad had to create their UniPa portal application by 20 July 2026 and their Universitaly application by 4 August 2026. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [2]
I have a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering or a B.Com. Can I apply?
Possibly. A mechanical B.Tech usually covers the 6 maths and physics credits but may have fewer than 12 in computing, and a B.Com often lacks both. We check your transcript against the rule, and the coordinator may suggest an individual study plan after the interview. [1]
Is this the former Data, Algorithms and Machine Intelligence degree?
Yes. Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence is the department's new LM-18 master's that follows Data, Algorithms and Machine Intelligence, with the same coordinator. Its course regulations still link to the earlier degree's pages for the study plan and teaching staff. [1]
Can I specialise or earn a double degree?
Yes. Through recommended electives you can focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence or methodologies for research and teaching. The regulations also provide for a double degree with a foreign university, in particular Université Gustave Eiffel. [1]
How are the fees set?
For 2026/27, non-EU students living abroad choose a fixed fee set by their country list or an income-based fee. [4] ERSU Palermo scholarships consider merit and family income.
Can someone handle my whole application to Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Palermo?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Palermo's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ERSU Palermo 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 and Artificial Intelligence?
A recognised Indian bachelor's in computer science, IT, mathematics, statistics or physics, or a B.Tech or B.E., can meet the rule if it includes at least 6 credits in maths and physics and 12 in computing. You need English at B2 or a Medium of Instruction certificate. The steps are the UniPa portal application, a coordinator interview 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 and Artificial Intelligence are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: UniPa portal application, admission letter, personal knowledge interview 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 and Artificial Intelligence are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: UniPa portal application, admission letter, personal knowledge interview 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 and Artificial Intelligence 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: UniPa portal application, admission letter, personal knowledge interview 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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