Master in Data Science and Business Informatics at University of Pisa
Two-year English-taught LM-18 and LM-DATA master's at the University of Pisa's Department of Computer Science, joining data mining, statistics and optimisation with business processes. Entry needs a related degree or 40 subject credits and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Pisa
English
University of Pisa
Data Science and Business Informatics is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (classes LM-18 and LM-DATA) taught in English by the University of Pisa's Department of Computer Science. Entry needs a degree in computing, statistics, economics, maths or physics, or 40 credits across those areas, plus English at B2. Fees follow your country's income group or family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Data Science and Business Informatics asks for a first-cycle degree in computer science, information engineering, statistics, economics, physics or mathematics, or a bachelor's with at least 40 credits across those areas, plus English at B2. Non-EU applicants are selected on their grades, the fit of their exams and their CV. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirement
You need a first-cycle degree in one of these Italian classes, or an equivalent: [2][3]
- Computing: Computer Science (L-31) or Information Engineering (L-8).
- Statistics: class L-41.
- Economics: Economics and Business Management (L-18) or Economics (L-33).
- Sciences: Physics (L-30) or Mathematics (L-35).
A bachelor's in another field is accepted if it includes at least 40 credits in total across management and economics, management engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics and statistics (sectors SECS-P, ING-IND/35, INF/01, ING-INF/05, FIS, MAT and SECS-S). For degrees obtained abroad, exceptions can be made only by a resolution of the admissions committee, based on your specific background. [2][3]
Knowledge the programme expects
You need basic knowledge of discrete mathematics, logic, programming, algorithms and databases, which computer science and computer engineering degrees usually cover. Admitted students without it take electives such as Programming and Algorithms for Data Science (12 ECTS), Foundations of Computer Science (6 ECTS) or Databases (6 ECTS). [2]
Basic knowledge of how businesses work is also expected. Students without an economics or management background take Fundamentals of business management (9 ECTS). [2]
What this means for your transcript
As a guide, based on the rules above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science or IT, or a B.Sc. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or Physics, as these map onto the listed classes.
- Check carefully: a BCA, B.Com, BBA or BA in Economics, or a B.Tech in Mechanical, Civil or Electrical Engineering. These often reach 40 credits through computing, economics, management, maths or physics, but selection weighs how closely your exams match the master, and you may need bridging units in programming or business.
- Often short: a BA in the humanities, an LLB, or a B.Sc. in Biology or Chemistry with little maths, statistics or computing.
Your CGPA also counts, since non-EU applicants are ranked on the quality of their studies as well as the fit of their exams. [1][2]
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher. The regulations accept any of these: [2]
- IELTS with a score of at least 5.5.
- TOEFL iBT with a score of at least 72.
- The First Certificate in English, or a B2 certificate from any authorised public or private body.
- At least 6 ECTS of English language, or the University of Pisa language centre's B2.1 certificate.
- Other studies and experience, assessed in an interview.
The department's page for its English-taught degrees asks applicants for an international B2 certificate such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge. The regulations add that students with adequate English but no certificate yet can be admitted, provided they obtain one before graduating, ideally in the first year. The university language centre offers free 15-hour online courses to prepare for its B2 test. [2][4]
Selection
There is a quota on the number of non-EU students who can enrol. For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living outside Italy were selected on their bachelor's grades (CGPA), how closely their transcript exams match the master, and any further education or work experience in their CV. The call asks for good English, a solid background, high motivation and a hard-working attitude, and does not mention a written test. [1][2]
The regulations add that applications are ranked on how well your bachelor's matches the entry requirements and on the quality of your studies, measured for example by your CGPA and the quality of your university. Your preparation can also be checked in an interview with the programme president or a delegate. [2][3]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living outside Italy could apply from November 2025 until 5 February 2026 (Anywhere on Earth). All applicants received an admission letter or a rejection by 9 March 2026, classes started in person in Pisa in mid September 2026, and 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, with no limit on numbers. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [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. [1]
The call asks admitted students to start the visa process at once, because in past years many admitted students could not enrol after delays in getting the visa. [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. Study plan rules and students' guide, Master's programme in Data Science and Business Informatics, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Data Science and Business Informatics programme page (degree classes, admission requirements, 2026/27 study plan and career opportunities). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Department of Computer Science. Web pages on degrees offered in English, enrolment deadlines and the English B2 certification, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa. Tuition fees for degree courses, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Data Science and Business Informatics is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree taught in English by the Department of Computer Science of the University of Pisa. It is an interclass degree in LM-18 (Computer Science) and LM-DATA (Data Science). There is no cap on Italian and EU students, while the number of non-EU students who can enrol is limited. [2][3]
The degree trains people who can turn data into decisions inside organisations, joining business intelligence and data science with economic, statistical and management skills. It suits graduates in computer science, engineering, statistics, economics, mathematics or physics who want a technical degree with a business angle. [2]
You are enrolled in LM-18 unless you choose otherwise, and you can switch to LM-DATA within the first year. Most units are taught in English, and a full study plan can be built from English-taught units alone. [2]
What you will study
The university describes three main strands: computer and data science (machine learning, data mining, big data analytics, databases and algorithms), understanding of business processes (economics, management, marketing, business intelligence and process modelling) and fundamentals (statistics and applied mathematics). The regulations set a single curriculum, and your study plan is tailored to your bachelor's. [2][3]
Units in the 2026/27 study plan include: [3]
- Data mining (12 CFU)
- Statistics for data science (9 CFU)
- Optimization for data science (6 CFU)
- Methods for the specification and verification of business processes (6 CFU)
- Decision support systems (12 CFU)
- Computing electives such as Machine learning, Advanced databases, Text analytics and agentic systems, Visual analytics and Social network analysis (18 CFU)
- Business and legal electives such as Fundamentals of business management, Financial analysis and performance measurement, Change management and digital transition, and Computer science law
The second year leaves room for 9 credits of free choice and closes with a 27 credit thesis. [3]
How the programme is taught
Classes start in mid September in Pisa and run over two semesters a year. Attendance is not mandatory, but the regulations strongly recommend it. Most units are assessed with a written and an oral exam, and some use projects or lab work instead. [1][2]
The 27 credit thesis takes roughly the whole fourth semester. It can be a research project or an internship with a company or public body, in Italy or abroad. Students without a programming or business background take bridging electives, such as Programming and Algorithms for Data Science or Fundamentals of business management. [2]
Career paths
The course page lists roles as data scientist, data analyst, business analyst and IT consultant, in companies of all sectors and sizes, public bodies and research organisations. Graduates can also go on to PhD programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science and computer science. [2][3]
Fees and scholarships
The department's call says the annual fee depends on your country of origin and that the University of Pisa itself offers no fellowships for international students. Fees for students with income abroad follow your country's income group, or you can ask for a fee based on an ISEEU parificato. [1][5]
DSU Toscana scholarship winners are fully exempt from tuition, so the course can be tuition-free for eligible students. The call also lists MAECI scholarships and the Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarship, which this programme takes part in. See the fees page. [1][5]
How to apply from outside the EU
The Department of Computer Science runs its own call for its English-taught masters. For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living outside Italy could apply on the English-taught master's portal from November 2025 until 5 February 2026, and decisions came by 9 March 2026. You could submit up to two applications. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
Admitted students then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and should start the type D study visa process straight away, because visa delays stopped some admitted students from enrolling in past years. [1]
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 online application on the 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 Data Science and Business Informatics at Pisa?
A three-year degree in computer science, information engineering, statistics, economics, physics or mathematics, or any bachelor's with at least 40 credits across computing, maths, physics, statistics, economics and management. For foreign degrees, the admissions committee can make exceptions based on your background. [2][3]
Is there an entrance test?
The call does not mention a written test. Non-EU applicants are selected on their CGPA, how closely their exams match the master and any further education or work in their CV, and the programme can also hold an interview. [1][3]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2 or higher. The regulations accept IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72, the First Certificate, any authorised B2 certificate or 6 credits of English, and the department asks applicants for an international B2 certificate. [2][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 (Anywhere on Earth), with decisions by 9 March 2026. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
I have a B.Com or BBA. Can I apply?
Possibly. Economics and management credits count towards the 40-credit rule alongside computing, maths and statistics. Selection weighs how closely your exams match the master, and without programming you take bridging units such as Programming and Algorithms for Data Science. [1][2]
I have a BCA or a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering. Can I apply?
Possibly. A BCA's computing credits and an engineering degree's maths and physics credits both count towards the 40-credit rule. Business knowledge is also expected, so students without it take Fundamentals of business management in the first year. [2]
Which degree class will I graduate in?
The programme is interclass, covering LM-18 Computer Science and LM-DATA Data Science. You are enrolled in LM-18 unless you choose otherwise, and you can switch to LM-DATA within the first year. [2]
What jobs does it lead to?
The university names data scientist, data analyst, business analyst and IT consultant roles in companies of all sectors and sizes, public bodies and research organisations. Graduates can also go on to a PhD. [2][3]
Can someone handle my whole application to Data Science and Business Informatics 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 Data Science and Business Informatics?
A recognised Indian bachelor's, such as a B.Tech or B.Sc. in Computer Science, IT, Statistics or Mathematics, or a B.Com or BBA with strong quantitative courses, can meet the rule if it has at least 40 credits across computing, maths, physics, statistics, economics and management. You also need English at B2. The steps are the online 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 Data Science and Business Informatics are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application in the department's non-EU call, the 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 Data Science and Business Informatics are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application in the department's non-EU call, the 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 Data Science and Business Informatics 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: online application in the department's non-EU call, the 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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