Master in Data Science at University of Catania
Two-year English-taught LM-Data master's at the University of Catania, run across mathematics and computer science, engineering and economics, covering statistical learning, big data, deep learning and cloud computing, with two graduation paths.
Master
2 years
Catania
English
University of Catania
Data Science is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's (class LM-Data) taught in English at the University of Catania, shared by its mathematics and computer science, engineering and economics departments, with paths in data analysis and in data-driven applications. It can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in computer science, economics and management, engineering, mathematics, physics or statistics.
- Knowledge of computer science, mathematics, and probability and statistics, judged from the ECTS (or hours) and marks in your transcript.
- English at B2 level: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 72, Cambridge FCE or higher, unless you are a native speaker or hold an English-taught degree.
- Non-EU applicants living abroad are ranked on their CV (60 points), relevance of studies (25), professional experience in data analysis (10) and a reference letter (5), with a possible online interview or test.
- Final-year students can apply if they graduate by 31 July; a Declaration of Value or ENIC-NARIC Statement of Comparability is delivered after admission.
About the programme
Data Science is a two-year international master's degree in class LM-Data, worth 120 ECTS and taught in English at the University of Catania. The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science leads it, and it is shared with the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering and the Department of Economics and Business. Classes are held at two sites in Catania: the economics department on Corso Italia and the Città Universitaria science campus on Via Santa Sofia.
The course trains professionals who collect, manage and interpret data in scientific, technological and business settings. It suits graduates in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, statistics or economics with a quantitative bent.
What you will study
You follow one of two graduation paths: Data Analysis and Modelling or Data-driven Applications, and you may switch path at the start of each year. The course covers data collection, processing, compression and security, programming for data analysis, statistical and machine learning, deep learning and big data databases. Units in the 2026/27 plan include:
- Statistical Learning (supervised and unsupervised learning) and Statistical Laboratory
- Data Base and Big Data Analytics
- Basics of Computing and Optimization
- Data Protection Law and Digital Innovation and Transformation Management
- Deep Learning, from foundations to advanced techniques
- Cloud Computing and Big Data and Computer Security and Data Protection
- Options such as Time Series Analysis for Economic and Financial Data, Data Analysis for Public Health, Bayesian Statistics and Questionnaire Data Analysis, and IoT-based Applications for Intelligent Systems
How the programme is taught
The degree is interdisciplinary by design, mixing statistics, computing, engineering and economics. A specific training activity during the course opens chances for collaboration and mentoring in companies and in other organisations where data collection and analysis play a central role.
Career paths
Graduates bring a quantitative approach to scientific, economic, managerial, social and health questions, work in interdisciplinary teams and understand the ethics of personal data. The university sees them in business management, company competitiveness, territorial planning and the evaluation of public policies. Roles named in the official profile include:
- Statisticians
- Software analysts and designers, and systems analysts
- Management and control specialists in public administration and private companies
- Market analysts and specialists in economic systems and business economics
Fees and scholarships
Non-EU students who apply from abroad paid a total of €306 for 2026/27, split into a €150 contribution, a €140 regional tax and €16 stamp duty. Each ranking's top five candidates were offered €2,000 a year for two years. The regional body ERSU Catania awards scholarships on merit and family income, so this degree can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
Non-EU applicants living abroad enter through a ranked list in the university's yearly call, published in February. Data Science weighs your file differently from the other English-taught master's: CV 60 points, relevance of studies 25, experience in data analysis 10 and reference letter 5, with 50 out of 100 needed. For 2026/27 applications on the Smartedu portal (€10) ran from 10 February to 17 March 2026.
If admitted, you pay €75 to confirm, 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.
Questions and answers
Is the Data Science master in Catania taught in English?
Yes. English is the official language of the programme. Applicants need English at B2 level, for example IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 72 or Cambridge FCE, unless they are native speakers or hold an English-taught degree.
Which bachelor's degrees are accepted?
Computer science, economics and management, engineering, mathematics, physics or statistics are preferred. The board checks your knowledge of computer science, mathematics, and probability and statistics through the credits and marks in your transcript.
Is there an entrance test?
Non-EU applicants living abroad are ranked on their file rather than a written test: CV, relevance of studies, data analysis experience and a reference letter. The board may add an online interview or test.
What are the two paths?
Data Analysis and Modelling, and Data-driven Applications. You can change path at the start of each academic year, keeping it for the whole year.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
The 2027/28 call is not published yet. As a guide, the 2026/27 call for non-EU applicants living abroad ran from 10 February to 17 March 2026, with a €10 fee on the Smartedu portal.
How much does it cost?
For 2026/27, non-EU students living abroad paid €306 for the year. The top five in the ranking were offered €2,000 a year for two years, and ERSU Catania runs regional scholarships for eligible students.
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