Master in Data Science at University of Messina
Two-year English-taught LM-Data master's at the University of Messina: machine learning, statistics, algorithms and data security, then an ICT, Economy or Forensics curriculum. Entry needs a computing degree or 24 computing credits, plus English at B2.
Master
2 years
Messina
English
University of Messina
Data Science is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-Data) taught in English at the University of Messina in Sicily. Entry needs a degree in class L-8 or L-31, or any three-year degree with at least 24 credits in computing and 6 in maths or statistics, plus English at B2. International fees follow country groups, and the programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
The University of Messina's Data Science master asks for a degree in class L-8 or L-31, or any three-year degree with at least 24 credits in computer science or computer engineering and 6 in maths or statistics, plus English at B2 and a committee check of your preparation. There is no entrance test. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
There are two routes in. [1]
- Direct access: a three-year degree in class L-8 (information engineering) or L-31 (computer science), or a recognised foreign qualification judged suitable for direct access.
- Any other three-year degree: a degree or university diploma, Italian or foreign, with at least 24 CFU in computer science or computer engineering (sectors INFO-01/A and IINF-05/A) and at least 6 CFU in mathematics or statistics (sectors MATH-02/A, MATH-02/B, MATH-03/A, MATH-03/B, MATH-05/A, MATH-06/A, STAT-01/A, STAT-01/B and STAT-04/A).
These rules come from the programme's current prerequisites page, which is undated. [1]
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 or IT, a B.Sc. in Computer Science, or a BCA that includes maths or statistics courses.
- Check carefully: a B.Tech or B.E. in Electronics or Electrical Engineering, or a B.Sc. in Mathematics, Statistics or Physics. These often cover the 6 maths credits but may not reach 24 credits in computing.
- Often short: a B.Com, BBA or BA, which usually has too few computing credits even when it includes statistics.
Where requirements are not fully met, the enrolling committee identifies additional support paths. [1]
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher. The enrolling committee assesses it, and the programme asks for a certificate at B2 or above. [1] For English-taught programmes, visa applicants upload an international English certificate at B2 from an institution UniME recognises, and some categories are exempt. [2] The programme's enrolment page adds that applicants without a B2 certificate have an interview to check their English. [1] Neither source lists specific tests or scores.
Committee evaluation
There is no entrance test. Enrolment depends on the enrolling committee's check of your curricular requirements and personal preparation, which starts with an application for evaluation. [1] Visa applicants submit this pre-evaluation on the UniME Application Portal, and no further documents can be uploaded once it is submitted. [2]
2027/28 application calls for visa applicants
UniME has published three calls for non-EU applicants who need a visa for 2027/28: [2]
- Early Bird: 1 to 20 December 2026, only for applicants who already hold final academic documents and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement of comparability.
- Second call: 2 February to 19 March 2027.
- Third call: 8 April to 8 May 2027. UniME may close it early depending on the number of applications.
The application fee is €40 and covers up to two applications. For 2026/27 the Universitaly deadline was 15 September 2026, and the 2027/28 Universitaly date is not yet published. [2]
Documents and non-EU steps
For a master's, UniME asks for: [2]
- your school-leaving diploma, after at least 12 years of study
- your bachelor's diploma or an official provisional certificate, showing at least 15 years of education in total
- your transcript of records
- a passport valid for at least 18 months
Translated documents must come with the original-language version, and documents must be in English or officially translated into Italian. After a positive evaluation you receive an admission letter, register on Universitaly and apply for a type D study visa. Enrolment is confirmed only with a valid study visa issued for the University of Messina and an administrative check of your admission documents. [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 Messina, Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics and Earth Science. Master's degree in Data Science (LM-Data): admission prerequisites and enrolment procedure, undated (page updated December 2025). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Messina, International Office. Application and admission for non-EU applicants requiring a visa, academic year 2027/28. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Messina. Fees and funding for international students, effective from academic year 2025/26. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Messina, Master's degree in Data Science programme page (degree class, language, duration and credits). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Data Science is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-Data) worth 120 ECTS. The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics and Earth Science of the University of Messina teaches it in English on its Messina campus, with open access.
The course site describes a teaching staff active in research on distributed systems, computer security, cloud, edge and fog computing, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and big data analytics. It suits graduates in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics or economics who want to build and apply data-driven systems.
What you will study
The first year is common to all students and covers algorithms, statistics, modelling, machine learning, security and IT law. In the second year you follow one of three curricula, ICT, Economy or Forensics, each with high performance computing, digital management, a 3 ECTS traineeship and a 15 ECTS thesis.
- Modelling for data analysis (12 ECTS) and Probability and statistical inference (9 ECTS)
- Intelligent systems and machine learning and Advanced algorithms and computational models (6 ECTS each)
- Blockchain and AI-based security and privacy and Private law for information technology (6 ECTS each)
- High performance computing and Digital management for data science (6 ECTS each, year two)
- ICT curriculum: Big data and Advanced topics in machine learning (12 ECTS each)
- Economy curriculum: Big data and artificial intelligence, and Advanced topics in data management (12 ECTS each)
- Forensics curriculum: Artificial intelligence for forensics and Advanced topics in forensic sciences (12 ECTS each)
How the programme is taught
Students take a traineeship with a company or a research group, and many develop an experimental thesis from it. The department runs national and international research projects, and students can join Erasmus+ mobility or apply for the university's Students Around the World scholarship for exchanges outside Europe.
Career paths
The course links academic study with company and research internships, preparing graduates for technical roles where data is collected, managed and analysed. Paths suggested by the curricula and course site include:
- data analyst or data scientist
- roles in cloud computing and distributed systems
- data management in business and finance
- data and AI work in forensic science
- scientific research and doctoral study
Fees and scholarships
UniME sets international student fees by country group, not family income: €156, €256, €356 or €506 a year, with the €156 regional tax included. The €256 group includes countries like India. [3] The regional body ERSU Messina awards scholarships mainly on family income, with a tuition fee waiver, a cash award, housing and meals, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
We check your bachelor's against the credit requirements above, and you prepare a B2 English certificate. Applications are made on the UniME application portal, with a €40 fee for up to two applications. The 2027/28 calls for visa applicants are 1 to 20 December 2026 (Early Bird, with final documents and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement), 2 February to 19 March 2027 and 8 April to 8 May 2027. UniME may close the third call early depending on the number of applications. [2]
An admission letter then leads you through Universitaly registration and the type D study visa. See the application and admission page.
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 Messina's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your pre-evaluation application on the UniME portal and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your regional DSU 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 the Data Science master at Messina?
A three-year degree in class L-8 or L-31, or a recognised foreign equivalent, gives direct access. Any other three-year degree qualifies if it includes at least 24 credits in computer science or computer engineering and at least 6 in mathematics or statistics. [1]
Is there an entrance test?
No. An enrolling committee checks your degree, credits and personal preparation from your application for evaluation. Where requirements are not fully met, the committee identifies additional support paths. [1]
What English level do I need? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2 or higher. Visa applicants upload a B2 certificate from an institution UniME recognises, and some categories are exempt. The sources do not name specific tests or scores, so we check which certificate your file can use. [1][2]
When are the 2027/28 deadlines for non-EU students?
Visa applicants can apply in the Early Bird call from 1 to 20 December 2026, if they already hold final documents and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement, then from 2 February to 19 March 2027, or from 8 April to 8 May 2027. [2]
I have a BCA or a B.Com. Can I apply?
A BCA is often a fit, because it is built around computing, as long as your transcript shows 24 credits in computer science and 6 in maths or statistics. A B.Com or BBA is often short on the computing credits, even with statistics. We check your transcript against the rule. [1]
Which curricula can I choose?
After a common first year you choose ICT, Economy or Forensics. Each adds two 12 ECTS specialist courses to high performance computing, digital management, a traineeship and the thesis.
What are the fees?
UniME sets yearly fees for international students by country group, effective from 2025/26: €156, €256, €356 or €506, each including the regional tax. India and Pakistan are in the €256 group. [3] Eligible students can apply for the ERSU Messina scholarship, and ERSU decides awards.
Can someone handle my whole application to Data Science at Messina?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Messina's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the regional DSU 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?
A recognised Indian bachelor's, such as a BCA, a B.Sc. in Computer Science or a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science or IT, can meet the rule if it includes at least 24 credits in computing and 6 in maths or statistics, and you need English at B2. The steps are the UniME pre-evaluation application, an 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 are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: UniME pre-evaluation application, 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 are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: UniME pre-evaluation application, admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I'm applying from the UK, US, Canada, Singapore or Malaysia. Is anything different?
The academic rules are identical. Non-EU applicants who live abroad, including citizens of these countries, follow the same route: UniME pre-evaluation application, admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa. Read our guides for London, New York, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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