Master in Data Science at University of Naples Federico II
Two-year English-taught LM-DATA master's at Federico II in Naples, with a common first year in statistics, programming, big data and machine learning, then four curricula. Entry needs 30 quantitative credits, 6 in computer science, and B2 English.
Master
2 years
Naples
English
University of Naples Federico II
Data Science is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-DATA) taught in English at the University of Naples Federico II in Naples. Entry needs a bachelor's with at least 30 credits in maths, physics, economics, statistics or computing, 6 of them in computer science, a minimum average for foreign graduates and a B2 English certificate. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Federico II's Data Science master asks for a bachelor's degree or recognised foreign qualification with at least 30 CFU in maths, physics, economics and statistics or computing, 6 of them in computer science, a minimum average for foreign graduates and a B2 English certificate. These rules come from the course regulations, which do not state an academic year, and the programme's admission pages. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit rule
You need an Italian bachelor's (laurea), a three-year university diploma or a qualification obtained abroad that is recognised as suitable. Your previous studies must include: [1]
- At least 30 CFU in mathematics (MAT, all sectors), physics (FIS, all sectors), economics and statistics (SECS, all sectors), computer engineering (ING-INF/05) or computer science (INF/01).
- At least 6 of these 30 CFU in computer science or computer engineering (INF/01 or ING-INF/05).
The programme's admission pages describe this as a bachelor's in a scientific or economic discipline with at least 30 credits in subjects such as mathematics, physics, statistics, engineering or computer science, at least 6 of them related to computer science. [2]
Minimum average for foreign graduates
Graduates of foreign universities also need a minimum bachelor's average, converted to a 10-point scale. The programme's pages differ on the figure: [2][5]
- 7 out of 10: the Federico II orientation page and the programme's page for foreign students.
- 7.5 out of 10: the programme's information-to-apply page.
The programme explains the conversion with an example: an average of 3.12 out of 4 becomes 7.8 out of 10. We check your converted average against the rule in force when you apply. [2]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit: one CFU stands for 25 hours of student work, and the committee looks at the subjects of your exams, not just your total. [1] As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E. in any branch with maths and programming courses, or a B.Sc. in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or Computer Science that includes at least one programming or computer science course.
- Check carefully: a BCA or B.Sc. IT, which usually covers the computing credits but can be light on the calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistical inference the regulations expect; and a B.Com, BBA or BA in Economics, where economics and statistics credits count towards the 30 but you still need 6 credits in computer science.
- Often short: a BA in humanities or social sciences, or a commerce or management degree with no programming or computer science course.
English
If English is not your first language, you need a certificate of English at B2 or higher, held by the time you enrol. [1] The certificate must be issued by an official certification body: university declarations are not accepted. The regulations and programme pages do not list specific tests or minimum scores. [2]
Personal preparation and selection
There is no entrance test. A committee chaired by the course coordinator checks your preparation by reviewing your previous university career, and applicants who meet the credit rule are automatically considered adequately prepared. [1] The regulations expect knowledge of: [1]
- Mathematics: differential and integral calculus in one and several variables, sequences and series, basic linear algebra, basic probability and random variables, and statistical inference.
- Computer science: programming in a high-level language, the architecture and organisation of a computer system (CPU, memory, peripherals, network, operating system), and elementary algorithms and data structures.
Foreign applicants who meet all three prerequisites (credits, average and English certificate) apply directly through Universitaly. Those who miss one can request a pre-evaluation, though the programme says the chances of admission are then slim; a positive result gives a pre-admission letter to upload on Universitaly. [2]
Deadlines
The course regulations do not set application dates. The programme's latest notice for non-EU applicants living abroad required pre-admission and the Universitaly application to be completed before 15 June 2026, and later applications were not evaluated. The next notice sets the 2027/28 date. [3]
Documents and non-EU steps
Non-EU applicants living abroad must pre-enrol on Universitaly before they can enrol, naming the Italian embassy or consulate where they will apply for the study visa. The notice lists these uploads: [3]
- a transcript of records with the courses attended, the exams passed and the final score
- the final degree certificate
- a short CV (two pages at most), a motivation letter and letters of recommendation
- a declaration of value or a CIMEA statement of comparability
- a B2 or higher English certificate
- a pre-acceptance letter from the course coordinator, which the notice recommends getting before you start pre-enrolment
Federico II verifies the application and forwards it to the embassy or consulate. Pre-enrolment alone does not grant admission: you enrol at the department's student office after passing the entry checks, and you need an Italian tax code to do so. [3]
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 Naples Federico II, Polytechnic and Basic Sciences School, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies (DIETI). Course regulations, Master's degree in Data Science (class LM-DATA), undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, Master's degree in Data Science. Admission information, information for foreign students and frequently asked questions pages, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, Master's degree in Data Science. Information for non-EU students living abroad on Universitaly pre-enrolment, undated, with a completion date of 15 June 2026. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, Master's degree in Data Science. Study plan, academic year 2026/2027. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, orientation portal. Data Science programme page, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Data Science is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-DATA) at the University of Naples Federico II. It belongs to the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies (DIETI) in the Polytechnic and Basic Sciences School, and teaching is in person in Naples. [1] All lectures and short courses are in English, and exams are preferably in English. [5]
The degree trains data scientists with solid foundations in statistics, mathematics and computer science, who can develop methods to extract useful information from large, heterogeneous and distributed data and apply them in companies, public bodies and research institutes. It also covers the business, legal and social context of data work. [1] The programme started in 2019 and moved to DIETI in 2023. [5]
What you will study
The degree totals 120 CFU. The first year is common to all students and, in the 2026/27 study plan, includes: [4]
- Mathematical Methods for Data Science (6 CFU)
- Statistical Learning and Data Analysis (12 CFU)
- Fundamentals of Programming and Data Management (12 CFU)
- Hardware and Software for Big Data (12 CFU)
- Data Mining and Machine Learning (12 CFU)
- Theory and Ethics of Big Data and AI (6 CFU)
In the second year you choose one of four curricula, each with 18 CFU of curricular teaching: [1][4]
- Fundamental Sciences: physics-inspired, mathematical or life sciences paths, with units such as Physics Informed Machine Learning, Algorithms and Parallel Computing, and Biochemistry and Computational Biochemistry.
- Information Technologies: paths in text and speech processing, signal and video processing, robotics and statistics, industrial applications, or design and security of AI systems.
- Intelligent Systems: Quantum Computation and Computational Intelligence, and Generative Artificial Intelligence.
- Public Administration, Economy and Management: Computational Statistical Inference and Categorical Data Analysis, and Financial Time Series Analysis.
The second year also includes 12 CFU of free choice, 6 CFU of additional activities, an 8 CFU internship or project and a 16 CFU final exam. [4]
How the programme is taught
Attendance at lectures is generally compulsory, and the degree has no more than 12 exams, including the final exam. [1] First-year exams usually involve presenting and discussing group projects built on real applications. [5]
The internship or project can take place in a company, research centre or public body, in Italy or abroad, or in university labs. [4] If you want to base your thesis on the internship, it can be extended to 22 CFU, about 550 hours. The final exam is the discussion of an original written work in English. [1][5] Foreign students earn the 6 CFU of additional activities through an Italian language course at the university language centre (CLA). [4][5]
Careers
The regulations prepare graduates for roles such as data analyst, data scientist and data manager, for leading units that develop computing methods to support decisions, and for technical roles analysing physical, chemical, biological and health data. [1]
- services and public administration: data-based online, mobile and social network services
- industry and business: information systems and decisions based on large volumes of data
- science, technology, biology and health: data management, analysis and modelling alongside specialists
Fast-growing fields named in the regulations include pharmacology and medical diagnostics, basic research such as geoinformatics, astroinformatics and genetics, Industry 4.0, business intelligence, smart cities, data security and the Internet of Things. [1]
Fees and scholarships
Federico II sets tuition by family income (ISEE). The regional scholarship body for Naples is ADISURC Campania, and its scholarship winners also get a tuition waiver, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. The region decides scholarship awards.
The programme site also points to Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs fellowships, open to students from a limited list of countries, and to competitive Federico II grants for international students. [2]
How to apply from outside the EU
Non-EU applicants living abroad apply through Universitaly. If you meet the credit rule, the minimum average and the B2 English certificate, you apply directly; if you miss one of them, you can request a pre-evaluation, and a positive result gives a pre-admission letter. [2] The programme's notice for non-EU applicants lists a pre-acceptance letter from the course coordinator among the Universitaly uploads and recommends getting it before you start. [3]
The latest notice required pre-admission and the Universitaly application to be completed before 15 June 2026, and later applications were not evaluated. The 2027/28 date is not yet published. After pre-enrolment you apply for a study visa and, once the entry checks are passed, enrol at the department's student office. [3]
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 Federico II's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your pre-acceptance request to the course coordinator and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your ADISURC Campania 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 Federico II's Data Science master?
A bachelor's or recognised foreign qualification with at least 30 CFU in maths, physics, economics and statistics, or computing, at least 6 of them in computer science or computer engineering. Foreign graduates also need a minimum average on a 10-point scale and a B2 English certificate. [1][2]
What grade average do I need as a foreign graduate?
The programme's pages differ: two set the minimum at 7 out of 10 and one at 7.5 out of 10. You convert your grade to a 10-point scale, so 3.12 out of 4 becomes 7.8. We check your converted average against the rule in force when you apply. [2][5]
Is there an entrance exam?
No entrance test. A committee chaired by the course coordinator reviews your previous university career, and meeting the credit rule counts as adequate preparation. Foreign applicants who miss a prerequisite can request a pre-evaluation, though the programme says chances are then slim. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
You need a B2 or higher English certificate from an official certification body, and a university declaration is not enough. The regulations and programme pages do not name specific tests or minimum scores, so we check which certificate your file can use. [1][2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
The programme's latest notice for non-EU applicants living abroad required pre-admission and the Universitaly application to be completed before 15 June 2026, and later applications were not evaluated. The 2027/28 date is not yet published. [3]
I have a BCA or a B.Com. Can I apply?
Possibly. A BCA usually covers the computing credits, but check its calculus, linear algebra and probability. A B.Com can count economics and statistics credits towards the 30, but it still needs at least 6 credits in computer science. We check your transcript before you apply. [1]
Is the programme taught in English?
Yes. All lectures and short courses are in English, exams are preferably in English and the final work is written in English. Foreign students earn 6 credits of additional activities through an Italian language course at the university language centre. [1][4][5]
What are the second-year curricula?
After a common first year, you choose Fundamental Sciences, Information Technologies, Intelligent Systems, or Public Administration, Economy and Management. Each has its own paths, and the year adds free choices, an internship or project and a 16 CFU final exam. [1][4]
Can someone handle my whole application to Data Science at Federico II?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Federico II's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ADISURC Campania 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 B.Tech, B.E., B.Sc. or BCA, can meet the degree rule if it has at least 30 credits in maths, physics, statistics, economics or computing, with 6 in computer science. You also need a minimum converted average and a B2 English certificate. The steps are the pre-acceptance letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][2][3] 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: pre-acceptance letter from the course coordinator 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: pre-acceptance letter from the course coordinator 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 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: pre-acceptance letter from the course coordinator 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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