Master in Environmental Science and Technologies at University of Palermo
Two-year English-taught LM-75 R master's at the University of Palermo in environmental remediation, monitoring, GIS, remote sensing and ecological modelling. Open access for graduates with 45 credits in the basic sciences, B2 English and an interview.
Master
2 years
Palermo
English
University of Palermo
Environmental Science and Technologies is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-75 R) taught in English at the University of Palermo in Palermo. Access is open: you need a bachelor's in a listed science class, or 45 credits across maths, physics, chemistry, biology and earth sciences, plus English at B2 and a motivational interview. Non-EU students choose a fixed fee by country list or an income-based fee.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Palermo's Environmental Science and Technologies master has open access: you need a bachelor's degree in one of eight listed science classes, or 45 credits across maths, physics, chemistry, biology and earth sciences, plus English at B2 and a motivational interview with a commission. There is no minimum final grade in the rules. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
You need at least a bachelor's degree, or a foreign qualification recognised as equivalent. [1][2] Graduates of these Italian classes, and of the matching older degrees, meet the curricular requirements automatically: [1]
- L-32 environmental and nature sciences and technologies
- L-13 biological sciences
- L-34 geological sciences
- L-25 agricultural and forestry sciences, and L-26 agri-food sciences
- L-21 spatial and landscape planning
- L-27 chemical sciences
- L-2 biotechnology
For any other degree, including foreign qualifications, the department checks that you have 45 CFU in total across these areas: [1]
- Mathematics and computing (MAT/01 to 09, INF/01): 6 CFU
- Physics (FIS/01 to 08): 6 CFU
- Chemistry (CHIM/01 to 06): 12 CFU
- Biology (BIO/01 to 09 and BIO/18): 12 CFU
- Earth sciences (GEO/01 to 11): 9 CFU
These rules come from the regulations for the 2025/26 cohort. The 2025/26 application manual names biological, environmental, geological, chemical and agricultural sciences, environmental engineering and other environmental fields as relevant backgrounds. [1][2]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit, and the department looks at the subjects you studied, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. in Environmental Science, or a B.Sc. combining chemistry, botany or zoology with geology, that also includes maths and physics courses.
- Check carefully: a B.Sc. in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry or Agriculture, which often covers the chemistry and biology blocks but can lack the 9 earth science credits. A B.Tech or B.E. in Environmental or Civil Engineering usually covers maths, physics and chemistry but can fall short on biology and earth sciences.
- Often short: a BCA, B.Com, BBA or BA, or a B.Tech in Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering, which usually lacks the chemistry, biology and earth science blocks.
The rules do not set a minimum final grade.
English
The admission annex of the regulations sets the entry level at B2, while the access article refers to B2+. A certificate at B2+ or higher obtained in the last two years exempts you from the language check, which can otherwise take place at the preparation check, including through UniPa's Language Centre. [1]
The 2025/26 application manual asks for a certificate from an internationally recognised body, issued no more than three years before you apply, with at least: [2]
- IELTS 6.0
- TOEFL iBT 80, or TOEFL PBT 550
- Duolingo 110
If you studied in English and have no certificate, the manual offers UniPa's online Language Centre test, which you pass with a score above 25/30. Graduates from countries where English is an official language, as listed in the manual, such as the UK, the USA, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, Nigeria and Kenya, are exempt. [2] For 2026/27, UniPa's non-EU procedure also accepted a Medium of Instruction certificate from your university. [3]
Motivational interview
There is no entrance test. A commission checks the adequacy of your personal preparation through a motivational interview. [1] The programme coordinator invites applicants who meet the requirements, and the interview covers your motivation and goals in environmental science. [2] For non-EU applicants, UniPa's procedure adds that the office checks your documents, the course coordinator evaluates them and can issue an admission letter, and the interview then assesses your academic preparation, motivation and English. [3]
2026/27 deadlines
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, and complete visa procedures by 30 November 2026. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [3]
Documents and non-EU steps
- Portal application: a valid passport, a passport photo, your bachelor's degree and transcript of records, an English certificate at B2 or higher or a Medium of Instruction certificate, and your CV. [3] The manual adds a short motivation letter and asks for degree documents translated into English or Italian. [2]
- Admission letter and interview: the admission letter alone does not secure enrolment or a visa, and your application waits for the interview outcome. [3]
- Universitaly pre-enrolment: after the final admission letter, with your passport, photo, a copy of your bachelor's degree, a legalised translated transcript and your English certificate or Medium of Instruction certificate. The 2025/26 manual says provisional certificates are not accepted. [2]
- Enrolment in Palermo: your original degree and transcript with a legalised Italian or English translation, plus a declaration of value, or a CIMEA statement of comparability, Diploma Supplement or ARDI with a CIMEA statement of verification, and proof that you requested a residence permit. [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 Palermo, Department of Earth and Sea Sciences (DiSTeM). Teaching regulations of the Master's degree in Environmental Sciences and Technologies (class LM-75 R), 2025/26 cohort, approved June 2025, with Annex 3 on access requirements. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Palermo, Department of Earth and Sea Sciences (DiSTeM). Master's degree in Environmental Science and Technology: application manual with checklist, academic year 2025/26, updated 30 April 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, International Office. Tuition fees for international students, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Environmental Science and Technologies is a two-year master's degree in class LM-75 R, worth 120 ECTS and run by the Department of Earth and Sea Sciences (DiSTeM) of the University of Palermo. It is taught in English, in person in Palermo, and is on UniPa's 2026/27 list of international master's degrees with open access, so the number of places is not capped. [1]
The university describes it as a degree that prepares graduates in the natural, geological or biological sciences to tackle environmental challenges with multidisciplinary expertise. It suits students with a science bachelor's who want to move into environmental analysis, pollution management and planning.
What you will study
The programme takes a science and technology approach to analysing, managing and restoring the environment, grounded in sustainability, ecological transition and environmental ethics. First-year units in the 2025/26 study plan are: [1]
- Environmental Remediation Technologies and Pollution Phenomena
- Mathematical Models and Data Analysis for Environmental Management
- Environmental Geology and GIS Analysis
- Biological Indicators in Environmental Monitoring Programs
- Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
- Ecological Modelling in R
- Air Pollution
- Analytical Methodologies for Environmental Control
- Two optional courses
The second year brings Environmental Management and Legal Protection of Biodiversity, free-choice courses, an internship, activities for entering the job market and the final exam. Options include One Health, Stress and Environment, Environmental Microbial Biotechnology, Sustainable Methods for Environmental Remediation, open-source tools for environmental monitoring and circular business models. [1]
How the programme is taught
Teaching is in English and in person in Palermo. Italian is used only for two optional courses and as an auxiliary language in a double degree agreement with the University of Porto, whose approval process is just starting. [1]
Core and related courses are worth 6 CFU each, half lectures and half practical work such as labs, exercises, seminars and field trips, and attendance at the practical activities is compulsory. The plan also includes 3 CFU of language skills and 3 CFU of activities with companies and public bodies, and the two years and 120 credits end with a final exam. [1]
Career paths
According to UniPa, the degree equips students to work as biologists, ecologists and research technicians, and prepares them for careers in environmental analysis, pollution management, waste handling, bioremediation, certification, impact assessments and planning.
Fees and scholarships
Fees at UniPa follow your country list or family income (ISEE parificato), so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [4] ERSU Palermo scholarships consider merit and family income, and UniPa lists a tuition fee waiver among their benefits. The 2025/26 application manual lists housing from October, free meals in university canteens and possible extra financial aid, and you need an ISEE certificate, which you can request after you arrive in Palermo. [2]
How to apply from outside the EU
Applications go through the UniPa student portal. We upload your passport, a photo, your bachelor's degree and transcript, a CV and proof of English at B2 level or a Medium of Instruction certificate, and the programme also asks for a short motivation letter. [2][3] The office checks the file, the course coordinator evaluates it and can send an admission letter, and a personal knowledge interview follows on your preparation, motivation and English. [3]
Next come Universitaly pre-enrolment and the type D study visa, which the consulate decides. For 2026/27 the portal closed on 20 July 2026 and Universitaly on 4 August 2026, and the 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [3] The non-EU master's procedure lists the enrolment documents, such as a declaration of value or CIMEA statements.
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 Environmental Science and Technologies at Palermo?
Italian degrees in environmental, biological, geological, agricultural, agri-food, planning, chemistry or biotechnology classes qualify automatically. For other or foreign degrees, the department checks for 45 credits across maths, physics, chemistry, biology and earth sciences, with a set minimum in each. [1]
Is there an entrance test?
No. Access is open, with no written test. A commission checks your personal preparation through a motivational interview. For non-EU applicants, the course coordinator first evaluates your documents and can issue an admission letter. [1][3]
What English level do I need? Do I need IELTS?
B2. The 2025/26 manual asks for IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, TOEFL PBT 550 or Duolingo 110, issued within three years, or a score above 25/30 in UniPa's online test. For 2026/27, UniPa also accepted a Medium of Instruction certificate. [2][3]
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, and complete visa procedures by 30 November 2026. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [3]
Is Environmental Science and Technologies taught in English?
Yes. The regulations make English the teaching language for all courses. Italian is used only for two optional courses and as an auxiliary language in a planned double degree with the University of Porto. [1]
I have a B.Sc. in Chemistry or a B.Tech in Environmental Engineering. Can I apply?
Possibly. A chemistry or life science B.Sc. often covers the chemistry and biology blocks but can lack the 9 earth science credits, while an engineering degree can fall short on biology. We check your transcript against each of the five credit blocks. [1][2]
What will I study?
First-year units include environmental remediation technologies, mathematical models and data analysis, environmental geology and GIS, biological indicators, remote sensing, ecological modelling in R, air pollution and analytical methods. The second year adds environmental law, electives, an internship and the final exam. [1]
What jobs can graduates do?
UniPa names roles as biologists, ecologists and research technicians, and careers in environmental analysis, pollution management, waste handling, bioremediation, environmental certification, impact assessments and environmental planning.
Can someone handle my whole application to Environmental Science and Technologies 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 Environmental Science and Technologies?
An Indian B.Sc. in environmental science, life sciences, chemistry or geology, or a B.Tech in Environmental Engineering, can meet the rule if your transcript shows 45 credits across maths, physics, chemistry, biology and earth sciences, with the set minimum in each. You need English at B2. The steps are the UniPa portal application, an admission letter, the interview 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 Environmental Science and Technologies 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 Environmental Science and Technologies 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 Environmental Science and Technologies 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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