Master in High Performance Computing Engineering at Polytechnic University of Milan
Two-year English-taught LM-32 master at Politecnico di Milano in high performance computing: parallel computing, numerical methods, computer architectures, HPC software and quantum computing, with 40 CFU of electives. Entry needs computing, maths and physics credits and an English certificate.
Master
2 years
Milan
English
Polytechnic University of Milan
High Performance Computing Engineering is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-32) taught in English at Politecnico di Milano's Milano Leonardo campus. Entry needs a bachelor's in engineering or computer science, or one with set computing, maths and physics credits, a committee review of your record and an English certificate such as IELTS 6. Fees depend on income and scholarships, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
PoliMi's High Performance Computing Engineering master asks for a bachelor's in civil, information or industrial engineering or computer science, or a degree of at least 180 credits with set computing, maths and physics credits, a positive review of your record by an Admission Committee, and an English certificate when you apply. There is no entrance test. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
You need a first-cycle degree (EQF level 6) or a comparable qualification. The 2026/27 regulations name four Italian degree classes as the reference backgrounds: L7 (civil and environmental engineering), L8 (information engineering), L9 (industrial engineering) and L31 (computer science). [1]
More generally, your degree must last at least three years or total at least 180 credits, including: [1]
- At least 20 credits in computer science or computer engineering (sectors INF/01 or ING-INF/05).
- At least 20 credits in mathematics or statistics (sectors MAT/01 to MAT/09 and SECS-S/01).
- At least 10 credits in physics (sectors FIS/01 to FIS/08).
The same criteria apply to foreign degrees when your subjects and credits can be matched to these sectors. If they cannot, the Admission Committee evaluates your academic career as a whole. [1]
For foreign graduates, PoliMi also requires a bachelor's that gives access to EQF level 7, from a university in the official system of its country, with subjects closely related to the programme. Franchised degrees are not accepted. If you hold both a bachelor's and a master's, you are evaluated on the bachelor's only. [2]
Country rules and minimum grades
PoliMi sets strict country rules for some degrees, with no exceptions: [2]
- India: a bachelor's of at least four years, such as a B.Tech, B.E., B.Des. or B.Arch. A three-year B.Sc. may be considered only if it is an Honours programme. Minimum average 70 out of 100, as a percentage or weighted score.
- Pakistan: a four-year continuous bachelor's, as 2+2 degrees are not accepted. Minimum GPA 3.3 out of 4.
- Bangladesh: minimum GPA 3.3 out of 4.
- Sri Lanka: an Honours degree (SLQF level 6). SLQF level 5 qualifications are not evaluated.
- United Kingdom: an Honours degree or equivalent, from a recognised institution.
The Gulf states, the United States, Singapore and Malaysia are not on PoliMi's country list, so no extra country rule applies to degrees from there. [2]
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 your subjects, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rules above:
- Usually a fit: a four-year B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science, IT, Electronics or Electrical Engineering, with engineering maths and physics, and an average that meets your country's minimum.
- Check carefully: a four-year B.Tech or B.E. in civil, mechanical or chemical engineering, which may fall short of the 20 computing credits, or a three-year B.Sc. Honours in Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics, which must also cover the other two subject blocks.
- Often short: a three-year B.Sc. without Honours or a three-year BCA from India, which do not meet PoliMi's four-year rule for Indian degrees, a 2+2 degree from Pakistan, or a B.Com, BBA or BA without maths, computing and physics.
If your degree has gaps, the committee can set curricular integrations: exams you must pass before enrolling, which do not count towards the 120 credits. It can also set constraints on your study plan. Both come with the admission result. [1]
English
You must certify English when you apply, with a score at PoliMi's minimum for master's programmes. [1][3] For 2026/27, accepted results include: [3]
- IELTS Academic or General Training 6
- TOEFL iBT 78
- Cambridge B2 First at grade B, or C1 Advanced at grade C
- PTE Academic 59
- Trinity ISE II, or LanguageCert B2 Communicator
A document certified by your university showing that your bachelor's was taught in English can replace the certificate. [2] Certificates that the issuing body considers expired are not accepted. [3]
Admission Committee review
There is no written entrance test. An Admission Committee checks the curricular requirements and your personal preparation, with particular weight on your final grade, how many years your degree took and your marks in subjects linked to classes L7, L8, L9 and L31. Its decision is final. You can attach documents showing exceptional elements of your profile to your application. [1]
These rules come from the 2026/27 regulations, which note that the thresholds could rise in later years. PoliMi has announced a new admission model for master's programmes from 2028/29. [1]
Deadlines for the September 2027 intake
The general calls for engineering master's programmes are: [4]
- First call: 1 October to 1 December 2026 (11.59pm CET).
- Second call: 12 January to 25 February 2027 (11.59pm CET).
Outcomes for both calls are due by the end of May 2027. A March 2027 call is open only to EU and EEA students and to non-EU students already resident in Italy. You can apply to at most two programmes, once per semester. [4]
For 2026/27, the programme offered 120 places, 10 of them for non-EU students. [5]
Documents and non-EU steps
You can apply while still completing your bachelor's, using an attendance certificate, but the degree must be obtained before you enrol. You upload your transcript, your degree or attendance certificate and your English certificate. [2]
Before enrolment you must provide a Diploma Supplement (where your country issues one), a declaration of value or a CIMEA statement of comparability. Without one, PoliMi refuses enrolment even after a positive evaluation. [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.
- Politecnico di Milano, School of Industrial and Information Engineering. Academic regulations, Master's degree in High Performance Computing Engineering (class LM-32), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Politecnico di Milano. Admission to Master of Science programmes with a foreign qualification: requirements and country-specific rules, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Politecnico di Milano. English language requirements for Laurea Magistrale programmes, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Politecnico di Milano. Application deadlines for Master of Science programmes with a foreign qualification, September 2027 intake. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Politecnico di Milano. Places available for Master of Science applicants with a foreign qualification, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Politecnico di Milano. Tuition fees for Laurea, Laurea Magistrale and single-cycle programmes, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Politecnico di Milano, High Performance Computing Engineering programme website and course page, 2026. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
High Performance Computing Engineering is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale) in class LM-32, computer systems engineering, worth 120 ECTS. It is run by the School of Industrial and Information Engineering at the Milano Leonardo campus and taught in English.
The degree trains engineers who tackle complex problems by combining mathematics, computer science and engineering. Graduates design and optimise computational solutions across the whole supercomputing pipeline, from mathematical modelling to high-performance software for parallel and distributed architectures, including quantum computing systems. It suits graduates in computer science, computer or mathematical engineering and related fields.
What you will study
The first year builds the core in numerical methods, parallel programming, computer systems and quantum computing. Compulsory units in the 2026/27 study plan include: [1]
- Parallel Computing
- Advanced Methods for Scientific Computing
- Numerical Linear Algebra
- Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations
- Quantum Physics
- Quantum Computing
- Advanced Computer Architectures
- Computing Infrastructures
- Software Engineering for HPC
- Applied Statistics
- Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning (second year)
- Systems and Methods for Big and Unstructured Data (second year)
Electives then let students apply HPC to a field, with options such as Code Transformation and Optimization, Distributed Systems, Machine Learning, Applied CFD for Industrial Engineering, Fintech and Molecular Modeling of Materials.
How the programme is taught
In the 2026/27 study plan, 40 CFU are electives chosen from three groups: 10 in maths, physics and telecommunications, 10 in ICT, and 20 in multidisciplinary HPC applications such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, subsurface energy, finance and molecular modelling. The second year ends with a 20 CFU thesis, which must include a summary in English. [1][7]
Three elective units are taught in Italian; the compulsory units are in English. Students can also apply for double degrees through EUMaster4HPC and EIT Digital. [1][7]
Career paths
The programme website places graduates in aerospace, bioinformatics, energy, finance, environmental sustainability and pharmacology, sectors where the power of supercomputing and quantum computing drives innovation. Application areas it lists include:
- Climate and earth sciences
- Manufacturing and materials science
- Health and pharmaceuticals
- Finance
- Aerospace
- Artificial intelligence and data science
Fees and scholarships
High Performance Computing Engineering follows Politecnico di Milano's general fee rules, with no fee of its own; see the tuition fees page. Fees follow family income (ISEE). Non-EU students admitted with a foreign bachelor's pay the maximum fee unless they hold a scholarship from Politecnico di Milano, another institution or the DSU. [6] The university runs the DSU scholarship itself, and students who meet the merit and financial-need conditions can apply.
How to apply from outside the EU
The 2026/27 regulations ask for a bachelor's in civil and environmental, information or industrial engineering or in computer science, or any degree of at least three years or 180 credits with at least 20 credits in computing, 20 in maths or statistics and 10 in physics. An Admission Committee reviews your record, with weight on your final grade. [1]
Foreign graduates apply through the international admissions route. The foreign-qualification requirements ask for a degree giving access to EQF level 7, the minimum grade average for your country and an English certificate or English-taught bachelor's. After admission we complete the Universitaly pre-enrolment, and you request a type D visa; before enrolment you provide a Diploma Supplement, declaration of value or CIMEA statement.
For the September 2027 intake, the general calls run from 1 October to 1 December 2026 and from 12 January to 25 February 2027, with outcomes by the end of May 2027. [4] For 2026/27, the programme had 120 places, 10 of them for non-EU students. [5]
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 PoliMi's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your online application with your transcripts and English certificate, and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your Politecnico di Milano 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
What bachelor's degree do I need for HPC Engineering at PoliMi?
A bachelor's in civil and environmental, information or industrial engineering or in computer science, or any degree of at least three years or 180 credits with at least 20 credits in computing, 20 in maths or statistics and 10 in physics. An Admission Committee then reviews your record. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
No. An Admission Committee reviews your academic record, giving weight to your final grade, how long your degree took and your marks in relevant subjects. If your degree has gaps, it can set curricular integrations, which are exams you pass before enrolling. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
You need an English certificate at PoliMi's minimum score when you apply. For 2026/27, accepted results include IELTS 6, TOEFL iBT 78, Cambridge B2 First at grade B and PTE Academic 59. A university document showing your bachelor's was taught in English can replace the certificate. [2][3]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For the September 2027 intake, you can apply from 1 October to 1 December 2026 or from 12 January to 25 February 2027. Outcomes are due by the end of May 2027. [4]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. You can apply while completing your bachelor's, using an attendance certificate, as long as you obtain the degree before you enrol at PoliMi. [2]
I have a BCA or a three-year B.Sc. from India. Can I apply?
A three-year B.Sc. only if it is an Honours degree. PoliMi asks Indian applicants for a bachelor's of at least four years, such as a B.Tech or B.E., so a three-year BCA does not meet the rule. Your average must also reach 70 out of 100. [2]
Is the HPC Engineering master taught in English?
Yes. It is taught in English at the Milano Leonardo campus. In the 2026/27 study plan, three elective units are taught in Italian, and the thesis must include a summary in English. [1][7]
What careers does it lead to?
The programme website lists aerospace, bioinformatics, energy, finance, environmental sustainability and pharmacology, with applications in climate science, materials, health, and artificial intelligence and data science. Graduates in Italy can also sit the State Exam for the register of information engineers. [1][7]
Can someone handle my whole application to HPC Engineering at PoliMi?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against PoliMi's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the Politecnico di Milano 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 HPC Engineering?
PoliMi accepts Indian bachelor's degrees of at least four years, such as a B.Tech or B.E., and considers a three-year B.Sc. only if it is an Honours degree. You need an average of at least 70 out of 100, enough computing, maths and physics credits, and English proof such as IELTS 6. The steps are the online application, the committee's evaluation 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 HPC Engineering are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application in the first or second call, the Admission Committee's evaluation 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 HPC Engineering are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application in the first or second call, the Admission Committee's evaluation 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 HPC Engineering 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 first or second call, the Admission Committee's evaluation 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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