Master in Materials and Nanotechnology at University of Pisa
Two-year English-taught LM-53 master's at the University of Pisa, run with the Scuola Normale Superiore, with curricula in Advanced Materials, Biomaterials, and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Entry needs maths, physics and chemistry credits, English at B2, and a titles review and interview.
Master
2 years
Pisa
English
University of Pisa
Materials and Nanotechnology is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-53) taught in English at the University of Pisa. Entry needs a bachelor's with at least 12 credits in maths, 6 in physics and 12 in chemistry or materials subjects, English at B2, and a selection on titles and interview. With a DSU Toscana scholarship, it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Pisa's Materials and Nanotechnology master asks for a bachelor's degree or a suitable foreign equivalent with at least 30 credits in maths, physics and chemistry or materials subjects, English at B2, and a selection on titles and interview for a limited number of places. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
You need a bachelor's degree, or a first-cycle degree from a foreign university that the University of Pisa deems suitable for admission. Your studies must include: [1]
- At least 12 CFU in mathematics: algebra, geometry, mathematical analysis, probability and statistics, mathematical physics, numerical analysis or operations research (MAT/02, 03, 05, 06, 07, 08 and 09).
- At least 6 CFU in physics (FIS/01 to FIS/08).
- At least 12 CFU in chemistry, physics of matter or materials engineering: physical, general and inorganic, and industrial chemistry, polymer science, chemical foundations of technology, experimental physics, physics of matter, structural mechanics, manufacturing technologies, metallurgy, materials science and technology, applied physical chemistry and chemical engineering principles (CHIM/02, 03, 04, 05 and 07, FIS/01 and 03, ICAR/08, ING-IND/16, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 27).
If your degree falls short, the degree council sets the missing activities. Gaps of up to 40 CFU are covered through transition courses; if more than 40 CFU are missing, you cannot enrol. [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 your subjects, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E. in Metallurgical and Materials, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or a B.Sc. in Physics or Chemistry with solid maths papers.
- Check carefully: a B.Tech in Electronics, Electrical or Civil Engineering usually covers maths and physics but may be short on the 12 chemistry or materials credits; a B.Sc. in Chemistry may be short on maths.
- Often short: a BCA, B.Sc. in Computer Science, B.Com, BBA or BA usually lacks the physics and chemistry or materials blocks.
The interview also expects a solid base in mathematics, general physics and chemistry, typical of bachelor's programmes in engineering, chemistry and physics. [1]
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher. The selection committee checks your English during the interview. You can upload an English certificate at B2 or above as an optional document; the call does not list specific tests or scores. [1]
Selection: titles and interview
There is no written test. Selection is on a 100-point scale: [1]
- Titles, up to 70 points: your CV, transcript, courses attended and other documents. You need at least 49 out of 70 to be invited to the interview.
- Interview, up to 30 points: basic concepts of materials and nanotechnology, with emphasis on mathematics, general physics and chemistry, often set as problems to solve, plus your English. You need at least 21 out of 30.
You need a total of at least 70 out of 100 to be eligible, and places go in ranking order. For non-EU applicants, the interview is held by videoconference at an Italian embassy or consulate or another place the committee approves. [1]
For 2026/27 the degree had 35 places, a provisional figure: 10 for non-EU applicants living abroad, 2 of them for the Marco Polo programme, and 6 for Scuola Normale Superiore students. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
Non-EU applicants living abroad applied from 2 February to 1 March 2026. Titles were assessed by 4 March, interviews took place on 9 and 10 March, and the ranking was published by 18 March 2026. [1][2]
EU applicants and non-EU applicants already living in Italy applied from 16 March to 30 August 2026, with interviews on 8 and 9 September 2026. Winners had to start enrolment on the admission portal by 23 September 2026. These were the 2026/27 dates; the next call sets the 2027/28 calendar. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
Non-EU applicants register online on the University of Pisa student portal and upload: [1]
- Annex A, completed with the requested information.
- A CV in English, covering your education, experience, awards and any publications.
- A transcript listing every exam with its credits and marks, and your degree certificate if you have graduated, translated into Italian or English if issued in another language.
- A short abstract of your bachelor's thesis or final project, or of the thesis work in progress, of up to 5 pages.
- An English certificate at B2 or above (optional).
Non-EU applicants can apply before graduating. Admission is then conditional, and for 2026/27 the degree and documents had to be submitted by 31 July 2026. Non-EU applicants living abroad follow Italy's national procedures for international students for pre-enrolment and the study visa. [1]
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 Pisa, in collaboration with the Scuola Normale Superiore. Call for applications for admission to the Master's degree programme in Materials and Nanotechnology (class LM-53), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Materials and Nanotechnology (class LM-53) programme page: teaching language, curricula, admission dates, 2026/27 study plan and career opportunities. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa. Tuition fees for degree courses, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Materials and Nanotechnology is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-53, materials engineering) taught in English at the University of Pisa. It is offered jointly by the Departments of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Information Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, in collaboration with the Scuola Normale Superiore. [1][2]
The programme is interdisciplinary. It suits graduates with a solid base in mathematics, general physics and chemistry, typical of bachelor's programmes in engineering, chemistry, physics and related fields, and good analytical and problem-solving skills. Places are limited: 35 for 2026/27. [1]
What you will study
The 2026/27 study plan has three curricula: [2]
- Advanced Materials: design, use and analysis of materials for the manufacturing industry.
- Biomaterials: biomaterials and advanced materials for the life sciences.
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: nanotechnology and metamaterials for photonic, electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Every curriculum includes Mechanical Properties of Materials (6 CFU) in the first year. Other first-year units include Fundamentals of Polymer Processing (Advanced Materials), Biomaterials and Laboratory of Materials Characterization (Biomaterials), and Computational Materials Science and Nanostructured Materials (Nanoscience and Nanotechnology). Electives include Electron Microscopy of Nanomaterials and Disordered and Off-Equilibrium Systems. The study plan also lists BioPham2 tracks shared with partner universities in Lille, Barcelona and Katowice. [2]
How the programme is taught
Teaching is in English, in person in Pisa, over two years and 120 ECTS. In the Advanced Materials curriculum, the second year includes a 15-credit training period, a 15-credit final examination and Polymer Science and Engineering. [2]
Careers
Graduates are prepared for research and development of new materials and devices. Employers include companies that produce metallic, polymeric, ceramic, glass and composite materials for sectors such as chemicals, electronics, energy, transport, biomedicine and cultural heritage, as well as the industrial laboratories of public and private organisations. [2]
Fees and scholarships
For 2026/27, fees for international students with income abroad follow their country's income group, and you can request a reduction based on an ISEEU parificato. [3]
The DSU Toscana scholarship gives full exemption from tuition, along with accommodation and meals, so the programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. The region decides awards. The programme also takes part in the Invest Your Talent in Italy scheme, and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers grants to international students. [1][3]
How to apply from outside the EU
Non-EU applicants living abroad compete in their own session for up to 10 places, 2 of them for the Marco Polo programme. For 2026/27, they applied online on the University of Pisa student portal from 2 February to 1 March 2026, and interviews were held by videoconference on 9 and 10 March 2026. [1][2]
Winners begin enrolment on the university's admission portal. Non-EU applicants living abroad then follow Italy's national procedures for international students, including Universitaly pre-enrolment and a type D study visa. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published. [1]
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 Pisa's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your application on the University of Pisa student portal and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your DSU Toscana 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 Pisa's Materials and Nanotechnology master?
A bachelor's degree or a foreign first-cycle degree deemed suitable, with at least 12 credits in maths, 6 in physics and 12 in chemistry, physics of matter or materials engineering. Gaps of up to 40 credits are covered by transition courses; more than 40 means you cannot enrol. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. The committee scores your CV, transcript and other documents out of 70, and you need 49 to reach the interview. The interview is worth 30 points, needs at least 21, and tests maths, general physics, chemistry and materials basics through problems. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2. The call does not name specific tests or scores: the committee checks your English during the interview, and a B2 certificate is an optional upload. We check which proof of English your file can use. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad applied from 2 February to 1 March 2026, with interviews on 9 and 10 March and the ranking by 18 March 2026. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [1][2]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. Non-EU applicants could apply before graduating and were admitted conditionally. For 2026/27 they had to obtain the degree and submit the documents by 31 July 2026. [1]
I have a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering or a B.Sc. in Chemistry. Can I apply?
Possibly. A mechanical B.Tech usually covers maths and physics, so the key check is the 12 chemistry or materials credits. A chemistry B.Sc. covers that block but may be short on maths. Gaps of up to 40 credits lead to transition courses. [1]
How many places are there for non-EU students?
For 2026/27 the degree had 35 provisional places, of which 10 were reserved for non-EU applicants living abroad, including 2 for the Marco Polo programme, and 6 for Scuola Normale Superiore students. Unfilled reserved places go to the later session. [1]
Which curricula can I choose?
The 2026/27 study plan has three curricula: Advanced Materials, Biomaterials, and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. It also lists BioPham2 tracks shared with partner universities in Lille, Barcelona and Katowice. [2]
Can someone handle my whole application to Materials and Nanotechnology at Pisa?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Pisa's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the DSU Toscana 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 Materials and Nanotechnology?
An Indian bachelor's in engineering, physics or chemistry, such as a B.Tech or B.Sc., can fit if Pisa deems it suitable and your transcript covers 12 credits of maths, 6 of physics and 12 of chemistry or materials subjects. You need English at B2. The steps are the online application, the titles review and interview, and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1] 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 Materials and Nanotechnology are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application, titles review, 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 Materials and Nanotechnology are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application, titles review, 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 Materials and Nanotechnology 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, titles review, 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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