Master in Mathematics at University of Insubria
Two-year English-taught LM-40 master's in mathematics at the University of Insubria in Como, with a flexible plan across pure and applied maths and a 31 ECTS thesis. Entry needs maths, physics and computing credits and an interview that checks English at B2.
Master
2 years
Como
English
University of Insubria
Mathematics is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-40) taught entirely in English at the University of Insubria in Como. Entry needs a maths bachelor's, or at least 48 credits in maths, 9 in physics and 6 in computing, plus an interview that also checks English at B2. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Insubria's Mathematics master asks for a bachelor's in Mathematics (L-35), or another degree or recognised foreign qualification with at least 48 credits in maths, 9 in physics and 6 in computer science, plus a positive interview that also checks English at B2. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit rule
Graduates in Mathematical Sciences (L-35) can apply directly. Graduates of other Italian degree classes and holders of a foreign qualification recognised as suitable must show they can follow the course, with at least: [1]
- 48 CFU in mathematics (sectors MAT/01 to MAT/09)
- 9 CFU in physics (sectors FIS/01 to FIS/08)
- 6 CFU in computer science (sector INF/01)
Missing curricular credits must be earned before the interview, and if the interview shows gaps in specific subjects, the committee sets extra credits to earn before admission. [1]
One section of the 2026/27 course page gives the maths minimum as 60 CFU rather than 48, so we check which figure the committee applies for your intake. [2]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and foreign credits are not the same unit: one CFU stands for 25 hours of student work, and the check looks at your subjects, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. in Mathematics, or a B.Sc. combining mathematics, physics and computer science, with solid algebra, analysis and geometry.
- Check carefully: a B.Sc. in Physics, which usually covers the physics block but needs 48 maths credits and 6 in computing, or a B.Tech or B.E., which often covers physics and computing but can fall short on maths.
- Often short: a BCA, B.Com, BBA or BA in Economics, or a B.Sc. in Statistics without physics, which usually lacks the maths or physics credits.
The interview covers the core of an Italian maths bachelor's, so applicants from other fields also need algebra, geometry, analysis, probability, mathematical physics and numerical analysis. [1]
English
English at CEFR level B2 or equivalent, checked at the admission interview, which looks at reading, speaking and writing and at subject vocabulary. The regulation does not ask for a certificate or list specific tests or scores. Insubria graduates in Physics or Mathematics who passed the B2-equivalent English course meet the requirement automatically. [1][2]
Admission interview
There is no written test. After your credits are checked, a committee of lecturers interviews you on the core subjects of an Italian maths bachelor's: algebra, geometry, analysis, probability, mathematical physics and numerical analysis. The interview also checks your English. For 2026/27 it was held on 24 September 2026. [1][2]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, Universitaly pre-enrolment from non-EU applicants living abroad was considered if submitted by 30 June 2026. Lessons started on 21 September 2026, the admission interview was held on 24 September 2026, and complete documents and the study visa were due by 1 February 2027. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [1][2][3]
Documents and non-EU steps
Non-EU applicants living abroad complete pre-enrolment and the university's prior assessment online through Universitaly, and pre-enrolment is needed for the study visa. The university's document list for master's applicants includes: [3]
- Your original degree with a translation.
- A CIMEA Statement of Verification or legalisation of the degree.
- A CIMEA Statement of Comparability or a Declaration of Value from the Italian mission.
- A university transcript of your degree and exams passed, translated and legalised, plus course syllabi where required.
An Italian language test is not required for English-taught courses. Graduates receive a Diploma Supplement in Italian and English. [1][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 Insubria, Department of Science and High Technology. Course regulations, Master's degree in Mathematics (LM-40), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Insubria, Mathematics master's programme page, academic year 2026/27 (language, campus, admission check, interview date and double degrees). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Insubria. Enrolment of non-EU students living abroad, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Insubria. Regulations on student contributions, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Mathematics (Matematica) is a two-year master's degree in the reformed maths class LM-40, run by the Department of Science and High Technology (DiSAT) at the University of Insubria. It is taught entirely in English in the Como classrooms, and the regulation does not make attendance compulsory. [1][2]
Teaching is by active researchers in small classes, so students work closely with staff. The degree builds abstract thinking and problem solving: analysing problems, building models and linking concepts. It suits mathematics graduates and those from physics or computing with a strong maths base.
What you will study
There are no curricula: you build a flexible plan from structured groups of units in pure and applied mathematics. The 2026/27 regulation sets: [1]
- Two 9 ECTS advanced units chosen from Algebra, Geometry and Analysis
- Two 9 ECTS units chosen from Topics in Advanced Probability, Dynamical Systems, Topics in Advanced Numerical Analysis, Inverse Problems and Machine Learning, and units on numerical optimisation and numerical solutions of elliptic problems and conservation laws
- Two 6 ECTS units such as Topics in Category Theory, advanced algebra, geometry or analysis, and Iterative Methods for Large Scale Linear Systems
- 18 ECTS of related units, with options including Mathematical Logic, History of Mathematics, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Applied Statistics, Scientific Python, physics and models for biological systems
- At least 18 ECTS of free electives
- A 31 ECTS research thesis in English
How the programme is taught
The thesis carries 31 ECTS and is written and defended in English, with 30 minutes for the presentation and questions. It can be a critical review of results in the literature or original research, carried out at the university or with research groups, institutions or companies. Within 5 ECTS of further activities, students can take a 3 ECTS internship inside the university or at a company or school. [1]
The regulation sets out a double degree with Linnaeus University in Sweden (Master in Mathematics and Modelling): up to four first-year students are selected each year, spend at least a semester there, earn at least 30 ECTS and get Erasmus status with a grant. The course page also lists a double degree with Università della Svizzera italiana. [1][2]
Career paths
The regulation describes graduates as mathematicians working in:
- Pure and applied research at universities and research institutes
- Mathematical modelling for physics, computer science, economics and biology
- Data analysis and statistical methods
- Industry, finance, insurance and environmental sectors
- Teaching and scientific knowledge transfer
The course page also names IT and software companies, public administration and consulting. Graduates can continue to a PhD.
Fees and scholarships
Under Insubria's 2026/27 fee regulations, students within the normal length of the degree with a family ISEE of €28,000 or less pay no university contribution, and above that the contribution rises with income and depends on subject area. [4]
Non-EU students with income or assets abroad can instead pay a flat rate set by country group and subject area. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in the lowest group. [4]
Insubria runs the DSU scholarship itself. Winners of regionally funded scholarships pay no university contribution or regional tax, and eligible students who do not receive a scholarship pay no regional tax and half the contribution. [4]
How to apply from outside the EU
Access is open. Maths graduates and applicants with the required maths, physics and computing credits are admitted after an interview that also checks English. [1]
Non-EU applicants living abroad complete pre-enrolment and the university's prior assessment online through Universitaly. For 2026/27, applications received on Universitaly by 30 June 2026 were considered, and complete documents and the study visa were due by 1 February 2027. The 2027/28 dates are not out yet. Once approved, you apply for a type D study visa. [3]
The university asks for your original degree with a translation, a CIMEA Statement of Verification or legalisation, a CIMEA Statement of Comparability or Declaration of Value, and a translated, legalised transcript, plus course syllabi where required. An Italian language test is not needed for English-taught courses. [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 Insubria's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your Universitaly pre-enrolment, prior assessment file and 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
What bachelor's degree do I need for Insubria's Mathematics master?
A bachelor's in Mathematics, or another degree or recognised foreign qualification with at least 48 CFU in maths, 9 in physics and 6 in computer science. One section of the course page says 60 maths credits, so we check which figure applies for your intake. [1][2]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. Access is open, with an interview on algebra, geometry, analysis, probability, mathematical physics and numerical analysis that also checks your English. For 2026/27 it was held on 24 September 2026. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2 or equivalent, assessed at the admission interview. The regulation does not ask for a certificate or list specific test scores, so we help you show your level and prepare for the interview. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, Universitaly pre-enrolment from non-EU applicants living abroad was considered if submitted by 30 June 2026, and complete documents and the study visa were due by 1 February 2027. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [3]
I have a B.Tech or a B.Sc. in Physics. Can I apply?
Possibly. A B.Sc. in Physics usually covers the 9 physics credits but needs 48 maths credits and 6 in computing. A B.Tech often has the physics and computing but can fall short on maths. The interview also covers algebra, geometry and analysis. [1]
Are there curricula?
No. You build a flexible plan: two 9 ECTS units in advanced algebra, geometry or analysis, two in probability, dynamical systems, numerical analysis or machine learning, two 6 ECTS units, 18 ECTS of related units and at least 18 ECTS of free electives. [1]
Is there a double degree?
Yes. The regulation sets out a double degree with Linnaeus University in Sweden, leading to its Master in Mathematics and Modelling, for up to four students selected in the first year. The course page also lists Università della Svizzera italiana. [1][2]
What careers does it lead to?
The regulation names universities and research bodies, industrial, insurance, finance, IT and environmental firms, consulting, training and services companies, and public administration. Insubria also runs 60-credit teacher training pathways for maths and physics in Italian secondary schools. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to Mathematics at Insubria?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Insubria'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 Mathematics?
An Indian B.Sc. in Mathematics, or a B.Sc. combining maths, physics and computer science, can meet the rule if it has at least 48 maths, 9 physics and 6 computing credits, and you need English at B2, checked at the interview. The steps are Universitaly pre-enrolment with the university's prior assessment, then the admission interview. [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 Mathematics are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: Universitaly pre-enrolment with the university's prior assessment, then the admission interview, 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 Mathematics are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: Universitaly pre-enrolment with the university's prior assessment, then the admission interview. 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 Mathematics 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: Universitaly pre-enrolment with the university's prior assessment, then the admission interview, 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.
More English-taught programmes at this university
Other public universities in this city
They began right where you are
