Master in Molecular and Computational Biology at University of Bologna

Detailed entry requirements

Bologna's Molecular and Computational Biology master asks for a three-year degree in biological sciences or biotechnology, or set credits in biology and in maths, physics, chemistry or computing, plus English at B2 and, for most applicants, a pass in an oral test in English. Access is open, with no cap on places. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]

Degree and subject requirement

You need a three-year first-cycle degree, or a foreign qualification recognised as suitable under Italian rules that gives access to a similar degree programme in the country where it was awarded. [1]

Your degree must also meet one of two routes: [1]

• Degree class: an Italian degree in L-13 Biological Sciences or L-2 Biotechnology, their older equivalents (classes 12 and 1, or the five-year degrees in Biology or Biotechnologies), or a foreign degree considered equivalent.
• Credits, for degrees in other classes: at least 35 ECTS in plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics or general microbiology (BIO/04, BIO/10, BIO/11, BIO/18 and BIO/19), and at least 18 ECTS in physics, mathematics, chemistry or computer science (FIS/01 to 08, MAT/01 to 09, CHIM/01 to 12, INF/01, ING-INF/05 and ING-INF/06).

If you do not meet all the curricular requirements, you cannot enrol. The notice does not set a minimum grade for applicants who take the oral test. [1]

What this means for your transcript

Credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit as ECTS, and the committee looks at the subjects you passed, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:

• Usually a fit: a B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry or Genetics, or a B.Tech in Biotechnology, with papers in molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry.
• Check carefully: a B.Pharm, or a B.Sc. in Zoology, Botany or Agriculture, where we count the credits in the five listed biology areas towards the 35 ECTS; and a B.Sc. in Bioinformatics, which may cover the computing block but be light on biology.
• Often short: a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science, a BCA, or a B.Sc. in Physics or Mathematics, which cover the 18 ECTS block but rarely 35 ECTS in biology, even for the Bioinformatics curriculum; and a B.Com, BBA or BA.

Applicants with a foreign degree are outside the direct-entry cases, so your transcript should also show the oral test areas: cell and molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, maths and physics. [1]

English

English at CEFR B2 or higher, proven when you apply. Accepted proof: [1]

• A certificate on the University of Bologna Language Centre's list of accepted certificates.
• A B2 or higher English exam passed in your previous degree, valid only if the level is stated in the course title or in an official certificate from your university.
• A degree obtained in English, with documents stating that the programme was taught in English.
• Native English speaker status.

If you have taken an accepted test at B2 or higher but do not yet have the certificate, you can upload the official Statement of Results. The notice does not list minimum test scores. [1]

Italian

The notice also asks for Italian at CEFR B2. International students who do not have it can still enrol if admitted, but must include activities to reach that level in their study plan. An Italian certificate can be uploaded with the application where available. [1]

Oral test

Access is open, with no cap on places, but you can enrol only after a committee confirms your personal preparation. Direct entry without a test is limited to graduates of the Italian biology or biotechnology classes with a final mark of at least 104/110, and students in those classes with an average of at least 27/30. All other applicants take an oral test. [1]

• Format: two questions in English, on a Microsoft Teams video call, with your camera on throughout.
• Topics: molecular and cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, organismal physiology, biochemistry, and fundamentals of maths and physics. The notice publishes a detailed syllabus.
• Pass mark: each question is scored out of 30. You need at least 24 points in total, with at least 18/30 on one question.
• Roll call: you must attend a mandatory online roll call first, and missing it means exclusion.

2026/27 deadlines

For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad could apply only in intake A (Italian time): [1]

• Applications: 9:00 am on 4 May to 1:00 pm on 28 May 2026.
• Application results: 11 June 2026.
• Oral test roll call: 15 June 2026 at 1:00 pm, with a second date on 16 June 2026 at 10:00 am.
• Oral test results: 29 June 2026.
• Matriculation: 3 July to 29 October 2026, or with a late fee until 19 November 2026.

Intake B, from 17 July to 2 September 2026, was for Italian, EU and equivalent non-EU applicants only. The 2027/28 notice sets the next dates. [1]

Applying before you graduate

You can apply before you graduate if you have completed at least 78% of a foreign first-cycle degree (140 ECTS for an Italian degree) and already meet the curricular and English requirements. If you are admitted and enrol, you must graduate by 31 December 2026, or your enrolment is cancelled. [1]

Documents and non-EU steps

• The application is made on Bologna's Studenti Online portal with your passport, your foreign degree certificate translated into Italian or English with your transcript of records and Diploma Supplement where available (or your transcript if you have not graduated yet), and your English B2 proof.
• Only documents uploaded through Studenti Online are assessed, and missing mandatory documents at the deadline mean your application is not considered.
• Non-EU applicants living abroad also pre-enrol on Universitaly and apply for a study visa.
• After admission you enrol, pay the first instalment, upload your foreign qualification and visa on Studenti Online and show the originals at the international student office in Bologna. The translation, authenticity and value of your documents are verified where required, and your career must be activated by 26 February 2027.

These steps come from the 2026/27 notice. [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.

1. University of Bologna, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology. Admission notice for the Second Cycle Degree Programme in Molecular and Computational Biology (class LM-6 R, code 6254), academic year 2026/27, courtesy translation. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
2. University of Bologna, Molecular and Computational Biology programme website (teaching language, degree class, curricula, department and access type). Reviewed 8 October 2026.

What bachelor's degree do I need for Bologna's Molecular and Computational Biology master?

A three-year degree in biological sciences or biotechnology, or a recognised foreign equivalent. With a degree in another field, you need at least 35 ECTS in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology or plant physiology and at least 18 ECTS in maths, physics, chemistry or computer science. Without these, you cannot enrol. [1]

Is there an entrance exam?

Yes, for most applicants. Unless you hold an Italian biology or biotechnology degree with a high mark, you take an online oral test in English with two questions on life sciences, biochemistry, maths and physics. You pass with at least 24 points in total and at least 18/30 on one question. [1]

What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?

English at CEFR B2, proven when you apply. You can use a certificate on the University of Bologna Language Centre's list, a B2 English exam from your previous degree with the level in the course title, a degree taught in English, or native speaker status. The notice does not list minimum scores. [1]

When is the deadline for non-EU students?

For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad could apply only in intake A, from 4 May to 28 May 2026 at 1:00 pm Italian time, with the oral test roll call on 15 June. Intake B was for EU and equivalent applicants only. The 2027/28 notice sets the next dates. [1]

Can I apply before I graduate?

Yes, if you have completed at least 78% of your foreign first-cycle degree and already meet the subject and English requirements. For 2026/27 entry, you had to graduate by 31 December 2026, or your enrolment was cancelled. [1]

I have a B.Pharm or a B.Tech in Computer Science. Can I apply?

A B.Pharm may fit if your transcript shows at least 35 ECTS in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology or plant physiology plus 18 in maths, physics, chemistry or computing, which we check. A B.Tech in Computer Science usually covers the 18 but rarely the 35 biology credits, even for the Bioinformatics curriculum. [1]

Which curricula can I choose?

Two: Cell Biology and Bioinformatics. Both lead to the same 120 ECTS degree in class LM-6 R, Biology, taught entirely in English in Bologna by the Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology. [2]

What do graduates do?

The university says the course trains experts for professional and project activities in biological, biomedical and biotechnology fields. As a second cycle degree, it also gives access to PhD programmes. [2]

Can someone handle my whole application to Molecular and Computational Biology at Bologna?

Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Bologna's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ER.GO Emilia-Romagna 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 Molecular and Computational Biology?

A B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Microbiology or Biochemistry, or a B.Tech in Biotechnology, is usually the closest fit. Other degrees need at least 35 ECTS in core biology subjects and 18 in maths, physics, chemistry or computing. An English-medium degree can prove B2 if your documents state it. The steps are the online application in intake A, an oral test in English 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 Molecular and Computational Biology are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application in intake A, an oral test in English 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 Molecular and Computational Biology are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application in intake A, an oral test in English 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 Molecular and Computational Biology 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 intake A, an oral test in English 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.