Master in Nuclear Engineering at University of Pisa
Two-year English-taught LM-30 master's at the University of Pisa in nuclear plants, thermal hydraulics, reactor physics, nuclear safety, radiation protection and fusion reactor engineering. Entry needs an industrial engineering or physics bachelor's and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Pisa
English
University of Pisa
Nuclear Engineering is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-30) taught in English at the University of Pisa in Pisa. Entry needs a bachelor's in industrial engineering or physics with 42 credits in maths, physics and chemistry and 18 in engineering, English at B2, a CV review and an online interview. DSU Toscana winners are exempt from tuition fees, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Pisa's Nuclear Engineering master asks for a bachelor's in industrial engineering or physics, with 42 credits in maths, statistics, physics and chemistry and 18 in engineering subjects, plus English at B2. A committee reviews your CV and qualifications, and shortlisted applicants must pass an online interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit rule
The 2026/27 call is for applicants whose qualifying degree was awarded outside Italy. It asks for a first-cycle (bachelor's) degree in industrial engineering or physics, or an equivalent or higher foreign qualification. [1]
The programme page sets the curricular rule: a degree in industrial engineering (class L-9), or another degree that includes at least: [2]
- 42 CFU in mathematics, statistics, physics and chemistry (sectors MAT/02, 03, 05, 06, 07, 08 and 09, SECS-S/02, FIS/01, FIS/03, CHIM/03 and CHIM/07).
- 18 CFU in engineering and applied subjects such as energy systems, applied thermodynamics, mechanical design, manufacturing, nuclear plants, structural mechanics, computer science and nuclear or theoretical physics (sectors ING-IND/09, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19 and 34, ICAR/08, INF/01, FIS/02 and FIS/04).
Physics graduates can be admitted if their degree followed a path with engineering content. For a foreign degree, the evaluation committee reviews these requirements from the length of each course and the content of your exams, and can indicate how missing requirements might be met. [2]
What this means for your transcript
As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E. in Mechanical, Electrical, Energy or Chemical Engineering, all industrial engineering fields, when the transcript shows solid maths, physics and chemistry plus thermodynamics, heat transfer or mechanics.
- Check carefully: a B.Sc. in Physics, which the call names but which needs some engineering content, and a B.Tech in Civil or Aerospace Engineering, which may cover structural mechanics but not the energy and thermal subjects.
- Often short: a B.Tech in Computer Science, IT or Electronics, a BCA, a B.Sc. in Chemistry or Mathematics, and a B.Com, BBA or BA, which usually lack the engineering block and fall outside the fields the call names.
The committee reads your exams one by one, so course content matters more than the degree title. [2]
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher. [1] You can show a certificate at enrolment; without one, your level is checked during the review of your personal preparation. The call and programme page do not list specific tests or minimum scores. [2]
Selection
There is no written entrance test. An evaluation committee appointed by the programme board first reviews your CV and qualifications to check that: [1]
- you meet the degree and English requirements;
- your preparation is enough to follow the programme, with particular attention to basic mathematics, physics, chemistry, structural mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer.
All shortlisted applicants must then pass an online interview. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, applications were assessed in two rounds, with each deadline at noon, Rome time: [1]
- Round 1, applicants who need an Italian study visa: 5 November 2025 to 5 February 2026.
- Round 2, applicants who do not need a visa: 6 February 2026 to 31 May 2026.
Non-EU applicants who need a visa can only use round 1. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
Application and documents
You apply on the University of Pisa's online portal for English-taught master's degrees. The completed form then goes to the evaluation committee. [1]
The application must include at least your degree certificate, or its equivalent, and your exam transcripts. [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.
- University of Pisa. Call for applications for admission to the Master's degree programme in Nuclear Engineering, applicants with qualifications awarded outside Italy, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa, Nuclear Engineering (class LM-30) programme page: admission requirements and procedures, 2026/27 study plan and career opportunities. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pisa. University fees and scholarships for international students, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Nuclear Engineering is a two-year master's degree in class LM-30, energy and nuclear engineering, run by the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering in Pisa. It is taught in English, carries 120 ECTS and has no fixed number of places. Applicants with a degree from outside Italy are assessed on their CV and qualifications and an online interview. [1][2]
The course builds on a tradition of teaching nuclear engineering in Pisa that began in the 1960s, and aims to give specialised training that meets the needs of the national and international nuclear industry. It suits graduates in industrial engineering fields, such as mechanical or energy engineering, or in physics, with a solid base in mathematics and physics. [1][2]
What you will study
The first year covers reactor physics, plants and thermal hydraulics; the second focuses on safety, protection and fusion, with 12 credits of electives chosen from eight options and an 18 credit dissertation. Units in the 2026/27 study plan include: [2]
- Nuclear Plants
- Physics and Numerical Models
- Nuclear Thermal Hydraulics
- Nuclear Materials and Nuclear Measurements
- Control of Nuclear Plants
- Nuclear Safety
- Radiation Protection
- Fusion Reactor Engineering
The plan also includes Physical Fundamentals and Structural Mechanics.
How the programme is taught
Each year carries 60 credits. The final dissertation, worth 18 credits, is the main piece of independent work and sits in the second year alongside the safety and fusion units.
Career paths
The university points graduates to:
- Public and private energy production companies
- Advanced research centres
- Freelance work in industrial engineering
- Industrial safety and environmental protection
- Work involving applications of radiation
Fees and scholarships
For 2026/27 the University of Pisa sets one all-inclusive annual fee for students within the standard duration, and a reduction can be requested. [3]
The DSU Toscana scholarship includes free accommodation, meals in university dining halls and exemption from tuition fees, so the course can be tuition-free for eligible students. Eligible students can apply and the region decides awards. The programme also takes part in the Invest Your Talent in Italy scheme funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and gives an award to the student with the best results at the end of the first year. [1] See the fees page.
How to apply from outside the EU
We check first that your degree fits: the call asks for a bachelor's in industrial engineering or physics, and the programme page sets 42 credits in mathematics, statistics, physics and chemistry and 18 in engineering subjects. [1][2] If your degree is from outside Italy, we submit your application on the University of Pisa's portal for English-taught master's degrees. An evaluation committee reviews your CV and qualifications, and shortlisted applicants must pass an online interview. [1]
For 2026/27, round 1, for applicants who need an Italian study visa, closed on 5 February 2026. Round 2, for applicants who do not need a visa, closed on 31 May 2026. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
After acceptance, we complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, and you apply for a type D study visa; enrolment needs a visa for the right academic year.
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 Pisa's English-taught master's 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 Nuclear Engineering master?
The 2026/27 call asks for a bachelor's in industrial engineering or physics. The programme page adds a credit rule: an L-9 industrial engineering degree, or another degree with 42 CFU in maths, statistics, physics and chemistry and 18 CFU in engineering subjects. [1][2]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. An evaluation committee reviews your CV and qualifications, with attention to maths, physics, chemistry, structural mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer. Shortlisted applicants must then pass an online interview. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2 or higher. The call does not name specific tests or scores. Without a certificate, your level is checked during the review of your preparation, and we check which proof of B2 your file can use. [1][2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, applicants who needed an Italian study visa applied in round 1, from 5 November 2025 to 5 February 2026. Round 2, to 31 May 2026, was only for applicants not needing a visa. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
I have a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering or a B.Sc. in Physics. Can I apply?
Mechanical engineering is an industrial engineering field, so it is usually a fit if your transcript shows the maths, physics and chemistry credits. The call names physics, but the programme page expects some engineering content, so we check your mechanics and thermodynamics exams. [1][2]
I have a B.Tech in Computer Science or Electronics. Is that enough?
Often not. The call asks for a bachelor's in industrial engineering or physics, and the 18 engineering credits centre on energy systems, thermodynamics, mechanical design, structural mechanics and nuclear plants. We review your transcript exam by exam before you apply. [1][2]
Does the programme cover fusion?
Yes. The second year includes Engineering of Fusion Reactors (6 CFU), alongside Nuclear Safety (12 CFU) and Radiation Protection (6 CFU). Electives include decommissioning and radioactive waste management, and medical applications of nuclear technologies. [2]
What jobs do graduates do?
The university points to the national and international nuclear industry and wider industrial engineering, public and private companies in production and advanced research, and freelance work in nuclear engineering, safety, environmental protection and radiation applications in technology and medicine. [2]
Can someone handle my whole application to Nuclear Engineering 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 Nuclear Engineering?
A recognised Indian bachelor's in an industrial engineering field, such as a B.Tech or B.E. in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or a B.Sc. in Physics with engineering content, can meet the degree rule if it covers the maths, physics and engineering credits. You also need English at B2. The steps are the portal application, the CV review and online interview, and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][2] 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 Nuclear Engineering are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: portal application, CV review, online 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 Nuclear Engineering are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: portal application, CV review, online 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 Nuclear 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: portal application, CV review, online 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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