Master in Physics at University of L’Aquila
Two-year English-taught LM-17 master's at the University of L'Aquila with tracks in particle and astroparticle physics, condensed matter and nanotechnology, and space weather, plus double degrees. Entry needs 30 maths and 48 physics credits and English at B2.
Master
2 years
L'Aquila
English
University of L’Aquila
Physics is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-17) taught only in English at the University of L'Aquila. Entry needs a physics degree, or another degree with at least 30 credits in mathematics and 48 in physics, plus English at B2. Non-EU applicants apply through the call for master's taught in English. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
The Physics master at L'Aquila asks for a bachelor's in physics, or another degree of at least three years with at least 30 credits in mathematics and 48 in physics, plus English at B2. Applicants with a foreign degree go through the university's selection for master's degrees taught in English, based on documents and a possible interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
You need a first-level degree, or a foreign qualification recognised as suitable. For the international call, a foreign degree must last at least three years and give access to this master's. [1][2]
- Physics graduates: a degree in physics (Italian class L-30 or 25) meets the rule.
- Other degrees: at least 30 CFU in mathematics and 48 CFU in physics or similar subjects, for example in a degree in mathematics, chemistry or engineering.
- Mathematics must include linear algebra and calculus in one and several variables.
- Physics must include the basics of classical and modern physics: mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism.
- Laboratory skills and the use of computing tools are also required.
The course council can admit students who do not fully meet the credit split if their training is judged equivalent, with a personalised study plan. Graduates in other subjects may have some third-year physics units added to their first semester. [1]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit: one CFU stands for 25 hours of student work, and the council looks at your subjects, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. in Physics, or a B.Sc. (Hons) with physics as the main subject.
- Check carefully: a B.Sc. with physics, chemistry and mathematics, which may meet both blocks depending on how much physics it includes; a B.Tech or B.E., or a B.Sc. in Mathematics or Chemistry, often covers the mathematics block but may fall short of 48 credits in physics.
- Often short: a BCA, B.Com, BBA or BA rarely includes enough physics or mathematics.
When your background is close, the council can add physics or mathematics units to your first semester. [1]
English
The course is taught only in English, and entry needs English at B2 or higher. [1] For the 2026/27 call, applicants uploaded proof at B2 or C1 level or had it sent through ETS, and certificates older than four years were not accepted. Applicants who had studied in English for one or more years, at university or high school, and native speakers could self-certify instead. The call does not list minimum test scores. [2]
Selection
There is no written entrance test. For the 2026/27 call, a committee of at least three members assessed applications on documents alone or on documents plus an interview, with at least five days' notice of any interview, and drew up a ranking list for Physics. [2] The course council reviews your previous studies, assigns your curriculum and may set extra units. [1]
2026/27 deadline
For 2026/27, the call for master's degrees taught in English closed on 25 February 2026 at 1:00 pm Italian time. Each applicant could submit one application and join at most two programme rankings. Applicants still finishing a degree could take part if they graduated by 15 August 2026, with conditional admission until they sent the degree certificate. The 2027/28 call is not yet published. [2]
Documents and non-EU steps
The 2026/27 application, made on the PICA portal, needed these documents in English: [2]
- A CV, preferably in Europass format
- Degree certificate and transcript for the qualifying degree, and for any other higher education degree
- Official descriptions of relevant courses, or the university's self-certification form
- A motivation letter
- Up to two reference letters (optional)
- Proof of English at B2 or C1
- An identity document
Eligible candidates who need a visa then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment for the same master's, which the university approves without a further academic review. Enrolment is processed only with a valid study visa. [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 L'Aquila, Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences. Course regulations of the Master's degree in Physics (class LM-17), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of L'Aquila, International Relations Office. Call for the selection of students with a foreign bachelor's degree for master's degree courses taught in English, cohort 2026 (academic year 2026/27). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of L'Aquila, Physics master's degree programme page, academic year 2026/27 (language, access type and double-degree partners). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of L'Aquila, Student Fees and Scholarships Office. Guide to university fees and contributions, academic year 2026/27, with the list of countries that receive special fee concessions. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Physics (Fisica) is a two-year master's degree in class LM-17 at the University of L'Aquila, run by the Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences. According to the 2026/27 regulation it has been taught only in English since 2016/17. Teaching is in person in L'Aquila and the degree carries 120 ECTS. [1][3]
The programme gives advanced training in frontier physics, from the microscopic world of particles and condensed matter to the physics of space and the upper atmosphere. Students learn to apply theory, mathematical methods and experimental techniques, and the long thesis puts them on a real research question. It suits physics graduates and graduates in mathematics, chemistry or engineering with a strong physics base.
What you will study
There are two curricula, each with 42 ECTS of compulsory units, related electives and free electives. The thesis is worth 33 ECTS, and 6 ECTS go to internships or thesis-related activities.
- Microphysics curriculum, track in Particle and Astroparticle Physics
- Microphysics curriculum, track in Condensed Matter Physics: Fundamental Science and Nanotechnology
- Geophysics and Space curriculum, track in Space Weather and High Atmosphere Physics (SWAP)
- 24 to 27 ECTS of related and supplementary units and 9 to 12 ECTS of free electives, depending on the curriculum
- A 3 ECTS English unit at C1 level
- A research thesis of about six months of full-time work
How the programme is taught
The thesis involves scientific research or technological development under a supervisor, on a frontier topic in the chosen track. The department also runs double degrees: with Gdańsk University of Technology in Poland for the condensed matter and nanotechnology track, and with Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University in Georgia. Double-degree students spend one of the two years at the partner university, and the course publishes a selection call for these places each year. [1][3]
Career paths
The regulation describes graduates able to work with broad autonomy and to lead projects and teams. Named outlets include:
- Public research centres and national and international laboratories
- Private companies in technology, microelectronics and nanotechnology
- Healthcare and energy sectors
- Advanced research and development roles
- Secondary school teaching, subject to the required credits
Fees and scholarships
At L'Aquila tuition depends on family income. The 2026/27 fee guide places non-EU students who live outside Italy and come from listed countries, including India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in the lowest band (ISEE up to €24,000). Students in that band are exempt from the annual contribution within the normal course length plus one year, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. From year two a minimum number of credits keeps the exemption. Regional scholarships come from ADSU L'Aquila, and scholarship winners and eligible students are also exempt from the annual contribution. [4]
How to apply from outside the EU
If your first degree is not in physics, we check first that it includes at least 30 credits in mathematics and 48 in physics. [1] Physics is in the university's call for master's degrees taught in English for applicants with a foreign bachelor's. For 2026/27 applications ran on the PICA portal until 25 February 2026 at 1:00 pm Italian time. The committee reviewed CV, transcripts, course descriptions, a motivation letter, up to two reference letters and proof of English at B2, and could add an interview. [2]
Eligible candidates who need a visa then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment for this master's, which the university approves without a further academic review. Enrolment needs a valid type D study visa. The 2027/28 call is not yet published and will set the new dates. [2]
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 L'Aquila's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your application in the call for master's degrees taught in English and Universitaly pre-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 degree do I need for the Physics master at L'Aquila?
A degree in physics, or another degree of at least three years with at least 30 credits in mathematics and 48 in physics, such as mathematics, chemistry or engineering. Maths must cover linear algebra and calculus, and physics must cover mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism. [1][2]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. For 2026/27, a committee ranked applicants on their documents, such as CV, transcripts, course descriptions and motivation letter, and could add an interview with at least five days' notice. [2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2 or higher. For 2026/27 the call accepted a B2 or C1 certificate issued within the last four years, without listing minimum scores. Applicants who studied in English for at least a year, and native speakers, could self-certify. [1][2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, the call for master's degrees taught in English closed on 25 February 2026 at 1:00 pm Italian time. The 2027/28 call is not yet published and will set the new date. [2]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, if you graduate in time. For 2026/27, applicants could take part if they graduated by 15 August 2026, and their place in the selection stayed conditional until they sent the degree certificate. [2]
I have a B.Tech or a B.Sc. in Mathematics. Can I apply?
Possibly. Engineering and maths graduates often cover the 30 maths credits but may fall short of 48 credits in physics. The course council can admit close profiles with extra physics units in the first semester. A BCA or B.Com rarely fits. [1]
Which specialisations are offered?
Three tracks in two curricula. Microphysics offers Particle and Astroparticle Physics or Condensed Matter Physics: Fundamental Science and Nanotechnology. Geophysics and Space offers Space Weather and High Atmosphere Physics. [1]
Can I get a double degree?
Yes, if selected. Double degrees run with Gdańsk University of Technology in nanotechnology and with Tbilisi State University, and you spend one of the two years at the partner university. Places follow a yearly selection call. [1][3]
Can someone handle my whole application to Physics at L'Aquila?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against L'Aquila'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 Physics?
A recognised Indian bachelor's in physics can meet the degree rule, and other degrees, such as a B.Tech or a B.Sc. in Mathematics, need at least 30 credits in mathematics and 48 in physics. You also need English at B2. The steps are the online application in the call for master's taught in English, a place in the Physics ranking 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 Physics are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application in the call for master's degrees taught in English, a place in the ranking 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 Physics are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application in the call for master's degrees taught in English, a place in the ranking 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 Physics 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 call for master's degrees taught in English, a place in the ranking 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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