Master in Physics at Sapienza University of Rome
Two-year English-taught physics master at Sapienza in Rome with five curricula: fundamental interactions, condensed matter, biological systems, statistical physics and complexity, and advanced technologies, ending with a 41 ECTS thesis.
Master
2 years
Rome
English
Sapienza University of Rome
The Master in Physics is a two-year, 120 ECTS degree (class LM-17) taught in English by the Department of Physics at Sapienza University of Rome. Students choose one of five curricula, from fundamental interactions to physics for advanced technologies, and write a 41 ECTS thesis. Students with income abroad pay a flat fee by country, from €300 a year (2025/26).
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree that meets the curricular requirements in the degree's call for applications; access is by a check of requirements and personal preparation, with no cap on numbers.
- English at B2 level of the CEFR: upload a B2 or higher certificate through the Physics Department's form to be exempt, or register for an English interview.
- If you need a visa, MoveIn pre-selection (€30 per application, two at most per intake) and a pre-acceptance letter before Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- A foreign qualification recognised by Sapienza: CIMEA statements are accepted, and qualifications from countries outside the ARDI database need a declaration of value.
About the programme
Physics (Fisica in Italian) is a two-year master's degree in class LM-17 worth 120 ECTS, run by the Department of Physics in Sapienza's Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences. All five curricula are taught in English, in person in Rome, and there is no cap on enrolment: admission depends on a check of your curricular requirements and preparation.
The degree gives a shared grounding in relativistic quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics, with advanced mathematical, computing and numerical skills, then specialised training in one area of modern physics. The university stresses mastery of the scientific method, modern instruments and experimental techniques, and the latest developments in the field. It suits physics graduates aiming at research, a doctorate or a quantitative role in industry.
What you will study
The first year covers the core material and the second is mostly optional courses and the thesis. You choose one of five curricula:
- Fundamental Interactions: Theory and Experiment (nuclear, subnuclear and astroparticle physics, gravitation)
- Condensed Matter Physics: Theory and Experiment (including photonics)
- Physics of Biological Systems (theoretical, computational and experimental biophysics)
- Statistical Physics and Complexity (complex systems and mathematical physics)
- Physics for Advanced Technologies
In the 2026/27 plan for the Fundamental Interactions and Condensed Matter curricula, first-year units include Introduction to Quantum Field Theory I and II, Condensed Matter Physics, and Physics Laboratory I and II, plus 4 ECTS of further English. Electives on offer include General Relativity, Particle Physics, Neural Networks, Advanced Machine Learning for Physics, Gravitational Waves, Physical Cosmology and Medical Applications of Physics.
How the programme is taught
Attendance is not compulsory but strongly recommended, and exams are normally oral. The thesis, worth 41 ECTS, takes up a large part of the second year, and students join a research group to prepare it. The course catalogue lists two multiple-degree paths, Italian-French-Portuguese and Italian-French-Spanish-Swedish. For 2026/27 the first semester runs from 28 September 2026 to 15 January 2027 and the second from 25 February to 11 June 2027.
Career paths
The course catalogue describes three professional profiles:
- Researcher in basic and applied physics, in universities, public research bodies, national and international laboratories and private facilities
- Researcher, analyst or manager in industry and services, for example electronics, IT, medical physics, financial analysis and data management
- Science communicator in journalism, television and digital media
Graduates can also go on to a PhD, secondary school teaching or technical roles in the public and private sectors.
Fees and scholarships
Sapienza charges students whose income is abroad a flat yearly fee by country band instead of an ISEE-based fee. Under the latest rules (2025/26), Band A, which includes countries like India, Nigeria and Pakistan, pays €300, Band B €700 and Band C €1,500, in instalments; the 2026/27 rules come after 30 September 2026. Students who win a DiSCo Lazio grant, or meet its requirements, pay €30.
How to apply from outside the EU
Visa applicants start on MoveIn, Sapienza's pre-selection portal (€30 per application, two at most per intake). For 2026/27 the window ran from 22 December 2025 to 15 May 2026 and Universitaly pre-enrolment closed on 30 June 2026. You then complete the degree's check of requirements under the call on the course catalogue.
English is checked separately: send a certificate through the department's form or book an interview, with rounds from September 2026 to January 2027. Sapienza accepts CIMEA statements; qualifications from countries outside the ARDI database need a declaration of value.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Is the Master in Physics taught in English?
Yes. All five curricula are taught in English, in person in Rome. You need English at B2 level: upload a certificate through the Physics Department's form or take an English interview.
Which curricula can I choose?
Five: Fundamental Interactions, Condensed Matter Physics, Physics of Biological Systems, Statistical Physics and Complexity, and Physics for Advanced Technologies. All start from shared training in relativistic quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics.
Is there an entrance test or a cap on places?
There is no written entrance test and no cap on enrolment. The department checks your curricular requirements and personal preparation, and English is checked by certificate or interview.
How long is the thesis?
The thesis is worth 41 ECTS and takes up a large part of the second year. Students join one of the department's research groups to prepare it.
How much are the fees?
Under Sapienza's 2025/26 rules, students with income abroad pay €300, €700 or €1,500 a year by country band, and DiSCo Lazio grant winners pay €30. The 2026/27 rules are due after 30 September 2026.
What careers does the degree lead to?
The university lists research in basic and applied physics, analyst and manager roles in industry and services such as electronics, IT, medical physics and finance, science communication, a PhD and teaching.
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