Master in Physics at University of Catania
Two-year English-taught MSc in Physics (LM-17) at the University of Catania, with curricula in applied physics, astrophysics, nuclear and particle physics, quantum physics and technologies of matter, and theoretical physics, and a 30 to 40 ECTS thesis.
Master
2 years
Catania
English
University of Catania
Physics is a two-year, 120 ECTS international master's (class LM-17) taught in English by the Department of Physics and Astronomy Ettore Majorana at the University of Catania, with curricula from astrophysics to quantum technologies. Fees for non-EU students are low, and it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree or higher obtained no more than six years before applying, with an adequate background in physics and mathematics that includes an introductory course in quantum mechanics.
- Final-year students can apply if they graduate by 31 July of the admission year.
- English at B2 level: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 80, Cambridge FCE or higher, unless you are a native speaker or hold an English-taught degree.
- Selection on your CV, the relevance of your studies, a reference letter and a statement of purpose, with a possible online interview or test.
- A Declaration of Value or an ENIC-NARIC Statement of Comparability of your bachelor's degree, delivered after admission.
About the programme
The International Master of Science in Physics is a two-year master's degree (class LM-17, 120 ECTS) run by the Department of Physics and Astronomy "Ettore Majorana" (DFA) of the University of Catania. It is taught in English in Catania and builds on a bachelor's in physics, taking you deeper into fundamental and specialist subfields, with related courses in mathematics and computer science.
It suits physics graduates who want a research career or a technical role that needs advanced physics, and who have already met quantum mechanics in their first degree.
What you will study
You choose a curriculum when you register and submit a study plan with its compulsory and optional units, plus electives from across the university. The five main curricula mirror the department's research lines:
- Applied Physics
- Astrophysics
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Quantum Physics and Technologies of Matter
- Theoretical Physics
Units in the 2026/27 plan include Advanced Quantum Physics, Quantum Field Theory, General Relativity, Solid State Physics, Machine Learning for Physics, Superconducting Quantum Physics and Computation, Semiconductor Physics and Devices, Medical Physics, Cosmic Structure Formation, and laboratories in nuclear and particle physics, astrophysics, and materials and nanostructures.
How the programme is taught
Teaching mixes lectures, exercises and laboratory work, assessed through oral and written exams, practical tests and reports. The thesis carries 30 to 40 ECTS and may include time in companies, research groups or institutions in Italy or abroad. Curricula are run in close contact with research bodies and companies in the area, including INFN, INAF, CNR, INGV, ENEL and STMicroelectronics, and some of their researchers teach on the course. The department also lists a sixth curriculum, Nuclear Phenomena and Their Applications (NUCPHYS), linked to a joint Erasmus Mundus master with universities in Spain and France.
Career paths
The degree gives a solid base for research doctorates, second-level university masters and specialisation schools. In Catania it leads directly into the department's three PhD programmes: Physics; Materials Science and Nanotechnology; and Complex Systems in physics, social and economic sciences, biology and life sciences. The thesis period in companies and research institutions also helps graduates move into research and technical roles in public research bodies and industry.
Fees and scholarships
Catania sets a single yearly charge for non-EU students who apply from abroad: for 2026/27 it was €306, covering a €150 university contribution, the €140 regional tax and €16 stamp duty. The five highest-ranked Physics applicants were offered €2,000 a year for two years. ERSU Catania also runs scholarships based on merit and family income, and the degree can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
Physics applicants need a degree awarded within the last six years and must show a quantum mechanics course in their transcript and syllabus. You apply on the Smartedu portal (€10 per programme) with your CV, reference letter, statement of purpose and English certificate; the board scores files out of 100, with 50 needed to pass. For 2026/27 the window was 10 February to 17 March 2026.
After admission you pay a €75 confirmation fee, pre-enrol on Universitaly and apply for a type D study visa.
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 Physics master in Catania taught in English?
Yes. It is one of the University of Catania's master's degrees taught in English. Applicants need English at B2 level, such as IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 80 or Cambridge FCE, unless they are native speakers or hold an English-taught degree.
What background do I need?
A bachelor's or higher degree in physics or a close field, awarded no more than six years ago, with physics and mathematics that include an introductory quantum mechanics course. Final-year students can apply if they graduate by 31 July.
Is there an entrance test?
No written test. The board scores your CV, the relevance of your studies, a reference letter and a statement of purpose out of 100, and may add an online interview or test.
Which curricula can I choose?
Applied Physics, Astrophysics, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Quantum Physics and Technologies of Matter, and Theoretical Physics. The department also lists NUCPHYS, a curriculum linked to a joint Erasmus Mundus master.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
The 2027/28 call is not out yet. As a guide, non-EU applicants living abroad applied for 2026/27 from 10 February to 17 March 2026 on the Smartedu portal, paying €10.
How much does it cost?
For 2026/27, non-EU students living abroad paid €306 for the year. The five best-ranked applicants were offered €2,000 a year for two years, and ERSU Catania runs regional scholarships for eligible students.
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