Master in Physics at University of Insubria
Two-year English-taught LM-17 master's in physics at the University of Insubria in Como, with general, astrophysics data science and medical physics curricula and a 48 ECTS research thesis. Entry needs solid physics foundations, checked at an interview, and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Como
English
University of Insubria
Physics is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-17) taught in English at the University of Insubria in Como, with General Physics, Data Science for Astrophysics and Medical and Experimental Physics curricula. Entry needs a physics bachelor's or equivalent preparation, checked at an interview, plus English at B2. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Insubria's Physics master asks for a bachelor's in Physics (L-30), or another degree or recognised foreign qualification with solid foundations in classical and quantum physics, condensed matter, nuclear and subnuclear physics and mathematical methods, checked at an interview, plus English at B2. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree requirement
Graduates in Physical Sciences and Technologies (L-30) can apply directly. Graduates of other Italian degree classes, such as Mathematics or Engineering, and holders of a foreign qualification recognised as suitable can also apply. The regulation does not set a credit count by subject: the interview checks solid foundations in classical and quantum physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear and subnuclear physics and mathematical methods for physics. [1]
The course page lists the background expected: classical physics, mathematical analysis, basic geometry, computing, analytical mechanics, quantum mechanics, structure of matter, nuclear and subnuclear physics, and laboratory skills. If gaps emerge, the committee sets extra credits in specific subjects, which you must earn before admission. [1][2]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and foreign credits are not the same unit, and the interview looks at what you studied, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. in Physics, or a B.Sc. with physics as the main subject, that includes quantum mechanics, condensed matter or solid state physics, nuclear and particle physics and mathematical physics.
- Check carefully: a B.Sc. combining physics, chemistry and mathematics, a B.Sc. in Mathematics, or a B.Tech or B.E. in Engineering Physics or Electronics. These often cover classical physics and maths, but quantum, condensed matter and nuclear physics need checking.
- Often short: a BCA, a B.Sc. in Computer Science or Chemistry, or an engineering degree with little physics after the first year.
The committee can set extra credits to earn before admission if your preparation has gaps. [1]
English
English at CEFR level B2, checked at the interview or shown by presenting a suitable certificate to the committee. The regulation does not list specific tests or scores. [1][2]
Admission interview
There is no written test. A committee of course lecturers interviews you on the core subjects of an Italian physics bachelor's, with particular attention to applicants from other degree classes. For 2026/27, interviews were held in Como on 14 September and 5 October 2026. [1][2]
Non-EU applicants are assessed on the documents they send by email and an interview with course lecturers, timed so that successful applicants have time to apply for a study visa. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, Universitaly pre-enrolment from non-EU applicants living abroad was considered if submitted by 30 June 2026. Interviews were held on 14 September and 5 October 2026, lessons started on 21 September 2026, and complete documents and the study visa were due by 1 February 2027. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [1][2][3]
Documents and non-EU steps
Non-EU applicants send their documents to the course by email for assessment, and complete pre-enrolment and the university's prior assessment online through Universitaly, which is needed for the study visa. [1][3]
The university's document list for master's applicants includes: [3]
- Your original degree with a translation.
- A CIMEA Statement of Verification or legalisation of the degree.
- A CIMEA Statement of Comparability or a Declaration of Value from the Italian mission.
- A university transcript of your degree and exams passed, translated and legalised, plus course syllabi where required.
An Italian language test is not required for English-taught courses. Graduates receive a Diploma Supplement in Italian and English. [1][3]
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 Insubria, Department of Science and High Technology. Course regulations, Master's degree in Physics (LM-17), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Insubria, Physics master's programme page, academic year 2026/27 (language, campus, expected background, interview dates and double degree). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Insubria. Enrolment of non-EU students living abroad, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Insubria. Regulations on student contributions, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Physics (Fisica) is a two-year master's degree in the reformed physics class LM-17, run by the Department of Science and High Technology (DiSAT) at the University of Insubria. It is taught entirely in English in the Como classrooms. Attendance is not compulsory in general, but lab courses need at least 75% attendance. [1][2]
The degree is for graduates in physics, and for maths or engineering graduates with a strong physics base, who want to go deeper into fundamental or applied physics. It builds on experimental, theoretical, microphysics and astrophysics areas and ends with original research in a long thesis. Classes are small and students work in research-grade labs.
What you will study
You choose one of three curricula. All share the same structure: at least 42 ECTS of core physics units across four learning areas (experimental and applied, theoretical, microphysics and astrophysics), at least 12 ECTS of related units, at least 12 ECTS of free electives, a 6 ECTS internship and the thesis. The main elements are: [1]
- General Physics: a broad route across the core areas of modern physics
- Data Science for Astrophysics: at least 12 ECTS in astrophysics plus data science methods
- Medical and Experimental Physics: at least 18 ECTS in the experimental area, with medical physics, radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging and dosimetry
- Topics across the degree such as photonics and quantum technologies
- A 6 ECTS internship of at least a month in university labs, research institutes or high-tech companies
- A 48 ECTS research thesis, about 8 to 10 months of work
How the programme is taught
The thesis is the centre of the second year: 48 ECTS, about 8 to 10 months of usually original theoretical, experimental or applied research with a supervisor, defended before a committee of at least five lecturers. [1]
A double degree with Linnaeus University in Sweden lets students who spend at least a semester there and earn at least 30 ECTS receive its Master in Physics as well as the Italian degree. Students apply through a selection call in the first year and get Erasmus status with a grant. [1][2]
Career paths
The university points to these routes: [1]
- Research and development in high-tech and medical instrumentation companies
- Statistical modelling and big data analysis in banks, finance and insurance
- Physicist or astrophysicist roles in research institutes
- Secondary school teaching, after the required qualification
- A PhD in Italy or abroad, or specialisation in medical physics
Fees and scholarships
Under the 2026/27 fee regulations, the university contribution is income-based through the ISEE, with nothing due for students within the normal length of the degree with an ISEE of €28,000 or less. Non-EU students with income or assets abroad can instead pay a flat rate set by country group, and India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in the lowest group. [4]
DSU scholarships are run by the university. Winners of regionally funded scholarships pay no university contribution or regional tax, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [4]
How to apply from outside the EU
Access is open. Non-EU applicants are assessed on the documents they send to the course by email and on an interview with course lecturers on the skills needed for the degree. Interview dates are set so that successful applicants have time to apply for a study visa. [1]
Non-EU applicants living abroad also complete pre-enrolment and the university's prior assessment online through Universitaly. For 2026/27, applications received on Universitaly by 30 June 2026 were considered, and complete documents and the study visa were due by 1 February 2027. The 2027/28 dates are not out yet. Once approved, you apply for a type D study visa. [3]
The university asks for your original degree with a translation, a CIMEA Statement of Verification or legalisation, a CIMEA Statement of Comparability or Declaration of Value, and a translated, legalised transcript, plus course syllabi where required. An Italian language test is not needed for English-taught courses. [3]
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 Insubria's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your document file for the course, Universitaly pre-enrolment and 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 bachelor's degree do I need for Insubria's Physics master?
A bachelor's in Physics, or another degree such as Mathematics or Engineering, or a recognised foreign qualification, with solid foundations in classical and quantum physics, condensed matter, nuclear and subnuclear physics and mathematical methods. The admission interview checks this. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. Access is open, but every applicant has an interview on the core subjects of a physics bachelor's. For 2026/27, interviews were held on 14 September and 5 October 2026, and non-EU applicants were assessed on their documents and an interview. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2, shown by a suitable certificate presented to the committee or checked at the interview. The regulation does not list specific tests or scores, so we check which proof of B2 your file can use. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, Universitaly pre-enrolment from non-EU applicants living abroad was considered if submitted by 30 June 2026, and complete documents and the study visa were due by 1 February 2027. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [3]
I have a B.Tech or a B.Sc. in Mathematics. Can I apply?
Yes, the regulation names maths and engineering graduates, but the interview checks classical and quantum physics, condensed matter, nuclear and subnuclear physics and mathematical methods. Engineering degrees often lack quantum and nuclear physics, and the committee can set extra credits before admission. [1]
Which curricula can I choose?
Three: General Physics, Data Science for Astrophysics and Medical and Experimental Physics. The astrophysics track needs at least 12 ECTS in astrophysics, and the medical track at least 18 ECTS in experimental and applied physics, including radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging and dosimetry. [1]
Is there a double degree?
Yes, with Linnaeus University in Sweden, which awards a Master in Physics. Students apply through a selection call in the first year, spend at least a semester there and earn at least 30 ECTS, with Erasmus status and a grant. [1][2]
What careers does it lead to?
The regulation names research and development in high-tech industries such as electronics, telecommunications, medical instrumentation and photonics, statistical modelling and big data analysis in banks, finance and insurance, school teaching after qualification, and a PhD or medical physics specialisation. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to Physics at Insubria?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Insubria'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?
An Indian B.Sc. in Physics, or a B.Sc. or B.Tech with strong physics and maths, can meet the rule if it gives solid foundations in classical and quantum physics, condensed matter and nuclear physics, and you need English at B2. The steps are Universitaly pre-enrolment, a document review and the admission interview. [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 Physics are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: Universitaly pre-enrolment, a document review and the admission interview, 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: Universitaly pre-enrolment, a document review and the admission interview. 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: Universitaly pre-enrolment, a document review and the admission interview, 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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