Master in Physics at University of Trento
Two-year English-taught LM-17 physics master's at the University of Trento with a flexible plan across fundamental interactions, matter, applied physics and science teaching, plus a dual degree option with Tübingen.
Master
2 years
Trento
English
University of Trento
Physics is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-17) taught in English by the Department of Physics at the University of Trento. Non-EU applicants are shortlisted on their file and then interviewed. Fees follow the admission score, so the degree can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree in physics (Italian class L-30) or a recognised equivalent from abroad; the committee judges eligibility from your record.
- English at B2 level in all four skills by the application deadline, shown by a certificate, a degree taught in English or citizenship of an English-speaking country.
- A statement of purpose in English (one page), plus CV, degree or enrolment certificate, transcript with grading scale and passport.
- Selection in two steps: your file is scored first, and candidates with at least 25 points are invited to an interview on physics.
- A final score of 50 out of 100 or more is needed to be ranked.
About the programme
The Master's degree in Physics is a two-year laurea magistrale in class LM-17, worth 120 ECTS and taught in English by the Department of Physics of the University of Trento. It offers advanced training in modern physics, its theoretical, experimental and applied sides, and a strong command of the scientific method.
You study nuclear and subnuclear physics, the physics of matter and theoretical physics, with an emphasis on quantum mechanics and advanced experimental techniques. It suits physics graduates who want a research-oriented degree with room to specialise.
What you will study
The plan is highly flexible. The department suggests plans in four areas: Physics of Fundamental Interactions; Physics of Matter; Physics Applied to Life Sciences, Environment and Cultural Heritage; and Physical Science Communication and Teaching Methods. Units include:
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Experimental Methods (compulsory, 6 ECTS each)
- One of Computational Physics, General Relativity, Quantum Field Theory I or Statistical Mechanics
- Atomic Physics, Condensed Matter Theory, Particle Physics and Solid State Physics
- Quantum Computing and Quantum Simulation, Quantum Optics and Quantum Information
- Relativistic and Multimessenger Astrophysics, Astroparticle Physics and Modern Cosmology
- Laboratories in photonics, condensed matter, nuclear and subnuclear physics, and optics for quantum technologies
- A final project worth 39 ECTS
How the programme is taught
You work in teaching and research laboratories, take part in seminars, practical workshops and research projects, and can collaborate with nearby research institutions such as INFN, ECT*, FBK and CNR. Study abroad options include a dual degree with Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Erasmus+ and 14 outgoing mobility programmes in 10 non-European countries.
Career paths
Graduates promote and manage scientific and technological innovation in industry, the environment, health and public administration, transfer know-how from basic research to business, and build complex models in sectors such as banking, finance and consulting. Others work in science communication or, with the right credits, prepare for secondary school teaching. Many go on to a PhD in physics or related sciences.
Fees and scholarships
Physics is in fee group A of UniTrento's 2026/27 rules for non-EU students living abroad. First-year fees follow the admission score: a full exemption at 90 or more, then €1,000, €2,000 or €4,500, with €6,000 as the yearly maximum. Year two depends on credits earned by 10 August. Top-ranked applicants scoring 70 or more may win a UniTrento scholarship with a fee exemption, and Opera Universitaria di Trento has income-based grants: the degree can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
Physics selected 10 non-EU students living abroad for 2026/27. The file was scored on coherence (40 points), academic record (10) and statement of purpose (10); candidates with 25 or more then had an interview on physics worth 40 points.
Applications closed on 4 March 2026 at 12:00 CET, with a €30 fee, and rankings came by 25 May 2026. Admitted students pay €100 to confirm, pre-enrol on Universitaly within two weeks and apply for a type D study visa. The 2027/28 call is not out yet.
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 taught in English?
Yes. The official language of the course is English, and applicants need English at B2 level in all four skills by the application deadline.
What bachelor's degree do I need?
A bachelor's in physics (Italian class L-30) or a recognised equivalent from abroad. The selection committee judges eligibility from your academic record.
Is there an entrance test?
There is no written test, but there is an interview. Your file is scored first, and candidates with at least 25 points are interviewed on physics, worth up to 40 of the 100 points.
How many places are there for non-EU students?
The 2026/27 call selected 10 non-EU citizens living outside Italy. The final ranking needs a score of 50 out of 100 or more.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
The 2027/28 call is not published yet. As a guide, the 2026/27 non-EU deadline was 4 March 2026 at 12:00 CET, with a €30 fee.
How much are the fees?
In 2026/27, non-EU students living abroad were exempt with an admission score of 90 or more; otherwise they paid €1,000, €2,000 or €4,500 in year one. UniTrento and Opera Universitaria scholarships are open to eligible students.
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