Master in Quantum Science and Engineering at University of Naples Federico II

Detailed entry requirements

Quantum Science and Engineering publishes precise mathematics, physics, computing and additional scientific/engineering prerequisites, alongside a suitable bachelor’s and English B2. The official School requirements and current central international guidance were reviewed on 6 October 2026. [1, 2]

First degree and four separate curricular blocks

A first-cycle Laurea or equivalent bachelor’s of three or more years is necessary. The School publishes four academic blocks: 24 CFU in mathematics (MAT/01–MAT/08), 12 CFU in physics (FIS/01–FIS/08), 6 CFU in computer science (INF/01 or ING-INF/05), and an additional 12 CFU from the eligible scientific/engineering sectors. These are separate requirements, rather than 54 unrestricted credits from any science degree. The committee must assess the relevance/equivalence of foreign study. [1]

Mathematics, classical physics and computing content

The published mathematical preparation includes real analysis, linear algebra, geometry, functional analysis and differential equations. Physics covers mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism. Computing covers basic computer-science knowledge. The School associates its 24, 12 and 6 CFU blocks with 192, 96 and 48 course hours respectively; these are the source’s teaching-hour descriptions, not a general conversion for the total workload of every foreign credit system. Submit syllabi and both hours/credits where available. [1]

The additional 12-credit scientific/engineering block

Eligible sectors are FIS/01–FIS/08; MAT/07; CHIM/01–CHIM/03; ING-IND/06, /10, /11, /12, /13, /18, /19, /20, /22 and /31; and ING-INF/01, /02, /06 and /07. They cover physics/mathematical physics, analytical/physical/inorganic chemistry, fluid dynamics, technical physics, measurements/mechanics, nuclear subjects, materials, electrical engineering, electronics/electromagnetics and bioengineering. The 12 credits are a combined minimum in eligible subjects, not a separate 12-credit minimum in each sector. [1]

English B2 and limits of the published assessment detail

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2. The reviewed School page does not state universal IELTS/TOEFL component scores, certificate validity periods or an automatic medium-of-instruction waiver. Submit evidence accepted by the programme and the applicable international procedure. [1]

The reviewed page also does not publish a fixed numerical GPA, universal GRE/GMAT requirement, interview duration, written-test structure or current overall quota. The department’s linked admission page was unavailable during this check. These details need the actual programme’s current instructions rather than conditions copied from another engineering master. Curricular eligibility must still be assessed and is separate from visa/registration procedures. [1, 2]

Foreign qualifications and the recognition file

The university assesses whether a foreign qualification corresponds to the required Italian award. Send academic documents to the degree coordinator for the programme-specific assessment. Depending on the qualification, the university can request translations, legalisation, a Diploma Supplement, examination certificates, ENIC-NARIC/CIMEA statements or a Declaration of Value. Provide complete transcripts and course content so that the committee can assess this programme’s subject requirements, rather than relying only on the diploma title. [2]

2026/27 visa pre-enrolment and final registration

For visa-requiring non-EU applicants abroad, the central page publishes 15 June 2026 as the Universitaly pre-enrolment deadline, after which programme changes are not permitted; it identifies a restricted-access exception requiring the applicable course procedure. The stated visa-application deadline is 30 November 2026. These are 2026/27 dates, not newly confirmed 2027/28 deadlines. Pre-enrolment does not itself grant admission, and the visa stage remains separate from academic selection and university registration. [2]

Eligible EU applicants and non-EU applicants who do not require a new study visa follow their applicable direct qualification-assessment route. For final registration the secretariat provides forms and payment instructions and asks for identity/passport, an application form, a photograph, Italian tax code, residence-permit evidence where applicable and the required foreign-qualification recognition records. Check the degree’s additional instructions and keep original records available. [2]

Preparing a complete programme-specific file

Prepare the first-degree record, complete examination transcript, grading scale and course descriptions mapping each of the four blocks, together with B2 English proof and identity documentation. Supply any recognition, translation or authenticity evidence requested by the coordinator/secretariat. A similar degree title or knowledge acquired outside documented university study should not be presented as automatically satisfying the published credit requirements. No newly confirmed 2027/28 programme deadline was found in the reviewed sources. [1, 2]

Sources and verification

1. University of Naples Federico II, Polytechnic and Basic Sciences School, Key features of Quantum Science and Engineering, Eligibility and Admission Guidelines; publication date not stated; reviewed 6 October 2026.
2. University of Naples Federico II, Admission regulation, current 2026/27 deadlines and standing international guidance; page publication date not stated; reviewed 6 October 2026.

Entry requirements: short questions and answers

Which degree can I use?

A suitable first-cycle Laurea or equivalent bachelor’s of at least three years. Your curriculum must satisfy the four published subject-credit blocks. [1]

How many mathematics credits are required?

At least 24 CFU in MAT/01–MAT/08, covering the required mathematical preparation. The School describes this as 192 course hours. [1]

What physics and computing credits are needed?

At least 12 CFU in FIS/01–FIS/08 and 6 CFU in INF/01 or ING-INF/05, plus a separate additional 12-credit eligible scientific/engineering block. [1]

Can any chemistry or engineering credits count?

Only the sectors listed for the additional 12-credit block can count under that published rule. The committee must assess foreign courses against the required subjects. [1]

What English level is required?

B2. The reviewed official School page does not specify universal IELTS/TOEFL score equivalents or an automatic medium-of-instruction waiver. [1]

Are 2027 admission dates confirmed?

No confirmed 2027/28 programme calendar was found in the reviewed sources. The international page’s 15 June and 30 November 2026 dates apply to 2026/27 procedures. [2]

Quantum Science and Engineering (LM‑44) at University of Naples Federico II

Quantum technology is moving from theory to real devices that shape medicine, security, and sustainable energy. The master’s in Quantum Science and Engineering (LM‑44) lets you study this field in English at a public Italian university.

In this guide you will see how to study in Italy in English, benefit from income-based fee policies, and prepare for frontier careers, without city distractions, just pure science.

How this degree leads English‑taught programmes in Italy

Quantum Science and Engineering (LM‑44) bridges physics, computer science, and nanotechnology. Few English‑taught programmes in Italy offer the same depth across theory, hardware, and algorithms.

Taught entirely in English, the course welcomes graduates in physics, engineering, or mathematics who want to design quantum devices and write quantum software.

Key features

• Integrated theory and lab practice. Lectures on quantum field theory run alongside hands‑on sessions in cryogenics and photonics.
• Interdisciplinary clusters. You can select tracks in quantum communication, quantum materials, or quantum computing.
• European networks. Dual‑degree options with partner institutions give extra mobility while credits stay within the LM‑44 framework.
• Research‑grade infrastructure. Clean‑room nanofabrication, dilution refrigerators, and entanglement‑ready photon sources remain open to master’s projects.

By embedding you in active research groups, the programme proves that public Italian universities can deliver innovation at the level of global institutes, yet keep costs low through income-based fees.

Curriculum overview: semesters and study paths

The master’s totals 120 ECTS credits across four semesters. Clear progression moves you from fundamentals to thesis work.

Semester 1

1. Quantum Mechanics for Engineers
2. Advanced Electromagnetism
3. Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
4. Laboratory of Electronic Instrumentation

Semester 2

1. Quantum Information Theory
2. Solid‑State Physics
3. Numerical Methods for Quantum Systems
4. Project Studio I: Superconducting Qubits

Semester 3

1. Quantum Optics and Photonics
2. Nanofabrication Techniques
3. Quantum Error Correction and Control
4. Project Studio II: Entangled Photon Networks

Semester 4

• Research Thesis or Industrial Internship (30 ECTS)

Each semester blends lectures (60 percent) and project studios (40 percent). Studios push teams to model, build, and test proto‑devices, mirroring startups and national labs. Assessment comes through written exams, oral defences, and prototype demonstrations.

Research labs and facilities

University of Naples Federico II maintains these research facilities:

• Quantum Materials Clean Room. Class 100 environment for thin‑film deposition, lithography, and etching of superconducting circuits.
• Photonics Lab. Titanium‑sapphire lasers, single‑photon counters, and wavelength converters for entanglement experiments.
• Cryogenic Test Centre. Four dilution refrigerators achieve millikelvin temperatures essential for qubit coherence tests.
• High‑Performance Computing Cluster. GPU nodes run variational quantum eigensolvers and error‑correction simulations.
• Quantum‐ready Fabry-Pérot interferometers. Used in sensing projects reaching zeptonewton force resolution.

Students gain key skills: vacuum engineering, programming with Qiskit and Cirq, and data analysis in Python and R. Researchers from international consortia, CERN, ESA and the Quantum Flagship give guest workshops.

Funding your study: tuition and financial aid

Sliding‑scale fees

Because the university belongs to the network of public Italian universities, tuition depends on family income. The degree can be tuition-free for eligible students below the “no‑tax area”; others pay up to €2,400 annually, far below rates in private or Anglo‑American schools.

DSU grant

The DSU grant covers lodging, meals, and textbooks for eligible students. You submit your household income proof, translated into Italian, with our help, and you are ranked within your cohort.

Winning the grant can cover much of your living expenses, a key advantage for full‑time lab researchers.

Scholarships for international students in Italy

Several national schemes boost access:

• Invest Your Talent in Italy: a separate programme for selected English-taught master’s courses; we give its dates and amounts from its current call.
• MAECI Italian Government Scholarships: MAECI grants help cover living and study costs in Italy for citizens of the countries on each year’s eligible list.
• Top Students Awards: Fee waivers for the best first‑year GPAs.

Research sponsors (industry or EU Horizon Europe projects) may also offer thesis bursaries, reflecting the strong link between quantum research and economic growth.

Academic support and mentoring

First‑year students attend a “Quantum Bootcamp” covering Python, Linux basics, and LaTeX writing: tools essential for quantum experiment logs. The Language Centre offers scientific English writing clinics for papers and conference applications while you study in Italy in English.

Every student receives two mentors: an academic adviser and a lab manager. Advisers help craft elective sets, ensuring your plan aligns with your chosen quantum specialism. Lab managers teach best practices in clean‑room safety and data handling.

This dual support system resembles industrial quality‑control standards.

Skills and professional outcomes

Graduates leave with multidisciplinary expertise:

• Quantum algorithm design using variational circuits and quantum machine learning.
• Device fabrication of Josephson junctions, NV centres, or photonic waveguides.
• Cryogenic engineering. Operation of dilution units and superconducting magnet systems.
• Data‑driven analysis. Usage of Bayesian inference and error mitigation for noisy intermediate‑scale quantum devices.
• Project management. Background in European grant writing and collaborative lab documentation.

Career sectors

1. Quantum computing start‑ups: Design middleware, benchmarking tools, or hybrid classical-quantum workflows.
2. National labs and metrology institutes: Improve atomic clocks and quantum sensors for geodesy.
3. Semiconductor fabs: Develop materials supporting spin‑qubit architectures.
4. Consulting firms: Advise on quantum‑safe encryption and risk assessment.
5. Doctoral programmes: Pursue PhDs in condensed‑matter, quantum chemistry, or photonic engineering.

Industry forecasts predict over 100,000 specialised jobs in quantum technology across Europe by 2030. Training from recognised English‑taught programmes in Italy places you in pole position for these openings.

Research thesis and industrial internships

Semester 4 focuses on an original project worth 30 ECTS. Two routes exist:

• Academic thesis. Join a university team investigating topics like topological qubits or trapped‑ion simulators. You plan experiments, collect data, and publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Industrial internship. Spend six months in a partner company, quantum hardware or software, solving real engineering challenges. Supervisors monitor progress via monthly reports and deliverables.

International collaboration: value of public Italian universities

University of Naples Federico II co‑leads European research infrastructures:

• Quantum Flagship. Multi‑billion‑euro programme developing continental leadership in quantum communication and computation.
• EuroQCI. Secure quantum communication service across member states.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master. Potential double‑degree path with institutions in Germany and Finland under evaluation.

Such participation ensures teaching content follows the latest breakthroughs. Students may attend joint schools, share lab notes, and gain multi‑site exposure without extra tuition: benefits tied to the governance of public Italian universities.

Soft skills and ethics

The curriculum recognises that quantum engineers will shape critical systems. Dedicated workshops cover:

• Responsible research conduct, including data reproducibility and lab safety.
• Ethical implications of quantum supremacy in cryptography and privacy.
• Team‑leadership exercises in multicultural lab environments.

Written reflections on these topics accompany technical lab logs, training you to communicate complex ideas responsibly.

Lifelong learning and micro‑credentials

After graduation, alumni can access micro‑courses in:

• Quantum‑safe blockchain
• Integrated photonics design
• Advanced error‑correction codes
• Quantum policy and standardisation

These modules help you stay current as quantum hardware and software mature.

Community and networking

Student‑led groups include:

• Quantum Hack Club: Hosts annual hackathons with global start‑up mentors.
• Women in Quantum Italy: Provides peer support and role‑model talks, promoting diversity.
• Seminar Series: Weekly talks from Nobel laureates and industry CTOs streamed campus‑wide.

Networking events connect you with venture capital backers, EU grant officers, and potential PhD supervisors.

Comparison with other pathways

Why choose Quantum Science and Engineering at Naples over similar programmes?

• Lower cost thanks to income-based fees, yet access to high‑end labs.
• Integration of solid‑state, photonic, and atomic approaches instead of a single technology silo.
• Flexible elective design lets you pivot between hardware and theory as interests evolve.

Final reflection

Quantum technology will redefine encryption, logistics, and climate modelling. To join that transformation, you need rigorous training, international lab access, and financial freedom.

Quantum Science and Engineering (LM‑44) at University of Naples Federico II merges those factors through English‑taught programmes in Italy, an inclusive income-based fee model, and the research depth common to public Italian universities.

By enrolling, you signal readiness to innovate at the smallest scale, planck by planck, while speaking the global language of science.

Ready for this programme?

If this programme fits your goals, we can add it to your shortlist. You compare 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities.

A named person owns each stage. We:

• Write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
• Submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
• Help you file your DSU scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
• Prepare your visa file.

The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so nobody can promise an outcome.

See how ApplyAZ works.

Applying from outside the EU

Students from India and other non-EU countries need the qualifications the university asks for. These may be school-leaving or degree qualifications. The university may also ask for a CIMEA statement or a declaration of value.

Non-EU applicants living abroad complete pre-enrolment on Universitaly. Once the university approves it, they apply for a type D study visa at the Italian consulate or visa centre.

Deadlines differ by university. We track the official call for this programme.

How ApplyAZ supports you

Not sure if your qualifications meet the entry requirements? Check your eligibility before you start your application. It takes a few minutes and confirms whether your background is a fit.

Compare related quantum master's programmes

Compare the curriculum and entry requirements at each university before choosing your shortlist.

• Master in Quantum Science and Engineering at University of Padua
• Master in Quantum Engineering at Polytechnic University of Turin