Master in Quantum Science and Engineering at University of Padua
English-taught master in Padua that trains specialists in quantum technologies, with compulsory units in quantum optics, semiconductor nanostructures and numerical methods, electives in computing, communication and photonics, and a traineeship option.
Master
2 years
Padua
English
University of Padua
Quantum Science and Engineering is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-44-R) taught in English at the University of Padua, covering quantum physics, advanced mathematics, precision electronics and quantum information. Non-EU students whose family lives abroad pay a fixed €2,990 a year (2026/27); Veneto regional scholarship winners are exempt.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree of at least three years (or equivalent) with proven skills in physics and mathematics.
- A final grade that meets the minimum the university sets for your country on its entry requirements list.
- English at B2 level of the CEFR, with a certificate from the university's accepted list unless an exemption applies.
- No entrance test: selection is based on your academic record and application documents.
- An online application on apply.unipd.it with the €60 fee; documents in English or Italian, or with official translations.
About the programme
Quantum Science and Engineering is a two-year master's degree in class LM-44-R (Mathematical-Physical Modelling for Engineering), taught in English in Padua. It sits in the School of Science, is managed by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, carries 120 ECTS and has open admission with requirements.
The degree trains specialists for companies and research institutes that build hardware and software for quantum computing and communications, or that use these technologies to solve complex problems. It combines quantum physics, advanced mathematics, precision electronics and quantum information to tackle theoretical, experimental, computational and technological challenges in a fast-moving field. It suits graduates with proven skills in physics and mathematics who want to work on quantum technologies.
What you will study
The first year has three compulsory units: Numerical Methods for Quantum Technologies, Quantum Optics and Lasers, and Semiconductor Nanostructure. The rest of the plan is built from a broad list of electives across both years, covering quantum computing, communication, materials and photonics. Electives listed on the admissions portal include:
- Quantum Information and Computing, and Quantum Algorithms
- Introduction to Superconducting Qubits, and Trapped Ions
- Physics of Quantum Simulators, and Tensor Network Methods
- Quantum Cryptography and Security, and Quantum Methods for ICT
- Quantum Communication Laboratory, and Digital Electronics for Space Quantum Communication
- Advanced Photonics, and Nanophotonics and Metasurfaces
- Nanofabrication, and Nanoelectronics
- Machine Learning
How the programme is taught
Alongside lectures, the course includes laboratories and a traineeship that can be carried out at institutions outside the university; the internship appears among the second-year options. Students are encouraged to spend a study period abroad through the exchange programmes of the School of Science, the School of Engineering and the University of Padua.
Career paths
Graduates work as professionals for companies that develop hardware and software for quantum computers and communications, or that use quantum technologies to address practical problems. The university also names:
- High-tech industries and start-ups
- Research centres
- Consulting companies
- Public administrations
Fees and scholarships
The degree belongs to the School of Science, which falls in fee Group B. For 2026/27, the fixed fee for non-EU students with a household abroad is €2,990 a year; citizens of countries on the ministry's list of particularly poor countries pay €996.66. An ISEE parificato affects only the regional tax. Veneto regional scholarship winners pay no fee, so there is zero euro tuition for eligible students, and merit fee waivers are open to international applicants to English-taught degrees. See the fees page.
How to apply from outside the EU
Submit your application on apply.unipd.it with the €60 fee. Your transcript needs to show proven skills in physics and mathematics; add your degree certificate, CV, motivation letter and English certificate. No legalised documents are needed at this stage. For 2027/28, the calls for non-EU applicants living abroad run from 15 September to 15 November 2026 and from 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027.
Admitted students pay a €208 admission fee to secure the place, complete the Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a type D study visa. At enrolment the degree and transcript need legalisation, an Apostille or a CIMEA statement of verification. Teaching starts on 1 October 2027.
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 Quantum Science and Engineering taught in English?
Yes. The degree is delivered in English in Padua. You need English at B2 level of the CEFR, shown by a certificate on the university's accepted list unless an exemption applies.
What background do I need?
A bachelor's degree of at least three years, or equivalent, with proven skills in physics and mathematics. Your final grade must also meet the minimum the university sets for your country.
Is there an entrance test?
No. Admission is open with requirements, so your degree, grades and documents are assessed instead of a test.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
Non-EU applicants living abroad can apply on apply.unipd.it from 15 September to 15 November 2026 or from 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027. The application fee is €60 and teaching starts on 1 October 2027.
How much are the fees?
For 2026/27, non-EU students with family abroad pay a fixed €2,990 a year, or €996.66 if from a country on the ministry's list of particularly poor countries. Veneto regional scholarship winners are exempt from the fee.
What jobs do graduates do?
Graduates work for companies developing quantum computing and communication hardware and software, or using quantum technologies for practical problems, and in high-tech industries, start-ups, research centres, consulting companies and public administrations.
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