Subject guide · Computer science

Study Computer Science in Italy 2027/28: English-Taught Programmes, Universities and Fees

29 English-taught computer science and cybersecurity programmes at 17 public universities, with entry rules, QS ranks and 2026/27 fees.

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Written by İrem Yılmaz, Student Experience Lead. Reviewed by Reeya Sharma, Student Success and Partnerships. Published 28 September 2026. Updated 28 September 2026.

In short

  • Yes, you can study computer science in Italy in English. Our catalogue lists 29 English-taught programmes in the subject at 17 public universities for 2027/28: 28 two-year master's and 1 bachelor's. Four of them are cybersecurity master's.
  • Politecnico di Milano (=58), Sapienza (72) and Bologna (=95) lead Italy in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Computer Science and Information Systems. Pisa (=144) lists the most programmes in this guide, with 5.
  • Your tuition is set by family income and can be tuition-free for eligible students. For 2026/27, a first year at Pisa cost €736 for a family with income only in India, about ₹80,400 at the ECB rate of 25 September 2026.
  • None of the 29 asks for the GRE. Most select on your degree, your credits in computing and maths, and your grades. For 2027/28 the visa application must reach the consulate by 31 October 2027.
  • ApplyAZ, an independent study-in-Italy consultancy with offices in Milan and India, works only with Italian public universities and takes no commission from them. For eligible students, we handle the applications, Universitaly pre-enrolment, the DSU scholarship application and the visa file.

Start with the eligibility check. If you are eligible, you book a one-to-one consultation with one of our Italy experts, and from there we take care of everything.

Computer science in Italy 2027/28: key facts

FactDetail
Programmes in this guide29 English-taught (28 master's, 1 bachelor's) at 17 public universities; ApplyAZ catalogue, counted 28 September 2026.
Cybersecurity4 master's: Pisa, Sapienza and two at Padua.
Length and creditsMaster's: 2 years, 120 ECTS. Bachelor's: 3 years, 180 ECTS.
Strongest in QS 2026 (computer science)Politecnico di Milano =58, Sapienza 72, Bologna =95, Politecnico di Torino =124, Pisa =144.
Background askedA bachelor's in computing, engineering, maths or physics, or enough credits in them. Pisa: 72 credits, 36 of them in computing.
Degrees from IndiaPolitecnico di Milano: a 4-year degree, or a 3-year Honours BSc, with at least 70/100.
Entry testsNo GRE anywhere in this guide; 3 master's set their own admission test.
EnglishB2 in almost every programme; the consulate checks B2 English again at the visa stage.
Tuition, 2026/27, family income abroad€736 in year one at Pisa, €3,198 at Padua, €3,943.04 at Politecnico di Milano (about ₹80,400 to ₹4.31 lakh); can be tuition-free for eligible students with the DSU grant.
Next round and visa deadlinePadua: 15 September to 15 November 2026. Visa application for 2027/28: by 31 October 2027.
OutcomesAlmaLaurea 2026 (survey year 2025): 93.3% of IT and ICT master's graduates in work one year after graduating.

Which English-taught computer science programmes can you study in Italy?

You can choose from 29 programmes taught only in English, counting our catalogue on 28 September 2026. They sit at 17 public universities, from Pisa and Padua to Palermo. The condition is a matching background: 28 are master's degrees for graduates, and only 1 is a bachelor's open after Class 12.

Our inclusion rule is simple. A programme is here when its name names a computing discipline: computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, software, informatics, human-computer interaction or high performance computing. Verona's Medical Bioinformatics joins them because it sits in the computer science degree class, LM-18.

A programme appears in more than one of our subject guides only when its name covers both fields. Five do here: Calabria, Palermo and Turin pair computing with artificial intelligence, Pisa pairs it with data science, and Parthenope names machine learning and big data. Each row links to the programme and to its university.

ProgrammeUniversityLevelEntry test (our catalogue)Intake
Computer EngineeringUniversity of Cassino and Southern LazioBachelor's (3 years)TOLC-I (initial assessment, not selective).Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer Science and Information TechnologyCa’ Foscari University of VeniceMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Applied Computer Science (Machine Learning and Big Data)Parthenope University of NaplesMaster's (2 years)None, open access with an admission interview.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
High Performance Computing EngineeringPolitecnico di MilanoMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer ScienceSapienza University of RomeMaster's (2 years)Not recorded yet.Not recorded yet
CybersecuritySapienza University of RomeMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Engineering in Computer ScienceSapienza University of RomeMaster's (2 years)Not recorded yet.Not recorded yet
Artificial Intelligence and Computer ScienceUniversity of CalabriaMaster's (2 years)Admission test set by the university.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Software: Science and TechnologyUniversity of FlorenceMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer EngineeringUniversity of GenoaMaster's (2 years)None if your grade meets the threshold, otherwise an admission test.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer ScienceUniversity of GenoaMaster's (2 years)Admission test set by the university.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer ScienceUniversity of InsubriaMaster's (2 years)None, open access with an admission interview.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer EngineeringUniversity of PaduaMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.October 2027
Computer ScienceUniversity of PaduaMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.October 2027
CybersecurityUniversity of PaduaMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.October 2027
International Cybersecurity and CyberintelligenceUniversity of PaduaMaster's (2 years)Not recorded yet.Not recorded yet
Computer Science and Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of PalermoMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades plus an interview.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer EngineeringUniversity of PaviaMaster's (2 years)None if grades meet the threshold, otherwise a written assessment.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer EngineeringUniversity of PisaMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades, plus an online interview.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer ScienceUniversity of PisaMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
CybersecurityUniversity of PisaMaster's (2 years)Admission test set by the university.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Data Science and Business InformaticsUniversity of PisaMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Informatics for Digital HealthUniversity of PisaMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer ScienceUniversity of TrentoMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Human-Computer InteractionUniversity of TrentoMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer EngineeringUniversity of TriesteMaster's (2 years)None, selection on CV and grades.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Artificial Intelligence and High Performance Computing TechnologiesUniversity of TurinMaster's (2 years)None if your grade meets the threshold, otherwise an interview.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Computer Engineering for Intelligent SystemsUniversity of VeronaMaster's (2 years)None if your grade meets the threshold, otherwise an interview.Autumn 2027, calendar pending
Medical BioinformaticsUniversity of VeronaMaster's (2 years)None if your grade meets the threshold, otherwise an interview.Autumn 2027, calendar pending

Source: ApplyAZ programme catalogue, English-only programmes, counted with python on 28 September 2026. "Not recorded yet" means the university has not published the 2027/28 detail we need; we fill it in as calls appear.

Neighbouring degrees fall outside the rule and are not counted. Telecommunications and ICT engineering, such as ICT for Internet and Multimedia at Padua, teach networks more than software, and broad information engineering bachelor's, such as Information Engineering at Padua, mix computing with electronics.

Bioinformatics degrees in biotechnology classes (LM-8), such as Milan's Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics, and Politecnico di Milano's Geoinformatics Engineering are left out too. We still weigh all of these when your profile fits.

Can you study cybersecurity in Italy in English?

Yes. Our catalogue lists 4 English-taught cybersecurity master's for 2027/28, at Pisa, Sapienza and Padua. You need a computing or engineering degree, or enough credits: Pisa accepts other graduates with 54 relevant credits, 36 of them in computing, according to the University of Pisa's Cybersecurity page.

Pisa's Cybersecurity master's sits in class LM-66. Year one covers data security, hardware security and the organisational and legal side; year two adds AI for cybersecurity, 18 credits chosen from options such as network security, and a 24-credit thesis. Sapienza's Cybersecurity also sits in LM-66 and selects on CV and grades.

Padua runs two: Cybersecurity and International Cybersecurity and Cyberintelligence. Our catalogue has no 2027/28 entry test or intake for the second one yet, so we confirm those details with the department before your shortlist is final.

Which Italian universities are best for computer science?

Politecnico di Milano is Italy's highest-ranked university for computer science, joint 58th in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Sapienza (72) and Bologna (=95) follow. Rank alone can mislead, though: a university only helps you if it teaches your subject in English, and our counts show where it does.

UniversityQS Computer Science and Information Systems 2026Programmes in this guide
Politecnico di Milano=581
Sapienza University of Rome723
University of Bologna=950
Politecnico di Torino=1240
University of Pisa=1445
University of Padua201 to 2504
University of Trento201 to 2502
University of Milan251 to 3000
University of Genoa301 to 3502
University of Calabria351 to 4001
University of Turin351 to 4001
University of Florence501 to 5501
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice551 to 6001
University of Pavia701 to 7501
Parthenope University of NaplesNot in the 2026 Italy table1
University of Cassino and Southern LazioNot in the 2026 Italy table1
University of InsubriaNot in the 2026 Italy table1
University of PalermoNot in the 2026 Italy table1
University of TriesteNot in the 2026 Italy table1
University of VeronaNot in the 2026 Italy table2

Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 (published 25 March 2026), Italy table for Computer Science and Information Systems, 26 results; ApplyAZ catalogue counts on 28 September 2026. The QS table also ranks one private university and two special-statute schools in Pisa, which we leave out.

Two gaps stand out. Bologna and Politecnico di Torino rank in the world's top 125, yet neither has an English-only computing programme in our catalogue: Torino lists Computer Engineering as taught in more than one language. Verona, Insubria, Trieste, Palermo, Parthenope and Cassino are outside this QS table but still teach in English.

What background do you need for a computer science master's in Italy?

You need a bachelor's in computer science, computer engineering, maths or physics, or enough credits in those subjects. The University of Pisa, for example, admits other graduates to its Computer Science master's with 72 credits in computing, maths or physics, at least 36 of them in computing.

ProgrammeDegrees that qualify directlyCredits asked from other degreesEnglishHow preparation is checked
Computer Science, PisaItalian classes L-31, L-8, L-35 or L-30 (computer science, information engineering, maths, physics)72 credits in INF/01, ING-INF/05, maths or physics; at least 36 in computing and 18 in maths or physics.B2, certificate or self-certificationCurriculum review and a test on specific topics.
Cybersecurity, PisaL-31 or L-854 credits: at least 36 in computing sectors and 18 in maths or physics.B2Open access; curriculum review, a subject test, and an interview for foreign qualifications.
Computer Science, TrentoItalian classes L-8 or L-31 (information engineering, computer science)30 credits in maths, physics or statistics plus 45 in computing (2026/27 call).B2Merit score out of 100 (30 for fit, 65 for your record, 5 for languages); 50 needed; 60 places, 20 kept for EIT.

Sources: University of Pisa programme pages for Computer Science and Cybersecurity; University of Trento call for non-EU applicants living abroad, 2026/27. The 2027/28 calls are pending and usually keep the same credit rules.

Degree length matters for applicants from India. Politecnico di Milano accepts a 4-year degree such as a BTech, or a 3-year BSc only if it is an Honours programme, with at least 70/100. For 2027/28, Padua accepts a 3 or 4-year Honours degree, while a 3-year pass degree needs a postgraduate degree on top.

We read your transcript against each call, subject by subject, before we suggest a programme. That tells us early whether your computing credits clear Pisa's 36 or Trento's 45, and where a shortfall would end an application.

Do computer science master's in Italy need the GRE or an entrance test?

No programme in this guide asks for the GRE, and most have no written test. Of the 29, 13 select on your degree, CV and grades alone, based on the test field in our catalogue. The exceptions are 3 master's that set their own admission test, plus interviews where grades fall short.

These counts use the test field in our catalogue. A university page can add a check of its own: Pisa's Computer Science page, for example, mentions a test on specific topics alongside the review of your record.

One more gate needs planning: a written test is rare, but English proof is not. Our catalogue shows several programmes here accepting proof that your bachelor's was taught in English instead of a certificate.

Most programmes ask for English at B2, the level the consulate checks for the visa (MUR circular 2026/27 and 2027/28, Part II, page 18). Our page on studying in Italy without IELTS covers the alternatives.

How much does a computer science degree in Italy cost?

Tuition at a public university depends on family income and can be tuition-free for eligible students. Without that, the 2026/27 cost for a family with income only in India ran from €736 in year one at Pisa to €3,943.04 at Politecnico di Milano, according to each university's fee rules.

UniversityHow the 2026/27 amount is builtTotal a year
University of PisaFlat rate €2,900 × 0.2 for India = €580, plus €140 regional tax and €16 stamp duty in the first year.€736 (about ₹80,400)
University of PaduaFixed fee for non-EU students with family abroad, Group B (engineering and sciences) €2,990, plus €192 regional fee and €16 stamp duty.€3,198 (about ₹3.49 lakh)
Politecnico di MilanoFull contribution €3,726, plus €190 regional tax, €16 stamp duty and €11.04 insurance, with no ISEEU parificato.€3,943.04 (about ₹4.31 lakh)

Sources: University of Pisa fees page and country table 2026/27; University of Padua Call for Student Fees and Exemptions 2026/27, Tables 1 and 4; Politecnico di Milano contribution regulation 2026/27. The 2027/28 tables are pending, usually published in the summer before the year.

With the DSU regional grant, study can be tuition-free for eligible students, and each region runs its own call. Pisa students apply in Tuscany, Sapienza students in Lazio and Padua students through Padua's own DSU call. For rent, food and travel, see the cost of studying in Italy.

A short test of fit comes first: the eligibility check. If you are eligible, you book a one-to-one consultation with one of our Italy experts, and from there we take care of everything.

What jobs do computer science graduates find in Italy?

Most find skilled work quickly. AlmaLaurea's 2026 report, from its 2025 survey, found 93.3% of Italy's IT and ICT master's graduates in work one year after graduating, earning €1,771 net a month. That figure covers graduates of Italian universities, so it describes the market you would join, not a promise.

AlmaLaurea, IT and ICT group, two-year master's1 year after (2024 graduates)5 years after (2020 graduates)
Graduates in the survey2,3911,336
Employment rate93.3%97.0%
Net monthly pay€1,771 (about ₹1.94 lakh)€2,226 (about ₹2.43 lakh)
Working in the IT sector46.6%50.2%
On a permanent contract52.4%79.5%
Working outside Italy7.0%13.5%

Source: AlmaLaurea, Esiti occupazionali della laurea, Rapporto 2026, survey year 2025, disciplinary group "Informatica e tecnologie ICT". AlmaLaurea flags the 5-year figures for caution, because fewer than half of those graduates answered.

Which industries hire them? One year out, 46.6% work in IT companies, 17.1% in education and research and 11.6% in consulting, while industry as a whole takes 9.8%. Pisa's Computer Science page names IT, telecommunications, banking and government agencies as the main employers.

Bachelor's graduates in the same group who did not go on to another degree did almost as well: 90.1% were employed after a year, on €1,614 net a month. After an Italian degree, you can also ask for a job-search permit lasting from 9 to 12 months, according to Italy's Ministry of Labour integration portal.

When do applications for 2027/28 computer science programmes open?

Some have opened already. The University of Padua runs its first 2027/28 round for international applicants from 15 September to 15 November 2026. Other universities publish later, and some close early: Trento's 2026/27 round for non-EU applicants living abroad closed on 4 March 2026.

Every route ends at the same national date. For 2027/28, the visa application must reach the consulate by 31 October 2027, according to Universitaly and the MUR circular.

Validation of your Universitaly pre-enrolment does not promise a visa appointment or a visa; the consulate decides. Our guide to intakes in Italy explains why there is mainly one start each year.

Can you study computer science in Italy after Class 12?

Yes, but the English-taught choice is narrow. Our catalogue lists one bachelor's in this guide, Computer Engineering at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, with TOLC-I as a non-selective starting test. Padua's 2027/28 entry rules accept Class 12 certificates such as CBSE and ISC with at least 5 subjects.

Broader engineering bachelor's widen the field, since many include programming from year one. Our guides to BTech in Italy, studying in Italy after 12th and bachelor's degrees in Italy list them with their tests.

Reality check

Three bodies make the decisions. The university decides admission, credit by credit, and Trento even scores applicants out of 100. The region decides the DSU grant, and the consulate decides the visa.

We handle the work between those decisions for eligible students: the shortlist, each application, Universitaly pre-enrolment, the DSU application and the visa file. With papers only your family can get, such as attested degrees and bank statements, we tell you exactly which documents to get, in which order, and check every page before the visa appointment.

  • A 3-year pass BSc sent to a programme that wants a 4-year or Honours degree. Cost: a rejection and a lost year, because most programmes admit once a year.
  • Too few computing credits. Pisa wants 36 in computing for its Computer Science master's; one missing course can mean a refusal.
  • No ISEEU parificato at Politecnico di Milano. Cost: no DSU application, so the full €3,943.04 for 2026/27 stands; the ISEEU parificato on its own does not reduce the €3,726 contribution for non-EU master's students with a foreign degree.
  • Waiting for autumn when a university closes in spring. Trento's non-EU round shut on 4 March 2026; missing it costs the whole year.
  • Leaving the visa too late. After 31 October 2027 the consulate takes no 2027/28 study visa applications, so the seat is lost.

If you are weighing computing against its neighbours, our guides to data science in Italy and artificial intelligence in Italy use the same catalogue. For every science and engineering master's, see MS in Italy; for all subjects, see masters in Italy.

Before any shortlist, run the eligibility check. If you are eligible, you book a one-to-one consultation with one of our Italy experts, and from there we take care of everything.

Frequently asked questions

Is Italy a good choice for a master's in computer science?

For many students it is. Our catalogue lists 28 English-taught computing master's at public universities, none asking for the GRE, and study there can be tuition-free for eligible students. AlmaLaurea found 93.3% of IT and ICT master's graduates in work one year after graduating (survey year 2025).

Can I study computer science in Italy without IELTS?

Often yes, as long as you can prove B2 English another way. Several programmes in this guide accept proof that your bachelor's was taught in English, or a university statement. The consulate checks B2 English again at the visa stage, so we plan your proof for both steps.

Is a 3-year BSc in computer science from India enough for Italy?

It depends on the university. Padua accepts a 3-year Honours degree for 2027/28, while a 3-year pass degree needs a postgraduate degree on top. Politecnico di Milano asks for 4 years, or a 3-year Honours BSc, with at least 70/100, and we match your degree to each rule.

Which Italian university has the most English-taught computer science programmes?

In our catalogue, the University of Pisa leads with 5: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Informatics for Digital Health, and Data Science and Business Informatics. Padua follows with 4, and Sapienza in Rome with 3. Pisa is also joint 144th for computer science in QS 2026.

Can I get the DSU scholarship for a computer science master's in Italy?

Yes, if your family income and assets fall under the region's limits and you meet its credit rules. Each region runs its own call, so Pisa, Rome and Padua differ. The region decides the grant; we prepare and submit the DSU application for eligible students.

How long does it take to find a job after a computer science master's in Italy?

Not long, on average. Among IT and ICT master's graduates in work, AlmaLaurea found an average of 2.5 months between graduating and the first job (survey year 2025). A job-search permit of 9 to 12 months lets graduates from outside the EU stay while they look.

Does ApplyAZ apply to computer science programmes for me?

Yes, for eligible students. After the eligibility check and a consultation, we build your shortlist and prepare every application, then handle Universitaly pre-enrolment, the DSU application and the visa file. The university still decides admission, and the consulate decides the visa.

Sources

Rupee figures on this page convert euros at the ECB reference rate of 25 September 2026, 1 EUR = 109.2605 INR, and are rounded.

Ready when you are: Check your eligibility. If you are eligible, you book a one-to-one consultation with one of our Italy experts, and from there we take care of everything.

Where they're studying now

Students who started exactly where you are

English-taught programmes that can be tuition-free for eligible students, and the DSU grant landing in their account every year. The funding mechanics are identical at every Italian public university: the same ISEE Parificato, the same regional bando, the same ranking. Only the authority and the dates change.

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