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Study computer science in Italy: Politecnico di Milano, Bologna, Sapienza, Pisa, Trento, English-taught Master's, how to apply, and the tech job market.
Canonical: https://www.prezumi.com/blog/study-computer-science-in-italy
Italy has a strong and growing computer science scene, with several universities running English-taught master's degrees in CS, software engineering, and related areas. Public-university tuition is income-based rather than a flat international fee, so the cost can be modest compared with the UK or the US. For students who want a recognised European CS degree without a heavy fee, Italy is a serious option.
This guide covers the universities best known for computer science, how to apply, and what the tech job market looks like. For the wider context, read the Study in Italy pillar guide first.
Italian universities offer CS under several names, including informatics, computer engineering, and computer science and engineering. Strong programmes exist at dedicated technical universities and at large research universities, and many of the master's-level options are taught in English.
Public-university tuition is set against your family income through the ISEE document, which the Scholarships in Italy guide explains. Italy also has an active research and startup presence in cities like Milan, Bologna, and Trento, which helps with internships and early-career roles.
Germany is the other large CS destination in Europe, with many English-taught master's programmes and a big tech employment market. See Study Computer Science in Germany for that comparison.
| University | City | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | Milan | Top-ranked Italian technical university; computer engineering |
| University of Bologna | Bologna | Strong, long-established computer science department |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Rome | Large CS and engineering faculties |
| University of Pisa | Pisa | Historic computer science centre in Italy |
| University of Trento | Trento | Research-focused, strong international CS programmes |
Pisa has a notable place in Italian computing history, Bologna and Sapienza are large research universities, Trento is highly international, and Politecnico di Milano leads the technical-university rankings. The Top universities in Italy guide gives more background on each.
CS-related tracks in Italy commonly include:
If your interest leans specifically toward data and AI, see the sibling Study Data Science and AI in Italy guide, which covers those master's programmes in detail. The exact set of English-taught CS tracks varies by university and year, so confirm the current language of instruction on each programme's page.
The process follows the standard Italian route.
Deadlines vary by university and usually fall in spring or summer for an autumn start, so confirm the date on your programme's page early.
For master's admission, your prior coursework matters. Many CS master's programmes expect a quantitative or computing background, so check the prerequisites carefully before applying.
Italy's tech employment is concentrated in the north, especially Milan, with growing activity in Bologna, Turin, and Trento. Roles span software development, data, security, and consulting, and larger companies plus a startup scene both hire graduates. Pay tends to be lower than in northern Europe, but so is the cost of living outside the biggest cities.
Italian is an advantage in much of the domestic market, even for technical roles, though some international and remote-friendly employers operate in English. After graduating, a study residence permit can be converted to a work permit, and higher-skilled roles may qualify for an EU Blue Card. The Working in Italy guide covers the conversion process and in-demand sectors.
Master's and job applications expect a clear, well-structured CV, and Italy leans on the Europass format. Convert yours with Prezumi's free Europass CV converter, test how applicant-tracking software reads it with the free ATS resume checker, and build from clean resume templates.
Yes. Several Italian universities run English-taught master's degrees in computer science and related fields, and some English-taught bachelor's options exist too. Confirm the language of instruction on each programme's page, since it varies by university and year.
Politecnico di Milano leads the technical-university rankings, while Bologna, Sapienza, Pisa, and Trento all have strong CS departments. Pisa in particular has a long history in Italian computing, and Trento is highly international.
Some bachelor's programmes use a TOLC test through CISIA, while master's programmes generally admit on the strength of your prior degree and an English certificate. Check your specific programme's requirements and cisia.it.
At public universities, tuition is income-based through the ISEE, so many international students pay far less than flat international fees. Living costs depend heavily on the city. See the Scholarships in Italy guide.
Solid, especially in Milan and the north, across software, data, security, and consulting roles. Knowing Italian helps in much of the domestic market, though some employers work in English. The Working in Italy guide explains post-study work options.
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