University of Pisa – Courses, Admission, Fees & Scholarships

Public university in Pisa, Tuscany, Italy. A practical guide for Indian and international students on programmes, admission, costs and scholarships at University of Pisa.

About University of Pisa

The University of Pisa is an Italian public university founded in 1343 in Tuscany. Galileo Galilei studied and later taught here, and the university has a long tradition in mathematics, physics and the natural sciences. Pisa is also home to two specialised institutions of higher learning, the Scuola Normale Superiore and the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, which contribute to the city's strong academic culture.

Pisa has a notable history in computing: Italy's first computer science degree programme was established here, and the university remains well regarded in computer science, engineering, physics and mathematics. Its academic offer also includes agriculture and veterinary medicine, economics, law, medicine, political science and the humanities.

For international students, the university offers a selection of English-taught Master's programmes and a smaller number of Bachelor's programmes. Pisa is a compact, student-centred city where a large share of residents are students, and it is connected by train to Florence and by its own international airport to the rest of Europe. It suits students who prefer a quieter, focused academic environment over a large metropolis.

  • City: Pisa
  • Region: Tuscany
  • Country: Italy
  • Founded: 1343
  • Type: Public university

Major academic areas

Engineering · Computer Science · Physics & Mathematics · Agriculture & Veterinary · Economics · Humanities

Why Students Prefer University of Pisa

  • Academic tradition since 1343, with a strong heritage in mathematics and physics linked to Galileo.
  • Home of Italy's first computer science degree, with continuing strength in computing and engineering.
  • Part of a notable academic city that also hosts the Scuola Normale Superiore and Sant'Anna School.
  • English-taught Master's programmes in STEM and other fields.
  • Compact, student-centred city with an international airport and easy access to Florence.
  • Scholarship and financial support opportunities for eligible students.
Scholarship opportunities

Study with 100% Scholarship

Eligible international students at University of Pisa may have access to scholarship and financial-support opportunities that can significantly reduce the cost of studying and living in Pisa. Depending on eligibility and the applicable academic year, support may cover eligible tuition-related costs and provide assistance towards accommodation and living expenses.

Eligibility depends on academic requirements, financial documentation, student profile and the applicable funding rules. Scholarship benefits and eligibility vary by student profile, financial documentation, academic requirements and the applicable academic year. Funding is not guaranteed.

Check Scholarship Eligibility

Courses & Programmes

Like other Italian public universities, University of Pisa organises degrees in three cycles:

  • Bachelor's (Laurea, 3 years) — first-cycle degrees.
  • Master's (Laurea Magistrale, 2 years) — second-cycle degrees.
  • Single-cycle degrees (5–6 years) — in fields such as law, medicine or architecture, where offered.
  • PhD programmes — research doctorates.

Explore Courses at University of Pisa in the Insperion course finder, explore Insperion study-abroad courses and services or use the university finder to compare options.

English-Taught Programmes

University of Pisa offers a selection of programmes taught in English, mainly at Master's level. The list and languages of instruction change each academic year.

Ask Insperion's admission team to shortlist current English-taught courses in Italy that match your profile.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's: a secondary school qualification valid for university access (for Indian students, usually 12 years of schooling).
  • Master's: a relevant Bachelor's degree; some programmes check specific credits or subjects.
  • Documents: transcripts, degree certificates, passport, CV/motivation letter where requested, and in some cases a Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement.

Requirements vary by programme. Please check the programme admission call for the latest requirements — Insperion can review it with you.

IELTS & Language Requirements

English-taught programmes usually require proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests (for example IELTS or TOEFL), minimum scores and any exemptions — such as a Medium of Instruction certificate — are set by each programme.

Italian-taught programmes generally require Italian language proficiency. Language requirements vary by programme.

Entrance Tests

Many Bachelor's programmes use TOLC tests; Master's programmes usually evaluate your previous degree. Check the specific programme requirements.

Medicine and dentistry programmes taught in English follow separate national admission rules.

Tuition Fees

Fees at Italian public universities depend on the programme, your residence status and, in many cases, an income-based assessment of family financial documents.

Tuition fees vary by programme and student circumstances. Insperion's admission team can explain the current fee structure for your chosen course.

International Students

Non-EU students living outside Italy apply through the university's international admission process, then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a student visa at the Italian embassy or consulate. Visa decisions are made by the consulate and are never guaranteed.

Need help with your Italy application? See our student visa assistance, education loans for study abroad and the study in Italy guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does University of Pisa offer English-taught programmes?

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Yes, University of Pisa offers a selection of English-taught programmes, mainly at Master's level, in areas such as Engineering, Computer Science, Physics & Mathematics. The list changes each academic year, so Insperion checks current availability for your profile.

What are the admission requirements at University of Pisa?

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Bachelor's programmes generally require a secondary school qualification valid for university access (for Indian students usually 12 years of schooling); Master's programmes require a relevant Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by programme. Please check the programme admission call for the latest requirements — Insperion can review it with you.

Does University of Pisa accept international qualifications?

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Yes. As an Italian public university, University of Pisa admits students with foreign qualifications, which it evaluates individually. Additional documents such as a Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement may be requested.

Is IELTS required at University of Pisa?

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English-taught programmes at University of Pisa usually ask for proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests, minimum scores and any exemptions differ by programme, so check the specific admission call.

How much are tuition fees at University of Pisa?

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Tuition fees at University of Pisa vary by programme and student circumstances, and are often income-based. Eligible students may also receive scholarship support that covers eligible tuition.

Are scholarships available at University of Pisa?

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Eligible international students at University of Pisa may access scholarship and financial support that can cover eligible tuition and help with accommodation and living costs. Eligibility and benefits depend on the applicable scholarship rules.

When should international students apply to University of Pisa?

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Non-EU admission rounds for 2026/27 usually open several months before the academic year starts in September, and often close earlier than for local students because of visa timelines. Deadlines vary by programme and admission round.

How does Universitaly pre-enrolment work?

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After receiving admission, non-EU students residing abroad submit a pre-enrolment application on the Universitaly portal. The university validates it and the Italian embassy or consulate uses it for the student visa process. Insperion helps you complete this step.

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