If you want to study computer science in Italy, you can usually choose between a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Many universities offer English-taught options, especially at master’s level, but you should always check the programme page for the exact language, entry rules, and deadlines.
Italy can be a good choice if you want a recognised European degree and a mix of public universities, private schools, and research-focused programmes. The main questions are your academic background, language level, budget, and whether the university accepts your previous documents.
Study levels in computer science
In Italy, the main study routes are usually:
- Bachelor’s degree - often 3 years. This is for students coming from secondary school or equivalent.
- Master’s degree - usually 2 years. This is for students who already have a relevant bachelor’s degree.
- Single-cycle or special routes - less common for computer science, so check the university site carefully.
Most international students look for a standard bachelor’s or master’s programme. The exact course title may be “Computer Science”, “Informatics”, “Data Science”, “Artificial Intelligence”, or a related field.
Typical admission requirements
Entry rules vary by university, but the common requirements are similar from year to year. For a bachelor’s programme, you usually need a secondary school diploma that gives access to university in your home country and is recognised in Italy. For a master’s programme, you usually need a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Universities often ask for:
- school or university transcripts
- diploma or degree certificate
- passport
- CV
- motivation letter
- English language proof, if the programme is taught in English
- sometimes maths or programming background, especially for master’s study
Some programmes may also ask for GRE-style tests, entrance assessments, or an interview. Others use academic evaluation only. Always check the university’s admissions page, because each programme can be different.
English-taught options and language
You do not always need Italian to study computer science in Italy. Many universities offer English-taught master’s degrees, and some also offer bachelor’s programmes in English or in a mixed format. But not every university does this, and the number of English-taught courses is usually higher at master’s level.
If the course is in English, you may still need to show a language certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless the university accepts other proof. If the course is in Italian, you will usually need Italian language proof. Check the university’s admissions page for the accepted tests and score range.
Even if your programme is in English, basic Italian can help with housing, public services, internships, and daily life.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in Italy can be very different from one university to another. Public universities often charge lower fees than private ones, and fees can depend on your family income, your nationality, and the programme.
As a general guide, public university tuition may range from a few hundred euros per year to several thousand euros per year. Private universities are usually higher. For exact fees, check the university programme page and the fee regulations for that academic year.
Living costs also vary by city. Bigger cities are usually more expensive than smaller university towns. A realistic monthly budget often includes:
- rent or student housing
- food
- local transport
- phone and internet
- study materials
- personal spending
For many students, housing is the biggest cost. Shared flats and university housing can be cheaper than private studios. Always compare prices in the city where the university is located.
Application timeline
The timeline depends on the university, but a safe plan is to start early. Many students begin preparing 6 to 12 months before the course starts.
A practical order is:
- Choose your programme and check entry rules.
- Prepare your documents and translations, if needed.
- Check if you need pre-enrolment, recognition of documents, or visa steps.
- Apply before the deadline on the university site.
- If you are a non-EU student, check visa and residence permit steps with the Italian consulate and the official immigration sources.
Deadlines can be different for EU and non-EU students, and for different intake rounds. Do not rely on old dates. Use the programme page and the university admissions office as your main source.
How to choose the right university
Look at more than the ranking. A good fit is a programme that matches your level, budget, and career goals.
- Language - is the whole programme in English?
- Course content - does it cover software, AI, data, cybersecurity, or theory?
- Entry level - do they ask for maths, coding, or specific prior study?
- Fees and scholarships - are there tuition reductions or need-based aid?
- City and housing - can you afford to live there?
- Career support - are internships and industry links available?
If you are comparing options, open each programme page and make a simple checklist. That saves time and avoids missing a key requirement.
Common questions
Do I need to speak Italian to study computer science in Italy?
Not always. Many master’s programmes are in English, and some bachelor’s programmes are too. But you should check the programme language and the documents they accept.
Can I apply without a computer science background?
Sometimes yes, especially for some master’s or conversion-style programmes, but many courses want a strong background in maths, programming, or related subjects. Check the admissions page carefully.
Where should I check official information?
Use the university’s admissions page for entry rules and fees, the national immigration authority or Italian consulate for visa and residence steps, and the scholarship provider’s own site for funding rules.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
This can save you time and help universities contact you when your profile matches their computer science programmes in Italy.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.