Besides the academic challenge, one of the main reasons to study abroad is the opportunity to travel. Choosing a destination that also offers strong academic options can be a great decision. Italy is known for its art, culture, food, and historic universities, and it is also home to several established institutions offering computer science degrees. That means you can work toward your academic and career goals while experiencing one of Europe’s most popular study-abroad destinations.
To help you plan your studies, note that most bachelor’s degrees in Italy last three years, while most master’s degrees last two years. Since you’ll be staying in the country for quite some time, it is important to choose one of the best universities for computer science in Italy.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Italy
1. Sapienza University of Rome
The Sapienza University of Rome opened in 1303, making it one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest university in Rome. With more than 700 years of history, this top computer science university in Italy is also one of Europe’s largest universities, with more than 113,000 students and over 11,000 international students. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, Sapienza is ranked joint 111th worldwide.
Sapienza is also one of Italy’s strongest universities for this field. In the QS Computer Science and Information Systems ranking, it placed 72nd in 2026. If you want to study an undergraduate program in this field, you can take the Bachelor’s in Applied Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, an English-taught, three-year bachelor’s program. The school also offers master’s and Ph.D. options in computer science.
2. University of Pisa
The University of Pisa is one of the best universities for computer science in Italy, dating back to 1343. One of its notable alumni is mathematician and astronomer Galileo Galilei. By choosing this institution for your degree, you’ll be enrolling in the alma mater of physicists and Nobel Prize winners Enrico Fermi and Carlo Rubbia.
Besides its excellence-driven history, this Italian school offers high-quality education and is recognized in current global university rankings. The University of Pisa is ranked 341st in the QS World University Rankings 2027, while Times Higher Education places it in the 251–300 band for Computer Science in 2026. It also offers an undergraduate program in computer science.
Meanwhile, its two-year master’s program in Computer Science allows you to choose a curriculum such as Artificial Intelligence, ICT Solutions Architecture, Data and Knowledge: Science and Technologies, or Software: Programming, Principles, and Technologies. It also offers a three-year Ph.D. in Computer Science program in collaboration with the University of Siena and the University of Florence.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Pisa Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Arawa
PhD in AI-based Neuroimaging Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease
Started October 2025 | Her doctoral research combines machine learning and neuroimaging to develop biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease. She reports English-language study and access to clinical imaging expertise at Pisa, with a separate industrial secondment at GE Healthcare in Germany. | — |
3. University of Trento
The University of Trento is another excellent institution in Italy where students can study computer science. Since its foundation in 1962, the school has developed strengths in teaching, internationalization, and research. The university reports more than 16,000 students and about 600 professors and researchers.
Its sites are organized across three main areas: the historic center of Trento, the hill of Trento, and Rovereto. The Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science is located in Povo on the hill, along with other science and engineering departments. Across the university’s sites, students can use facilities and services such as libraries, study areas, and computer classrooms.
You can choose from undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral pathways at the Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, including bachelor’s programs, master’s programs, and doctoral programs in Information Engineering and Computer Science. Starting in the 2024/2025 academic year, the department states that both of its bachelor’s degrees offer an entirely English curriculum, and its master’s and Ph.D. programs in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are taught in English.
4. University of Padua
The University of Padua joins the list of top universities for computer science in Italy. Founded in 1222, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Its extensive academic and research history helps it remain highly ranked today, with the university placing 204th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2027. As an international student, you’ll find that this Italian school is quite welcoming.
After all, since its establishment in 1222, it has accepted students from various countries. You’ll even see the University of Padua Botanical Garden here, founded in 1545 and described by the university as the oldest botanical garden in the world, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since you’re looking to join a highly technological field, it can offer you a reprieve from modernity to enjoy nature.
You can choose between bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral study options, depending on your qualifications. The master’s program in Computer Science is a two-year, 120-ECTS English-taught program. Its study areas include advanced computing topics such as web technologies, security, machine learning, and data mining, which are significant in today’s tech world.
5. Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, also known as Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, is based in Pisa, Italy. Its computing activity includes the Real-Time Systems Laboratory, or ReTiS, and research on embedded software, operating systems, and distributed computing. The school’s educational structure combines additional honors training with advanced research programs, making its study routes different from those of a conventional comprehensive university.
At undergraduate level, Sant’Anna provides supplementary honors education for selected students who undertake their main university degree studies at the University of Pisa. Its engineering honors pathways include computing-related study. Students combine their partner-university degree curriculum with additional classes and academic activities at Sant’Anna; a standalone bachelor’s degree in Computer Science awarded by the school was not verified.
Graduate options include the joint two-year Computer Science and Networking master’s with the University of Pisa, covering distributed software, parallel systems, and networking infrastructures. The three-year PhD in Emerging Digital Technologies includes an Embedded Systems curriculum relevant to computing. Doctoral training combines structured coursework, supervised research, and an original thesis, with the ReTiS laboratory providing a computing research environment.
What Current Students / Alumni of Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Ghulam Bahoo
PhD in Photonics and Optical Networking
Research focus: open, vendor-neutral disaggregated optical systems | Researches open networking architectures and vendor-neutral optical systems. He describes constructive supervision and collaborative research, with research activities, meetings, and communications within his doctoral network conducted in English. | Notes that basic Italian helps with everyday life in Pisa and integration into the local community. |
6. University of Milan
The University of Milan is among Italy’s top universities for a computer science degree. This school, founded in 1924, is relatively young compared to other higher education institutions in the country. Yet, you’ll find strong academic services and extensive research facilities here. As one of Italy’s largest universities, UNIMI has around 64,000 students.
Its Milan facilities include historic spaces as well as modern classrooms, teaching laboratories, and research facilities. The university is ranked joint 270th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and it is also listed in current international subject rankings for computer science.
Its undergraduate program in computer science provides a broad foundation in the main areas of the field. Meanwhile, the master’s program in Computer Science is available in Italian and English, and the Ph.D. in Computer Science is listed among the university’s English-language doctoral programs.
7. University of Florence
The University of Florence offers computer science in Florence, Italy, through academic units including the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science “Ulisse Dini” and the Department of Statistics, Computer Science and Applications. Its degree options distinguish general computer science from computer engineering, while graduate study includes a dedicated program focused on the science and technology of software.
At undergraduate level, the university offers the first-cycle degree in Computer Science, officially called Informatica and classified in Italy’s computer science degree category. The program develops theoretical, methodological, experimental, and practical knowledge across the field. Computer Engineering is a separate undergraduate option, with an engineering orientation; applicants should distinguish the two curricula when choosing their study route.
The two-year, 120-credit MSc in Software: Science and Technology is taught entirely in English and jointly organized with IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca. It emphasizes designing, validating, and maintaining complex software, supported by laboratories, projects, and a 27-credit thesis. Doctoral options include Computer Science (Pegaso), listed in the university’s current doctoral educational offer.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Florence Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Sanjeeth
Doctoral research in Machine Learning-Based Large Eddy Simulations for Combustion under Electromagnetic Field Control | Develops machine learning methods for combustion simulations involving electromagnetic field control. Research is conducted in English; some doctoral courses and seminars are in Italian, although Sanjeeth reports that the required credits can be earned through English offerings. | Reports that immigration procedures and documents are in Italian, with universities assisting with translation. |
8. University of Palermo
The University of Palermo offers computer science in Palermo, Sicily, through its Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. Its programs combine computational foundations with software development, data processing, and artificial intelligence. The department’s teaching distinguishes the general Computer Science bachelor’s from a separate Artificial Intelligence degree and from its advanced computing programs.
The three-year bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, officially Informatica, covers programming, algorithms, data structures, computer architectures, operating systems, databases, and networks. Later study includes compilers and software engineering, with laboratory work, elective subjects, and internship opportunities supporting practical experience. The separate 180-credit Artificial Intelligence bachelor’s combines computing with mathematics and other disciplines relevant to intelligent systems.
At master’s level, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence is taught in English and includes advanced algorithms, data analysis, high-performance computing, security, and machine learning, culminating in an original thesis. Doctoral opportunities include the joint Mathematics and Computational Sciences program with Catania and Messina. Its administrative headquarters moved to Catania for the 2026 doctoral cycle.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Palermo Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Nur Arifin Akbar
PhD in Data Management
Research focus: agentic LLM-based data sharing systems | Conducts doctoral research on agentic large-language-model systems for trustworthy agricultural data sharing. His work brings together AI, blockchain, and distributed systems to address agricultural data-management challenges. | Identifies Italian-language administrative processes with local authorities as a challenge for students who do not know Italian. |
9. University of Pavia
The University of Pavia offers computing-related education in Pavia, Italy, through programs spanning artificial intelligence and computer engineering. The Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering supports advanced computing study, including a Computer Science and Multimedia specialization. Applicants can therefore choose between a focused AI undergraduate route and broader engineering-based computing programs.
The three-year Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence is taught entirely in English and jointly offered by Pavia, the University of Milan, and the University of Milano-Bicocca. Teaching takes place across Pavia and Milan, so it is an inter-university program. Pavia also offers the three-year Electronic and Computer Engineering bachelor’s, which provides an engineering route into further computing study.
The English-taught master’s degree in Computer Engineering has four specializations: Computer Science and Multimedia, Data Science, Embedded IoT Systems, and Intelligent Control Systems. Its learning activities include theoretical study, laboratories, and projects. Doctoral study is offered through Electronics, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, a multidisciplinary program explicitly encompassing computer science.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Pavia Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Sara Ben Lashihar
PhD in Architecture / Heritage Building Information Modelling
Dissertation defended July 2024; certified 2025 | During her doctorate, developed BIMLash, a Python-based Revit add-in that automates mesh-to-BIM generation for historic brickwork and masonry. Her research focused on automated Scan-to-HBIM workflows, and she reports that her postgraduate programs were conducted in English. | Describes living and studying in Italy as culturally enriching, while learning Italian and adjusting to the local job market required considerable perseverance. |
10. University of Verona
The University of Verona offers computer science in Verona, Italy, through its Department of Computer Science. Its programs connect mathematical and computational foundations with the design of software and information systems. The department also supports doctoral research across theoretical and applied computing, including algorithms, artificial intelligence, formal methods, security, robotics, and bioinformatics.
The bachelor’s degree in Computer Science is a three-year program taught in Italian. It prepares students to analyze computing problems and design, develop, manage, and maintain computer systems. The program combines computing with a mathematical and physical foundation, and the university provides both faculty tutoring and support from senior students. Applicants must complete the required TOLC-I assessment.
The two-year master’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering is also listed as Italian-taught and spans the LM-18 computer science and LM-32 computer engineering degree classes. Its studies culminate in a thesis project demonstrating independent analysis and technical depth. The separate three-year PhD in Computer Science provides advanced research training across the department’s computing disciplines.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Verona Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Guiqiu Liao
Double PhD in Informatics/Computer Science with University of Strasbourg
ALTAIR Robotics Laboratory
Completed January 2023 | At Verona’s ALTAIR Robotics Laboratory, worked on intravascular ultrasound segmentation and privacy-preserving federated learning. Most research activities and training were conducted in English, and he rarely experienced laboratory language barriers. | Describes Verona as a beautiful city. Reports assistance with visas and housing across his host institutions, while basic Italian helped with daily life and administrative documents. |
Teresa Ciavattini
BSc in Bioinformatics, 2017–2021
MSc in Medical Biotechnology, 2021–2023
Master’s thesis traineeship in Germany | During her bachelor’s, performed pancreatic-cancer transcriptomic analyses involving RNA-seq, batch-effect correction, and statistical modeling. During her master’s, developed an automated whole-genome structural-variant pipeline using Nextflow, Bash, and Python through a traineeship at Leipzig University Hospital in Germany. | — |
11. University of Messina
The University of Messina offers computer science in Messina, Sicily, through the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics and Earth Sciences, commonly abbreviated MIFT. Advanced computing is also represented in the Department of Engineering. These units provide different study routes, including a general Computer Science bachelor’s and a master’s with a computer-engineering orientation.
The three-year bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, officially Informatica, aims to develop professionals who can use emerging technologies and create digital solutions. Its current study listings include computing and network-related coursework, and students must undergo an assessment of their basic mathematical preparation. The program provides the undergraduate computing foundation for subsequent specialized study.
The master’s degree in Engineering in Computer Science develops skills for designing complex computer systems, with topics including machine learning, cybersecurity, and cyber-physical systems. Doctoral study relevant to computing is available within Mathematics and Computational Sciences, a joint program involving Messina, Palermo, and Catania. Its Computational Sciences training explicitly includes computer science, providing a research route within a broader mathematics and computing program.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Messina Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Rahool Dembani
PhD in Mathematics and Computer Science
Degree-awarding university: Messina
Research host: Singular Logic, Athens, Greece | His doctoral project concerns privacy-preserving and anonymization technologies for farming data, including federated learning. Research is physically based at Singular Logic in Athens, with academic supervision through Messina; he reports English-language courses, seminars, and research activities. | — |
12. University of L’Aquila
The University of L’Aquila offers computer science in L’Aquila, Italy, through its Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, known as DISIM. The department brings computing together with mathematical and engineering disciplines while maintaining separate Computer Science degrees. Its graduate curriculum emphasizes advanced software development, distributed systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
The three-year bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, officially Informatica, develops both theoretical understanding and practical computing skills. Its curriculum includes programming, software engineering, algorithms, databases, and operating systems, supported by mathematics such as probability and operations research. This general computer science route is distinct from the university’s undergraduate Computer Engineering program.
The master’s degree in Computer Science includes advanced software engineering and international study pathways. Students undertake independent projects and can complete internships with research organizations, universities, laboratories, or companies. Doctoral study is available through Information Engineering and Computer Science, also presented as the ICT doctoral program. Its computing curriculum covers emerging computational models, software architectures, and intelligent systems, with research combining theory, experimentation, and practical applications.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of L’Aquila Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Prachi
Joint Master’s in Software Engineering for the Green Deal
Study across Italy, Finland, and the Netherlands | Describes her joint program as combining coding and software engineering with sustainability and the development of digital solutions for environmental and social goals. Her courses were taught in English. | Found food and daily expenses in Italy relatively affordable compared with the Netherlands. Everyday language difficulties were managed with basic local phrases, translation apps, and help from others. |
Daniela Fajardo
MSc in Software Engineering for Green Deal
Italian phase of a joint master’s | Describes the Italian phase as focusing on foundational software engineering theory, followed by sustainability study in Finland and practical and thesis work in the Netherlands. The program was taught in English, without academic language barriers for her. | Found student-city living costs in Italy more manageable than Amsterdam. Her Spanish helped her understand basic Italian in daily life. |
Lameya
Joint Master’s in Engineering of Data-Intensive Intelligent Software Systems
Third-semester study at L’Aquila | Reports hands-on AI and software engineering experience during her joint studies in Finland and Italy. Her program combines data science, AI, and the engineering of large-scale intelligent software systems, with instruction consistently in English. | Found housing and daily expenses in Italy more affordable than Finland. Everyday communication in English could be difficult, but an A1 Italian course helped her handle basic conversations. |
Rosheen Naeem
Joint Master’s in Software Engineering for the Green Deal
First semester at L’Aquila | Her joint program covered core software engineering and the environmental footprint of software systems, including ways to reduce their impact. Instruction remained in English across her study locations; her final thesis internship took place separately in Amsterdam. | Found Italy relatively affordable but the most challenging of her study countries for everyday language. She used basic Italian, Google Translate, and Google Lens when interacting with locals and reading signs or grocery labels. |
Sarosh
Joint Master’s in Engineering of Data-Intensive and Intelligent Software Systems
Software Engineering of Intelligent Systems specialization
One semester at L’Aquila; thesis completed in Finland | Chose L’Aquila for the second-year specialization in Software Engineering of Intelligent Systems. He completed its course requirements in one semester before returning to Finland for his thesis. | Found rent, utilities, and food more expensive in Italy than during his stay in Finland. Basic Italian study and translation tools helped with daily communication, while English was generally usable at university and Erasmus Student Network events. |
Hiba
Joint Master’s in Software Engineering for Green Deal
First semester at L’Aquila | Describes the Italian semester as intensive in technical computer science, contrasting it with sustainability-focused teaching in Finland and research-focused study in the Netherlands. Instruction was in English throughout the program. | Reports no significant everyday language barriers during her joint studies. Looking back, she wished she had balanced studying with more activities and exploration. |
It’s no surprise that computer science is a popular field today because of rapid technological advancement. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects computer and information technology occupations to grow much faster than average from 2024 to 2034, with about 317,700 openings each year. So, if you want to pursue computer science as a profession, consider studying in Italy’s best universities offering this field, as listed above.
We hope this article on the best universities for computer science in Italy was helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
