Overview

The University of Pisa (Università di Pisa, UNIPI) is a public research university in Pisa, Italy. Founded in 1343, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe. The papal seal "In Supremae dignitatis," issued by Pope Clement VI on 3 September 1343, granted the Studium in Pisa the title of Studium Generale — a higher institute of education founded or confirmed by a universal authority, namely the papacy or empire. Pisa was among the first European cities to receive a papal attestation for its university, followed by Prague in 1347 and Heidelberg in 1386. 

Although officially founded in 1343, various scholars place the university's origins as far back as the 11th century. It is certain that from the middle of the 12th century Pisa had a "Universitas" in the original sense of the word — a group of students who gathered around masters. It was during this period that Leonardo Fibonacci was born and worked — one of the greatest mathematicians in history who synthesized the spirit of Greek geometry with Arabic mathematics for the first time in Europe. 

At the University of Pisa, centuries of history meet a vibrant student life. With around 50,000 students, 20 departments and over 150 degree programmes, it combines a centuries-long academic tradition with cutting-edge research and innovation. Pisa has always been a place where ideas shape the future: it was here that Galileo Galilei laid the foundations of modern science, and where Nobel laureates like Giosuè Carducci, Enrico Fermi, and Carlo Rubbia once studied. 

The university prides itself on being the first university in Italy to launch a computer science degree. It has close relations with the Pisan Institutes of the National Board of Research and with many cultural institutions of national and international importance, especially the information technology industry, which went through rapid expansion in Pisa during the 1960s and 1970s. The university has 17 libraries and 13 museums. 

Together with Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa and Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, the University of Pisa is part of the Pisa University System — a prestigious consortium of three exceptional institutions that together form one of Europe's most powerful academic ecosystems. With around 50,000 students in a city of approximately 90,000 inhabitants, Pisa is truly a city-campus. 

Notable alumni include Galileo Galilei (father of modern science), Nobel Prize winners Enrico Fermi (Physics, 1938) and Carlo Rubbia (Physics, 1984), Nobel Laureate in Literature Giosuè Carducci (1906), and celebrated tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Intakes

The University of Pisa follows a semester-based academic calendar with two main intakes:

• Autumn Intake (October/November) — Primary intake for all Bachelor's, Master's, and most PhD programs
• Spring Intake (February/March) — Available for select Master's and PhD programs

Application Deadlines (Indicative):

Note: Pre-enrolment on Universitaly (universitaly.it) is mandatory for non-EU students requiring a visa. Always verify program-specific deadlines on the official UNIPI website (unipi.it). The University of Pisa application deadline for international students is approximately 30 April for the autumn intake.

Top Courses

The University of Pisa has 11 faculties, including Agriculture, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Law, Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Political Science, Science, Veterinary Medicine, and Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences. 

The University of Pisa offers 16 master's programmes in English plus various other programmes, including its MBA program.  Key faculties and flagship programs include:

• Faculty of Engineering — MSc in Computer Engineering (joint with Scuola Sant'Anna), MSc in Aerospace Engineering (EuMAS — European Master in Aeronautics and Space), MSc in Civil and Industrial Engineering, MSc in Telecommunications Engineering, MSc in Electrical Engineering, MSc in Chemical Engineering
• Faculty of Science (Mathematical, Physical & Natural Sciences) — MSc in Physics, MSc in Mathematics, MSc in Chemistry, MSc in Computer Science and Networking (joint with Scuola Sant'Anna), MSc in Space Engineering, MSc in Data Science and Business Informatics
• Faculty of Medicine and Surgery — MD in Medicine and Surgery (Single-Cycle), Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy
• Faculty of Economics — MSc in Economics, MSc in Management, Master of Science in Economics (English-taught), MBA
• Faculty of Law — LLM in International Law, BSc in Law, MSc in Legal Studies
• Faculty of Agriculture — MSc in Agricultural Science, MSc in Food Science and Technology, MSc in Veterinary Medicine
• Faculty of Humanities — MA in History, MA in Archaeology, MA in Classical Philology, MA in Linguistics
• Faculty of Political Science — MSc in International Relations, MSc in Political Science, MSc in International Studies
• Pisa University System — The unique collaboration between UniPi, Scuola Normale Superiore, and Scuola Sant'Anna offers exceptional research and honours programs for outstanding students

Cost of Studying at University of Pisa

As a public Italian university, the University of Pisa offers very affordable tuition fees relative to its academic prestige.

For the academic year 2025/2026, the maximum all-inclusive tuition fees for regular students — which covers teaching, scientific and administrative services — is €2,900. Reduction of tuition fees is possible based on family income (up to the maximum of €2,900). 

For the 2025/26 academic year, fees ranged from €446 to €2,900 per year, depending on the student's country of origin and income level. 

The first instalment of €250 must be paid upon registration. International students awarded an Italian Government scholarship pay only the regional tax of €140. 

Note: Pisa is one of Italy's most affordable student cities, with room rents of approximately €250–€350 per month. Figures based on 2025–26 data. Please verify at unipi.it before applying.

Scholarships

Students can apply for a scholarship from DSU Toscana (Azienda Regionale Diritto allo Studio Universitario). The DSU grant includes: free accommodation, free meals in university canteens, a monetary allowance to cover extra expenses (sports, books, etc.), and full exemption from tuition fees. All students enrolled or enrolling in a degree course at the University of Pisa — both Italian and international — can apply. The deadline for the 2025–2026 academic year call is 5 September 2025. 

Key scholarships for international students include:

Admissions

The University of Pisa has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations for prospective students. The acceptance rate ranges from 20–39%, making it a very selective to moderately selective institution depending on the program. 

For Undergraduate Programs (Laurea / BSc):

To enrol at the University of Pisa, it is necessary to have completed at least 12 years of schooling overall, including primary school, lower secondary school, and high school. Degrees must include at least the last two years of successful attendance in the foreign education system. 

• Completion of 12 years of secondary education (CBSE/ISC Class 12 for Indian students)
• Minimum 60%+ in Class 12 (program-dependent)
• Entrance examination required for restricted-access programs (Medicine, Engineering, some Science programs)
• IELTS 5.5–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 78+ for English-taught programs (B2 CEFR minimum)
• Italian B2 for Italian-taught programs
• Pre-enrolment on Universitaly.it (mandatory for non-EU students)

For Postgraduate Programs (Laurea Magistrale / MSc):

• Bachelor's degree (Laurea or equivalent) in a relevant field
• Minimum GPA equivalent to 2.8–3.0/4.0 (varies by program)
• IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80+ for English programs
• Statement of Purpose / Motivational Letter
• CV / Résumé
• Academic transcripts with certified English translations
• Letters of Recommendation (for research programs)
• Portfolio required for Architecture and Design programs

For PhD Programs:

• Master's degree with strong academic record
• Research proposal
• IELTS 5.0+ (minimum) / recommended 6.5+ for teaching positions
• Interview with department supervisor

Placements

Notable figures connected with the University of Pisa include the father of modern physics Galileo Galilei, who studied and later taught mathematics, and the Nobel Prize-winners in physics Enrico Fermi and Carlo Rubbia. The university has a high employer reputation particularly in Italy's technology, research, and industrial sectors. 

Graduates of UNIPI are in high demand in the labour market, as the reputation of the institution among employers is quite high. In Italy, after graduation from a master's or doctoral programme, graduates can apply for a job-seeker visa, allowing them to remain and work in Italy for up to one year after graduation. 

The university's Career Service connects graduates with employers through job fairs, internship placements, career counselling, and alumni networks. Pisa's location in Tuscany — close to major IT, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and agri-food industries — gives graduates strong regional employment access.

Key career sectors for UNIPI graduates:

• IT & Computer Science — IBM Italy, Ericsson, Oracle, NTT Data, Engineering Group (Pisa was Italy's Silicon Valley in the 1960s–70s)
• Aerospace & Defence — Piaggio Aerospace, Thales Alenia Space, Leonardo S.p.A., Italian Air Force Research
• Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals — Chiesi, Eli Lilly Italy, Menarini, Pisa University Hospitals
• Academic & Research — CNR, INFN (National Institute for Nuclear Physics), ENEA, Italian Universities
• Agriculture & Food Technology — Barilla, Bertolli, leading Tuscan wine and olive oil companies
• Finance & Consulting — PwC, Deloitte, KPMG (Tuscany offices), UniCredit, Banca Intesa

Jobs After Graduating from University of Pisa

Note: Salary figures are indicative net monthly values. Actual salaries vary by role, employer, sector, and experience.

For personalised guidance on University of Pisa admissions, scholarships, and the Italy student visa process, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.