Overview
Pisa punches well above its size. The city has fewer than a hundred thousand residents, yet it hosts three higher-education institutions, including the University of Pisa, and students are everywhere. The university has a strong scientific tradition: it established one of Italy’s first computer science degrees, and its physics, mathematics, engineering and informatics departments remain among the most research-active in the country. Medicine, veterinary science, agriculture and the humanities are also well established.
English-taught programmes exist mainly at master’s level, in areas such as computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, physics, economics, engineering and international relations, while nearly all bachelor’s degrees are in Italian. The international office runs a central application process for non-EU students and offers guidance on scholarships and the fee calculation based on income documents.
The experience of living in Pisa is distinctive. It is small, flat and cyclable, with a historic centre built around the Arno river and the Leaning Tower a few minutes from the lecture halls. Costs are lower than Florence, and the international airport makes travel home straightforward. The downside is that the city can feel small after a year or two, which is why many students treat Florence and the coast as their weekend escape.
Who it suits
Pisa suits computer science, physics, mathematics and engineering students who want a focused research environment at state-university fees, and anyone who prefers a close-knit student town to a big city. It is also a sensible choice for applicants who intend to learn Italian, since the city’s size makes immersion easy.
What to check before applying
- Check the English master’s list carefully, as the bachelor’s catalogue is almost entirely in Italian.
- Review the curriculum prerequisites for computer science and data science master’s degrees.
- Apply to DSU Toscana for a residence place and grant early.
- Arrive before late September if possible, because rooms are hard to find once term starts.
- Confirm the department location, since science and engineering buildings are outside the centre.