Enrolment 2026–2027
The Master’s in Artificial Intelligence for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage is a 1-year, 2nd-level postgraduate programme offered by the University of Pisa. It is open to graduates holding a Master’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) from a broad range of academic backgrounds who wish to develop advanced expertise in Artificial Intelligence applied to Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Important dates
- Applications open: 20 July 2026
- Application deadline: 13 October 2026
- Programme starts: 11 November 2026
- Application portal: Alice Portal
Enrolment Status 2026–2027
Applications will open on 20 July 2026.
Admission Requirements
The programme is open to applicants holding a Master’s degree (Second Cycle Degree), a Specialist Degree, or an equivalent qualification under the previous Italian university system, or an internationally recognised equivalent qualification.
The Master’s adopts a strongly interdisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise in archaeology, cultural heritage, and artificial intelligence. Students from diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as innovation in AI for cultural heritage benefits from the integration of different perspectives and skills. The programme is designed to accommodate participants with varying levels of technical experience. The introductory modules enable attendantes without a strong computing background to successfully engage with the more advanced courses.
Students who successfully complete all course requirements will be awarded the Master’s Diploma issued by the University of Pisa and signed by the Rector.
Application procedure
To apply for admission to the Master’s programme, applicants must submit their application through the Alice Portal, following the instructions provided in the official Call for Applications.
Application period: 20 July 2026 – 13 October 2026 (1:00 PM, CET)
Upon completion of the online application, the system will generate a confirmation receipt certifying that the application has been successfully submitted.
Tuition fees may be paid by private companies or public institutions on behalf of the applicant. Details regarding tuition payment procedures are provided in the Call for Applications.
Required documents
Applicants must upload the following documents as part of the selection process:
-
Curriculum Vitae (CV), including:
- Date of birth;
- Details of the qualifying degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), including the final grade, awarding institution, and date of graduation;
- A copy of a valid identity document.
Applicants holding a degree awarded outside Italy must also provide the documentation specified in the Call for Applications.
- Motivation Letter, explaining the reasons for applying to the programme, the applicant’s academic and professional interests, and how the Master’s aligns with their educational and career objectives.
- ISEE for University Financial Aid (Italian applicants only), required exclusively for those wishing to apply for tuition fee reductions based on household income.
Submission of Supporting Documents
All documents required for the selection process must be received by the Master’s Academic Office no later than 13 October 2026 at 1:00 PM (CET).
The required documents, together with a copy of a valid identity document, must be submitted using one of the following methods.
- Certified Email (PEC). Send the required documents, together with a copy of a valid identity document, to …@pec.unipi.it. Please include the full name of the Master’s programme in the subject line of the email.
- Registered Mail (A/R), to the address below. Please indicate the name of the Master’s programme on the envelope. The application must be received by the deadline; the postmark date will not be considered.
Master’s in Artificial Intelligence for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Department of Civilizations and Forms of Knowledge
University of Pisa
Via Trieste 40, 56126 Pisa, Italy
APPLICATION CHECKSLIST
Before submitting your application, please ensure that you have prepared the following documents:
- Signed Curriculum Vitae (CV), including your date of birth, qualifying degree, final grade, awarding institution, and date of graduation.
- Valid identity document (passport or national identity card).
- Motivation Letter, outlining your reasons for applying and explaining why you believe you are a suitable candidate for the programme.
- ISEE for University Financial Aid (Italian applicants only), required only if you wish to apply for tuition fee reductions based on household income.
Selection and Admission
Applications are evaluated by the Master’s Admission Committee based on the documentation submitted. Each applicant is assigned a score, and admission is granted according to a merit-based ranking. Successful applicants must confirm their place by completing the enrolment procedure and paying the first instalment of the tuition fee by the deadline specified in the Call for Applications.
Conditional Admission
Applicants who have not yet completed their qualifying degree may be conditionally admitted, provided they obtain their degree after the application deadline but before 11 November 2026, the official start date of the programme. Applicants graduating from universities other than the University of Pisa must submit a self-declaration confirming the date of graduation, together with a copy of a valid identity document, by email to master@adm.unipi.it.
Please note that the qualifying degree must be awarded before the official start date of the programme. This requirement remains valid even if the start of teaching activities is postponed.
Tuition Fees and Payment Schedule
Detailed payment instructions are provided in the Call for Applications and during the enrolment procedure through the University of Pisa’s application portal. The total tuition fee for the Master’s programme is €2,900, payable in 3 instalments according to the following schedule:
| Instalment | Amount | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| First instalment | €1160 | 18 December 2026 |
| Second instalment | €1000 | 15 February 2027 |
| Third instalment | €740 | 15 April 2027 |
Late Enrolment for Available Places
If places remain available after the completion of the standard enrolment process, the Master’s Programme Committee may open one additional application period to fill the remaining places.
Applications submitted during this phase will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, provided that applicants meet the admission requirements and are still able to satisfy the programme’s mandatory attendance requirements, in accordance with the University of Pisa’s Master’s Regulations.
Any additional application period, including the number of available places, deadlines, and enrolment procedures, will be announced on the University of Pisa website and on the Master’s webpage.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The Master’s programme offers two forms of financial support to eligible students.
Tuition Fee Reductions
At least six tuition fee reductions of €960 each are available. These are awarded as an exemption from the fourth tuition instalment.
Recipients are selected based on the following criteria:
- ISEE for University Financial Aid (70% of the final score);
- Academic qualifications (30% of the final score), including the final degree grade and other relevant academic achievements.
The selection process takes place before the fourth instalment is due.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Additional merit-based scholarships may be awarded as a partial reimbursement of tuition fees after the completion of the taught component of the programme.
Awards are based on students’ academic performance throughout the Master’s programme, taking into account both the number of ECTS credits successfully completed and the grades obtained.
The number and value of these scholarships depend on the funding provided by the Master’s partners and the financial resources available for each edition of the programme.
Auditors
It is possible to attend the Master’s programme as an auditor, even without meeting the formal admission requirements for the award of the degree.
Subject to the availability of places, applications as an auditor are accepted until 31 December 2026, including after the programme has started.
Auditors may attend all or part of the teaching activities but are not permitted to sit examinations, complete the internship, earn ECTS credits, or obtain the Master’s diploma.
At the end of the programme, auditors who have attended the selected activities will receive a Certificate of Attendance signed by the Programme Director.
Please note that:
- It is not possible to change status from auditor to regular student.
- Regular students may request to change their status to auditor; however, no refund will be provided for tuition fees already paid in excess of the auditor’s fee.
Auditor Fees
Auditors may enrol in either the entire programme or individual modules.
| Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| Entire Master’s programme | €2,400 (single payment) |
| Individual modules | €100 per ECTS credit (e.g. a 3-ECTS module costs €300) |
To apply as an auditor, please complete the Auditor Application Form.
Key Dates and Timeline
The table below provides an overview of the main application deadlines, tuition payment dates, and key milestones for the 2026–2027 edition of the Master’s programme.
| Activity | Date / Period | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | 20 July – 13 October 2026 | 🟡 Opening Soon |
| First Tuition Instalment (€1,920) | 31 October 2026 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| Teaching Period | 11 November 2026 – 31 July 2027 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| Auditor Applications Deadline | 31 December 2026 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| Second Tuition Instalment (€960) | 15 January 2027 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| Third Tuition Instalment (€960) | 15 February 2027 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| Fourth Tuition Instalment (€960) | 15 June 2027 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| Internship Period | 1 September 2027 – 28 February 2028 | 🟡 Upcoming |
Please refer to the Call for Applications for the official timetable and any updates to the programme schedule.