Everything begins with a choice. The Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa announces the new call for applications for admission to its First-Level and Single-Cycle Ordinary Courses and Second-Level Ordinary Courses

A public, international, tuition-free, and residential university. A place of knowledge and values where new generations of talent can grow. A gateway to the world, where everyone can decide who they want to become. The Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa announces the opening of applications for admission to its First- and Second-Level Ordinary Courses: 78 places in total, divided into 60 places for first-year students of First-Level and Single-Cycle Ordinary Courses and 18 places for first-year students of Second-Level Ordinary Courses. This offers a unique educational experience within an international campus that combines academic excellence, early exposure to research, international opportunities, and continuous exchange between faculty and students for comprehensive education and personal growth.

The deadline to apply is 8:00 PM on July 30, 2026, for First-Level and Single-Cycle Courses, and 12:00 PM on June 22, 2026, for Second-Level Courses.

“The new call for applications reaffirms Sant’Anna’s commitment to placing merit and social mobility at the center—core principles for the university system. We want the talent of younger generations, regardless of their economic background, to find a real opportunity here. Joining the School means living a unique experience: a path of academic excellence, but also an opportunity for personal growth and exchange within a forward-looking community,” says Nicola Vitiello, Rector of the Sant’Anna School.

First-Level Competition: Eligibility and Selection Process

For admission to the first year of First-Level or Single-Cycle Ordinary Courses, 60 places are available, divided as follows:

• 29 places for the Academic Class of Social Sciences (with three competition areas: Economics and Management, Law, Political Science);
• 31 places for the Academic Class of Experimental and Applied Sciences (with three competition areas: Agricultural Sciences and Plant Biotechnology – 5 places; Industrial and Information Engineering – 14 places; Medical Sciences – 12 places).

The selection process consists of three phases. The first phase is the preliminary selection, carried out through the TOLC test (except for Medicine, which allows direct access), administered by CISIA, also available online (TOLC@CASA). Based on test results, candidates are admitted to the written exams (second phase), scheduled in Pisa as follows:

• August 24–25: Agricultural Sciences and Medical Sciences
• August 25–26: Social Sciences
• August 27–28: Engineering

Candidates who pass the written exams will proceed to the oral exams (third phase), scheduled in Pisa in September.

To learn more: until June, the orientation initiative “Prepare for the Sant’Anna competition” offers ten online sessions (every Wednesday at 5 PM), providing guidance through discussions with faculty and current students.
In May, the initiative “Talk to us” will begin, allowing prospective applicants to book one-on-one conversations with current students.

Second-Level Competition: Eligibility

For the 2026–2027 academic year, 18 places are available:

• 10 places for the Academic Class of Social Sciences (Economics – 2; Management – 2; Data Science – 2; Political Science – 4)
• 8 places for the Academic Class of Experimental and Applied Sciences (Agricultural Sciences and Plant Biotechnology – 4; Industrial and Information Engineering – 4)

Each competition area specifies the corresponding Master’s Degree programs that admitted students must enroll in. Some places are reserved for joint programs with the University of Pisa (Economics LM-56, Bionics Engineering LM-21, Molecular Biotechnology LM-8) and the University of Trento (Innovation Management LM-77).

Applicants must hold (or obtain by December 31, 2026) a Bachelor’s degree from an Italian or foreign university, completed within four years, with a weighted average of at least 27/30 (or equivalent).

The selection process includes evaluation of qualifications and an in-person interview in Pisa between July 13 and 17. The application deadline is June 22 at 12:00 PM.

What It Means to Become an Honour Student at Sant’Anna

Honour students follow a parallel and complementary academic path alongside degree programs at the University of Pisa or partner institutions such as the University of Florence and the University of Trento, in fields including Economics, Law, Political Science, Engineering, Medicine, Agricultural Sciences, and Biotechnology.

Students live on campus, where accommodation and meals are provided free of charge. They attend supplementary courses, seminars, and language classes, participate in research activities, and have opportunities for study and research abroad, as well as internships in Italian and international companies and institutions.

Life at Sant’Anna also includes access to leisure facilities such as gyms, a music room, and recreational spaces, fostering a well-rounded collegiate experience based on exchange and interdisciplinarity.

Students who successfully complete their studies receive a Second-Level Diploma and a Licentiate Diploma, equivalent to a second-level Master’s degree.

Admission is tuition-free. Students receive free accommodation and meals throughout their studies.

To support merit and social mobility, the School reimburses travel and accommodation expenses (based on ISEE) for candidates attending written and oral exams in Pisa, as well as TOLC registration fees for First-Level applicants.

Statements from the Deans

“Everything begins with a choice. At a crucial moment in their lives, young people who apply to our admission competitions challenge themselves to seize a rare opportunity. Our goal is to guide them so that their talent translates into responsibility and opportunity. The School is unique in Italy: choosing Sant’Anna means choosing not only what to study, but who to become,” says Alberto Di Minin, Dean of the Academic Class of Social Sciences.

“We are looking for students who want to contribute to the well-being of society. They will face an intense and demanding period of study, but one rich in stimulation and satisfaction,” adds Christian Cipriani, Dean of the Academic Class of Experimental and Applied Sciences.

Visit the website for more information:
https://www.santannapisa.it/it/entrare-al-sant-anna