Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies
Pisa, Italy
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies
Pisa, Italy
Founded
1987
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
~1,650
THE World Ranking
201–250
Discover Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies
Discover Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna) is a special-statute, highly selective public research university located in Pisa, Italy. Together with the University of Pisa and Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, it forms the prestigious Pisa University System, focusing exclusively on applied sciences at the highest level.
The School operates as both an independent university awarding its own Master's degrees and PhDs, and a collegiate institution whose undergraduate honors students are simultaneously enrolled at the University of Pisa. Research is carried out within six Institutes active in Life Sciences, Engineering, and Social Sciences, and the School holds the highest ratio of patents per researcher in Science and Technology in Italy.
Sant'Anna's mission centers on attracting and nurturing talented students through a model of close interaction between faculty and students, with a strong interdisciplinary approach. The School is committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and addresses strategic issues such as sustainability, social inclusion, health, data science, and artificial intelligence.
Key Milestones
- 1785: Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo of Lorraine founded the Sant'Anna Conservatory in Pisa, the historical predecessor of the School.
- 1967: The Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e Perfezionamento was established through a merger of the Collegio Antonio Pacinotti and the Collegio Medico-Giuridico.
- 1987: Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies was formally established by law as an independent special-statute public university, gaining its current name and headquarters.
- 2011: The BioRobotics Institute was founded, becoming one of the largest doctoral schools in robotics and biomedical engineering in the world.
Academic Structure and Institutes
Academic Structure and Institutes
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies organizes its research and teaching across six specialized Institutes spanning Life Sciences, Engineering, and Social Sciences. Each Institute manages its own research laboratories and educational programs, fostering a deep integration between cutting-edge research and advanced training.
Institute of BioRobotics
A leading center for research in robotics, biomedical engineering, biomimetics, and bionics. The Institute encompasses over 150 researchers and PhD students working on medical robotics, wearable technologies, and bioinspired systems.
- PhD in BioRobotics
- MSc in Bionics Engineering (joint with University of Pisa)
- Rehabilitation Robotics and Neuroscience Robotics Research
Institute TeCIP (Communication, Information and Perception Technologies)
Focused on photonic technologies, virtual reality, perception systems, and real-time computing. The Institute hosts laboratories including IRCPhoNet, PERCRO, and ReTiS.
- PhD in Emerging Digital Technologies
- Photonic Networks and Technologies Research
- Virtual Reality and Perceptual Robotics Research
Institute of Economics
Home to the Laboratory of Economics and Management (LEM), the Institute conducts influential research on innovation, industrial dynamics, and economic growth, with globally cited publications in the field.
- PhD in Economics
- Economics of Innovation and Technological Change
- Industrial Dynamics and Competitiveness Research
Institute of Management
Conducts advanced research and training in management sciences, including healthcare management, sustainability, and organizational performance, with laboratories MAIN, MES, and SUM.
- PhD in Management
- Master in Management of Research, Innovation and Technology
- Healthcare Management and Performance Research
Institute DIRPOLIS (Law, Politics and Development)
An interdisciplinary institute combining legal, political, and development studies. It hosts laboratories focused on international law, governance, human rights, and sustainable development.
- PhD in Law, Politics and Development
- International Law and Human Rights Research
- Governance and Sustainable Development Studies
Institute of Life Sciences
Encompasses Agricultural Sciences, Plant Biotechnology, and Medical Sciences. The Institute focuses on plant genetics, crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, and translational medicine.
- PhD in Agrobiodiversity
- PhD in Translational Medicine
- Plant Genomics and Crop Science Research
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate (Honors Program)
- Academic QualificationHigh school diploma or equivalent granting access to Italian university degree courses
- Selection ProcessPre-selection tests, two written examinations, and an oral interview
- Academic StandardMust maintain a minimum average of 27/30 in university exams, with no single exam below 24/30
- Language ProficiencyProficiency in at least two foreign languages required
- EnrollmentSimultaneous enrollment at Sant'Anna and the University of Pisa
Graduate (Master's and PhD)
- Academic QualificationBachelor's degree or equivalent for Master's; Master's degree or equivalent for PhD
- English ProficiencyMinimum B2 level in English; Master's programs are taught entirely in English
- Selection ProcessCompetitive entrance examination evaluating academic background, research aptitude, and interview
- Required DocumentsTranscripts, CV, motivation letter, letters of recommendation, and passport copy
- Application FeeNo application fees for PhD programs; contact the university for Master's program fees
Typical deadline for international Master's program applications. Check the specific program page for exact dates.
Common deadline for PhD program applications such as BioRobotics. Deadlines vary by program.
Written and oral entrance examinations for undergraduate honors students are typically held during summer.
Application deadlines for short-term seasonal school programs vary throughout the year. Check the Sant'Anna website for current offerings.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies is a public institution that offers exceptional value. Undergraduate honors students study entirely free of charge with full scholarships, while PhD programs are fully funded with no tuition fees. Master's programs have modest tuition by international standards.
| Fee Category | Honors/PhD Students | Master's Students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | EUR 0 (fully funded) | EUR 7,500 (full program) |
| Accommodation | EUR 0 (provided on campus) | EUR 3,000–5,000 per year (estimated) |
| Meals / Canteen | EUR 0 (included) | EUR 2,000–3,000 per year (estimated) |
| Books and Materials | EUR 0 (library access included) | Included in tuition fee |
| Total | EUR 0 per year | EUR 7,500 (full Master's program) + living costs |
Full Honors Scholarship (Undergraduate and PhD)
All admitted undergraduate honors students and PhD candidates receive a full government-funded scholarship. This covers tuition, accommodation, canteen access, research grants, and travel allowances, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies.
- Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, meals, and stipend
- Eligibility: All admitted honors and PhD students (merit-based)
- Renewal: Renewed annually upon successful academic assessment
Master's Partial Fee Waivers
A limited number of partial tuition waivers are available for Master's program students, particularly those from non-OECD countries who require a visa for Italy. Fee reductions of up to 30% may be awarded based on merit and financial need.
- Coverage: Up to 30% tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility: Citizens of non-OECD countries with demonstrated financial need
- Availability: Extremely limited; subject to funding availability
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Sant'Anna's main campus is housed in a beautifully restored former Benedictine convent dating to the 15th century, located in the historic center of Pisa at Piazza Martiri della Libertà. The School also operates the Polo Sant'Anna Valdera research campus in Pontedera and maintains laboratories at the nearby CNR research area in San Cataldo.
The main campus occupies a restored 15th-century Benedictine convent in the heart of Pisa, blending centuries of history with modern academic life.
The Polo Sant'Anna Valdera in Pontedera houses cutting-edge robotics, biomedical engineering, and bionics research facilities.
The library provides access to approximately 80,000 books, 68,000 e-journals, 7,300 e-books, and 44 online databases in a historic setting.
Housing and Student Services
Student Residences
The School provides on-campus housing in three residential buildings located in the historic center of Pisa, with single or double rooms for honors students.
- 256 student beds across three residential buildings
- Single and double rooms with optional private bathroom
- Guest houses in Pisa and Pontedera for visiting scholars
Dining and Amenities
Honors students enjoy complimentary canteen service with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with access to sports facilities, music halls, and study rooms.
- Full canteen service (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Gyms, sports equipment, and recreational spaces
- In-room cleaning, wardrobe, and laundry services
Student Life at Sant'Anna
Student Life at Sant'Anna
Student life at Sant'Anna is defined by an intimate, intellectually stimulating community where faculty and students interact daily. The collegiate model fosters close mentoring relationships, and each student is assigned a personal tutor throughout their time at the School. Pisa's vibrant student culture and historic setting provide an enriching backdrop for academic and social life.
Pisa: A Historic University City
Pisa: A Historic University City
Living in Pisa
Pisa is a historic Tuscan city renowned for its architectural heritage, vibrant student community, and strategic location. Home to three prestigious universities, the city offers an affordable cost of living by European standards, excellent public transportation, and easy access to Florence, the Tuscan coast, and major European cities via Pisa's international airport.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Pisa boasts the UNESCO-listed Piazza dei Miracoli, world-class museums, medieval churches, and a lively arts scene rooted in centuries of scholarly tradition.
Student-Friendly City
With over 50,000 university students, Pisa offers an energetic social scene, affordable dining, bookshops, cafes along the Arno River, and a welcoming international atmosphere.
Strategic Location in Tuscany
Florence is just one hour away by train, and the beautiful Tuscan coast, Cinque Terre, and Lucca are easily reachable for weekend excursions and cultural exploration.
International Connectivity
Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport provides direct flights to major European cities, making it convenient for international students to travel home or explore the continent.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Alumni Work
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
The School provides assistance with visa applications, residence permits, and Italian bureaucratic procedures to help international students settle smoothly in Pisa.
Honors and PhD students receive on-campus housing. Master's students receive guidance on finding accommodation in Pisa's affordable rental market near the historic center.
Every student is assigned a personal tutor for academic guidance. The placement service helps students connect with internship opportunities, job offers, and company recruitment events.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
Despite its small size and young age as an independent institution, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies consistently ranks among the top universities globally, particularly excelling in research impact, citations, and industry income. The School is especially prominent in young university rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Robotics | EduRank | #33 in Italy |
| Business and Economics | THE Subject Rankings | #151 |
| Computer Science | EduRank | #34 in Italy |
| Engineering | EduRank | #39 in Italy |
Features
Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies is a highly selective public research university with a special statute, emphasizing excellence in research and education. Located in Pisa, Italy, it supports undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. Entrance is by competitive examination, and the institution maintains a low student-to-staff ratio to ensure quality. It also has a significant international student presence and strong research output, particularly in applied sciences and interdisciplinary fields.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 33, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy
Map not found.
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