About the M3 Programme

M3 is a Master II Livello (second-level postgraduate master), now in its third edition. Its aim is to train professionals in the analysis, design, analytical and computer modelling, simulation and experimental validation of multifunctional metamaterials and metastructures. The programme covers theory, large-scale numerical modelling on high-performance computing (including hybrid approaches that use AI), and hands-on fabrication and testing in labs, across mechanical, electromagnetic, structural, energy, environmental and marine applications.

Important: what a “Master II Livello” is. In Italy, a Master universitario is a one-year postgraduate professional programme (60 ECTS). It is not the same as a two-year MSc (Laurea Magistrale, 120 ECTS). Think of it as an advanced, specialised postgraduate diploma from a respected public university, valuable for jobs and as a stepping stone to a PhD. Don’t expect it to count as a full MSc everywhere: whether it’s accepted as a master’s equivalent depends on the employer or university (verify on official website).

How it compares: fully funded Italian PhDs, like our Trento PhD guide covers, pay a salary-like stipend but are highly competitive and last three years or more. M3 is a one-year, fee-only route into a niche, fast-growing field. With 20 grants available it is far less crowded, and the blended format means you may not need to relocate for the whole year.

📚 Programme Structure and Courses

The programme totals 1,500 hours (60 ECTS): 210 hours of standard lessons (42 ECTS), 75 hours of lab courses (10 ECTS), a 150-hour internship (6 ECTS) and the final exam (2 ECTS), plus seminars, “hot-topic” tutorials and self-study. To finish, you pass 14 standard courses and 5 lab courses:

Foundations: choose 2 of 4 (3 ECTS each)

• Foundations of Electromagnetic Waves
• Foundations of Materials Science
• Foundations of Mechanics and Acoustics
• Foundations of Waveguides Propagation

12 mandatory courses (3 ECTS each)

• Additive Manufacturing of Metasurfaces and Metamaterials
• Advanced Modeling of Exotic Metamaterials
• Analysis and Design of Linear and Nonlinear Metastructures
• Dynamics and Homogenization of Periodic Metamaterials
• Engineering Properties of Materials
• Hydrodynamic Metamaterials for Fluid Flows
• Introduction to Multi-Functional Metamaterials
• Metasurfaces and Metamaterials for Electromagnetic Wave Manipulation
• Numerical Methods for Electromagnetic Modeling of Metamaterials and Metastructures
• Random Vibrations and Uncertainty Quantification for Metamaterials
• Smart and Nano Metamaterials
• Topological and Mechanical Characterization of Metamaterials

Labs: choose 5 of 7 (2 ECTS each): Additive Manufacturing of Metamaterials; Advanced Computational Modeling of Mechanical Metamaterials; Deployable Metamaterials; Metasurfaces for Smart Electromagnetic Environment; Multifunctional Materials; Product Design Fundamentals; and Smart Electromagnetic Environments.

Careers the programme targets: artificial-materials companies, avionics and aerospace, civil engineering (anti-seismic, acoustic and thermal insulation), terrestrial and space communications and sensing, automotive and next-generation transport, biomedical devices, materials engineering, and public and private R&D centres.

📄 Required Documents

1. Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications if you have any. Worth 80 of 100 points
2. Motivation letter explaining why you chose the programme. Worth 20 of 100 points
3. English certificate, B2 level or above
4. Degree certificate with marks and dates (transcript)

HEC note for Pakistani applicants: upload HEC-attested degrees and transcripts in English. For enrolment, Italian universities may also ask for a Declaration of Value (DoV) from the Italian Embassy in Islamabad, or a CIMEA statement, to confirm your 16-year degree. Start this early, because it can take weeks (verify on official website).

🪜 Step-by-Step: How to Apply

1. Check your degree: a 4-year BS or a master’s. Final-year students must graduate by the selection date.
2. Get your English proof: a B2+ certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and so on), or check whether an English-medium instruction letter is accepted.
3. Build a strong CV. It carries 80% of the score, so highlight your grades, final-year project, labs, software (COMSOL, ANSYS, MATLAB, CST, HFSS), publications and internships.
4. Write the motivation letter (20%): name 2–3 M3 courses you want, link them to your background, and state a clear career goal.
5. Apply on the UniTrento portal before 27 November 2026, 12:00 CET.
6. Selection: the committee scores your CV (up to 80) and letter (up to 20). You may be invited to an interview. You need at least 60 points.
7. If selected: confirm enrolment and check how the 20 fee grants are assigned (verify on official website). Ask whether you need to be in Trento for the labs and internship, and whether you’ll need a study visa.

🌍 Why Apply

Metamaterials are still a specialist field, so there are few experts and growing demand from telecom (6G and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces), aerospace, defence, civil and biomedical industries. A focused one-year qualification from UniTrento, with labs, an internship and industry partners, can set you apart for R&D jobs and PhD applications in Europe. Free tuition plus the blended format keeps the cost and risk unusually low.

🔗 Official Sources

• M3 programme website
• Admission 2027
• Grants 2027
• Programme and courses 2027
• Online application portal
• Contact: 2027.MAII.M3.UniTN.TRENTO.IT@unitn.it