University of Padua Scholarships 2026

Italy has long been a beacon of higher education, combining centuries of academic tradition with cutting-edge research. The University of Padua, founded in 1222, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the university offers generous scholarships to talented international students who wish to enroll in English-taught degree programs. With an €8,000 allowance plus a full tuition fee waiver, these scholarships make world-class education in Italy accessible to students from around the globe. If you are exploring study opportunities in Southern Europe, you should check fully funded scholarships in Italy for international students 2026 to understand the broader landscape of educational funding available in this historic country.

Overview of Padua International Excellence Scholarships 2026

The University of Padua has established a specific scholarship program to boost and support the academic careers of international students not residing in Italy and holding non-Italian citizenship. The call covers two kinds of scholarships:

• Padua International Excellence Scholarships: Up to 69 awards for the most talented prospective international students applying to English-taught degree programs

• Departmental Scholarships: Up to 30 additional awards provided by specific departments for highly talented international students applying to selected English-taught programs

• Host University: University of Padua

• Location: Padua, Italy

• Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Single-cycle (Medicine and Surgery)

• Scholarship Value: €8,000 per year + full tuition fee waiver

• Eligible Nationalities: Non-Italian citizens not residing in Italy

• Application Deadlines: Vary by program (November 2025 – May 2026)

For students interested in comparing opportunities at other Italian institutions,  scholarships in Europe for all nationalities provides another perspective on educational funding across the continent.

Scholarship Benefits

The Padua International Excellence Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support that makes studying in Italy affordable and accessible. Successful recipients receive:

• €8,000 gross allowance per academic year paid in two instalments

• Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the degree program

• Only administrative fee payable: Regional tax for the right to education and revenue stamp (non-refundable)

The scholarship duration is up to two consecutive academic years for Master’s programs and up to three consecutive academic years for Bachelor’s and Single-cycle degree programs. This support allows students to focus entirely on their studies without financial worry.

For students seeking additional funding options across Europe, financial aids for students in Europe provides information on various programs available throughout the continent.

Available English-Taught Degree Programs

The University of Padua offers a wide range of English-taught programs eligible for these scholarships. The full list is available on the university website, with the following programs receiving additional departmental scholarships:

Department of Biomedical Science

• Bachelor’s in Biology of Human and Environmental Health (1 scholarship)

Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering

• Master’s in Environmental Engineering (2 scholarships)

• Master’s in Mathematical Engineering (2 scholarships)

• Master’s in Water and Geological Risk Engineering (1 scholarship)

Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation

• Master’s in Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology (1 scholarship)

Department of Industrial Engineering

• Master’s in Aerospace Engineering (1 scholarship)

• Master’s in Chemical and Process Engineering (1 scholarship)

• Master’s in Electrical Engineering (1 scholarship)

• Master’s in Energy Engineering (1 scholarship)

• Master’s in Materials Engineering (1 scholarship)

Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry

• Master’s in Forest Sciences (1 scholarship)

Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies

• Master’s in Communication Strategies (English track) (1 scholarship)

Department of Mathematics

• Master’s in Cybersecurity (2 scholarships)

• Master’s in Computational Finance (2 scholarships)

• Master’s in Computer Science (2 scholarships)

• Master’s in Data Science (2 scholarships)

• Master’s in Mathematics (2 scholarships)

Department of Medicine

• Single-cycle degree in Medicine and Surgery (2 scholarships)

Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology

• Master’s in Clinical, Social and Intercultural Psychology (1 scholarship)

• Master’s in Social Science for Digital Data (1 scholarship)

Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies

• Master’s in European and Global Studies (1 scholarship)

• Master’s in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance (1 scholarship)

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet all the following requirements:

• Hold a non-Italian upper secondary school certificate for Bachelor’s programs, or a non-Italian Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs, allowing admission to the Italian university system

• Hold non-Italian citizenship (dual citizenship including Italian is excluded)

• Not already reside in Italy. Applicants are considered residing in Italy if:

  • Non-EU citizens with a valid residence permit allowing enrolment without a new student visa

  • EU citizens who have resided continuously in Italy for more than 9 months

• Apply for one or more English-taught degree programs at the University of Padua (up to two programs allowed)

• Meet all admission requirements and deadlines for the chosen program

How to Apply – Automatic Consideration

One of the most convenient aspects of this scholarship is that no separate application is required. All eligible applicants who apply for an English-taught degree program are automatically considered for the scholarship. The selection process is based on academic excellence, quality of prior learning, and academic records.

Application Deadlines by Program Type:

• Unlimited access programs (1st period): November 2, 2025 – February 2, 2026

• Limited access programs (1st period): January 7, 2026 – March 7, 2026

• Second application periods available for remaining scholarships

For students managing multiple applications, list of fully funded scholarships in Europe for International Students 2026 helps track various opportunities with different timelines across the continent.

Selection Timeline

Scholarship selection results are published on the university website at different times depending on the program:

• From March 11, 2026: Unlimited access programs (1st application period)

• From April 10, 2026: Limited access programs (1st application period)

• From May 7, 2026: Limited access programs (2nd period – remaining scholarships)

• From June 4, 2026: Unlimited access programs (2nd period – remaining scholarships)

• Following publication of entry test results for Medicine and Surgery programs

Payment Conditions and Scholarship Renewal

The scholarship is paid in two instalments of €4,000 per academic year. The first instalment is credited upon arrival in Padua after completing enrolment and opening a bank account with an IBAN in the Single Euro Payments Area.

To maintain scholarship eligibility for subsequent years, students must meet specific ECTS credit requirements:

For Master’s Students:

• First instalment of second year: 40 ECTS by end of September 2027

• Second instalment of second year: 60 ECTS by end of March 2028

For Bachelor’s and Single-cycle Students:

• First instalment of second year: 40 ECTS by end of September 2027

• Second instalment of second year: 60 ECTS by end of March 2028

• First instalment of third year: 90 ECTS by end of September 2028

• Second instalment of third year: 120 ECTS by end of March 2029

Why Choose the University of Padua

The University of Padua is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, with a history of academic excellence spanning over 800 years. It was the first university in the world to offer a degree in medicine and has been a center of scientific discovery since the days of Galileo. Today, Padua offers a vibrant international community, cutting-edge research facilities, and a beautiful historic setting in the Veneto region of northern Italy. Students benefit from excellent career prospects, strong industry connections, and the opportunity to study in one of Europe’s most culturally rich cities.

Final Thoughts

The University of Padua Scholarships 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity for international students to pursue English-taught degree programs in Italy with comprehensive financial support. With an €8,000 annual allowance, full tuition fee waiver, and automatic consideration upon application, this scholarship program removes financial barriers and opens doors to world-class education at one of Europe’s most historic universities. Application deadlines vary by program, with the first period closing in early 2026. Prepare your documents, apply to your chosen program, and take this step toward an unforgettable academic experience in Italy.

Apply Now for University of Padua Scholarships 2026