The University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship is one of the most generous and accessible merit-based scholarships available to international students in Europe as it covers full tuition fees plus an annual grant of €8,000 and unlike most scholarships, it requires no separate application meaning you apply for an eligible English-taught degree programme at the University of Padua and meet the eligibility requirements, you are automatically considered.
This guide gives you every verified detail: what the scholarship covers, who is eligible, how many are awarded, the real deadlines for the next cycle, the maintenance requirements, and how to maximise your chances of selection.
About the University of Padua
The University of Padua Università degli Studi di Padova was founded in 1222, making it one of the oldest universities in the world and one of the most historically significant academic institutions in Europe and is located in Padua, a beautiful city in northern Italy close to Venice, Florence, and Milan combining centuries of academic heritage with a lively, modern student environment. This university consistently ranked among the top 15 universities in Italy and among the top 400–450 globally. It spans 18 faculties and departments covering sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities, social sciences, economics, and more, and hosts a large international student community.
The Padua International Excellence Scholarship is part of the university's commitment to attracting the world's most talented students regardless of financial background.
What the Scholarship Covers
The scholarship package is straightforward and generous:
1. Full tuition fee waiver your annual tuition is entirely covered for the duration of the scholarship
2. Annual grant of €8,000 (gross amount) paid in two instalments of €4,000 each per academic year
3. Maximum duration:
· 2 years for Master's degree candidates
· 3 years for Bachelor's and Single-Cycle degree candidates
4. What you will still pay:
· The regional tax (tassa regionale)
· A marca da bollo (Italian revenue stamp)
These are small administrative fees not tuition as scholarship covers the substantive cost of your education.
Important note on living costs: The €8,000 annual grant is intended to contribute to living expenses accommodation, food, and local transport. Padua is significantly less expensive than Rome or Milan, but €8,000 per year (approximately €667/month) does not fully cover all living costs. Plan to supplement with personal savings, part-time work (permitted for international students on a student visa up to 20 hours per week), or additional family support. Budget approximately €900–€1,200/month total for comfortable living in Padua.
How Many Scholarships Are Available?
Up to 99 scholarships in total are awarded 69 Padua International Excellence Scholarships plus 30 additional Departmental Scholarships offered by specific University of Padua departments for students applying to particular eligible English-taught programmes and it is a meaningful number but so is the volume of international applicants this means that programme is highly selective and only candidates showing the highest academic achievements and school or university records receive a scholarship.
Successful scholars are also expected to fulfil an ambassadorial role and represent the University at a number of events a meaningful commitment worth factoring into your decision.
Eligibility Criteria
v Non-Italian nationality dual citizens who hold Italian citizenship are not eligible (with limited exceptions)
v Non-Italian academic background:
· For Bachelor's or Single-Cycle degree applicants: a non-Italian foreign secondary school diploma (equivalent to A-Level, Baccalaureate, or similar) that grants admission to the Italian university system
· For Master's degree applicants: a non-Italian Bachelor's degree allowing admission to the Italian university system
Apply to English-taught programmes you must apply to one or more degree programmes completely taught in English at the University of Padua. You can apply to up to 3 programmes (though some sources cite a maximum of 2 verify on the official portal at the time of your application)
Not benefit from another scholarship funded by a public body — if you are awarded multiple scholarships, you must choose one
Strong academic record selection is based entirely on academic merit. There are no interviews, essays, or letters of recommendation. Your transcripts and grades are the primary selection criterion
How the Application Works
There is no separate scholarship application to complete this means that you are automatically considered for the selection procedure if you meet the eligibility requirements and apply for an eligible English-taught degree programme at the University of Padua. This means the quality and strength of your degree programme application ,your academic records, transcripts, language certificates, and any programme-specific requirements is what determines whether you receive the scholarship. There is no scholarship essay, no motivation letter for the scholarship, and no additional form to submit beyond what the degree application requires.
Application portal: apply.unipd.it Official scholarship page: unipd.it/en/padua-excellence
Important Timing Note for 2026-27
Be honest with your timeline before investing significant preparation time:
The 2026-27 application deadlines were: 10th April 2026 for limited-access programmes and 2nd May 2026 for open-access programmes (second round). Results for the second round are being published from 4th June 2026 for open-access programmes and 7th May 2026 for limited-access programmes.
If you are reading this article in May or June 2026, the 2026-27 scholarship cycle has already closed for most programmes. The opportunity to apply for 2026-27 entry has passed or is in its final results stage.
What this means for you:
If you missed the 2026-27 cycle, begin preparing now for the 2027-28 cycle. The application window for 2027-28 is expected to open in November 2026 for the first round. Students who begin preparing their academic documents, language certificates, and programme research from today will be significantly better positioned than those who start in October 2026.
The majority of scholarships are awarded in the first application round. The competition is fierce, and second-round applicants receive consideration for significantly fewer remaining spots. Always target the first deadline.
Scholarship Maintenance Requirements
The scholarship is not guaranteed for its full duration. The University of Padua will revoke your scholarship if you do not obtain at least 20 ECTS by 30th November of the following academic year.
The full maintenance requirements are:
To continue to Year 2 (Master's): Obtain at least 40 ECTS by end of September 2027 and 60 ECTS by end of March 2028
To continue to Year 3 (Bachelor's): Obtain at least 90 ECTS by end of September 2028 and 120 ECTS by end of March 2029
If these credit requirements are not met, the scholarship is suspended and may be revoked. If you withdraw from the programme after receiving scholarship payments, you may be required to refund previously paid amounts.
This is a scholarship for students who are genuinely committed to completing their degree — not a fallback arrangement.
Available Fields and Programmes
The scholarship is available for all English-taught Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes at the University of Padua. These span a wide range of disciplines including:
Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Management, Biomedical), Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Care, Italian Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Human Health Biology, Earth and Climate Sciences, Economics, Political Science, Psychological Sciences, Neuroscience, Medicine, Law, Environmental Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Architecture, Humanities, Social Sciences, and more.
The complete list of eligible English-taught programmes is available at unipd.it/en/english-degrees. Check this list carefully not every programme at Padua is taught in English, and only English-taught programmes qualify for the scholarship.
What Makes a Competitive Application
Since selection is based entirely on academic merit with no interviews or essays, your academic record is everything. Here is what the selection committee evaluates:
5. Grades and GPA: your cumulative academic performance at your previous level of study is the primary factor. Aim to have your transcripts in the best possible shape before applying.
6. Rigour of your academic background :grades from a highly competitive secondary school or university carry more weight than identical grades from a less rigorous institution. Context matters.
7. Programme fit; applying to a programme that directly builds on your previous academic background is more compelling than an unexplained shift in field.
8. Early application : always apply in the first round. The majority of scholarships are awarded then, and the competition for second-round slots is significantly more intense for the remaining spots.
9. Language certification : ensure your English language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) meets the requirements of your chosen programme well before the application window opens. Processing language tests takes time.
How to Apply
1. Visit unipd.it/en/english-degrees and browse the complete list of English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programmes. Select the programme(s) that align with your academic background and career goals.
2. Review the admission requirements for each programme carefully — these vary and may include specific academic prerequisites, language tests, portfolios, or GMAT/GRE scores.
3. Prepare all required documents: diplomas, transcripts, passport copy, language certificate, and any programme-specific requirements. Ensure all documents are in PDF format and officially translated/certified where required.
4. Create an account on the application portal at apply.unipd.it and complete the online application form for your chosen programme(s) during the relevant application period (expected to open November 2026 for 2027-28 entry).
5. Submit before the first-round deadline. You are automatically considered for the scholarship no additional form required.
6. Check the official website for results publication dates. If offered a scholarship, you will receive an offer letter with acceptance deadline and procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a separate application form for the University of Padua scholarship? No. There is no separate scholarship application and you apply for an eligible English-taught degree programme at the University of Padua and meet the eligibility requirements, you are automatically considered for the scholarship. The strength of your degree application particularly your academic record determines whether you receive it.
Q: How many University of Padua International Excellence Scholarships are awarded? Up to 99 scholarships in total ,69 Padua International Excellence Scholarships plus 30 additional Departmental Scholarships offered by specific University of Padua departments for particular eligible programmes.
Q: What does the University of Padua scholarship actually cover? The scholarship covers full annual tuition fees plus an annual grant of €8,000 (gross), paid in two instalments of €4,000. You only pay a small regional tax and revenue stamp each year. The scholarship lasts up to 2 years for Master's and 3 years for Bachelor's degrees, subject to meeting annual credit requirements.
Q: Can students from Rwanda and Africa apply for the University of Padua scholarship? Yes. The scholarship is open to non-Italian nationals from all countries worldwide, including Rwanda and all African countries. There are no nationality restrictions beyond the requirement to hold a non-Italian academic qualification.
Q: What happens if I don't meet the credit requirements to maintain the scholarship? The scholarship will be suspended and may be revoked if you fail to meet the required ECTS credit thresholds. For Master's students, you must earn at least 20 ECTS by 30th November of your first year. If you withdraw from the programme, previously paid scholarship amounts may need to be refunded.
Q: Is the 2026-27 University of Padua scholarship still open? For most programmes, the 2026-27 application deadlines have passed (April–May 2026). Results for the second round are being published from May–June 2026. If you missed this cycle, begin preparing now for the 2027-28 cycle, with applications expected to open in November 2026.
Q: How competitive is the University of Padua Excellence Scholarship? Very competitive. Selection is based entirely on academic merit, and only the highest-achieving applicants receive awards. Applying in the first round (November–February for 2027-28) significantly improves your chances, as the majority of scholarships are awarded in that round.
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