Application Deadline: Varies
The University of Padua is now accepting applications for the prestigious Padua International Excellence Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year. This opportunity is designed for exceptionally gifted international students from around the globe who aspire to pursue their higher education in Italy.
About the Padua International Excellence Scholarship
This distinguished scholarship program offers up to 68 awards to outstanding international candidates enrolling in English-taught degree programs at the University of Padua. The selection process is highly competitive, reserved only for applicants demonstrating the highest levels of academic accomplishment and exemplary school records.
Recipients of this scholarship are expected to serve as ambassadors for the University, representing Padua at various official events and engagements.
Scholarship Benefits
- Financial Support: The scholarship covers a full tuition fee waiver plus an €8,000 gross stipend for each academic year.
- Additional Fees: Scholarship holders are responsible only for paying an admission fee equivalent to the regional tax and a small administrative fee known as "marca da bollo."
Duration of the Scholarship
The Padua International Excellence Scholarships provide funding for a maximum of:
- 2 consecutive years for students enrolled in Master’s degree programs;
- 3 consecutive years for students pursuing Bachelor’s or Single-Cycle degree courses.
After these periods, scholarship recipients must personally cover tuition fees and living expenses until they complete their studies.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The scholarship targets highly talented prospective international students worldwide who wish to enroll in either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees completely held in English offered by the University of Padua.
Application Requirements and Procedure
To be automatically considered for the scholarship selection process—note that failure to meet these criteria will result in exclusion—you must satisfy the following conditions:
- Not hold Italian citizenship (excluding individuals with dual citizenship including Italian);
- Hold a foreign secondary school diploma (for Bachelor’s or Single-Cycle degree applicants) or a foreign Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s degree applicants) recognized as valid for admission to Italian universities;
- Reside outside of Italy;
- Submit an application to one or more of the University of Padua’s English-taught degree programs.
Applicants who fulfill these requirements will be automatically entered into the scholarship selection process. It is important to note that no separate scholarship application or additional documents are required beyond those needed for admission to the chosen degree program.
Scholarship Acceptance
If you are selected for a Padua International Excellence Scholarship, you will receive an official offer outlining the acceptance procedure and deadlines. To confirm your scholarship, you must not hold any other grants, and you must meet all conditions necessary to complete your enrollment at the University of Padua.
The first installment of the scholarship will be disbursed upon your arrival in Padua. Specific merit-based criteria that beneficiaries must meet to retain the scholarship are detailed in the official Call for Applications.
Revocation Policy
The University reserves the right to revoke the scholarship if:
- The recipient fails to earn at least 20 ECTS credits by November 30th of the following academic year;
- The student chooses to transfer to a different university or withdraws from their studies.
In any of these scenarios, the scholarship holder will be required to refund the scholarship amounts already received.
Selection Process and Awarding Criteria
The Academic Committee for each degree program evaluates applicants based on their academic excellence in the relevant fields, the quality of their previous educational achievements, and their academic records. In situations where applicants receive identical scores, preference will be given to the younger candidate.
Scholarships are primarily allocated to candidates applying during the first application period. However, in exceptional cases, scholarships may also be granted to applicants submitting during the second application period.
Announcement of Selection Results
The results of the scholarship selection will be publicly posted on the University of Padua’s official website at www.unipd.it/en/assessement-results according to the following schedule:
- From 11 March 2026 for unlimited access degree programs (1st application period: 2 November 2025 – 2 February 2026);
- From 10 April 2026 for limited access degree programs (1st application period: 7 January 2026 – 7 March 2026);
- From 7 May 2026 for limited access degree programs with unawarded scholarships during the first period (2nd application period: 10 March 2026 – 10 April 2026);
- From 4 June 2026 for unlimited access degree programs with unawarded scholarships during the first period (2nd application period: 2 March 2026 – 2 May 2026);
- Following the release of entry test results for Single-cycle degrees in Medicine and Surgery and Medicine and Surgery – MedTech.
To seize this unique opportunity to study at one of Italy’s most historic and renowned universities, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.
