The University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship supports international students enrolling in the university's English-taught degree programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year. The award combines a full tuition-fee waiver for the standard duration of study with an annual cash scholarship of €8,000 gross, paid in two instalments of €4,000. Around 62 scholarships were offered in the most recent round, and funding runs for up to 3 years for Bachelor's and Single-Cycle degrees and up to 2 years for Master's degrees. There is no separate application: every eligible candidate who applies for admission to an English-taught programme is automatically considered, and applicants may list up to 3 programme choices. To keep the award, holders must earn at least 20 ECTS credits by 30 November of each following year and maintain satisfactory progress; after the funded period students cover their own costs. Founded in 1222, Padua is one of the oldest universities in the world. Because the number of awards, the exact stipend, and the programme deadlines change each cycle, confirm the current-cycle figures on the official University of Padua scholarship page before applying.
Applying for admission to an English-taught programme is the only step needed; the admission application doubles as the scholarship application.
Awards go mainly to candidates who apply in the first application period; strong second-round applicants may also be considered.
All countries except Italy (Italian citizens excluded, dual nationals subject to conditions)
Selection is handled by each programme's Academic Committee, which ranks applicants on academic excellence, the quality and relevance of prior education, and overall suitability for the chosen programme. Scholarships are awarded primarily to candidates who apply during the first application period, with exceptional second-round applicants considered if places remain.
The University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova), founded in 1222, is one of the oldest universities in the world and among the top higher-education institutions in Italy. It teaches across a wide range of disciplines, offers many English-taught programmes, and hosts a large international student community.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
It is a merit award that combines a full tuition-fee waiver with an €8,000 gross annual cash scholarship for international students on English-taught degrees.
Non-Italian citizens who hold a non-Italian qualification, do not reside in Italy when they apply, and apply for an English-taught programme at Padua.
No. Every eligible candidate who applies for admission to an English-taught programme is automatically considered.
A full tuition-fee waiver plus €8,000 gross per year; you only pay the regional tax and the marca da bollo stamp duty.
The €8,000 gross is paid in two instalments of €4,000 each during the academic year.
Around 62 scholarships were offered in the most recent round; confirm the current figure on the official page.
Up to 3 years for Bachelor's and Single-Cycle programmes and up to 2 years for Master's programmes.
You must earn at least 20 ECTS credits by 30 November of the following academic year and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Yes. You may apply to up to 3 English-taught programmes at the University of Padua.
The scholarship is revoked, and any funds already received must be reimbursed.
Deadlines are set per programme; the first application period typically closes around late February 2026 (est.). Check each programme's page for the exact date.
On the University of Padua scholarships page for international students, which publishes the binding terms, award count, and deadlines.