University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship 2026 | €8,000 + Full Tuition Waiver
Scholarship Description
The University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship 2026 is a highly competitive award for outstanding international students applying to English-taught degree programs at one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities. Up to 68 scholarships are available for the 2026/27 academic year, providing a full tuition fee waiver plus an €8,000 annual stipend (gross amount) to support living expenses.
Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is a world-renowned institution known for its research excellence, historic legacy (Galileo Galilei taught here), and vibrant international community. Successful scholars are expected to act as ambassadors, representing the University at various events.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable at the University of Padua, Padua, Italy. Students will study on-campus in one of Italy's most charming and historic cities, located in the Veneto region, close to Venice.
Scholarship Deadline
The Padua International Excellence Scholarship is awarded based on the degree program application deadlines. Candidates are automatically considered when they apply for an English-taught program. Scholarships are primarily reserved for applicants in the first application period (typically November–February). On an exceptional basis, some may be awarded in the second period.
Typical Application Timeline (2026/27):
- First application period: November – February (primary scholarship consideration)
- Second application period: March – April (limited availability)
Check the official Call for Applications for exact dates each year.
Host Institution
University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova) – one of Italy's leading universities and a member of the Coimbra Group. The scholarship is administered by the Global Engagement Office – Admissions and Welcome Unit.
Level and Fields of study
Levels: Bachelor's (3 years) and Single-Cycle degree (e.g., Medicine, Law – 5/6 years), and Master's (2 years).
Fields: All degree programs completely taught in English at the University of Padua. This includes a wide range of disciplines: Engineering, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Medicine, Biology, Computer Science, Humanities, and more. See the university website for the full list of English-taught programs.
Target group
Highly talented international students from all over the world who do not possess Italian citizenship (except dual citizens with Italian). Applicants must hold a non-Italian foreign secondary school diploma (for Bachelor's) or non-Italian Bachelor's degree (for Master's) and must not reside in Italy at the time of application.
Duration & Amount
Amount: €8,000 per academic year (gross amount) + full tuition fee waiver. The only fees payable are the regional tax and "marca da bollo" (administrative stamp).
Duration:
- 2 continuous years for Master's degree candidates
- 3 continuous years for Bachelor's and Single-Cycle degree candidates
After the maximum duration, students must cover their own expenses and tuition until graduation. The stipend is paid in two installments (€4,000 each) per academic year, subject to merit requirements (minimum 20 ECTS by November 30th of the following academic year).
Scholarship Eligibility
To be automatically considered for the selection, you must:
- Not possess Italian citizenship (except for dual citizenship including Italian).
- Hold a non-Italian foreign secondary school diploma (for Bachelor's/Single-cycle) or non-Italian Bachelor's degree (for Master's) that grants access to the Italian university system.
- Not reside in Italy.
- Apply to one or more English-taught degree programs at the University of Padua.
Selection is based on: academic excellence in the field of study, quality of prior learning records, and overall achievements. The Academic Committee of each degree program shortlists eligible applicants and awards the most deserving candidates.
✅ Eligible
- International students (non-Italian citizenship, non-resident in Italy).
- Applicants to English-taught Bachelor's or Master's programs.
- Outstanding academic records (high GPA, top ranking).
- Automatic consideration – no separate scholarship application.
❌ Ineligible
- Italian citizens (except dual citizens with Italian).
- Residents of Italy at the time of application.
- Applicants to Italian-taught programs only.
- Those already benefiting from other grants.
Application procedure
There is no separate application for the scholarship. Eligible candidates are automatically considered when they apply for an English-taught degree program. Follow these steps:
- Choose an English-taught program: Browse the list of Bachelor's, Master's, and Single-Cycle degrees taught entirely in English at the University of Padua.
- Apply for admission: Submit your online application through the University's admission portal within the application period (first period recommended for scholarship consideration). Prepare required documents: academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, language certificates (English proficiency), and any program-specific requirements.
- Automatic scholarship evaluation: The Academic Committee of your chosen degree program will review all eligible applications and select the most outstanding candidates for the Padua International Excellence Scholarship.
- Check results: Selection results are published at www.unipd.it/en/assessment-results according to the timeline in the official Call for Applications.
- Accept the scholarship: If awarded, you will receive a scholarship offer with instructions and a deadline to accept. To receive the scholarship, you must not benefit from other grants and must finalize your enrolment.
- Arrival and payment: The first stipend installment is paid upon your arrival in Padua. Subsequent installments are subject to meeting the merit requirements (minimum ECTS earned).
Important: The scholarship is highly competitive. Candidates applying in the first application period (usually November–February) receive priority consideration. Ensure your academic records demonstrate exceptional achievement.
Official Website
University of Padua – Padua International Excellence Scholarship (official page with Call for Applications, program list, and admission deadlines).
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Advice
The Padua International Excellence Scholarship is one of Italy's most generous awards for international students, combining a full tuition waiver with a substantial living stipend. With only 68 scholarships available, it is highly selective. To maximize your chances, apply early in the first application period, ensure your academic records are outstanding, and carefully prepare your application documents. Remember that successful scholars become university ambassadors, so demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a strong commitment to representing the University of Padua. Don't miss the opportunity to study at one of Europe's most historic and prestigious universities with full financial support!
Padua International Excellence Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What does the Padua International Excellence Scholarship cover?
It covers full tuition fees (waiver) plus an €8,000 annual stipend (gross amount) for living expenses. The only fees payable are the regional tax and administrative stamp.
Do I need to submit a separate application for the scholarship?
No. Eligible applicants are automatically considered when they apply for an English-taught degree program at the University of Padua. There is no separate scholarship application.
When is the deadline to apply?
Deadlines align with the degree program application periods. The first application period (typically November–February) gives priority for scholarship consideration. Exact dates are published in the annual Call for Applications.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Up to 68 scholarships are available for the 2026/27 academic year.
What are the maintenance requirements?
To maintain the scholarship, you must obtain at least 20 ECTS credits by November 30th of the following academic year. The stipend is paid in two installments upon meeting this merit condition.
Can I apply if I am already living in Italy?
No. Applicants must not reside in Italy at the time of application.