University of Padua Italy International Excellence Scholarship 2026

The University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship 2026 is awarded by the University of Padua in Italy to international students entering English-taught Bachelor's, Master's and Single-Cycle degree programs. It is a fully funded merit award built around a full tuition fee waiver plus an €8,000 annual scholarship, and it runs for up to two years for Master's students and three years for Bachelor's students.

It is open to international applicants who do not hold Italian citizenship and, for Bachelor's or Single-Cycle entry, hold a non-Italian high school diploma. The award covers tuition and the annual grant, leaving only the regional tax and stamp duty to pay. The application deadline has passed, so check the official page for current dates. Read on for eligibility, benefits and how to apply.

Recipients of the Padua International Excellence Scholarship will receive:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• €8,000 annual scholarship (gross amount)
• The only payment required from the student is the regional tax and marca da bollo (stamp duty)
• Scholarships are awarded for up to:

1. 2 years for Master’s degree students
2. 3 years for Bachelor’s or Single-Cycle degree students

• After the covered duration, students are responsible for their own tuition and living expenses.

Duration:

1. 2 years for Master's degree candidates
2. 3 years for Bachelor's and Single-Cycle degree candidates

• All subjects

This scholarship is open to internationals students of all nationalities.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify:

• Must be an international student (non-Italian citizenship, except for dual citizens with Italian nationality).
• Hold a non-Italian high school diploma (for Bachelor’s/Single-Cycle applicants) or a non-Italian Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants).
• Must not reside in Italy.
• Apply for up to three English-taught programs at the University of Padua.
• If all requirements are met, applicants are automatically considered for the scholarship - no separate application is required.

Selection Process

The Academic Committee of each program reviews eligible applicants based on:

• Academic excellence and achievements
• Quality of prior education
• Overall merit and suitability for the chosen program

Scholarships are primarily awarded to students who apply during the first application period, although exceptional candidates from the second round may also be considered.

The application process for the Padua International Excellence Scholarship is automatic for eligible candidates who apply for one of the English-taught programs. There is no separate application form for the scholarship. Simply complete the online application for the degree program to be automatically considered.

Scholarship Acceptance & Renewal

Winners will receive an official Padua International Excellence Scholarship offer with details on acceptance procedures and deadlines. To retain the scholarship each year, recipients must:

• Earn at least 20 ECTS credits by 30th November of the following academic year.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

The scholarship is paid in two instalments of €4,000 per academic year. However, if a student transfers or withdraws, the scholarship will be revoked and previously paid amounts must be refunded.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Padua International Excellence Scholarship varies each year. Applicants are encouraged to regularly check the official website for updates and to apply early for their preferred degree program to ensure eligibility.

Why Choose the University of Padua?

Located in northern Italy, the University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova) is renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and research. Established in 1222, it ranks among the top universities in Italy and Europe, offering a vibrant international community, world-class facilities, and programs taught entirely in English.

Final Thoughts

If you are an outstanding student aiming to study at one of Europe’s leading universities, the Padua International Excellence Scholarship is an incredible opportunity. Make sure to apply for your chosen English-taught program at the University of Padua to automatically be considered. For more information, visit the University of Padua's official website.