Global students planning to study in Italy should begin preparing immediately.
The University of Padua is expected to release the official Call for Applications for the Padua International Excellence Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year starting from March 2026. This scholarship is one of the most competitive and prestigious funding opportunities available for international students enrolling in English-taught degree programmes in Italy.
If you are aiming for a fully funded Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Europe, this is the right time to prepare your academic and admission documents.
Why This Scholarship Deserves Your Attention?
The Padua International Excellence Scholarship is designed for highly talented international students with strong academic records. It provides both tuition support and a yearly financial grant, making it one of the most valuable merit-based scholarships in Italy.
Selected students will also be expected to represent the university as international ambassadors during events and academic activities.
Padua Scholarship Offerings
The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Annual scholarship of €8,000 (gross amount)
- Students only pay a small admission fee each year, which includes regional tax and administrative charges
Duration of Funding
- Up to 2 years for Master’s degree students
- Up to 3 years for Bachelor’s and Single-Cycle degree students
After the funded period ends, students will be responsible for paying their own tuition and living expenses until graduation.
Payment Structure
The €8,000 annual scholarship is paid in two instalments of €4,000 each per academic year. Payments are released after students meet the required academic merit conditions.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to outstanding international students from all countries who plan to enroll in English-taught degree programmes at the University of Padua.
To be eligible, you must:
- Not hold Italian citizenship (except dual citizenship including Italian)
- Hold a non-Italian secondary school diploma for Bachelor’s admission or a non-Italian Bachelor’s degree for Master’s admission
- Not reside in Italy
- Apply to one or more English-taught degree programmes at the University of Padua
There is no separate scholarship application. Students who meet the requirements and apply for an eligible degree programme are automatically considered for the scholarship. This means your degree application must be strong, complete, and submitted on time.
How Selection Takes Place?
Each degree programme’s Academic Committee reviews applications and awards scholarships to the most deserving candidates. Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence
- Quality of previous academic results
- Overall achievements and academic potential
The scholarship is highly selective and mainly awarded to candidates applying in the first application period. In rare cases, second-round applicants may also be considered.
When Will Applications Open?
Detailed information and the official Call for Applications for the 2026/27 academic year will be published starting from March 2026.
Since most scholarships are awarded to first-round applicants, early preparation is essential. Students should begin preparing:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Degree certificates and translations (if required)
- Updated CV
- Motivation statement
- English language test results if required
- List of preferred English-taught programmes.
Information: https://www.unipd.it/en/padua-excellence
Final Advice for Global Students!
The Padua International Excellence Scholarship is awarded only to top-performing applicants. Strong grades, a well-prepared application, and early submission will significantly improve your chances.
If you are planning to study in Italy in 2026, start preparing your documents now. Early readiness will give you a major advantage once applications officially open.