University of Padua Italy International Excellence Scholarship 2026

The University of Padua—one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities—is offering the Padua International Excellence Scholarship 2026 for highly talented international students. This fully funded scholarship aims to attract exceptional students from around the world to pursue English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in Italy for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Scholarship Overview

The Padua International Excellence Scholarship 2026 is a competitive and merit-based award designed for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance. The university offers 62 scholarships to top applicants enrolling in any English-taught degree program at the University of Padua.

Degree Level

Duration:

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

Available Subjects

All subjects

Benefits

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:

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

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

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to internationals students of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

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.

Application Procedure

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 2026 has not yet been announced. 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 2026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to submit a separate application for the Padua International Excellence Scholarship?

No, there is no separate application required. If you apply for an English-taught program and meet the eligibility criteria, you will be automatically considered for the scholarship.

What expenses are covered by the scholarship?

The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a €8,000 annual stipend (gross). Students only pay the regional tax and stamp duty (marca da bollo).

Can I apply for multiple degree programs at the University of Padua?

Yes. You can apply for up to three English-taught degree programs, and your scholarship eligibility will be considered for each.

When will the results of the scholarship selection be announced?

The results will be published on the official website according to the timeline mentioned in the Call for Applications. Applicants should monitor www.unipd.it/en/assessement-results for updates.

What happens if I don’t meet the merit requirements to maintain the scholarship?

If you fail to achieve the required 20 ECTS credits by November 30 of the following academic year or withdraw from your studies, your scholarship will be revoked, and you must refund any amount received.