Are you an international student dreaming of pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Europe without the heavy burden of tuition fees? Applications are now officially open for the prestigious Padua International Excellence Scholarship 2026 in Italy.
Hosted by the historic University of Padua, this fully-funded opportunity offers a full tuition fee waiver and a generous annual allowance of €8,000 for talented students worldwide. Even better, many applicants can apply without IELTS by submitting an alternative proof of English proficiency.
Below is a complete guide to the eligibility requirements, financial benefits, academic programs, and the step-by-step application process for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Padua Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Host Country | Italy (Free Study) |
| Host University | University of Padua |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Single-Cycle |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Total Scholarships | 99 (69 Excellence + 30 Departmental) |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded (Tuition + €8,000/year Grant) |
| IELTS Requirement | Not mandatory (MOI Letter accepted) |
| Application Deadline | May 2, 2026 (Check specific program dates) |
Why Choose the University of Padua?
Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in the world. It boasts over 800 years of academic excellence and has pioneered research in science, medicine, and the humanities.
By joining this historic university, you become part of a legacy that includes alumni like Galileo Galilei and Nicolaus Copernicus. Today, it remains a top-ranked Italian university with a vibrant international student community, offering a wide array of programs taught entirely in English.
Located in the beautiful city of Padua in northern Italy, you will be ideally situated close to major cultural hubs like Venice and Verona.
Financial Benefits of the Padua Excellence Scholarship
The University of Padua is committed to supporting highly talented international students. Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support:
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Full Tuition Fee Waiver: You will not pay any tuition costs for the entire duration of your program.
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€8,000 Annual Scholarship: A cash grant paid annually to cover your living expenses, accommodation, and study materials.
Duration of Support
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Master’s Degree: 2 continuous years.
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Bachelor’s Degree: 3 continuous years.
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Single-Cycle Degree: As per the program structure.
Important Note: Students are required to cover their own expenses and tuition fees if their studies extend beyond the specified scholarship duration.
Available Academic Programs (English-Taught)
The scholarship is available for numerous Bachelor's and Master's degrees taught entirely in English. While you should visit the official website for the complete list, available fields include:
Bachelor's Programs
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Psychology
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Economics and Management
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Information Engineering
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Earth and Climate Dynamics
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Human Rights and Multi-level Governance
Master's Programs
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Astrophysics and Cosmology
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Biotechnology
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Computer Science
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Data Science
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Economics and Finance
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Environmental Engineering
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European and Global Studies
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Mathematics, Physics, Molecular Biology
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Sustainable Agriculture
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for automatic consideration for the Padua International Excellence Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
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Nationality: Must be an international student (non-Italian citizen).
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Academic Record: Must possess a strong academic record and exceptional qualifications (highly competitive selection).
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Previous Qualifications:
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For Bachelor's: Must hold a non-Italian High School Diploma.
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For Master's: Must hold a non-Italian Bachelor’s Degree.
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Program Choice: Must apply to an academic program at Padua that is taught entirely in English.
Study in Italy without IELTS
While proof of English proficiency is required, IELTS is not your only option. The University of Padua accepts various forms of proof. If your previous degree (High School or Bachelor’s) was taught entirely in English, you can submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous institution as valid proof of proficiency.
Required Documents for Application
Ensure you have clear, scanned PDF copies of the following documents ready before applying:
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Academic Transcripts: From all previous education.
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Diplomas/Degrees: High School Diploma (for Bachelor's) or Bachelor’s Degree (for Master’s).
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Valid Passport Copy: For international travel.
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Proof of English Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or an MOI letter from your previous university.
Additional documents like a CV, Statement of Purpose, Recommendation Letters, or a Research Proposal may be required depending on the specific program you choose.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
There is no separate scholarship application form. All eligible international students are automatically considered upon admission to their chosen degree program.
Step 1: Browse Programs
Visit the University of Padua website and find an English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s degree that matches your background. Note its specific requirements and deadlines.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
Gather all required academic transcripts, identity documents, and your proof of English proficiency (IELTS or MOI).
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Complete your application through the official University of Padua portal and upload all necessary documents. The general submission deadline is May 2, 2026.
Step 4: Wait for Evaluation
Applications will be reviewed strictly on academic merit. If successful, your scholarship award will be included along with your formal admission offer.
Useful Links
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Official List of English-Taught Degrees: https://www.unipd.it/en/english-degrees