Padua International Excellence Scholarship: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Padua International Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious initiative by the University of Padua, one of Europe's oldest and most renowned universities, to attract outstanding and highly talented international students from across the globe. It is designed to reward those with exceptional academic records, enabling them to pursue a fully-funded Bachelor's or Master's degree taught entirely in English at this historic institution. If you have a proven record of high academic achievement and the potential to become an ambassador for the university, this scholarship provides a transformative opportunity to study in Italy.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the application is integrated directly into your degree programme application. This guide will walk prospective international students through every step of the process, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, details of the funding, the selection criteria, and the acceptance procedure. You can be fully prepared to seize this chance to study and experience life in the heart of Italy while working toward your academic goals.

The scholarship is applicable to all English-taught Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes at the University of Padua. You can choose from numerous courses across various disciplines. The programme must be held entirely in English at the University of Padua.

Padua International Excellence Scholarship Awards

The Padua International Excellence Scholarship is a highly selective, fully-funded opportunity for international students to pursue their undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the University of Padua. It provides a comprehensive financial package to allow you to focus entirely on your academic pursuits.

The scholarship covers a wide range of expenses and includes:

• Tuition Fee Waiver: Exemption from the university tuition fees.
• Living Stipend: A scholarship of €8,000 (gross amount) per academic year.
• Admission Fees: The only cost to the student is the nominal admission fee, which covers the regional tax and stamp duty.

Padua International Excellence Scholarship Amount

The total award is a combination of a fee-waiver and a substantial living grant, distributed over the duration of your degree programme.

Padua International Excellence Scholarship Benefits

Beyond the significant financial coverage, the Padua International Excellence Scholarship offers unique advantages that enrich your academic journey and future career prospects.

The eligibility criteria are strict and must be met fully. You are automatically considered for the scholarship when you apply for an eligible degree programme.

Countries Eligible Under Padua International Excellence Scholarships

The scholarship is available to highly talented prospective international students from all over the world. The programme aims to build a diverse and vibrant international student community at the university.

The application process is streamlined and integrated with your degree application through the university's official online portal. It is highly competitive, with selection based solely on academic merit.

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the nationality, residency, and academic criteria.
2. Choose Your Programme: Select up to three English-taught Bachelor's or Master's degree programmes at the University of Padua.
3. Submit Application: Complete and submit your online application for your chosen degree programme(s) within the specified application period.
4. Automatic Consideration: You will be automatically considered for the scholarship and no separate form is needed.
5. Await Results: The Academic Committees will assess all eligible applications and publish the selection results online.

Application Timeline for Padua International Excellence Scholarship

The entire process is aligned with the university's application periods. Adhering to the timeline is critical, as scholarships are primarily reserved for candidates applying in the first period.

Padua International Excellence Scholarship Interview

There is no interview process for the Padua International Excellence Scholarship. The selection is conducted entirely based on the academic excellence, quality, and records demonstrated in your application documents. The Academic Committee of each degree programme directly shortlists and awards the most deserving candidates.

Highly talented prospective international students from all over the world wishing to enrol in one of University of Padua Bachelor's or Master's degrees completely held in English.

There is no separate application for the scholarship. The documents you submit for your chosen degree programme application at the University of Padua will be used for the scholarship selection. Required documents typically include:

• Valid passport or national ID card.
• Secondary school diploma and transcripts (for Bachelor's applicants).
• Bachelor's degree diploma and transcripts (for Master's applicants).
• English language proficiency certificate (if required by the specific degree programme).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) and any other programme-specific documents.

FAQs about Padua International Excellence Scholarship

Who is eligible for the Padua International Excellence Scholarship?

You must be a non-Italian citizen, not residing in Italy, and you must hold a qualifying non-Italian secondary or Bachelor's diploma. You must apply to an English-taught degree programme at the University of Padua.

What does the Padua International Excellence Scholarship cover?

It covers your full tuition fees via a waiver and provides an €8,000 (gross) living stipend per academic year. You are only responsible for a small admission fee.

Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?

No. There is no separate application. You are automatically considered for the selection when you apply for an eligible English-taught degree programme at the University of Padua.

How can I maintain the scholarship each year?

To maintain the scholarship, you must meet specific academic progress requirements, such as obtaining a minimum number of ECTS credits (e.g., 20 ECTS by November 30th of the following academic year), as detailed in the official call for applications.