University of Padua Admissions 2027/28 Now Open: English-Taught Programmes, €8,000 Scholarships and Tuition Waivers
The University of Padua admissions for 2027/28 are now open for international students holding foreign qualifications. The first application window opened on 15 September 2026, giving prospective students an early opportunity to apply to one of Italy’s leading public universities.
For international applicants, the attraction goes beyond admission. The University of Padua offers English-taught programmes across business, economics, engineering, computer science, natural sciences, humanities and other fields. Outstanding international applicants may also compete for the Padua International Excellence Scholarship, which provides €8,000 per year plus a tuition-fee waiver.
Even better, eligible applicants do not need to submit a separate application for the Excellence Scholarship. Applying for an eligible English-taught degree programme automatically places qualified candidates under consideration.
However, applicants need to pay close attention to the admission rounds. Although the first application window is currently open for many programmes, some limited-access Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes will not be open to non-EU applicants residing outside Italy until January 2027.
Here is what prospective students need to know about the University of Padua 2027/28 admission process.
University of Padua Admissions 2027/28 at a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Padua |
| Country | Italy |
| Academic Year | 2027/2028 |
| Study Levels | Bachelor’s and Master’s |
| Language | English and Italian programmes available |
| Current Application Round | Call One |
| Call One Opening | 15 September 2026 |
| Call One Deadline | 15 November 2026 for most currently open programmes |
| Application Fee | €60 |
| Main Excellence Scholarship | €8,000 gross per year + tuition-fee waiver |
| Full Tuition Waivers | Up to 100 for outstanding international students |
| Scholarship Application | No separate application for eligible candidates |
| English Requirement | Generally at least B2 for English-taught programmes |
| Eligible Nationalities | International applicants, subject to programme requirements |
University of Padua 2027/28 Application Rounds
One of the most important things applicants should understand is that there is not a single universal deadline for every programme.
For degree programmes with an unlimited number of places, the university has announced the following application windows:
Call One
15 September 2026 – 15 November 2026
This is the application round currently open for many programmes.
Call Two
1 December 2026 – 1 March 2027
Applicants who cannot complete their applications during Call One may find another opportunity in this round, depending on the programme.
Call Three
1 April 2027 – 1 June 2027
Importantly, Call Three is reserved for EU citizens and non-EU citizens already residing in Italy.
Therefore, non-EU students living outside Italy should not assume they can wait until the third application round.
Limited-Access Programmes Have Different Dates
Some programmes have a limited number of places and follow a different admissions calendar.
For non-EU applicants residing outside Italy, the first application period for several limited-access programmes is:
7 January 2027 – 7 March 2027
This distinction is particularly important for students who are currently searching the application portal and wondering why they cannot yet select some programmes.
For example, programmes such as Animal Care, Biology of Human and Environmental Health, Earth and Climate Dynamics, Economics, Governance and Decision-Making, Information Engineering and Psychological Science are among programmes showing the January–March application window for non-EU candidates residing outside Italy.
Therefore, always check the specific programme before assuming that the November deadline applies to it.
English-Taught Master’s Programmes Currently Open
A large selection of English-taught Master’s programmes is available in the current application round.
Among the programmes currently showing a deadline of 15 November 2026 are:
Business, Economics and Management
- Accounting, Finance & Business Consulting
- Applied Economics
- Computational Finance
- Management for Sustainable Firms
Computer Science and Information Technology
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Control Systems Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- ICT for Internet and Multimedia
Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical and Process Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Food Industry Engineering
- Management Engineering
- Materials Engineering
Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Astrophysics and Cosmology
- Biotechnologies for Food Science
- Complex and Data-Driven Chemistry
- Earth Dynamics
- Environmental Sciences for the Ecological Transition
- Evolutionary Biology
- Food and Health
- Forest Sciences
- Geophysics for Earth and Climate Processes, Risks and Resources
- Italian Food and Wine
- Marine Biology
Humanities and Social Sciences
- Communication Strategies
- English Studies
- European and Global Studies
- Human Rights and Multi-level Governance
- Local Development
This is not necessarily a complete list of all programmes offered by the University of Padua for 2027/28. Applicants should check the current application catalogue because programmes may have different admission rounds, access rules and deadlines.
University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship
One of the strongest reasons for international students to consider applying early is the Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme.
The University of Padua currently advertises up to 68 scholarships for highly talented international students seeking admission to eligible English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Successful candidates receive:
- €8,000 gross per academic year
- Exemption from university tuition fees
Scholarship recipients are generally still responsible for the regional fee and revenue stamp.
The maximum scholarship duration is:
- 3 academic years for Bachelor’s and eligible single-cycle degree programmes
- 2 academic years for Master’s degree programmes
Therefore, an eligible master’s student could potentially receive up to €16,000 in scholarship payments plus the tuition-fee exemption over two years, subject to satisfying the scholarship conditions.
Is There a Separate Scholarship Application?
No.
This is one of the programme’s most important features.
Eligible candidates who apply for an appropriate English-taught degree programme are automatically considered for the Padua International Excellence Scholarship.
You do not need to submit a separate scholarship application.
However, this process should not be confused with receiving an automatic scholarship.
Automatic consideration does not mean automatic selection.
The Excellence Scholarship is competitive. The university selects outstanding candidates based on academic achievement and the strength of their previous academic record.
Applicants should therefore prepare their admission applications carefully.
100 Full Tuition-Fee Waivers for International Students
The Excellence Scholarship is not the only financial opportunity available.
The University of Padua also offers 100 full tuition-fee waivers to outstanding international students enrolling in English-taught degree programmes.
Eligible candidates must generally:
- Not hold Italian citizenship, except where applicable in cases of dual citizenship
- Hold a foreign qualification
- Not already residing in Italy
- Apply for an eligible English-taught degree programme within the required deadline
Once again, eligible applicants do not need a separate application for this selection.
Applying to the degree programme automatically allows qualified candidates to compete for the waiver.
Students receiving the waiver are generally exempt from the main tuition contribution but remain responsible for the regional tax and stamp duty.
Other Scholarships and Financial Support
International students should also know that Padua has a broader financial support system beyond the Excellence Scholarship and international tuition waivers.
Depending on eligibility and the relevant annual calls, students may find opportunities including:
- Regional scholarships
- Full or partial tuition-fee exemptions
- ESU student accommodation
- Rent-support contributions
- 200-hour student collaborations
- Merit-based loans
- Student-athlete support
- Other university incentives and subsidies
These benefits should not be considered automatic consequences of admission. They have their own eligibility requirements, deadlines and application procedures.
Students interested in accommodation should particularly watch for the next ESU accommodation call for the 2027/28 academic year.
Who Can Apply for University of Padua Admissions 2027/28?
Applications are open to international candidates who meet the academic requirements for their chosen programme.
Bachelor’s Applicants
Applicants seeking admission to a Bachelor’s or single-cycle programme generally need a secondary-school qualification obtained after at least 12 years of schooling.
Candidates from education systems involving fewer than 12 years may need additional academic studies, an appropriate post-secondary qualification or an accepted foundation programme to satisfy Italian higher-education entry requirements.
Master’s Applicants
Master’s applicants generally need:
- A recognised Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
- An academic background appropriate for the chosen Master’s programme
- Any programme-specific subject or credit requirements
- Required language proficiency
Having a Bachelor’s degree does not automatically make an applicant eligible for all Master’s programmes. The academic committee evaluates whether previous studies provide the necessary preparation.
Can Cameroonians, Nigerians, Ghanaians and Other Africans Apply?
Yes.
Students from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries can apply for University of Padua programmes as international applicants, provided they meet the academic and programme-specific requirements.
For applicants living outside the European Union, however, it is especially important to follow the deadlines applicable to non-EU applicants residing outside Italy.
Students should also remember that successful admission is only part of the process. Non-EU students who require an Italian study visa must subsequently complete the required pre-enrolment and immigration procedures.
English-Language Requirements
Applicants holding foreign qualifications generally need to demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to at least B2 level if they want to study in an English-taught programme.
However, individual programmes may impose different or higher requirements.
For example, some programmes may have specific language requirements. Applicants should therefore check the requirements for their exact course rather than assume that one English-language rule applies identically to every programme.
The university allows eligible applicants to submit recognised English certification after the initial application in certain circumstances, but the required proof must generally be provided by the enrolment deadline, no later than 31 July 2027.
Applicants who qualify for an accepted language-certificate exemption should follow the university’s relevant exemption rules.
University of Padua Tuition Fees
Tuition varies according to the programme and the student’s circumstances.
Many English-taught programmes currently displayed on the international application portal have annual tuition of approximately €2,950.
Some programmes, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, display approximately €2,750 per year.
Nevertheless, applicants should use the amount shown for their individual programme rather than treating these figures as universal tuition rates.
International students who are selected for the Excellence Scholarship or one of the university’s full fee waivers can significantly lower these costs.
Documents Needed to Apply
Exact requirements vary by programme and study level. Therefore, applicants should follow the checklist displayed for their selected course.
International applicants should generally be prepared to provide documents such as:
- Passport or identification document
- Previous academic qualification
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of English-language proficiency where required
- Programme-specific documents
- Additional academic information requested by the department
Master’s applicants may also need to provide documents demonstrating that their previous university studies meet the academic prerequisites of the selected programme.
Applicants should upload clear and complete documents in the required format.
University of Padua Application Fee
The standard application fee for international applicants is currently €60.
The application fee is non-refundable.
However, programmes that involve specific admission tests may have different payment arrangements. Therefore, applicants should follow the instructions attached to their chosen course before making payment.
How to Apply for University of Padua Admission 2027/28
The application is completed online.
Step 1: Choose Your Programme
Start by identifying the Bachelor’s or Master’s programme you wish to study.
Do not rely solely on the general list of English-taught programmes. Check whether your chosen programme is actually accepting applications for the current round.
Step 2: Check the Entry Requirements
Read the academic and language requirements carefully.
Master’s applicants should pay particular attention to required Bachelor’s backgrounds, subjects and academic prerequisites.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Please prepare the required documents in PDF format and ensure that the information provided throughout the application is consistent.
Step 4: Create Your Application Account
Register on the University of Padua international application platform and complete the required personal and academic information.
Step 5: Select Your Programme
Choose the programme you wish to apply for.
Applicants interested in more than one programme should follow the current application platform rules for multiple applications.
Step 6: Upload Your Documents
Upload all required academic, identification and language documents.
Incomplete applications can negatively affect the evaluation process.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
Where applicable, pay the €60 application fee according to the instructions provided through the application system.
Step 8: Submit Before the Deadline
For programmes participating in the current first application round, you should generally complete your application by:
15 November 2026
Please submit your documents as soon as they are available rather than waiting until the final day.
Step 9: Wait for Academic Evaluation
Applications are first checked administratively and then evaluated by the relevant academic committee.
Applicants should continue checking their application accounts and email for decisions, requests or further instructions.
What Happens After Admission?
Receiving an admission offer is not the end of the process.
Selected students must follow the instructions for accepting their place and completing their enrolment.
For non-EU citizens residing outside Italy, the process normally also involves completing the required university pre-enrolment procedure and applying for an Italian study visa through the appropriate Italian diplomatic authority.
Students should therefore begin preparing their financial, academic and immigration documents well before travelling to Italy.
Why Applying in Call One Can Be Important
Applying early can be particularly valuable for international students.
First, many programmes are already accepting applications and will close the first round on 15 November 2026.
Second, applicants seeking competitive international funding should pay particular attention to the early rounds because scholarship and tuition-waiver selection is closely connected to the degree application process.
Finally, early admission can provide non-EU students more time to organise documents, pre-enrolment, accommodation and the Italian student-visa process.
However, applicants whose programmes start in January should not submit an application for an unrelated programme just to enter Call One. Follow the timetable for the programme you genuinely intend to study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Padua admission for 2027/28 open?
Yes. The first application window for many University of Padua programmes opened on 15 September 2026 and will close on 15 November 2026.
Are all programmes currently open?
No. Some limited-access programmes follow a different calendar. For several programmes, non-EU applicants residing outside Italy will apply between 7 January and 7 March 2027.
Does the University of Padua offer scholarships to international students?
Yes. Among its funding opportunities is the Padua International Excellence Scholarship, currently offering up to 68 awards worth €8,000 gross per year plus a tuition-fee exemption.
Do I need a separate application for the Excellence Scholarship?
No. Eligible applicants are automatically considered through their degree application.
Does automatic consideration mean everyone receives €8,000?
No. The scholarship is competitive. Automatic consideration simply means eligible applicants do not need to submit a separate scholarship form.
Are there full tuition waivers?
Yes. Padua also offers 100 full tuition-fee waivers for outstanding international students enrolling in eligible English-taught programmes, subject to the relevant requirements.
Can African students apply?
Yes. Qualified applicants from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries can apply.
How much is the application fee?
The standard international application fee is €60, although different arrangements may apply for programmes that require specific admission tests.
Is IELTS compulsory?
Not necessarily in every case. English-taught programmes generally require at least B2-level English, but accepted certificates, exemptions and programme-specific requirements vary.
What is the current deadline?
For most programmes participating in Call One, the deadline is 15 November 2026. Applicants must check their specific programme, as limited-access courses may have different deadlines.
Final Reminder
The University of Padua’s 2027/28 admissions provide international students with an opportunity to study in Italy while also competing for substantial financial support.
For many programmes, the most important date right now is 15 November 2026.
International applicants should first confirm that their chosen programme is open, check the academic requirements, prepare their documents and submit the application within the appropriate admission window.
For high-achieving students, the financial opportunities make Padua particularly attractive. Eligible candidates can be automatically considered for the €8,000-per-year Padua International Excellence Scholarship with a tuition-fee waiver, while other outstanding international students may compete for one of the university’s 100 full tuition-fee waivers.
The key is to distinguish between admission, automatic consideration for competitive funding and the additional financial-support schemes available after enrolment.
Official Links
University of Padua – International Admissions:
https://www.unipd.it/en/ammissione-studenti-internazionali
University of Padua – International Scholarships and Financial Support:
https://www.unipd.it/en/borse-studio-agevolazioni-studenti-internazionali
