Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Scholarships in Italy at the University of Padua (2025/2026)

The University of Padua, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, is offering 62 highly competitive scholarships for international students enrolling in English-taught degree programs for the academic year 2025/2026. These fully funded scholarships aim to attract talented students from around the world to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies in Italy.

Administered by

Central Administration – International Relations Division
Global Engagement Office
Lungargine del Piovego 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
Email: amministrazione.centrale@pec.unipd.it
Website: www.unipd.it

Overview of Scholarship Opportunities

The scholarship initiative is part of the University of Padua’s internationalisation efforts. It supports international students who are non-residents of Italy, non-Italian citizens, and who hold a foreign academic qualification. The call includes two categories of scholarships:

Padua International Excellence Scholarships

Up to 62 scholarships are awarded to top international applicants enrolling in English-taught degree programs (excluding online-only programs such as the Bachelor’s in Techniques and Methods in Psychological Science). The full list of eligible English-taught programs is available at: https://www.unipd.it/en/english-degrees

Department-Specific Scholarships

An additional 31 scholarships are awarded by various departments for specific degree programs:

Department of Biomedical Science (DBS)

• 1 scholarship for Bachelor’s in Biology of Human and Environmental Health

Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (DICEA)

• 2 scholarships for MSc in Environmental Engineering

• 2 scholarships for MSc in Mathematical Engineering

• 2 scholarships for MSc in Water and Geological Risk Engineering

Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation (DPSS)

• 1 scholarship for MSc in Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology

Department of Industrial Engineering (DII)

• 1 scholarship each for MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Chemical and Process Engineering, Electrical Energy Engineering, Energy Engineering, and Materials Engineering

Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry (TeSAF)

• 1 scholarship for MSc in Forest Science

Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies (DISLL)

• 1 scholarship for MA in English Studies within the European and American Languages and Literature program

Department of Mathematics ‘Tullio Levi-Civita’ (DM)

• 2 scholarships each for MSc in Cybersecurity, Computational Finance, Computer Science, Data Science, and Mathematics

Department of Medicine (DIMED)

• 2 scholarships for the Single-cycle degree in Medicine and Surgery

Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA)

• 1 scholarship for MSc in Clinical, Social and Intercultural Psychology

• 1 scholarship for MSc in Social Science for Digital Data

Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies (SPGI)

• 1 scholarship each for MSc in European and Global Studies and Human Rights and Multi-level Governance

Scholarship Value and Coverage

Each scholarship includes:

• Annual allowance of €8,000 (gross)

• Full tuition fee waiver

• Students are responsible only for the regional tax and revenue stamp

No travel, insurance, or other reimbursements are included. Scholarships last:

• 2 years for Master’s programs

• 3 years for Bachelor’s and Single-cycle programs

Recipients may be invited to act as University Ambassadors at institutional events.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Hold a non-Italian secondary school certificate (for Bachelor’s) or a non-Italian Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s)

2. Not hold Italian citizenship (including dual citizenships)

3. Not reside in Italy at the time of application

4. Apply for up to three English-taught degree programs at the University of Padua

Applicants meeting all requirements are automatically considered for scholarships. No separate scholarship application is required.

Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process

Selection is based on academic merit and prior achievements. Committees for each degree program evaluate applications. In case of a tie, younger candidates are given preference. Scholarships are mainly reserved for first-round applicants but may be extended to second-round applicants depending on availability.

Result Announcement Timeline

• Unlimited access programs (1st round): from 12 March 2025

• Limited access programs (1st round): from 11 April 2025

• Limited access programs (2nd round): from 12 May 2025

• Unlimited access programs (2nd round): from 11 June 2025

• Single-cycle Medicine and Surgery: after IMAT test results

Scholarship Acceptance Process

Selected candidates must:

• Accept the scholarship and admission offer

• Pay the admission fee

• Meet visa and admission requirements

• Finalize enrolment after document verification

• Not hold any other public scholarships

Failure to meet any requirement results in loss of scholarship eligibility. Unaccepted scholarships may be reassigned to other eligible candidates by 30 June 2025 (except Medicine and Surgery).

Scholarship Disbursement

The scholarship is paid in two installments of €4,000 per academic year.

First installment is paid after:

• Arrival in Padua

• Completion of enrolment

• Opening an Italian/SEPA bank account or activating the University Flash Card

• Signing the Declaration of Acceptance

Arrival deadlines vary by department:

• General: 15 December 2025

• DICEA: 30 November 2025

• DII and TeSAF: 28 February 2026

Second installment is paid upon earning at least 12 ECTS credits by March 2026. Recognized prior learning credits are not counted.

Scholarship Renewal Requirements

For Master’s programs (2026/27):

• 40 ECTS by September 2026 (1st installment)

• 60 ECTS by March 2027 (2nd installment)

For Bachelor’s/Single-cycle programs (2027/28):

• 90 ECTS by September 2027 (1st installment)

• 120 ECTS by March 2028 (2nd installment)

Credits from prior learning are not considered toward renewal criteria.

Scholarship Revocation

Scholarship will be revoked if:

• Fewer than 20 ECTS credits are earned by 30 November 2026

• The student withdraws or transfers to another university

In such cases, recipients must return all scholarship funds received.

Responsible Office

Dr. Mattia Gusella
Head, Global Engagement Office
Email: international.admission@unipd.it

The Call for Applications has been digitally signed by:
Rector Prof.ssa Daniela Mapelli
As per Italian legislative decree no. 82/2005

TO APPLY AND FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CLICK HERE