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Founded in 1222 — A Legacy of Knowledge, Innovation, and Excellence
The University of Padua (UniPD) is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, located in the heart of northern Italy’s Veneto region. Established in 1222, UniPD has nearly 800 years of academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top 250 universities globally and the top 5 in Italy.
Renowned for its research intensity, innovation, and international outlook, the University of Padua offers a wide range of English-taught Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs across various disciplines, including science, engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences.
🌍 Why Choose the University of Padua?
🏛 One of Europe’s oldest and most respected public universities.
🌐 Over 50 English-taught degree programs for international students.
💶 Affordable tuition and generous merit-based scholarships.
🔬 Global leader in research and innovation (Horizon Europe, PNRR, Erasmus+).
🧑🎓 70,000+ students from over 130 countries.
🌿 A vibrant, student-friendly city ranked among Italy’s best for quality of life.
🏫 Academic Structure
The University of Padua has 8 main academic areas, each hosting world-class departments and research centers:
| Faculty / Academic Area | Example Departments | Fields of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Law, Economics, Political & Social Sciences | Economics & Management; Political Science, Law & International Studies; Statistical Sciences | Law, economics, management, international relations, political science |
| Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics & Earth Sciences | Information Engineering; Physics & Astronomy; Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering; Geosciences | Engineering, mathematics, computing, physics, geology |
| Biomedical, Pharmaceutical & Veterinary Sciences | Biomedical Sciences; Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences; Comparative Biomedicine; Animal Medicine | Medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology, veterinary science |
| Humanities, Arts, Education & Cultural Studies | Philosophy, Education & Psychology; Linguistics; History & Cultural Heritage | Humanities, literature, art history, archaeology, education |
| Agricultural, Environmental & Natural Sciences | Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals & Environment (DAFNAE); TESAF | Agriculture, forestry, food science, environmental sustainability |
| Medicine & Surgery | Medicine; Neuroscience; Women’s and Children’s Health | General medicine, surgery, neuroscience, clinical research |
| Psychology | General Psychology; Developmental & Socialization Psychology | Clinical and cognitive psychology, educational psychology |
| Veterinary Sciences | Animal Medicine, Production & Health (MAPS); Comparative Biomedicine | Veterinary medicine, food safety, animal health |
💶 Tuition Fees for International Students
UniPD tuition fees vary by program group and student category:
| Category | Group A (Humanities) | Group B (Scientific) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU and equated non-EU students | €2,750 per year | €2,950 per year | Standard tuition rate for EU and equivalent countries |
| Non-EU students from developing countries | €916.66 per year | €983.33 per year | Reduced rate for students from eligible developing nations |
| 💡 Payment flexibility: | Fees can be paid in three installments; additional regional tax and stamp duty apply. |
🎓 Scholarships & Financial Aid
| Scholarship / Grant Name | Eligibility / Target Group | Amount / Benefits | Details / Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padua International Excellence Scholarship | Highly talented international students enrolling in English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programs | Full tuition-fee waiver + €8,000 per year | Awarded annually to outstanding students worldwide. (unipd.it) |
| Veneto Region ERSU Scholarship | Students with academic merit and financial need | Covers tuition, meals, and accommodation | Regional financial aid for eligible EU/non-EU students. (unipd.it) |
| Departmental Merit Scholarships | High-performing students in specific departments (e.g., TESAF, Biomedical Sciences) | Variable | Based on research, grades, and academic excellence. (unipd.it) |
| PNRR & PhD Scholarships | Doctoral candidates | Funded PhD positions under PNRR / EU research grants | Supports PhD research in science, medicine, and engineering. (unipd.it) |
| Erasmus+ and Mobility Grants | Students participating in international exchange programs | Variable | Financial support for study or internship abroad. (unipd.it) |
🔬 Research & Global Partnerships
The University of Padua is a recognized research powerhouse, leading in international projects under Horizon Europe, ERC, and PNRR frameworks.
It collaborates with over 500 partner universities worldwide, offering students vast opportunities for exchange, double degrees, and internships.
Research excellence areas include:
Biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences
Environmental and agricultural technologies
Artificial intelligence and robotics
Space and planetary sciences
Cognitive and behavioral psychology
🏡 Student Life in Padua
Padua (Padova) is a lively, safe, and historic city in northern Italy — just 30 minutes from Venice. Students enjoy:
Affordable living costs compared to major cities
Vibrant student community and international clubs
Excellent public transport and housing services
Rich Italian culture, festivals, and cuisine
🛫 Admission & Application
Applications are submitted via the University of Padua International Admissions Portal.
General Requirements:
High school or bachelor’s degree (translated and legalized)
English or Italian language certificate (depending on program)
Passport and academic transcripts
Application Period:
November – April: for most English-taught programs (September intake).
📞 Need Assistance Applying?
Our consultancy team provides personalized support for your admission to the University of Padua — from course selection to application submission, visa guidance, and accommodation arrangements.