University of Padua – Courses, Admission, Fees & Scholarships
Public university in Padua, Veneto, Italy. A practical guide for Indian and international students on programmes, admission, costs and scholarships at University of Padua.
About University of Padua
The University of Padua is an Italian public university founded in 1222, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. It has a distinguished place in the history of science: Galileo Galilei taught here, and its Anatomical Theatre, built in 1595, is the oldest permanent anatomical theatre in the world. In 1678 Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia graduated from Padua, becoming the first woman in the world to receive a university degree.
Today Padua is a comprehensive research university with strengths in medicine and psychology, engineering, natural sciences, agriculture and veterinary medicine, economics and the humanities. Its academic tradition in medicine and life sciences remains especially strong.
For international students, Padua offers a range of English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programmes and has an active international community. The city is medium-sized, located in the Veneto region about 30 minutes by train from Venice, and has a strong student character, with the university woven into the historic centre. For students seeking a research-focused university in a manageable, well-connected city, Padua is a frequent choice.
- City: Padua
- Region: Veneto
- Country: Italy
- Founded: 1222
- Type: Public university
Major academic areas
Medicine & Psychology · Engineering · Sciences · Agriculture & Veterinary · Economics · Humanities
Why Students Prefer University of Padua
- Founded in 1222, with a remarkable scientific heritage including Galileo and the world's oldest permanent anatomical theatre.
- Strong reputation in medicine, psychology and the life sciences.
- English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programmes in several disciplines.
- Research-intensive university across science, engineering and agriculture.
- Padua is a student-friendly city close to Venice with good rail connections.
- Scholarship and financial support opportunities for eligible students.
Study with 100% Scholarship
Eligible international students at University of Padua may have access to scholarship and financial-support opportunities that can significantly reduce the cost of studying and living in Padua. Depending on eligibility and the applicable academic year, support may cover eligible tuition-related costs and provide assistance towards accommodation and living expenses.
Eligibility depends on academic requirements, financial documentation, student profile and the applicable funding rules. Scholarship benefits and eligibility vary by student profile, financial documentation, academic requirements and the applicable academic year. Funding is not guaranteed.
Check Scholarship EligibilityCourses & Programmes
Like other Italian public universities, University of Padua organises degrees in three cycles:
- Bachelor's (Laurea, 3 years) — first-cycle degrees.
- Master's (Laurea Magistrale, 2 years) — second-cycle degrees.
- Single-cycle degrees (5–6 years) — in fields such as law, medicine or architecture, where offered.
- PhD programmes — research doctorates.
Explore Courses at University of Padua in the Insperion course finder, explore Insperion study-abroad courses and services or use the university finder to compare options.
English-Taught Programmes
University of Padua offers a selection of programmes taught in English, mainly at Master's level. The list and languages of instruction change each academic year.
Ask Insperion's admission team to shortlist current English-taught courses in Italy that match your profile.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's: a secondary school qualification valid for university access (for Indian students, usually 12 years of schooling).
- Master's: a relevant Bachelor's degree; some programmes check specific credits or subjects.
- Documents: transcripts, degree certificates, passport, CV/motivation letter where requested, and in some cases a Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement.
Requirements vary by programme. Please check the programme admission call for the latest requirements — Insperion can review it with you.
IELTS & Language Requirements
English-taught programmes usually require proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests (for example IELTS or TOEFL), minimum scores and any exemptions — such as a Medium of Instruction certificate — are set by each programme.
Italian-taught programmes generally require Italian language proficiency. Language requirements vary by programme.
Entrance Tests
Some programmes use TOLC tests or accept SAT/other international tests; others evaluate qualifications only. Requirements are listed in each programme's admission notice.
Medicine and dentistry programmes taught in English follow separate national admission rules.
Tuition Fees
Fees at Italian public universities depend on the programme, your residence status and, in many cases, an income-based assessment of family financial documents.
Tuition fees vary by programme and student circumstances. Insperion's admission team can explain the current fee structure for your chosen course.
International Students
Non-EU students living outside Italy apply through the university's international admission process, then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a student visa at the Italian embassy or consulate. Visa decisions are made by the consulate and are never guaranteed.
Need help with your Italy application? See our student visa assistance, education loans for study abroad and the study in Italy guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Padua offer English-taught programmes?
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Yes, University of Padua offers a selection of English-taught programmes, mainly at Master's level, in areas such as Medicine & Psychology, Engineering, Sciences. The list changes each academic year, so Insperion checks current availability for your profile.
What are the admission requirements at University of Padua?
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Bachelor's programmes generally require a secondary school qualification valid for university access (for Indian students usually 12 years of schooling); Master's programmes require a relevant Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by programme. Please check the programme admission call for the latest requirements — Insperion can review it with you.
Does University of Padua accept international qualifications?
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Yes. As an Italian public university, University of Padua admits students with foreign qualifications, which it evaluates individually. Additional documents such as a Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement may be requested.
Is IELTS required at University of Padua?
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English-taught programmes at University of Padua usually ask for proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests, minimum scores and any exemptions differ by programme, so check the specific admission call.
How much are tuition fees at University of Padua?
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Tuition fees at University of Padua vary by programme and student circumstances, and are often income-based. Eligible students may also receive scholarship support that covers eligible tuition.
Are scholarships available at University of Padua?
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Eligible international students at University of Padua may access scholarship and financial support that can cover eligible tuition and help with accommodation and living costs. Eligibility and benefits depend on the applicable scholarship rules.
When should international students apply to University of Padua?
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Non-EU admission rounds for 2026/27 usually open several months before the academic year starts in September, and often close earlier than for local students because of visa timelines. Deadlines vary by programme and admission round.
How does Universitaly pre-enrolment work?
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After receiving admission, non-EU students residing abroad submit a pre-enrolment application on the Universitaly portal. The university validates it and the Italian embassy or consulate uses it for the student visa process. Insperion helps you complete this step.
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