# 204QS World University Rankings
71Undergrad & Postgrad Programmes
10 % International students
About Università di Padova
The University of Padova was founded in 1222 and is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
10 reasons for studying in Padua
- A broad and multidisciplinary academic offer – University of Padua offers a comprehensive portfolio of degree programmes across a wide range of disciplines. The strong connections between different academic fields create a dynamic, innovative, and stimulating learning environment.
- Excellence in education – Ranked among the world’s top universities, the University of Padua is widely recognized for the quality of its teaching and academic excellence. Students benefit from rigorous training, an interdisciplinary approach, and a strong academic foundation that prepares graduates for successful international careers.
- A leading research university – The University is internationally renowned for the quality and impact of its research. Faculty and researchers contribute to cutting-edge scientific discoveries and innovative projects addressing major global challenges, while advancing knowledge, science, and society.
- High-quality student experience – The University is strongly committed to student wellbeing and academic support, offering high-quality services, modern facilities, and a vibrant campus experience that consistently receives high levels of student satisfaction.
- One of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities – Founded in 1222, the University of Padua has played a central role in the development of academic freedom and scientific progress for over eight centuries. Its students, scholars, and alumni have made lasting contributions to culture, research, and society worldwide.
- A truly international community – Thousands of international students, researchers, and academics contribute to the University’s global outlook. International partnerships, exchange programmes, English-taught degrees, and worldwide research collaborations provide students with a highly international academic experience.
- Scholarships and financial support – The University offers competitive tuition fees compared with other leading international institutions and provides a wide range of merit-based and income-based scholarships for international students.
- A student-centered city – Padua is a vibrant university city where students represent a significant part of the local population. University buildings, departments, and research centers are integrated throughout the city, creating a unique and engaging student atmosphere.
- An exceptional Italian setting – Padua combines rich history, art, and culture with innovation, entrepreneurship, and a high quality of life. The city offers an authentic Italian lifestyle within a safe, welcoming, and internationally connected environment.
- A strategic location in Europe – Padua benefits from excellent rail, road, and air connections, allowing easy access to major Italian and European destinations, including Venice, Milan, and Bologna .
- Over 70,000 students enrolled
- Over 8,000 international students
- Over 250 degree programmes (Bachelor's and Master's degree)
- Over 70 degree programme entirely taught in English
- 1 University Hospital
- 1 Veterinary Hospital
- 1 Experimental Farm
- 13 University museums
- 16 University canteens
- 1 School of Higher Education
- 29 libraries
- 2,200 Teaching Staff
- 2,300 Technical and Administrative Staff
About Università di Padova
The University of Padova was founded in 1222 and is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
10 reasons for studying in Padua
- A broad and multidisciplinary academic offer – University of Padua offers a comprehensive portfolio of degree programmes across a wide range of disciplines. The strong connections between different academic fields create a dynamic, innovative, and stimulating learning environment.
- Excellence in education – Ranked among the world’s top universities, the University of Padua is widely recognized for the quality of its teaching and academic excellence. Students benefit from rigorous training, an interdisciplinary approach, and a strong academic foundation that prepares graduates for successful international careers.
- A leading research university – The University is internationally renowned for the quality and impact of its research. Faculty and researchers contribute to cutting-edge scientific discoveries and innovative projects addressing major global challenges, while advancing knowledge, science, and society.
- High-quality student experience – The University is strongly committed to student wellbeing and academic support, offering high-quality services, modern facilities, and a vibrant campus experience that consistently receives high levels of student satisfaction.
- One of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities – Founded in 1222, the University of Padua has played a central role in the development of academic freedom and scientific progress for over eight centuries. Its students, scholars, and alumni have made lasting contributions to culture, research, and society worldwide.
- A truly international community – Thousands of international students, researchers, and academics contribute to the University’s global outlook. International partnerships, exchange programmes, English-taught degrees, and worldwide research collaborations provide students with a highly international academic experience.
- Scholarships and financial support – The University offers competitive tuition fees compared with other leading international institutions and provides a wide range of merit-based and income-based scholarships for international students.
- A student-centered city – Padua is a vibrant university city where students represent a significant part of the local population. University buildings, departments, and research centers are integrated throughout the city, creating a unique and engaging student atmosphere.
- An exceptional Italian setting – Padua combines rich history, art, and culture with innovation, entrepreneurship, and a high quality of life. The city offers an authentic Italian lifestyle within a safe, welcoming, and internationally connected environment.
- A strategic location in Europe – Padua benefits from excellent rail, road, and air connections, allowing easy access to major Italian and European destinations, including Venice, Milan, and Bologna .
- Over 70,000 students enrolled
- Over 8,000 international students
- Over 250 degree programmes (Bachelor's and Master's degree)
- Over 70 degree programme entirely taught in English
- 1 University Hospital
- 1 Veterinary Hospital
- 1 Experimental Farm
- 13 University museums
- 16 University canteens
- 1 School of Higher Education
- 29 libraries
- 2,200 Teaching Staff
- 2,300 Technical and Administrative Staff
Available programmes
University information
HOW TO APPLY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PADUA
For information on application procedures for international students visit: https://www.unipd.it/en/orientarsi-iscriversi-titolo-estero
Course admission is generally divided as follows:
• Limited places: the number of places available is established each year either by the University itself, or on a national basis by Italy’s Ministry of University and Research (e.g. the single-cycle degree in Medicine and Surgery);
• Compulsory admission test: no limit on places. Applicants, however, need to take an admission test to see whether they have an appropriate academic background;
• Admission requirements: no limit on places.
Applicants, however, must have all of the compulsory course requirements. They may also be required to sit an admission test.
Please note that non-EU citizens residing outside Italy may apply for a programme only when it envisages a quota for them (contingente).
The application platform for international students is: https://apply.unipd.it
General
Bachelor
Master
Student life
THE CITY OF PADUA
Situated in the heart of north-eastern Italy, and less than 40 km from Venice, Padua is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, with over 3,000 years of history. This rich cultural heritage, appreciated every year by thousands of tourists, includes the Scrovegni Chapel - with its frescoes painted by Giotto, Prato della Valle - one of the biggest squares in Europe, the thirteenth century Palazzo della Ragione - the world’s largest hall without supporting columns, the world’s oldest university Botanical Garden - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a historical city centre, with picturesque squares, palaces and museums.
Padua offers an extended cycling path network and multiple bike sharing options with special discounts for students. Thanks also to its close ties with the University, Padua is a lively and dynamic city offering numerous events in the fields of art, music, theatre, cinema and sport throughout the year.
Find out more
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Utilities
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
TUITION FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Annual fees are less than €30,00.00 and
the payment is made in 3 instalments. Payment of university fees gives
students access to all services offered by the University of Padova:
Padua International Excellence Scholarship
The University of Padua offers merit based scholarships to highly talented prospective students wishing to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree completely held in English in Padua.
Fee-waivers
The University of Padua additionally offers 100 full tuition fee waivers to students enrolling in one of its degree programs held completely in English.
Departmental scholarships
Some Departments offer additional scholarships to more talented international students of Bachelor's and Master's degrees completely held in English.
Galilean School of Higher Education Scholarships
The Scuola Galileiana di Studi Superiori (Galilean School of Higher Education) is the University of Padua’s school of excellence. It combines traditional university education with a series of special in-house courses comprising seminars and lectures by renowned international visiting professors. Up to four highly talented international students are selected each year.
Scholarships awarded by other national or international organizations
Scholarships awarded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation MAECI
Every year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation awards scholarships for studying in Italy to both international students and Italian students who are permanent residents in countries other than Italy (IRE).
These scholarships aim to foster international cultural cooperation, spread the knowledge of the Italian language, culture, and science, as well as promote the Italian economic and technological system throughout the world.
Grants are offered to pursue study, training, and/or research programs at Italian Higher Education Institutes, both public and legally recognized.
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Employability
Graduates from the University of Padua are global citizens that succeed in all professional fields and bring their expertise and dedication to excellence into the world. A degree from the University of Padua is recognised as a prestigious achievement in the labour market worldwide.
The University of Padua promotes, through the Career Service Office, training periods in companies, public or professional bodies. They are addressed to currently enrolled students (curricular internship), recent university graduates, who can apply within 12 months after earning their degree (extracurricular internship), and unemployed graduates (work placement/reintegration internship).
www.unipd.it/en/job-placement
The Alumni association is a community which connects graduates of different ages, sectors and places where everyone has the same consideration and is granted free access. Motivated by the founding values of the University, alumni are bearers of the Universa Universis Patavina Libertas motto all over the world.
www.unipd.it/en/alumni
Rankings & Ratings
Università di Padova is one of the top Public universities in Padova, Italy. It is ranked #204 in QS World University Rankings 2027.
QS World University Rankings
- 2015#=262
- 2016#=309
- 2017#=338
- 2018#=296
- 2019#249
- 2020#234
- 2021#216
- 2022#=242
- 2023#=243
- 2024#219
- 2025#=236
- 2026#=233
- 2027#204
QS World University Rankings
- 2015#=262
- 2016#=309
- 2017#=338
- 2018#=296
- 2019#249
- 2020#234
- 2021#216
- 2022#=242
- 2023#=243
- 2024#219
- 2025#=236
- 2026#=233
- 2027#204
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