Overview

The University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova, UNIPD) is an Italian public research university in Padua, Italy. It was founded in 1222 by a group of students and teachers from the University of Bologna, who sought greater academic freedom. Padua is the second-oldest university in Italy and the world's fifth-oldest surviving university. The University of Padua was one of the most prominent universities in early modern Europe, known particularly for the rigour of its Aristotelian logic and science. 

The University of Padua was established in 1222 after a group of students and teachers decided to leave Bologna. They set up a free body of scholars grouped according to their place of origin, in which students approved statutes, elected the rector, and chose their teachers. Defending freedom of thought in study and teaching became a distinctive feature — a spirit that lives on today in the university motto: "Universa Universis Patavina Libertas" (Paduan Freedom is Universal for Everyone). 

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Padua became a workshop of ideas and home to figures who changed the cultural and scientific history of humanity, including Andrea Vesalio — who founded modern anatomy — astronomer Copernicus, and Galileo Galilei, who observed the skies here. Padua also holds the distinction of hosting the world's first university botanical garden (1545) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the world's oldest permanent anatomical theatre (1594). 

In 1678, Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia made history as the first woman in the world to be awarded a university degree, receiving her doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Padua. 

Still today, the University of Padua holds impressive numbers: over 76,000 students, 2,700 faculty members, more than 2,800 administrative and technical staff, over 15,000 graduates each year, 11,800 scholarships awarded, 32 departments, more than 2 million books available in 30 libraries, and 229 degree programs including Bachelor's, Master's, and Single-cycle degrees — with 64 taught in English. 

Padua is part of a network of historical research universities known as the Coimbra Group — a prestigious group that also includes Oxford, Cambridge, Heidelberg, Salamanca, Jena, Leuven, and Leiden. 

With 8 Nobel Laureates among alumni, Padua excels in research. Post-graduation, Italy's one-year job search visa allows EU work prospects, with strong ties to industries in Milan, Venice, and the broader Veneto region — Italy's most economically productive area. 

Intakes

The University of Padua follows the Italian academic calendar with a semester-based structure, offering two main intake periods:

• Autumn Intake (October/November) — Primary intake for all Bachelor's and most Master's programs
• Spring Intake (February/March) — Available for select Master's and PhD programs

Application Deadlines — Two Call System:

Round 1 (November–February) is the most important round for non-EU students, as it provides sufficient time for the pre-enrolment and visa process. Round 2 (March–May) is mainly for EU students or non-EU students already residing in Italy. 

Note: Deadlines vary by program. Non-EU students must apply through the Italian government's Universitaly portal before applying to UNIPD directly. Always verify on the official UNIPD website (unipd.it).

Top Courses

The University of Padua comprises 229 degree programs — including 114 Bachelor's degrees, 107 Master's degrees, and 15 Single-cycle Master's degrees — with 64 taught in English. It also offers 67 specialisation schools, 25 advanced training courses, 43 doctoral schools, and the Galilean School of Higher Education for excellence students. 

The university is organised into 8 Schools and 32 Departments. Key schools and flagship programs include:

• School of Engineering — MSc in Computer Engineering, MSc in Mechanical Engineering, MSc in Civil Engineering, MSc in Electronic Engineering, MSc in ICT for Internet and Multimedia, MSc in Industrial Engineering
• School of Medicine and Surgery — MD in Medicine and Surgery (Single-Cycle), BSc/MSc in Nursing, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
• School of Science — MSc in Physics, MSc in Chemistry, MSc in Molecular Biology, MSc in Astronomy, MSc in Neuroscience
• School of Psychology — BSc/MSc in Psychology, MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuropsychology
• School of Economics and Political Science — BSc/MSc in Economics, MSc in Business Administration, MSc in Strategies and Policies for the Global Economy
• School of Law — LLM in International and Comparative Law, BSc in Law, MSc in Legal and Business Consultancy
• School of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine — MSc in Agricultural Science and Technology, MSc in Veterinary Medicine
• School of Human and Social Sciences and Cultural Heritage — MSc in Historical Sciences, MSc in Linguistics and Cultural Heritage, MA in Archaeology
• Galilean School of Higher Education — Excellence school with full scholarships and interdisciplinary programs for exceptional students

Cost of Studying at Università di Padova

As a public Italian university, UNIPD offers extremely competitive tuition fees, especially compared to equivalent-ranking institutions in the UK, USA, or Australia.

Annual tuition fees at the University of Padua are less than €3,000 and are paid in three instalments. Payment of university fees gives students access to all services provided by the University. The total amount due can be significantly waived based on the student's Equivalent Economic Status Index (ISEE).

The first instalment amounts to €205.00 for all first-year students of any degree programme. The second and third instalments are calculated according to citizenship, country of residence, and degree programme. Students from particularly poor or developing countries (as listed by the Italian Ministry of University and Research) are entitled to a reduced fixed fee. 

Note: Padua is one of the more affordable student cities in Italy. Living costs are significantly lower than Rome or Milan. Figures based on 2025–26 data. Please verify at unipd.it/en/tuition-fees before applying.

Scholarships

The University of Padua offers up to 68 Padua International Excellence Scholarships to highly talented international students enrolling in English-taught degree programmes. The scholarship provides a full tuition fee waiver plus €8,000 gross per academic year. The scholarship has a duration of up to 2 years for Master's candidates and up to 3 years for Bachelor's and Single-Cycle degree candidates. Payments are made in two instalments of €4,000 gross each per year, upon achievement of merit requirements. 

Key scholarships for international students include:

Note: No separate scholarship application is required for most UNIPD scholarships — students are automatically considered based on academic records and admission results.

Admissions

The University of Padua has a moderately competitive acceptance rate of approximately 40–60%, varying by program. Medicine and highly specialised STEM fields are more competitive; humanities and social sciences are less selective. 

For Undergraduate Programs (Laurea / BSc):

• Completion of 12 years of secondary schooling (CBSE/ISC Class 12 for Indian students)
• Minimum 60%+ in Class 12 (program-specific)
• Entrance examination for restricted-access programs (Medicine and Surgery, some Science programs)
• IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80+ for English-taught programs (B2 CEFR minimum)
• Italian B2 for Italian-taught programs
• Application fee: €30 (non-refundable)

For Postgraduate Programs (Laurea Magistrale / MSc):

• Bachelor's degree (Laurea or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
• Minimum GPA equivalent to 2.5–3.0/4.0 (program-dependent)
• IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80+ for English programs
• Statement of Purpose / Motivational Letter
• CV / Résumé
• Academic transcripts with certified English translations
• Letters of Recommendation (for specialist and research programs)
• Portfolio (for Architecture and Design programs)

For PhD Programs:

• Master's degree with strong academic record
• Research proposal
• IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 88+
• Interview with department supervisor

Placements

90% of students at the University of Padua are highly satisfied with their academic career and student experience (National Graduate Survey, Almalaurea). The university's qualification is recognised by both students and employers alike as a symbol of ambitious academic objectives. 

The estimated average full-time salary for undergraduate and postgraduate graduates of the University of Padua is approximately €37,980 per year. The university offers comprehensive job placement services connecting graduates with job opportunities in Italy and internationally. 

The University of Padua's Career Service — known as the "Job Placement" office — provides students and graduates with:

• Career Guidance — Personalised advising, CV workshops, interview preparation
• Job Fairs — Direct employer recruitment events on campus
• Internship Placement — Agreements with leading companies in the Veneto region and beyond
• Entrepreneurship Support — Incubation services, mentorship, and start-up funding access
• Alumni Network — A vast global network of graduates across all sectors
• Post-Graduation Stay (Italy Job Search Visa) — International graduates can stay in Italy for up to 12 months after graduation to find employment

The Veneto region — home to Padua — is Italy's third-largest economic region and one of Europe's most productive industrial zones, home to global companies including Luxottica, De'Longhi, Benetton, Safilo, Zambon, Carraro, and KION Group.

Key career sectors for UNIPD graduates:

• Engineering & Technology — Luxottica, Leonardo S.p.A., Electrolux, Brembo, Carel Industries, De'Longhi
• Life Sciences & Medicine — Zambon Pharmaceuticals, Recordati, major Padua and Veneto hospitals, WHO, FAO
• Finance & Economics — UniCredit, Banca Popolare di Vicenza, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG
• Agri-Food & Environment — Asahi Group, Barilla, Ferrero, Italian Ministry of Agriculture, European Environment Agency
• Law & Policy — EU institutions, Italian courts, major Italian and European law firms, Italian civil service
• Research & Academia — INFN, CNR, ENEA, European Space Agency partner institutes, Italian universities

Jobs After Graduating from University of Padua

Note: Salary figures are indicative annual gross values. Actual salaries vary by role, employer, sector, and experience.

For personalised guidance on University of Padua admissions, scholarships, and the Italy student visa process, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.