University of Padova

About: 

The University of Padova is  one of Europe's oldest and prestigious seats of learning. It was founded in 1222 and it readily welcomed Italian students and scholars as well as those from other European countries. It is now a multidisciplinary institute of higher education and has enjoyed a high ranking position in both Italian and international university rankings.

Highlights: 

The University of Padova founded the first university botanical garden in the world in 1545, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first permanent anatomical theatre was inaugurated in 1594.  The university is also located in Padua, a student friendly city which has many highlights including Piovego waterfront and the cultural, musical and sporting events.

Location: 

Province of Padua, Italy

Courses / Modules: 

Consult the course catalogue for information on specific modules.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You must take a full credit load while on exchange. The University of Padova uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values.  30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.

Teaching Periods: 

Semester 1: October- January 

Semester 2: February- June

Language: 

A2 Italian required

Accommodation: 

Accommodation in the students' halls of residence is provided by SASSA Service.  All students must fill in an accommodation form, even if they choose private housing. The university recommends that students apply for accommodation through SASSA well in advance as accommodation is very limited.

Another option is Private Housing, which can be searched for on HousingAnywhere, which is an international housing platform for students, PhD candidates and trainees.

Check out the Accommodation  webpages for more information on both of these options as well as the choice of Private Colleges.

Orientation / Welcome week:  

The Welcome Days are for all incoming students who are taking part in a mobility programme. Students are introduced to the University and the city of Padua and are provided with the information they need during their time at the university. For more information, consult the Welcome Days webpage.

Support Services: 

The International office provides a buddy service where exchange students can request to be linked with a student buddy, who will be a masters degree student at the University of Padova.  Buddies can be contacted by email or phone and are there to welcome exchange students and assist them during registration and enrolment.

If you have a disability, you are advised to inform the Student Services Office before you arrive. Check out the International Mobility of students with disabilities or learning disabilities webpage for the documentation you will need when you contact the Student Service Office and for further information.

Visas: 

You may need a visa to study in Italy.  If you are a UK National you must refer to the  Gov.uk Travel Advice page for Italy and its Living in Italy guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate.  If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.

Travel insurance:  

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries.  You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange. 

Health insurance: 

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

For more information, consult the University of Padova's Health and Primary Services for temporary stays webpage.

Kitty, Year Abroad in Italy, 2019/20

"I really enjoyed my time in Italy, both in Siena and at the university. I have had so many new experiences, met lots of new people and improved my knowledge of the Italian language. My confidence in talking to people in their native language has definitely increased and I feel like I can hold a conversation with someone well and deal with problems when they arise." 

Eloise, Year Abroad in Italy, 2019/20

"My experience abroad has made me more confident in my own abilities. Speaking the language was one of the biggest challenges and I am proud of myself for going out of my comfort zone, speaking in Italian despite being afraid and succeeding in overcoming my fears. I was able to make friends with Italian speakers and passed speaking exams in Italian. These experiences have helped me to realise that I can do more than I think I can."

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!

Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @GoGlobalUOY

Click here to make a virtual appointment to speak to one of our advisors

• University of Padova Website

• University of Padova Exchange Students Webpage

• Italy Foreign Travel Advice

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

• 2025/2026 Fact Sheet

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk