Foundation Year
Foundation Programme at University of Padua
Key facts
Status checked 06-Oct-2026: 2027/28 is PARTLY PUBLISHED for this row. Use the fields containing specific 2027/28 dates/amounts as current information. Any 2026/27 REFERENCE/OFFICIAL REFERENCE remains historical planning data and may change. Recheck the linked official call before submission, payment, test booking or visa action.
Programme overview
The University of Padua Foundation Year is a one-year pre-university programme for international students preparing to enter a Bachelor's degree in Italy. It is especially aimed at students whose secondary-school pathway totals 11 years, but the university also allows students with 12 years of schooling to use it to consolidate academic preparation. The programme runs from September to June and combines a mandatory Italian-language course, one disciplinary track (Humanities, Social Sciences or Natural Sciences) and workshops for university admission-test preparation. The current 2027/28 page states 30 available places and at least 70% mandatory attendance.
most CBSE/ISC/Indian State Board Class 12 pathways normally represent 12 years of schooling, so a Foundation Year is usually not required solely to reach Italy's 12-year schooling rule. It can still be useful where the student needs academic/language preparation or where the target degree/university specifically accepts the Foundation route. Before paying, compare this programme with the entry rules of the Bachelor's/Single-Cycle degree you ultimately want to join. A Foundation certificate does not automatically guarantee admission to limited-access degrees or replace an entrance test unless the university explicitly says so.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Foundation Year at University of Padua?
The programme lasts 1 year (September–June).
When does Foundation Year start?
Autumn / September. Check the Admissions tab for application deadlines.
Is Foundation Year taught in English?
Yes. Foundation Year is listed as an English-taught Foundation Programme at University of Padua. If the university offers several tracks, confirm the English track on the official programme page.
What are the admission requirements?
High-school diploma obtained after at least 11 years of prior education; English at CEFR B2; dedicated online entry test in English. The 2027/28 application page also requires the academic and identity documents listed by the university, including school records and English evidence where applicable. Applicants who are under 18 must provide the additional guardian/parent docume…
What are the tuition fees for Foundation Year?
2027/28 tuition regulation should be checked before enrolment. 2026/27 REFERENCE: the first instalment was €208 (€192 regional tax + €16 stamp). For many non-EU students residing abroad, published all-inclusive reference amounts were €2,790/year for Area A and €2,990/year for Area B; reduced country categories could be lower.
Can KALINGAEURO help me apply?
Yes. Our counsellors check your eligibility for Foundation Year, help you prepare documents and guide you through the university application, Universitaly pre-enrolment and the student visa, free of charge.
Admission criteria
High-school diploma obtained after at least 11 years of prior education; English at CEFR B2; dedicated online entry test in English. The 2027/28 application page also requires the academic and identity documents listed by the university, including school records and English evidence where applicable. Applicants who are under 18 must provide the additional guardian/parent documentation specified by the university.
most CBSE/ISC/Indian State Board Class 12 pathways normally represent 12 years of schooling, so a Foundation Year is usually not required solely to reach Italy's 12-year schooling rule. It can still be useful where the student needs academic/language preparation or where the target degree/university specifically accepts the Foundation route. Before paying, compare this programme with the entry rules of the Bachelor's/Single-Cycle degree you ultimately want to join. A Foundation certificate does not automatically guarantee admission to limited-access degrees or replace an entrance test unless the university explicitly says so.
For an Indian Class 12 applicant, verify whether Foundation Year is actually necessary for the intended degree before enrolling.
Application deadlines
2027/28 CONFIRMED / PARTLY PUBLISHED: for many unlimited-place programmes, Call 1 runs 15 Sep–15 Nov 2026; Call 2 1 Dec 2026–1 Mar 2027; Call 3 1 Apr–1 Jun 2027 (EU/equated applicants). Limited-place and programme-specific calls can differ; non-EU students requiring a visa must use the call applicable to their programme and status.
How to apply
- Open the official programme/call: https://www.unipd.it/en/foundation-year-application
- Confirm that you meet the schooling, age and English-language rules for the target academic year.
- Prepare the required file: passport; final/provisional upper-secondary qualification; school transcripts/marksheets; certified translations where required; English certificate or accepted exemption; CV/motivation/test evidence only where the call asks for them.
- Submit the application through the official route: https://apply.unipd.it
- Pay only the application/admission fee stated in the official call and retain the receipt.
- Complete any test/interview/ranking step and monitor the official portal/email for the result.
- If admitted, accept the place and pay the required deposit/tuition instalment within the deadline.
- If you are a non-EU applicant who needs an Italian study visa, complete the university-approved Universitaly pre-enrolment when instructed: https://www.universitaly.it/it/studenti-stranieri . University validation is not itself a visa.
- Follow the competent Italian Embassy/Consulate/VFS visa checklist and, after arrival, complete final enrolment and the residence-permit procedure.
The University evaluates the application and the dedicated entry test. After admission, pay the admission fee to reserve the place.
Application fees
€60 application fee. After admission, a €1,000 admission fee is required to accept the place; this forms the first part of the programme charges. The application fee is non-refundable.
Tuition fees
2027/28 tuition regulation should be checked before enrolment. 2026/27 REFERENCE: the first instalment was €208 (€192 regional tax + €16 stamp). For many non-EU students residing abroad, published all-inclusive reference amounts were €2,790/year for Area A and €2,990/year for Area B; reduced country categories could be lower.
Scholarships
The Foundation Year fee page states that fee waivers can be awarded to the best-performing Foundation Year students who subsequently enrol in a Bachelor's or Single-Cycle programme at the University of Padua. Do not assume normal degree scholarships automatically apply to the Foundation Year; check the current Foundation Year and University funding notices.
Cost of living in Padua
Official Padua living-cost reference: single room about €300–€600/month + expenses; double room €250–€400/month + expenses; groceries about €60/week; university canteen about €2–€8.50/meal; annual local transport pass from about €247.50. Housing and personal spending vary.
Apply to Foundation Year with expert help
We check your eligibility, prepare documents and guide you through pre-enrolment and the visa.