University of Padova

The University of Padua (UniPd), established in 1222, is one of the oldest universities in the world and a cornerstone of academic excellence in Italy. It was founded by a group of scholars and students who left the University of Bologna seeking greater academic freedom. This principle of liberty remains central to Padua’s identity, reflected in its motto: “Universa Universis Patavina Libertas” (Freedom for all at the University of Padua).

Throughout its history, Padua has been a hub for groundbreaking discoveries and innovation, particularly in the fields of medicine, science, and philosophy. It is home to the world’s first permanent anatomical theater (built in 1594) and the oldest botanical garden in the world, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The university has been graced by some of history’s greatest minds, including:

• Galileo Galilei, who taught at Padua from 1592 to 1610, making significant contributions to physics and astronomy.
• Andrea Vesalius, the father of modern anatomy.
• William Harvey, who discovered the circulation of blood.
• Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, the first woman in the world to receive a university degree in 1678.

Today, the University of Padua continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, attracting students from around the globe to its vibrant, multicultural campus. It offers a wide range of programs, including the Medicine and Surgery course in English, introduced in 2019, which combines cutting-edge education with rich cultural and historical traditions.

About the Medicine and Surgery Course in English

The Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Padua, introduced in 2019, is a six-year single-cycle degree designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in medicine. Taught entirely in English, the program is structured to meet Italian and European standards for medical training and offers a total of 360 ECTS credits, including 60 credits for professional activities and internships essential for medical licensing.

Program Highlights

• Preclinical and Clinical Integration: The first three years focus on building a solid foundation in biomedical sciences, covering subjects such as cell physiology, biological molecules, and pathophysiological mechanisms. From the very first year, students engage in clinical rotations, including experiences in radiology and emergency medicine, to ensure early exposure to patient care
• Advanced Clinical Training: In the final three years, the curriculum shifts to clinical subjects such as general surgery, clinical neuroscience, oncology, and robotic surgery techniques. This phase emphasizes diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making and includes a professional internship during the fifth and sixth years

.

• Innovative Teaching Methods: The program employs an integrated approach, blending lectures, laboratory work, and clinical practice. Translational research opportunities and bioethics training further enhance the learning experience

Course Location and Facilities

The program is headquartered at the Morgagni Auditorium within the Collegio Morgagni complex. Students benefit from access to the Policlinico Hospital, which serves as the primary site for clinical rotations and internships. The hospital is equipped with modern facilities, including simulation labs and advanced diagnostic tools.

Admission and Seats

• Available Seats: The program admits 76 students annually, with 51 seats for EU students and 25 for non-EU students, no reserved for the Marco Polo program.
• Admission Test: Prospective students must qualify through the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test), which assesses their aptitude in scientific and logical reasoning.

Career Prospects

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in general medicine, specialized healthcare, and biomedical research. The degree is recognized across Europe and enables students to pursue further specialization or enter the workforce in public or private healthcare institutions

Exam Structure and Academic Requirements

Examinations are a combination of written and oral assessments, typical of Italian medical education.

• Written Exams: Include multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, and case-based problem-solving.
• Oral Exams: Focus on testing students’ depth of understanding and application of medical concepts.

In the first two years, exams are evenly split between written and oral formats, while later years emphasize oral evaluations. Clinical competency is also assessed through practical exams and internship evaluations.

Attendance Requirements:

• Students must attend at least 67% of their classes to qualify for exams.
• Failing to meet attendance requirements results in repeating the course in the following academic year.

Exam Attempts and Sessions:

• Students are allowed up to three attempts per exam per year.
• Multiple exam sessions throughout the year offer flexibility, with opportunities to retake failed exams in later sessions.

Padova and Its Weather

Padova, also known as Padua, is a historic city in the Veneto region of northern Italy. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The city is celebrated for its Scrovegni Chapel, adorned with Giotto’s frescoes, and Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest squares. Its vibrant café culture and architectural beauty make it a favorite destination for students and visitors alike.

Located in the Veneto region, Padova is just 40 kilometers from Venice, making it a perfect base for exploring northeastern Italy. Its proximity to the Brenta River and Euganean Hills offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and vineyard tours.

Climate Overview

Padova experiences a moderately continental climate, with distinct seasonal changes that provide a mix of experiences throughout the year.

• Spring (March to May): Spring brings mild temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 21°C (41°F to 70°F), and occasional rainfall. This is a beautiful time to explore the city’s parks and gardens as they bloom.
• Summer (June to August): Summers are warm and humid, with daytime temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) or higher. While the season is mostly sunny, occasional thunderstorms offer relief from the heat.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is cooler and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 25°C (46°F to 77°F). The city’s historic sites and countryside are particularly inviting during this time.
• Winter (December to February): Winters are cold and damp, with temperatures averaging between 0°C and 10°C (32°F to 50°F). While snow is rare, foggy mornings add a serene charm to the city.

Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with heavier precipitation in October and May. Despite the occasional rain, Padova offers plenty of indoor attractions, such as museums and galleries, making it a year-round destination.

Cost of Living in Padova

Padova is a relatively affordable city compared to other major cities in northern Italy. Its smaller size and compact layout mean that most amenities and university facilities are within walking distance, significantly reducing transportation costs for students.

Accommodation Costs

• Private Room: Ranges from €300 to €600 per month, excluding utilities.
• Shared Room: Costs between €250 and €400 per month.
• Studio Apartments: Typically range from €500 to €800 per month.

These costs vary depending on the location, with accommodations closer to the city center or university campus being slightly more expensive.

Food and Dining

Cooking at home is a cost-effective option, with weekly groceries costing approximately €20–€30. Dining out is pricier:

• Pizzerias: A meal typically costs around €10–€20, with pizza Margherita being the cheapest option.
• Breakfast in Cafés: A cappuccino and croissant cost about €3.50.

University Canteens

The Padua Hospital Canteen, open Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, provides affordable meals for students.

• Full Meal: Includes a first course, second course, side dish, bread, and water, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
• Costs:
  
  • Scholarship recipients categorized as “off-site” or “commuting” are entitled to one free meal per day.
  • “On-site” scholarship beneficiaries pay a reduced rate of €3.50–€4.70 per meal.
  • Access is managed via the ESUPd.EAT App, with payments made through an electronic wallet.

Padova’s affordability, combined with its vibrant student-friendly environment and convenient amenities, makes it an ideal city for academic life. Its cost of living is not only lower than other northern Italian cities like Milan or Venice but also offers excellent value for the quality of life.

 

Scholarships

Scholarships for students at the University of Padua are managed by ESU Padova, aimed at supporting students in bachelor’s and master’s degree courses. These scholarships are designed to assist students categorized as off-site, commuter, or on-site, ensuring financial aid is accessible to a broad range of applicants.

Scholarship and Accommodation Applications

• Opening Date: 19 July 2024, at 10:00 AM.
• Deadlines:
  
  • Accommodation Applications: 9 September 2024, at 10:00 AM.
  • Scholarship Applications: 7 October 2024, at 10:00 AM.

Scholarship Amounts

The scholarship amounts vary based on the student’s economic situation, with additional increments for those in the most disadvantaged categories:

• Maximum Amount: €7,015.97.
• Minimum Amount: €3,507.98.
• Students with an ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) less than or equal to €13,153.11 receive a 15% increase in their scholarship amount.

Eligibility

• Scholarships: Open to all students meeting the economic and merit-based criteria.
• Accommodation: Reserved for off-site and commuter students only.

Student Residences in Padova

Padova offers a wide range of student residences, providing over 1,500 beds across 15 facilities. These residences are designed to foster both academic focus and social interaction, with a strong emphasis on environmental, spatial, and cultural quality. Many residences include concierge services during the academic year and support for students with disabilities.

Accommodation Costs

The cost of rooms ranges from €135 to €420 per month, calculated based on:

• Merit
• Economic condition
• Type of residence

List of Student Residences

Here are the available student residences in Padova:

• Agripolis Residence: viale dell’Università, 12 – Legnaro
• Camplus Delù Residence: via Delù, 8 – Padua
• Carli Residence: via Martiri Giuliani e Dalmati, 25 – Padua
• Ceccarelli Residence: via Monte Cengio, 19 – Padua
• Colombo Residence: via Luigi Einaudi, 10 – Padua
• Copernicus Residence: via Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, 54 – Padua
• Cornaro Residence: via Curzola, 10 – Padua
• Forest Residence: via Gattamelata, 11 – Padua
• Galileo Galilei Residence: via Antonio Magarotto, 16 – Padua
• Gattamelata Residence: via Gattamelata, 29 – Padua
• Goito Residence: via Goito, 70 – Padua
• Minio Residence: via Tiziano Minio, 38 – Padua
• Residenza Nievo: via Cristoforo Moro, 4 – Padua
• Residenza Nord Piovego: via Venezia, 20 – Padua
• Rovigo Residence: via Vincenzo Chiarugi, 115 – Rovigo
• San Raffaele Residence: viale Dieci Giugno, 10 – Vicenza
• Residenza Tiziano Aspetti: Galleria Vincenzo Gallucci, 1 – Padua

Compare Locations with a Map

A map highlighting the locations of all residences and the university campus will help students choose the most suitable accommodation based on proximity and convenience.

These residences not only provide comfortable and affordable living spaces but also contribute to the overall student experience, making Padova a welcoming and supportive city for academic pursuits.

Transportation in Padova

Padova is a small, student-friendly city, making it very accessible for residents and visitors alike. Most of the city’s key locations, including the university, shops, and cafes, are within walking distance, reducing the need for frequent use of public transportation

However, for those who prefer public transport, Busitalia Veneto manages both urban and suburban services, offering an efficient network of buses and a tram line. The tram is unique in that it runs on rubber wheels and operates using battery power, making it both quiet and environmentally friendly

For students, there are several options to save on transportation costs. Students under the age of 26 can benefit from discounted travel passes. These passes are available for both urban and suburban routes, and they offer significant savings compared to regular fares. For example, a monthly urban pass costs €30, while a yearly pass is priced at €240..

Additionally, students can access discounts on bus tickets and season passes through the “Studiare a Padova” card, which offers various benefits, including discounted travel rates on local transportation.

Public transport in Padova is efficient and easy to use, with services running regularly throughout the day. The tram operates every 8 minutes on weekdays and every 15-20 minutes on weekends, covering major routes and offering convenient access to the city’s main attractions..

For students living outside the city center, suburban transport is also available, with prices varying based on the distance traveled. The PadovaCard, a tourist card, also includes free access to local public transportation, which can be a useful option for newcomers.