University of St Andrews

At a glance

Founded in 1222 the University of Padua is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious seats of learning. With 13 faculties on offer to its 61,000 students it is a multi-disciplinary university that aims to provide both professional training and a solid cultural background.

Studying in Padua also means enjoying Padua, taking advantage of a stimulating environment that combines art and science, modernity and tradition. The University itself has kept much of its medieval character intact: surrounded by sixteenth-century walls, the old city centre is a place of busy market squares, waterways and silent arcaded streets where you can find towers, churches, palaces and surprising secret gardens.
Established : 1222
Student Population : 61000

Website and links

Website : University of Padua Homepage

Study abroad page : Padua Study Abroad Webpage

Who can go

Students on degree programmes in the following subject areas may apply to study abroad during their Junior Honours year at Università degli Studi di Padova (University of Padua):
Please note that due to the trimester system at Padua, students in the Business School can only study abroad for the full academic year or in semester two.

• Art History
• Economics (Business School)
• Management (Business School)
• Italian

Semesters Available

• First Semester
• Second Semester
• Full Year

Note: Joint Honours students may only apply for a full year abroad if BOTH subjects are listed above. Joint Honours students applying for one semester must seek permission from both Schools.

Study abroad coordinator

Each School has a designated Study Abroad Coordinator.

Semester dates

Semester dates are as follows

2025/6
Semester 1 Sep 2025 to Feb 2025
Semester 2 Feb 2025 to Jul 2025

Your studies abroad

St Andrews academic requirements

• Minimum Credit in Academic year : 48
• Minimum Credit in Semester : 24
• Maximum Credit in Academic year : 60
• Maximum Credit in Semester: 30
• Module Weighting : 3,5,8

Partner Course Catalogue : One ECTS credit generally corresponds to 25 hours of work, including time for individual study. The average workload of a full-time student is conventionally fixed at 60 ECTS per year or 30 ECTS per semester.

There are classes in both Italian and English. Search here for a full course catalogue.

See our Credits and Modules Abroad webpage for information on the number of credits we expect students to take at our partner institutions. St Andrews expects students to attend all classes as part of their programme abroad. Assessment methods may vary across partners and could include class participation, continuous assessment in the form of homework and final exams. All courses must be agreed with your Study Abroad Coordinator. See our academic information webpage for further details, as well as information about credit and grade conversion.

Application and selection

This is a School Abroad programme.

Places available

Places available :

Art History: 4 semester places

Italian: 6 semester places

Business School: 4 semester places

Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance. Numbers for the following academic year will be confirmed at the information meeting.

Getting there and getting around

The main airport is Venezia “Marco Polo”, 49km from Padua. From the airport, you can travel to by:

SITA coach (every 30 minutes)

Train from Venezia-Mestre railway station. The airport is linked to the train station by ATVO fly bus or ACTV city bus no. 5

Air Service or Landomas minibus

Padua is quite a small town and the easiest way to get around is by walking or cycling. It is very easy to buy a used bicycle. For those who want to take advantage of the "APS Mobilità" public bus service.

Information on how to get around can be found here.

Accommodation

Detailed information on accommodation options can be found here, the email for the housing office is: housing@unipd.it.

All students can search for private accommodation on HousingAnywhere, an international housing platform for students, PhD candidates and trainees. Through HousingAnywhere they can safely book their new accommodation, offered by verified private landlords and by outgoing students. Rooms offered by outgoing students can be easily recognized thanks to the "Verified Student" VIP badge on their profile.

Alternatively, university guesthouses can be a convenient option for short term stays.

You are advised to apply as early as possible for accommodation due to very high student demand.

Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions. Guidance on finding accommodation abroad is available on the Global Office webpage.

Student services and orientation

The SASSA service will be your first port of call when you arrive at the University of Padua. The service will provide you with all the necessary preliminary information to get your study abroad off to a great start.

Student Services and the SAOS office assist foreign students with more specific legal issues such as visas and insurance.

The University of Padua run a Buddy Scheme as a means of supporting inbound exchange students. Your buddy will welcome and support you in finding accommodation and during the registration and enrolment procedures as well as helping you settle into Italian life.

Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of our partner universities.