ESU Padua - Regional contributions

What you get

You will receive a government grant of approximately 1,042 EUR to cover your studies in the Italian region of Veneto, for a maximum of 60 months (the standard duration of your degree programme). The funding comes from the Veneto Region and is paid out via ESU Padova, the regional student finance office. You will also receive a free lunch every day in the student canteens. The exact amount for your academic year will be specified in the annual call for applications. It may vary depending on your category (students living away from home, commuters or students living locally) and your family income.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled at the University of Padua or at a music conservatoire, a school of language teaching (SSML) or a design school (SID) in the Veneto region, or are about to enrol.
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities.
• Financial need: Your family income must remain below the specified upper limits. You will need an ISEE certificate from the university, which sets out your household’s financial situation and is issued free of charge. For 2026/27, the upper limits are approximately 26,306 EUR (ISEE) and 42,531 EUR (ISPE). The region is still in the process of confirming the final figures.
• Grades: In the first year, placement is based solely on the lowest income, with no exams required. From the second year onwards, you must pass a minimum number of exams to qualify.

How to apply

Students at the University of Padua apply online via the Uniweb portal. Students at the Conservatoire, the SSML and the SID apply via the ESU student portal (Sportello Studente). The application deadline is 16 January. You will need a valid ISEE certificate from the university and a digital identity (SPID or CIE).

How realistic are your chances?

The region allocates over 8 million euros annually for this purpose, meaning that funding is provided not just to a single recipient, but to many students. If you meet the income thresholds and satisfy the academic requirements from the second year onwards, your prospects are good. Selection is based on a clear income ranking list rather than a competition judged by a panel. Make sure you have your ISEE certificate ready well in advance, as you cannot apply without it.