Master in Astrophysics and Cosmology at University of Padua
English-taught astrophysics master in Padua with a shared core in general relativity, numerical methods and laboratory work, then a Theory and Modelling path or an Observations, Experiments and Interpretation path.
Master
2 years
Padua
English
University of Padua
Astrophysics and Cosmology is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (interclass LM-17-R Physics and LM-58-R Sciences of the Universe) taught in English at the University of Padua. Non-EU students whose family lives abroad pay a fixed €2,990 a year (2026/27), and Veneto regional scholarship winners are exempt.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree of at least three years (or equivalent) with proven competence in physics, mathematics, chemistry, basic computer science and programming.
- Entry documents in English or Italian, and a final grade that meets the minimum the university sets for your country.
- English at B2 level of the CEFR, with a certificate from the university's accepted list unless an exemption applies.
- No entrance test: admission is open to applicants who meet the requirements, which are checked on your application file.
- An online application on apply.unipd.it with your transcript, degree certificate, CV, motivation letter and English certificate; legalised documents are not needed at this stage.
About the programme
Astrophysics and Cosmology is a two-year master's degree taught in English in Padua by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, within the School of Science. It is an interclass degree in classes LM-17-R (Physics) and LM-58-R (Sciences of the Universe), worth 120 ECTS, with open admission for applicants who meet the entry requirements.
The course gives a broad, up-to-date overview of the main fields of modern astrophysics: detectors and astronomical techniques, black holes and neutron stars, cosmology, gravitational physics, planets, stars and galaxies. It suits graduates with a strong grounding in physics, mathematics and programming who are aiming for a research career or a technical role built on modelling and data.
What you will study
Everyone takes a shared core, then chooses one of two paths: Theory and Modelling, or Observations, Experiments and Interpretation. The theory path concentrates on theoretical cosmology and physics, while the observational path adds a second laboratory unit. Units listed on the admissions portal for 2027/28 include:
- Mathematical and Numerical Methods (shared core)
- General Relativity (shared core)
- Astrophysics Laboratory (shared core)
- Theoretical Cosmology and Theoretical Physics (Theory and Modelling)
- Radiative Processes in Astrophysics, and Compact Object Astrophysics (Theory and Modelling)
- Stellar Astrophysics, and Astrophysics of Galaxies (Observations, Experiments and Interpretation)
- Observational Cosmology, and Astrophysics Laboratory 2 (Observations, Experiments and Interpretation)
Career paths
The university describes graduates working as coordinators or members of research groups in public or private research institutions, or as professionals in technology-based industries and in sectors that need people who can model, test and interpret large, complex data sets. The areas it names include:
- Scientific research in universities and research centres
- Space, optics and microelectronics industries
- Telecommunications and information technology
- Consulting companies and public administration
- Teaching
Fees and scholarships
School of Science degrees are in fee Group B. Under the 2026/27 fee call, non-EU students whose household lives outside Italy pay a fixed €2,990 a year, or €996.66 as citizens of a country on the ministry's list of particularly poor countries; an ISEE parificato only lowers the regional tax. Veneto regional scholarship winners are exempt from the fee, which means zero euro tuition for eligible students, and applicants living abroad are also considered for the university's merit fee waivers. See the fees page.
How to apply from outside the EU
Applications go through apply.unipd.it, where you upload your transcript, degree certificate, CV, motivation letter and English certificate and pay a €60 fee. For 2027/28, non-EU applicants living abroad can apply in Call One, 15 September to 15 November 2026, or Call Two, 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027; Call Three is only for EU citizens and non-EU residents of Italy.
If admitted, you pay a non-refundable €208 to accept your place, complete the Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a type D study visa. Your degree and transcript must be legalised, apostilled or verified by CIMEA by 31 August 2027, and lectures begin on 1 October 2027.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Is the Master in Astrophysics and Cosmology taught in English?
Yes. The whole degree is taught in English in Padua. You need English at B2 level of the CEFR, shown by a certificate on the university's accepted list unless an exemption applies.
Which paths can I choose?
Two: Theory and Modelling, with units such as Theoretical Cosmology and Compact Object Astrophysics, or Observations, Experiments and Interpretation, with Stellar Astrophysics, Astrophysics of Galaxies and Observational Cosmology. Both share General Relativity and an astrophysics laboratory.
What background do I need?
A bachelor's degree of at least three years with proven skills in physics, mathematics, chemistry, basic computer science and programming. Your final grade must also meet the minimum the university sets for your country.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
Non-EU applicants living abroad can apply on apply.unipd.it from 15 September to 15 November 2026 or from 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027. The fee is €60 and lectures start on 1 October 2027.
How much are the fees?
For 2026/27, non-EU students with family abroad pay a fixed €2,990 a year, or €996.66 if from a country on the ministry's list of particularly poor countries. Veneto regional scholarship winners are exempt from the fee.
What careers does it lead to?
Research groups in public or private institutions, technology industries such as space, optics, microelectronics, telecommunications and IT, and roles that model and interpret large data sets in consulting firms, research centres and public administration.
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