Master in Computational Finance at University of Padua
Two-year English-taught LM-16-R master's at the University of Padua in stochastic methods, machine learning for finance, credit and market risk, insurance and quantitative risk management. Entry needs a three-year bachelor's with solid maths, probability and statistics, and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Padua
English
University of Padua
Computational Finance is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-16-R) taught in English at the University of Padua. Entry needs a bachelor's of at least three years with proven skills in linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, a grade that meets your country's minimum, and English at B2. There is no entrance test. Regional scholarship winners are exempt from fees, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Padua's Computational Finance master asks for a bachelor's degree of at least three years, or a foreign equivalent that meets the country rules, with proven skills in linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, plus English at B2. There is no entrance test: the programme has open admission with requirements, and you apply in one of the 2027/28 calls. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and subject requirements
You need an undergraduate degree of at least three years, or an equivalent qualification, with proven skills in mathematics (linear algebra, differential and integral calculus), probability and statistics. No specific degree field is set. [1] The degree must come from an institution accredited in its own country's system. [8]
The department expects every admitted student to have a working knowledge of these topics before lectures begin: [4]
- Mathematics: linear algebra and matrices, limits, differential and integral calculus, functions of several variables, basic differential equations and basic free and constrained optimisation.
- Probability: conditional probability and Bayes' formula, discrete and continuous random variables, expected value, variance, covariance and correlation, the normal, Student's t, F and chi-square distributions, the law of large numbers and the central limit theorem.
- Statistics: descriptive statistics, point estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and the linear regression model.
For holders of Italian degrees, the department sets at least 10 CFU in mathematics sectors (MATH-02/A, MATH-02/B, MATH-03/A, MATH-05/A, MATH-06/A and STAT-04/A), at least 6 CFU in probability, statistics or econometrics sectors (MATH-03/B, STAT-01/A, STAT-01/B, STAT-02/A and ECON-05/A) and a final mark of at least 85/110. [3]
Country rules and minimum grades
The university's 2027/28 country list sets these master's entry titles and minimum grades: [2]
- India: a 3 or 4-year Honours bachelor's, a professional bachelor's of 4, 5 or 5.5 years, or a 3-year pass or general bachelor's plus a postgraduate bachelor's or at least a 1-year master's. Minimum GPA 70/100, 7.0/10, 5.6/8 or 2.8/4.
- Pakistan: a 3-year bachelor's (Honours), a 4 or 5-year professional bachelor's, or a 2-year pass bachelor's plus a 2-year master's. Minimum GPA 3.3/4.0.
- Bangladesh: a 4-year Honours bachelor's or a 4 or 5-year professional bachelor's. Minimum GPA 3.3/4.0.
- Sri Lanka: a 4-year bachelor's or a Special Degree. Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0.
The list is a reference, and the university's Admissions and Welcome Unit makes the final decision on each qualification. [2]
What this means for your transcript
As a guide, based on the rules above:
- Usually a fit: an Honours degree in Mathematics, Statistics or Physics, or a four-year B.Tech or B.E., with calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics on the transcript and a grade above your country's minimum.
- Check carefully: an Honours degree in Economics, a BCA or a B.Sc. Computer Science, where probability, statistics or multivariable calculus may be thin compared with the department's prerequisites list. A three-year pass or general Indian degree also needs a postgraduate qualification to meet the country rule.
- Often short: a B.Com, BBA or BA without university-level calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics.
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher. [1] For 2027/28 the university's accepted B2 scores include IELTS Academic or General Training 6.0, TOEFL iBT 86 for tests taken until 20 January 2026 or 4.5 for tests taken from 21 January 2026, PTE Academic 65, Cambridge B2 First 173, Trinity ISE II and Duolingo English Test 115. [5]
Certificates must still be valid or, where they have no expiry date, be no more than two years old on 15 September 2026. You can upload one after applying, up to 31 July 2027. [5]
You are exempt if you are a native speaker from a listed English-speaking country, or completed your qualification entirely in English in one of those countries or in the EU or Schengen area. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are not on that list. [5]
Selection
There is no entrance test. The programme has open admission with requirements, and your application is assessed against the degree, subject and grade rules above. [1][9] The Admissions and Welcome Unit decides whether a foreign qualification meets the entry rules. [2]
2027/28 deadlines
Non-EU applicants living abroad can apply in Call One, from 15 September to 15 November 2026, or Call Two, from 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027. Call Three, from 1 April to 1 June 2027, is only for EU citizens and non-EU citizens living in Italy. You can apply to this programme only once per academic year, and classes start on 1 October 2027. [1]
You can apply before graduating, but you must complete your degree by 31 July 2027. [2]
Documents and non-EU steps
The application needs your passport, your transcript or marksheet, your degree certificate if you have already graduated, a CV, a motivation letter and your English certificate, all uploaded as PDF files. Diplomas and transcripts must be official and in Italian or English, or come with official translations. No legalised documents are needed at this stage. [1][8]
- If admitted, you then accept your place. [1]
- Non-EU citizens living outside Italy complete Universitaly pre-enrolment by 15 July and apply for a type D study visa. [8]
- At enrolment, your degree and transcript must be translated into Italian or English and legalised or apostilled, or covered by a CIMEA certificate of verification. [8]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Padua, international application portal. Master's degree in Computational Finance: entry qualification, language requirement, fees and application calls, academic year 2027/28. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Padua, Global Engagement Office. Specific entry requirements for qualifications awarded by non-Italian education systems, updated 15 September 2026 and valid for academic year 2027/28. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Padua, Department of Mathematics. Master's degree in Computational Finance, admissions and entry requirements, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Padua, Department of Mathematics. Prerequisites in mathematics, probability and statistics for the Master's degree in Computational Finance, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Padua, Global Engagement Office. Language requirement for admission to degree programmes, with the list of accepted English certificates and exemptions, academic year 2027/28. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Padua, Department of Mathematics. Call for applications no. 4/2026 for ten study prizes for enrolment in master's degrees, including Computational Finance, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Padua. Tuition fees and exemptions notice, with the fixed fee for non-EU students, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Padua, Global Engagement Office. Admission of international students: how to apply, documents required for your application and how to enrol with a foreign qualification, academic year 2027/28. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Padua. Computational Finance programme page (degree class, school, language and access type), undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Computational Finance is a two-year master's degree in class LM-16-R (Finance), taught in English in Padua. It is run by the Department of Mathematics within the School of Science, jointly with the Departments of Economics and Management and of Statistics. It is worth 120 ECTS and has open admission for applicants who meet the requirements. [1][3][9]
The degree trains professionals in the computational and quantitative methods used to solve problems in finance and insurance. It brings together economics, computer science, mathematics and statistics, pairing advanced quantitative and computational skills with a solid knowledge of financial and insurance markets. It suits graduates from any quantitative field who are comfortable with calculus, linear algebra and probability, not only economics graduates.
What you will study
The first year builds the mathematical, statistical and computing foundations and introduces financial economics and risk. The second year moves to stochastic finance, insurance and risk management, with two elective courses and a master's thesis. Units in the 2027/28 plan include: [1]
- Fundamentals of Computational Mathematics
- Stochastic Methods, and Regression and Time Series Models
- Machine Learning for Finance
- Econometrics for Credit and Market Risk
- Principles of Financial Economics, and Financial Reporting and Risk Management
- Fundamentals of Information Systems
- Stochastic Finance, and Risk and Insurance (second year)
- Quantitative Risk Management, and Law and Data (second year)
Career paths
The university prepares graduates for roles in the financial, insurance and energy sectors that need quantitative and computational skills. It says graduates can pursue a wide range of careers in:
- Banking
- Insurance
- Asset management
- Energy companies
- Consulting firms
Fees and scholarships
Although it is a finance degree, Computational Finance sits in the School of Science and so in fee Group B. Under the fee call, non-EU students with family resident abroad pay a fixed yearly fee, which is reduced for citizens of a country on the ministry's list of particularly poor countries. Veneto regional scholarship winners are exempt from the fee, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students, and merit fee waivers also cover this degree. [7] See the fees page.
For 2026/27 the Department of Mathematics also offered two study prizes of €8,000 a year for new students on this programme, renewable for a second year. They were open to applicants under 25 with a strong degree grade who were EU citizens, Italian residents or holders of an Italian study visa. The next call sets new terms. [6]
How to apply from outside the EU
We apply online on apply.unipd.it with your transcript, degree certificate, CV, motivation letter and English certificate. For 2027/28, non-EU applicants living abroad can apply from 15 September to 15 November 2026 (Call One) or from 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027 (Call Two). You can apply to a degree programme only once per academic year. [1][8]
Once admitted, you accept the place, we complete the Universitaly pre-enrolment by 15 July, and you request a type D study visa. [1][8] At enrolment you present your degree and transcript translated into Italian or English and legalised or apostilled, or a CIMEA certificate of verification, and you must have graduated by 31 July 2027. Classes start on 1 October 2027. [1][2][8]
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Padua's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your application on the university portal, place acceptance and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your University of Padua DSU scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What bachelor's degree do I need for Computational Finance at Padua?
A degree of at least three years, or a foreign equivalent, with proven skills in linear algebra, differential and integral calculus, probability and statistics. No specific field is set, but your degree must also meet the university's entry title and minimum grade rules for your country. [1][2]
Is there an entrance exam?
No. The programme has open admission with requirements, so there is no written test. Your application, with your transcript, CV, motivation letter and English certificate, is assessed against the degree, subject and grade rules. [1][8][9]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2. For 2027/28 the university accepts IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 86 (or 4.5 for tests from 21 January 2026), PTE Academic 65, Cambridge B2 First 173, Duolingo 115 and other listed tests. A degree taught in English in India or Pakistan is not on the exemption list. [1][5]
When is the 2027/28 deadline for non-EU students?
Non-EU applicants living abroad can apply in Call One, from 15 September to 15 November 2026, or Call Two, from 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027. You can apply only once per year, and classes start on 1 October 2027. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. You can apply while finishing your bachelor's, but you must complete your degree by 31 July 2027 to enrol for 2027/28. You can also upload your English certificate after applying, up to 31 July 2027. [2][5]
What grade do I need?
The 2027/28 country list sets minimums of 70/100 or 7.0/10 for India, a GPA of 3.3/4.0 for Pakistan and Bangladesh, and 3.0/4.0 for Sri Lanka. Holders of Italian degrees need at least 85/110. [2][3]
I have a B.Com or a BBA. Can I apply?
Only if your transcript shows university-level linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, which most commerce and business degrees cover only lightly. A three-year Indian degree must also be Honours, or be followed by a postgraduate qualification, to meet the 2027/28 country rule. [1][2][4]
What jobs do graduates do?
The university names careers in banking, insurance, asset management, energy companies and consulting firms, in roles that apply computational and quantitative techniques to financial and insurance problems. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to Computational Finance at Padua?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Padua's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the University of Padua DSU scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Computational Finance?
Padua's 2027/28 country list covers Indian 3 or 4-year Honours bachelor's degrees and professional bachelor's degrees of 4 years or more, which is where a B.Tech or B.E. sits, with a minimum of 70/100 or 7.0/10. Your transcript should show linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, and you need English at B2. The steps are the online application, place acceptance and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][2] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Computational Finance are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application in Call One or Call Two, admission decision, place acceptance and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Computational Finance are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application in Call One or Call Two, admission decision, place acceptance and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Computational Finance are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: online application in Call One or Call Two, admission decision, place acceptance and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
More English-taught programmes at this university
Other public universities in this city
They began right where you are
