Master in Marine Biology at University of Padua

Detailed entry requirements

Marine Biology has open admission for applicants who meet its qualification, subject-preparation, grade and language requirements. The latest foreign-qualification listing is for 2027/28, while the separate Italian-degree call is for 2026/27. Sources were reviewed on 6 October 2026.

Relevant degree, subject knowledge and programme-specific grade assessment

A minimum three-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, with proven skills in mathematics, physics, computer science and biology. [1]

The department’s standing enrolment guidance states a minimum GPA equivalent to Italian 90/110 and English B2 receptive skills, meaning reading and listening. It identifies biological sciences, environmental sciences/technologies, biotechnology and related subjects; animal-science degrees are additionally suitable for Marine Biology. Alternative backgrounds require the listed scientific preparation. The current foreign-degree portal states the broad skills above and refers to country-specific recognition rules. [1, 3, 10]

The university evaluates your transcript and academic suitability in addition to whether your award permits access to a master’s degree. We provide course descriptions where requested. Admission with requirements does not mean automatic admission for every holder of a bachelor’s degree. [1, 2, 7]

Foreign qualifications: recognition and country-specific grades

A relevant degree and the programme’s subject preparation are required together with recognition of the qualification. The Admissions and Welcome Unit decides whether your foreign award permits entry to this master’s programme. Its country table is reference guidance rather than an exhaustive list: applicants whose country is absent may still apply. The university evaluates the qualification, its level, length and grade; meeting a listed minimum does not itself constitute an admission offer. [2, 3]

Examples below use the Master’s degree column of the table updated on 15 September 2026 for 2027/28. They are requirements for the education system that awarded your qualification, rather than a single percentage applying to every applicant. [3]

• India: a three- or four-year Honours bachelor’s degree; a four-, five- or five-and-a-half-year professional bachelor’s degree; or a three-year Pass/General bachelor’s degree plus a postgraduate bachelor’s degree or at least a one-year master’s degree. The listed minimums are 70/100, 7.0/10, 5.6/8 or 2.8/4, according to the grading scale. [3]
• Pakistan: accepted routes include a two-year Bachelor (Pass) plus a two-year master’s degree; a two-year Bachelor (Pass) plus an LL.B.; a Bachelor (Pass) plus Bachelor of Education route of three years in total; a three-year Honours bachelor’s degree; or a four- or five-year professional bachelor’s degree. Minimum GPA: 3.3/4. [3]
• Bangladesh: a four-year Honours bachelor’s degree or a four- or five-year professional bachelor’s degree, with minimum GPA 3.3/4. [3]
• Iran: a four- or five-year bachelor’s degree, or a two-year associate degree followed by a two-year discontinuous bachelor’s degree, with minimum GPA 15/20. [3]
• China: a bachelor’s degree certificate following a four-year undergraduate programme together with the graduation certificate and the specified CSSD verifications. The listed minimums are 75/100, 3.0/5 or 2.8/4. [3]
• Nigeria: at least a four-year bachelor’s degree, or a two-year Higher National Diploma plus the last two years of a bachelor’s degree, with minimum GPA 3.5/5. [3]
• Egypt: a four- or five-year BA, BSc or Licence, with minimum GPA 75/100 or 3.0/4. Other countries and qualification combinations are assessed under their own table entries and university recognition procedures. [2, 3]

English B2: accepted certificates and exemptions for foreign-degree applicants

The programme is taught in English and requires at least CEFR B2. For applicants using a foreign qualification, the current central policy allows the language certificate to be supplied after the application, but no later than 31 July 2027 for completion of enrolment. Certificates must be valid under the issuing body’s rules; where there is no expiry date, they must have been obtained within the two years preceding the opening of selection on 15 September 2026. [1, 4]

The current official B2 certificate list gives the following scores and qualifications. Higher-level certificates must meet the university’s corresponding C1 threshold where that level is relied upon. [5]

• IELTS Academic or General Training: 6.0. The university includes IELTS Home based tests and accepts one-skill retakes. [5]
• TOEFL iBT or Home Edition: 86 for tests taken up to 20 January 2026, or 4.5 on the new scale for tests taken from 21 January 2026. MyBest scores are accepted. [5]
• Cambridge B2 First: 173; Trinity ISE II; Oxford Test of English: 126; PTE Academic: 65; Pearson International Certificate: Level 3 Upper Intermediate; Duolingo English Test: 115. [5]
• Also listed: Gatehouse GA Level 1 ESOL International Classic B2; British Council Aptis ESOL General or Advanced with overall CEFR B2; and LanguageCert ESOL or Academic B2 Communicator covering four skills. Remote or online versions are accepted where the official list specifies them. [5]
• A certificate exemption applies to native English speakers from the university’s specified countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom and United States. [6]
• An entirely English-medium entry or higher qualification can support exemption if the awarding institution is in one of those listed countries, an EU country or a Schengen country. An English-medium degree from any country is not a blanket exemption under this foreign-qualification policy. [6]
• The list also exempts specified entry qualifications completed entirely in English: IBDP, European Baccalaureate, GCE or IGCE, and a High School Diploma accompanied by three US Advanced Placements with scores from 3 to 5. We supply evidence for the exact exemption claimed. An Italian language certificate is not required when applying to this English-taught programme. [6, 7]

Application documents and pending graduation

The application needs colour scans in PDF format: an English CV, an English motivation letter, your academic transcript, your qualifying degree award, a passport or an eligible identity document, and language evidence when required. Applicants who have not yet graduated may use an official enrolment or provisional certificate at application stage. For the 2027/28 foreign-qualification route, the study cycle must be completed by 31 July 2027; an official completion certificate may evidence that completion while the final diploma is being issued. [2, 7]

English or Italian translations of the transcript and degree documents are added when necessary. No legalised documents are required at initial application stage. A residence permit is also required for non-EU applicants residing in Italy. We include any further programme-specific documents requested in your application checklist. The public listing does not establish a universal requirement for two recommendation letters or a fixed interview duration. [1, 7]

We use one applicant account and submit every required field and attachment. The central guidance permits applications to up to two programmes; the course listing allows only one application to the same programme in an academic year. Initial administrative checks are followed by an Academic Committee evaluation, so satisfying minimum requirements still requires a positive assessment. [1, 7]

Application calls: foreign qualifications, 2027/28

• Call One: 15 September to 15 November 2026, with the listing’s deadline at 23:59:59 Central European Time. Studies are listed to commence on 1 October 2027. [1]
• Call Two: 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027. [1]
• Call Three: 1 April to 1 June 2027, only for EU applicants and non-EU applicants residing in Italy in an eligible category. We select your correct portal category. Only one application to the same programme is allowed in an academic year. [1, 7]

After an offer: acceptance and final enrolment

An offered place is accepted by the deadline in the offer, by completing the enrolment step in the offer. Final enrolment requires the original qualifying degree and transcript, translated into Italian or English and authenticated through the applicable procedure. The transcript should identify examinations, grades and, where possible, credits and the course syllabus. CIMEA comparability may be requested if the Admissions and Welcome Unit needs further qualification verification. [1, 7, 8]

Authentication normally uses legalisation or an apostille; the university also describes CIMEA Verification as an alternative and lists treaty-based exceptions. These are final-enrolment requirements, distinct from the initial application. Non-EU students residing abroad additionally complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and the study-visa process. We follow the intake-specific instructions and offer deadlines. The standing enrolment webpage contains older cycle references, so its unqualified calendar dates are not presented here as confirmed 2027/28 deadlines. [8]

Separate route: a qualifying degree obtained in Italy, 2026/27

The currently published School of Science call is reserved for qualifications obtained in Italy and refers foreign-degree holders to international procedures. Its Annex 1 states the following curricular and personal-preparation conditions for this course. [9]

The department’s alternative subject preparation includes physics, mathematics and informatics, physical/general/organic/inorganic chemistry, botany, genetics, microbiology, physiology, hygiene and public health. The commission evaluates how your previous studies support the programme. [10]

For the separate 2026/27 route using a qualification obtained in Italy, Annex 2 requires language evidence with the curricular-assessment application. Its alternatives include an accepted certificate dated from 1 January 2021, specified native-speaker citizenship, a degree entirely taught in English with official evidence, at least 30 examination credits taught in English and taken or recognised within an Italian university career, a qualifying Italian university language-centre certificate/open badge, or the reserved Padua TAL B2 reading-and-listening test. These alternatives belong to that Italian-degree call and do not replace the current foreign-qualification certificate policy. [9]

• An Italian L-2, L-13, L-32 or L-38 degree, or former class 1, 12, 27 or 40, satisfies the stated degree-class route. Other classes require at least 50 CFU overall in the listed subject groups and their stated minimums. The group minimums below do not replace the 50-CFU total. [9]
• At least 6 CFU in FIS/01-08, INF/01, MAT/01-09, CHIM/02, CHIM/03 and CHIM/06; 12 CFU in BIO/01, BIO/02, BIO/03, BIO/05, BIO/06 and BIO/07; 6 CFU in BIO/04, BIO/10, BIO/11, BIO/18 and BIO/19; and 6 CFU in BIO/09 and MED/42. [9]
• The qualifying degree mark must be at least 90/110 or equivalent and English at least B2 for this Italian-degree call. These conditions accompany the stated academic route. [9]
• The 2026/27 Italian-degree pre-enrolment deadline was 30 September 2026 at noon and has passed. The curricular-assessment application and qualifying-degree completion deadline remain 29 January 2027, with assessment closing at 15:00. Enrolment closes on 15 February 2027. A later degree-completion deadline does not reopen the pre-enrolment window. [9]
• Transfer and course-change routes have earlier deadlines and separate procedures. [9]

Sources and verification

1. University of Padua, Apply Unipd: Marine Biology, 2027/28 intake; reviewed 6 October 2026.
2. University of Padua, Specific entry requirements for qualifications awarded by non-Italian education systems, current 2027/28 guidance; reviewed 6 October 2026.
3. University of Padua, Specific entry requirements for qualifications awarded by non-Italian education systems, updated 15 September 2026, valid for 2027/28, Master’s degree column.
4. University of Padua, Language requirement for admission to degree programmes, 2027/28 foreign-qualification guidance; reviewed 6 October 2026.
5. University of Padua, English language certifications, currently linked official list; reviewed 6 October 2026. Publication date is not printed in the document.
6. University of Padua, Exemptions: English language certification, currently linked official list; reviewed 6 October 2026. Publication date is not printed in the document.
7. University of Padua, Study in English: How to apply, standing application guidance; reviewed 6 October 2026.
8. University of Padua, Study in English: How to enrol, standing enrolment guidance; reviewed 6 October 2026.
9. University of Padua, School of Science open-access master’s programmes, 2026/27 call reserved for holders of qualifications obtained in Italy, Annexes 1 and 2 and deadline summary.
10. University of Padua, Marine Biology: departmental admission/enrolment guidance, standing webpage; reviewed 6 October 2026. Publication date is not stated.

I have a B.Sc. in zoology, botany or biotechnology. Can I apply?

These sit within the biological sciences and biotechnology backgrounds the department names. Your transcript must also show proven skills in mathematics, physics, computer science and biology. Other degrees need the listed scientific preparation, such as chemistry, genetics, microbiology and physiology, which we map from your transcript. [1][10]

Can an animal-science graduate apply?

The department includes animal science and animal-breeding science or technology as suitable backgrounds for Marine Biology, subject to recognition, the required preparation, grades and English B2. The foreign-degree listing requires proven mathematics, physics, computer-science and biology skills. [1][10]

What grade requirement applies?

The department states a minimum grade equivalent to Italian 90/110. Foreign qualifications also follow the country table, which for India lists minimums such as 70/100 or 7.0/10, alongside the programme's academic assessment. [3][10]

What English evidence is accepted?

English B2. Current foreign-qualification examples include IELTS 6.0, PTE Academic 65 and Duolingo 115. TOEFL requires 86 on the old scale or 4.5 for tests from 21 January 2026. We match your certificate to the official list or document an accepted exemption. [5][6]

Can I apply before graduation?

Yes. The foreign-qualification route accepts an official provisional or enrolment certificate at application stage. For 2027/28 you must complete the qualifying study cycle by 31 July 2027. The 2026/27 Italian-degree route has separate deadlines. [2][7]

When is the next international application window?

For 2027/28, the calls run from 15 September to 15 November 2026 and from 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027. A third call, 1 April to 1 June 2027, is only for EU applicants and eligible non-EU residents in Italy. [1]

Do I need legalised documents to apply?

Not at the initial application stage. The application uses PDF scans and English or Italian translations where needed. If you are admitted, your degree and transcript are authenticated for final enrolment through legalisation, apostille, CIMEA Verification or an applicable exception. [7][8]

Can someone handle my whole application to Marine Biology 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 Marine Biology?

You need at least a three-year degree, or equivalent, with proven skills in mathematics, physics, computer science and biology, plus English at B2 [1]. The department states a minimum grade equivalent to Italian 90/110 [10]. For India, the university lists Honours, professional or Pass-plus-further-study bachelor's routes, with minimums such as 70/100 or 7.0/10 [3]. The steps are an Apply Unipd application, an Academic Committee evaluation and Universitaly pre-enrolment. 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 Marine Biology are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: an Apply Unipd application, an Academic Committee evaluation 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 Marine Biology are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: an Apply Unipd application, an Academic Committee evaluation 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 Marine Biology 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: an Apply Unipd application, an Academic Committee evaluation 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.