Master of Science in Evolutionary Biology
Padua, Italy
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
02 Feb 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Oct 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 2,739 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Third call - EU students only
Key Summary
Program structure
1st Year: Molecular Methods and Bioinformatics, Ethology, Functional Morphology, Applied Statistics for Evolutionary Biology, Comparative Physiology, Plant Ecophysiology, Molecular Phylogeny, Theory of Evolution, Biogeography and Phylogeography.
2nd Year: Conservation and Evolution, Philosophy of Biological Sciences, Biological Responses to Climate Change, Behavioural Genetics, Molecular Anthropology, Methods and Applications in Evolutionary Population Genomics, English Language B2 (Productive Skills).
Merit-based scholarships
Padua International Excellence Scholarship
The University of Padua offers 53 scholarships to highly talented prospective students wishing to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree completely held in English in Padua.
Fee-waivers
The University of Padua additionally offers 100 full tuition fee waivers to students enrolling in one of its degree programs held completely in English.
Departmental scholarships
Some Departments offer additional scholarships to more than 30 international students
Galilean School of Higher Education Scholarships
The Scuola Galileiana di Studi Superiori (Galilean School of Higher Education) is the University of Padua’s school of excellence. It combines traditional university education with a series of special in-house courses comprising seminars and lectures by renowned international visiting professors. Up to four highly talented international students are selected each year.
Scholarships awarded by other national or international organizations
Scholarships awarded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation MAECI
Every year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation awards scholarships for studying in Italy to both international students and Italian students who are permanent residents in countries other than Italy (IRE).
These scholarships aim to foster international cultural cooperation, spread the knowledge of the Italian language, culture, and science, as well as promote the Italian economic and technological system throughout the world.
Grants are offered to pursue study, training, and/or research programs at Italian Higher Education Institutes, both public and legally recognized.
Loans for merit
The University of Padua has signed an agreement with the bank Banca Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A, the savings bank Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, and the Association ‘Friends of the University of Padua’. The agreement is aimed at providing EU students with a flexible borrowing option at advantageous interest rates, to be granted with no need for collateral, to bear expenses for education.
The loan will be granted following checks on the eligibility criteria of the student asking for the financing and prior approval of the lender.
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Completing a Master of Science in Evolutionary Biology requires successfully accumulating 120 ECTS credits.
1st Year: Molecular Methods and Bioinformatics, Ethology, Functional Morphology, Applied Statistics for Evolutionary Biology, Comparative Physiology, Plant Ecophysiology, Molecular Phylogeny, Theory of Evolution Biogeography and Phylogeography.
2nd Year: Conservation and Evolution, Philosophy of Biological Sciences, Biological Responses to Climate Change, Behavioural Genetics, Molecular Anthropology, Methods and Applications in Evolutionary Population Genomics, English Language B2 (Productive Skills).
Credits: 120 ECTS
Laurea magistrale in Evolutionary Biology
The master’s degree in Evolutionary Biology prepares experts with advanced and practical training in the field of biodiversity, capable of applying their knowledge in public and private research institutes, institutions in charge of biodiversity management and conservation, wildlife sanctuaries, natural parks, museums, or able to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Padova or in any another part of the world.