I sought a degree in a programme that would bring me closer to Brussels while also giving me valuable and lasting knowledge about the European Union. Brussels is the heart of the European Union’s policy-making, which particularly interested me, as I have always envisaged a functional and unified system like the European Union for my home country.
I carefully studied the admissions guide and the curriculum of the degree programme in European and Global Studies, which offers practical learning, international exposure, and a flexible study mode. I was specifically drawn to course content that would provide hands-on experience and allow me to engage directly with scholars bridging the gap towards the Sustainable Development Goals. It has always been important to me to join a programme with exceptional faculty members who are excelling and making significant contributions in their fields. The University of Padua and the master’s degree programme in European and Global Studies ticked all the boxes that I have highlighted towards my career aspirations and future plans.
I learnt about the University of Padua from an association of Nigerian Scholars in Italy, an organization that continues to instill strong critical skills in young scholars. Choosing this path has been one of the most defining decisions of my life, and I have no regrets as it continues to pave the way for a brighter future.

There are a lot of unique features of the degree programme in European and Global Studies, and it keeps taking a significant leap towards advancement.
First, the degree programme has one of the most outstanding faculties who are knowledgeable about European Politics, Public Policy, and Administration. These professors are doing excellently well in research, contribution to knowledge, enriching learning experience, and engaging with our reasoning as students. There is a cordial student-to-professor relationship, and this is reflected in the swift response to emails sent to professors by students. Professors also always point students towards opportunities. The programme demands real effort and commitment from students, but the rewards are clear.
It is worth the price, and we go a step further in the ladder of success with dedicated professors holding our hands throughout the entire process. My personal interactions with faculty have motivated me to work more intentionally toward my academic and career goals. My deepest gratitude would be incomplete without acknowledging the unwavering support and guidance of Professor Laura Polverari, the esteemed Programme Coordinator of European and Global Studies at the University of Padua. Under her mentorship, I have had the privilege of exploring the complexities of European Regional Policy, Cohesion Policy, and the broader process of Europeanization.
The programme’s multifaceted curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of the European Union and its policies, offering students a rich perspective on the diverse contexts from which knowledge emerges. Participating in this programme has profoundly reshaped my perspective on the European Union, equipping me with the analytical tools and insights required to engage meaningfully in the field and contribute effectively to its development.
The degree programme in European and Global Studies is a step further to sitting at the table with policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and international institutions such as the United Nations. It will further position you at the center of Brussels, where key decisions affecting European citizens are made. It gives you a clear opportunity to establish yourself in terms of essential knowledge about the European Union and its member states, giving you sufficient knowledge about the welfare state. It gives you a distinct knowledge which you cannot find anywhere in the world, and entrusts to your care the ability to reimagine and reshape our future goals. The degree programme is designed to help you connect real-life events with what is being taught in classrooms. As history moves forward, the degree programme reflects the continuous progress of European societies. Speaking from experience, the enthusiasm among students is palpable, each one eager to learn, contribute, and play a part in strengthening the European system.
In this sphere of life, connecting with one’s purpose must be the driving force. Pursuing a degree programme that reshapes the mind and broadens one’s knowledge is a highly strategic step toward achieving long-term goals. The master’s course in European and Global Studies has equipped me with the tools to explore the foundational layers of my aspirations as a young scholar. It has illuminated a path that brings deeper meaning to the phrase, “If you can think it, you can do it.” With this mindset, I drive myself on a daily basis to always strive for excellence and remain committed to reaching my fullest potential.

Listening to my professors is the most enjoyable feature of the degree programme, as they carry a strong uncommonness in terms of their experiences and their research. You can see the direction of the angle of knowledge. It is a transitional phase for me as a non-European, as I can understand and learn more in terms of the necessary research skills relevant to today’s globalized world. I believe that I speak for my colleagues in this impactful aspect of the degree programme.
The degree programme encourages you to be a political thinker, challenging you to do better in and for your society. This adds a distinctive edge to its overall structure. Lectures are organised in a way that allows you to constantly relate with your classmates and engage in meaningful conversations targeted towards strategic solutions for happenings occurring in the global scene. It is always an opportunity to engage in critical dialogue with one another, collectively seeing different lenses of knowledge. I always anticipate going to lectures because I get to connect the dots with my purpose through these daily interactions.
The programme has imparted strong moral principles, such as punctuality, the ability to take personal class notes, resilience and critical thinking, to me. Critical thinking, in particular, is one of the skills I am most grateful to have gained. I can now follow a detailed pattern of arrangements that connects with my everyday life.
Prospective students will be taught by professors who are astute scholars with a vast knowledge of European Governance offering a multidisciplinary and multidimensional levels of knowledge about the European Union. If prospective students are deeply intrigued by the European Union and its institutions and they wish to make a unique impact, the master’s degree in European and Global Studies at the University of Padua is the perfect place to expand their horizons in this field.
As an international student, I have consistently prepared myself to thrive and lead in the global landscape. Getting admission to this programme was a step closer to my dreams, connecting me with my career goals. It is always an opportunity to learn and grow. I’ve been able to redesign my goals through this programme and make them even more strategic. It’s a big dream and also a dream come true for me.
This is a call to prospective student to embrace this journey, as a baton has been passed to us, the next generation of the European Union.

If you sincerely want to drive global impact and also contribute significantly to knowledge, I strongly recommend studying in Italy. The Italian system is structured in such a way whereby you can conveniently conclude your degree programme at the earliest through initiatives such as Erasmus exchange programmes and other academic conferences that can be of great addition to your curriculum vitae. It is an opportunity to adequately set your priorities and your goals right, giving you a space to flourish. Studying in Italy and particularly at the University of Padua is an eye-opener for young scholars who are keen on applying technical skills in research. The course is integrated in such a way that it would bring you closer to having a say in the decision-making process of the European Union, and you get to understand unique features in terms of policy-making at the European Union level.
I would like to further reflect on three key mantras that have worked for me: resilience, hard work, and commitment.
This programme builds in you resilience and the ability to persevere, especially if you’re intrigued about understanding how policies are shaped. Hard work drives you to put in the necessary effort, including learning from setbacks and trying again when goals are not immediately achieved. Moreover, commitment is crucial, as achieving success in this course of study requires a period of endurance.
This is an opportunity to connect with other like-minded people, such as your tutor buddy, in achieving your academic goals. It is also a chance to grow and expand beyond your vista. I highly recommend this master’s degree in European and Global Studies for those who aspire to sit among world reformers and global leaders, as the programme is designed to prepare students for future leadership roles.

Padova is a beautiful city with some of the most wonderful locals. As a master’s student studying European and Global Studies, it enhances my understanding of the topics taught by allowing me to engage with innovation aspects of society, particularly in the realms of regional convergence and economic growth. This experience proves that the European Union and its member states operate as a functioning system.
Beyond academics, Padova has a lot of very nice restaurants and bars that serve the best pasta. The best pasta experience in Italy is right here in Padua. The culinary experience here is Padova is unmatched, with delicious dishes like lasagnas, Margherita pizza, and finest spritz you will ever taste. I have had the pleasure of meeting amazing locals and forming frienships with some of them, which has given me a deeper insight into Italian culture and helped me improve my Italian.
Padova truly feels like home, with a rhythm that never pauses. I look forward to exploring all the other opportunities this vibrant city of Padova has to offer. It is only going to get better from here on out.