Studying medicine in Italy

What are the advantages of studying medicine in Italy?

The degree programme in human medicine offered in Italy is also called "Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia" or "Medicine and Surgery". The advantages of studying medicine in Italy are:

Prestigious universities

Italy's medical universities offer a high-quality education and an exciting degree programme. Some of the oldest and most renowned medical faculties in the world are located in Italy.

No significant language barrier

Many Italian universities offer you the opportunity to study medicine in English. Your knowledge of English at school is usually sufficient for this. During your studies, you will have the opportunity to learn Italian through university programmes or language schools in order to communicate with the local population or your patients.

Medical studies in Italy: No fixed numerus clausus

Study programmes such as medicine are highly competitive at every university. Even if your Abitur is not good enough to study medicine in Germany, you still have a chance of being admitted to Italy. The Abitur grade only accounts for 20 per cent of the application. The remaining 80 per cent is determined by the IMAT selection test. We explain exactly how you can prepare for it!

Study where others go on holiday

Italy is famous for its way of life, rich history and historic sites. In cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan, you can visit numerous sights such as the Colosseum, St Peter's Basilica and Florence Cathedral in your free time. Italian cuisine is known worldwide and, in addition to pizza, pasta and ice cream, each region also offers its own unique culinary specialities that you shouldn't miss out on. The variety of landscapes in Italy is also immense. You can spend your semester break in the picturesque vineyards of Tuscany, on the deep blue waters of Lake Garda or on the white sandy beaches of the Italian islands. Studying medicine in Italy can therefore also have advantages for your private life.

At which universities is it possible to study medicine in Italy?

There is a wide range of Italian universities where you could start your medical studies. Here we have put together a selection of private and state universities that offer medical studies in English to make it as easy as possible for you to get started.

University of Bologna, Italy

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is one of the oldest universities in Europe. The third-largest university in Italy offers the English-language Medicine and Surgery degree programme in the winter semester. In addition to the traditional lectures, you will have the opportunity to take part in numerous research projects, as the university places great value on scientific work. Practical training takes place in one of the many cooperating teaching hospitals.

Bologna is located in the north-central part of Italy, surrounded by unique nature. Its rich history, historic architecture and vibrant nightlife make it a very popular student city.

University of Turin (Università di Torino)

The medical degree programme at the University of Turin is taught entirely in English and takes place in the teaching facilities of the San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital. Interactive teaching methods are used to teach you basic scientific and medical content. The curriculum also includes specific educational objectives for students who are particularly interested in scientific research.

Turin offers a lively cultural life with museums, theatres and concerts and is a beautiful student city. The university's proximity to the Alps opens up a wide range of outdoor activities in a unique natural setting.

University of Milan: Humanitas University of Milan (private)

The Italian private university Humanitas offers 150 places to study human medicine in English in the winter semester of each year. As the University of Milan was only founded in 2014, the facilities are state-of-the-art and the curriculum is at the cutting edge of science. Practical training is provided by highly trained doctors at the university hospital.

Although Milan is primarily known as a financial and fashion centre, it is also a very popular student city. A large number of cultural offerings, sights and an exciting nightlife give you plenty of options to make your student life exciting.

University of Rome - La Sapienza University

At the medical faculty of the Sapienza Università di Roma, the medical degree programme is offered in English. The university wants its medical students to receive the best possible training, which is why attendance at lectures is compulsory. There is also a strong emphasis on learning practical skills. Right from the start, you can acquire practical knowledge and social skills in both real-life and stimulated situations.

Characterised by its ancient history, the city of Rome has a lot to tell with its numerous sights. In addition to your studies at the university, as a medical student you have the opportunity to explore the city and visit the Colosseum, the Vatican or one of the many other attractions.

Aldo Moro University of Bari

The State University of Aldo-Moro is located in the south of Italy and offers 50 places to study human medicine in English for the winter semester. In a Mediterranean environment, you will enjoy an excellent education in modern facilities and with motivated teaching staff. Numerous cultural and study-related activities are organised there every year to promote contact between local and international students.  

University of Naples Federico II

With 13 faculties, the State University of Naples Frederica II is one of the largest universities in Italy. The medical faculty has set itself the goal of optimally preparing its students for the medical profession. Particular emphasis is placed on learning communication skills, evidence-based medicine and continuous professional development.  

More and more students are being drawn to Naples, as the rich culture and historic buildings make the city worth living in. In your free time, you can visit the colourful villages of the Amalfi Coast and admire the breathtaking scenery of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

University of Padua (Università di Padova)

The University of Padova also offers a medical degree programme in English. The aim is to train doctors who have a holistic view of people - with a particular focus on health promotion, preventative medicine and global health. Numerous co-operations with foreign universities enable global networking and international exchange.

The city of Padova, home of the trendy drink Aperol, is almost entirely a student city. You can explore the city's many restaurants, parks and squares on your bike. The central location in northern Italy makes it possible for you to make many excursions to neighbouring cities. Venice, for example, is only 35 minutes away by train.

University of Pavia (UNIPV)

The medical degree programme in Italy at the University of Pavia is also known as "Harvey Medicine". Lectures are held in English and teaching takes place mainly in small groups. Over 40 per cent of students come from abroad, so there is an international atmosphere on the campus of the medical faculty.

The typically small Italian town of Pavia is located around 30 kilometres south of Milan. Life mainly takes place outside and the many small cafés and ice cream parlours invite you to take a leisurely break. Pavia has a very good transport network, which means you have a good opportunity to take the train for weekend trips to other cities or into the beautiful surrounding countryside.

What requirements do you need to study medicine in Italy?

In order to start studying medicine in Italy, you need a general higher education entrance qualification, i.e. the Abitur. The grades of your Abitur count for 20 per cent. At public universities, there is an entrance exam, the IMAT (International Medical Admission Test), which makes up the other 80 per cent of your application. This test primarily tests your general knowledge, scientific and mathematical skills and logical thinking. It consists of multiple choice questions. The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) takes place once a year, usually in September. In Germany, it is usually held in Hamburg or Munich. We can help you prepare!

Language requirements

Teaching at the universities listed here takes place in English, which is why you should prove your English language skills with an official language certificate such as the TOEFL or IELTS. Knowledge of Italian at language level B2 is desirable, but not obligatory for the application. However, in order to be able to communicate well with patients and local people during your practical assignments at the hospital, you should have the motivation to acquire Italian language skills during your studies.

You may be able to find a study location with a lower entry hurdle in our overview of countries in which a Medical studies with a specialist baccalaureate is possible.

How is the medical degree programme structured in Italy?

How long does it take to study medicine in Italy? The structure of the medical degree programme in Italy is slightly different, as it is divided into three pre-clinical and three clinical years. However, the duration of the medical degree programme is also six years.

The pre-clinical part of the degree programme mainly includes the subjects of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and medical ethics. However, the content of the curriculum differs somewhat from the German curriculum, which is why it is rather difficult for students to transfer to a university in Germany.

Following the pre-clinical phase, you will familiarise yourself with working life in the clinical section of the degree programme during an internship at a hospital. You will gain practical experience in numerous internships and rotations and can finally apply your theoretical knowledge. The practical work takes place in cooperating hospitals in various specialist areas, such as internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics or gynaecology.

Completion of the degree programme

There is a final examination at the end of the degree programme. If you pass the exam successfully, you will be awarded the title "Dottore in Medicina e Chirurgia", which is equivalent to a doctorate in medicine. Studying medicine in Italy is recognised throughout Europe. You can therefore work in Germany or another EU country afterwards.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Italy?

To give you your Financing medical studies abroad to be able to realise the full potential of the project, careful consideration must be given to the costs involved.

The cost of studying medicine in Italy varies from university to university.

Tuition fees at public universities average 300 euros per semester, but can range up to 3,000 euros. If you decide to study at a private university, you should expect semester fees of between 7,000 euros and 10,000 euros.

The cost of living for medical students in Italy depends on the region. However, you should expect to pay around 900 to 1,500 euros for food, leisure activities and rent. A Scholarship can help you with the financing of tuition fees at the respective universities.

Country and people: 3 exciting facts about Italy

1. Italy regularly ranks among the lowest in the statistics. Top 5 countries with the most tourists worldwide. But with its breathtaking landscape and rich culture, that's no surprise!

2. Italy has the largest number of volcanoes in the whole of Europe. The only three active volcanoes in Europe are also located in Italy: Mount Vesuvius, Mount Etna and Mount Stromboli. The activity of the volcanoes is strictly monitored.

3. The country with the most UNESCO World Heritage SitesWith 47 cultural sites and 4 natural sites, Italy takes first place on the list of countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. This cultural heritage includes, for example, the rock paintings of Valcamonica, the historic centre of Florence and the botanical gardens of Padua.

Applying to study medicine in Italy

Applications to study medicine at Italian public universities are made via the "Universitaly" website. As it only takes place once a year, you should apply in good time via the Application deadlines for a study place. If you have applied via this central office, you can specify three universities of your choice and will receive the date for the entrance examination, the IMAT, as an applicant.

Private universities, such as the University of Milan, usually have their own application portal and entrance test.  

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in Italy and gain experience abroad? Contact us today and start your journey with futuredoctor. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine and studying medicine abroad.

Do you definitely want to complete your studies in a sunny and warm country? Then take a look at the following countries: Medical studies Turkey, Medical studies Portugal, Medical studies Greece, Medical studies Spain, Medical studies Malta.