Italy can be a good option for high-quality education at a reasonable price if you want higher education in a foreign country. Many universities in Italy offer programs and courses in English and welcome international students while giving them the chance to explore the culture of one of Europe’s most historic countries.
The country is well known for its long academic tradition, and its medical education includes both theoretical and clinical training. The balance between classroom learning, simulation, laboratory work, and hospital-based practice depends on the university and program you choose. As you apply to an Italian medical school, remember that medicine programs usually have restricted access and can be highly competitive.
Since places are limited, it is important to follow the admissions process carefully and submit the required documents on time. In this article, we will discuss some of the best medical schools in Italy. We have listed their backgrounds and admission links to help you compare the best universities for you.
Top Medical Schools in Italy
1. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is widely recognized as the oldest university in the Western world. Located in Bologna, it has played an important role in the development of European higher education. One of its medical programs is the single-cycle Medicine and Surgery degree, which lasts six years and is delivered in English.
The university remains one of Italy’s most historic and respected institutions. Its long academic tradition and international outlook make it a popular choice for both Italian and international students.
2. University of Milan
Although historic, the University of Milan is one of Italy’s younger major universities. It was officially founded in 1924, following the vision of Luigi Mangiagalli. The institution is located in Milan, a city known for culture, fashion, business, and international connections.
This top medical school in Italy offers the International Medical School, a six-year Medicine and Surgery program taught in English. The program consists of 360 credits, including clinical and professional training. Its teaching and clinical activities are connected with several facilities in and around Milan, including Luigi Sacco Hospital and other affiliated hospitals.
UNIMI also promotes equal rights and opportunities in university life. Its international environment and location in one of Italy’s major cities can benefit students who want both academic training and broader cultural exposure.
3. Sapienza University of Rome
The Sapienza University of Rome was founded in 1303 and is the oldest university in Rome. Today, it remains one of Italy’s major research universities. Located in Rome, this institution offers students the chance to study in one of Europe’s most historically significant cities.
Sapienza offers a six-year Medicine and Surgery program in English. Its medical education is connected with the faculties of Pharmacy and Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry, and Medicine and Psychology. The university also has tuition-fee and benefit policies that may reduce costs for eligible students, depending on their circumstances.
4. University of Padua
The University of Padua, another top medical school in Italy, was founded in 1222. The university has a long scientific tradition and is associated with major figures in the history of science, including Galileo Galilei and Nicolaus Copernicus. This institution offers Medicine and Surgery programs in English, including a six-year Medicine and Surgery course.
Its medical programs combine scientific foundations with clinical and professional training. Students should review the current program page carefully, as course locations and program structures may vary by track and academic year.
5. University of Turin
The University of Turin, founded in 1404, is one of Italy’s oldest universities. Its School of Medicine traces its medical teaching tradition to the early 15th century. The university welcomes students from around the world and offers a wide range of programs beyond medicine.
The Medicine and Surgery program taught in English, known as MedInTO, is connected with the San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital in Orbassano, near Turin. The hospital and university facilities provide an environment where students can study medicine in a clinical setting.
6. Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, established in 1996, is one of the smaller and newer universities in Italy. It began with psychology and later expanded into medicine and philosophy. The school’s education system works in smaller groups, which can allow more interaction and a more personalized learning process than in larger universities.
Its International MD Program is a single-cycle, six-year degree that prioritizes interdisciplinary teaching, international standards, and hands-on learning experiences. Students can access the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, where they can learn about patient care and gain clinical exposure.
7. University of Milano – Bicocca
The University of Milano-Bicocca was established in 1998, relatively recently compared with older Italian universities. Since then, it has developed a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including medical education.
This top Italian medical school offers the School of Medicine and Surgery, an English-taught Medicine and Surgery program developed in partnership with the University of Bergamo and Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo. This partnership gives students access to a medical learning environment connected with hospital practice.
8. University of Florence
The University of Florence, locally known as Università degli Studi di Firenze, has origins in the Studium Generale established in 1321. Today, it is one of the top research universities in Italy and one of the country’s larger institutions for research and higher education.
The institution offers different health science programs to its students, including the six-year Medicine and Surgery program. It also provides other medical and health-related options, such as dentistry and dental prosthodontics, pharmacy-related fields, biotechnology, and more.
9. University of Pisa
The University of Pisa was officially founded in 1343, although its academic roots may date back earlier. Throughout Italian and European history, this university has remained a respected institution for education and research.
The university offers a Medicine and Surgery degree that trains medical doctors through scientific, theoretical, and practical education. While its Medicine and Surgery program is not listed as an English-taught medical degree, the university does offer medical-related programs in English, including a Master’s in Neuroscience.
10. Humanitas University
One of the youngest private medical schools in Italy, Humanitas University was established in 2014. It is open to international students and focuses on medical and biomedical sciences. This Italian institution is one of the smaller schools with a more personal approach to studies, supported by its connection with Humanitas Research Hospital.
Its Medicine and Surgery program is a six-year degree taught entirely in English. Humanitas also offers the MEDTEC School, a six-year program in Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Engineering run in partnership with Politecnico di Milano. These programs combine theoretical study with practical exercises, simulation activities, and clinical training.
11. University of Naples Federico II
The University of Naples Federico II is located in Naples, Italy. Founded in 1224, it is one of the oldest public universities in the world. It is a well-known institution in the country and offers a Medicine and Surgery program in English.
The English-taught Medicine and Surgery program lasts six years and includes 360 credits. It is designed to provide scientific, theoretical, practical, professional, and decision-making skills needed for medical practice.
The competition to secure a seat in Italian medical programs can be challenging because access is restricted. Applicants should always check the current admission rules, deadlines, and ranking procedures published by the university and the relevant Italian authorities.
12. University of Pavia
Another leading Italian university offering medical programs is the University of Pavia. It is a public research university in Pavia, Italy, and one of the oldest universities in the country. When it comes to medical teaching and research, its history and reputation make it an important name in Italian higher education.
The university’s Harvey Medicine and Surgery course is a six-year, single-cycle Medicine and Surgery degree taught in English. It consists of 360 credits and is known as the first medical course in Italy taught in English.
The program combines scientific foundations, medical training, clinical learning, and final thesis work. Students here receive a well-rounded education through classroom lessons, clinical activities, and research-oriented training.
13. University of Genoa
The University of Genoa was established in 1481 and has more than six centuries of academic tradition. Its Medicine and Surgery program is offered as a single-cycle master’s degree.
The Medicine and Surgery course lasts six years and gives students progressive training in the biological basis of life, anatomy, normal and pathological functions of the human body, diagnosis, treatment, and the caring relationship between physician and patient.
Students interested in this university should use the current Medicine and Surgery program page, as the older course page listed under code 8745 is permanently closed and has been replaced by the current program page.
14. University of Parma
The University of Parma has a long academic history with roots dating back to a document issued by Emperor Otto I in 962. Rather than being the world’s oldest medical school, it is best described as one of Europe’s older academic institutions.
The university offers a six-year Medicine and Surgery program taught entirely in English. The program reflects the university’s European and international outlook and is designed for students who want to pursue medical education in Italy.
The school works with health care and academic partners to support medical education and clinical training. International students should check the official program page for current admissions, curriculum, and language requirements.
15. University of Siena
The University of Siena, established in 1240, is one of Italy’s oldest universities. It is well known for its long tradition in medicine, law, and other fields.
The university offers a Medicine and Surgery program worth 360 credits. The official program page lists the language of instruction as Italian, so students interested in this program should be prepared to meet Italian-language requirements and confirm the latest admission rules before applying.
The university also offers a range of student activities and services. For programs taught in English, the university states that a minimum B2 level of English is required, but Medicine and Surgery applicants should follow the language rules of the specific program they choose.
FAQs: Studying Medicine in Italy
Can International Students Enroll in Medical Schools in Italy?
Yes, international students can enroll in medical schools in Italy. Admission procedures vary depending on citizenship, the university, and whether the program is taught in English or Italian. Applicants should always check the official university admission page and the relevant Italian admissions rules for the academic year in which they plan to apply.
Italy has offered English-taught medical education since 2009, when the University of Pavia introduced the Harvey Medicine and Surgery course. Since then, more universities have developed English-taught medical programs. Even so, learning Italian is highly recommended because students will interact with patients, hospital staff, and local communities during their studies and clinical training.
What is the Medical Curriculum Like in Medical Schools in Italy?
Medical school in Italy usually follows a single-cycle Medicine and Surgery degree structure. These programs generally last six years, or 12 semesters, and require 360 ECTS credits. The curriculum typically combines basic sciences, clinical sciences, professional skills, internships, and a final thesis or graduation requirement.
Many Italian medical schools work closely with hospitals, so students can gain clinical exposure as they progress through the program. Even in English-taught programs, Italian-language skills are important for clinical communication and everyday life in Italy.
Universities in Italy offer more than classroom education because of the country’s cultural and historical heritage. Whether you choose one of the oldest or youngest institutions, studying medicine in Italy can provide strong academic preparation and valuable international experience. If you have questions about becoming a doctor, you can also check our article about the 6 Steps to Become a Doctor in Italy and find the answers you need.
We hope this article on the best medical schools in Italy was helpful. If you are interested in learning more information, feel free to check out our Italy Page and some of the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
