Italy is famous for its historic tourist destinations. In recent years, it has also become a prime choice for students seeking international education. This is especially relevant for aspiring physicians who may be concerned about high medical school tuition fees. In this article, we will look at studying medicine in Italy.
Italian medical education can be relatively affordable, especially at public universities. Tuition fees vary by university, degree program, and a student’s financial situation, and public universities generally charge lower fees than private universities. It is not always necessary to know Italian before enrolling in an English-taught medical program, although learning Italian is important for clinical training and daily life.
Italy offers structured pathways for students who want to become medical doctors, including English-taught medicine programs, national admission procedures, clinical training, and postgraduate routes after graduation.
1. What are the requirements to study in Italian medical schools?
The basic requirement to study medicine in Italy is an upper secondary school diploma or a foreign qualification certified as equivalent. In general, access to a first-cycle or single-cycle university program in Italy requires a qualification obtained after at least 12 years of schooling. Applicants whose prior schooling is shorter may use recognized foundation courses to close the gap, depending on the university’s rules.
Applicants to public English-taught medical programs usually need to take the International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT). The IMAT is the official entrance examination for English-taught Medicine and Surgery and Dentistry programs at Italian public universities, and the procedures are set by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
The recent IMAT format has been a 100-minute, paper-based test with 60 multiple-choice questions and five answer options. The latest test covered reading skills and general knowledge, logical reasoning and problem solving, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The registration fee is set in the annual procedures; in recent university guidance, it was listed at around €130.
Grade requirements vary by university and by the number of available places. If an admitted student has subject deficiencies or does not meet a minimum threshold set by the university or ministerial rules, the university may assign additional learning requirements to be completed during the first year.
English-language requirements depend on the university. At the University of Messina, for example, Medicine and Surgery applicants must have English knowledge at least at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), either as native speakers or through suitable evidence.
Italian is not always required before admission to an English-taught program, but it becomes important for clinical training. At the University of Messina, non-native Italian-speaking students must attend Italian language courses to reach at least B1 level, so they can learn effectively during professional activities at the patient’s bedside.
2. How difficult are the Italian medical schools?
The difficulty begins with admission. Medicine in Italy is a nationally regulated, limited-access field, so the number of available places is set each year and candidates compete through the relevant admission test. Available seats can change from one academic year to the next.
For example, the University of Milan International Medical School call for A.Y. 2025/26 listed 55 places, plus 15 places reserved for non-EU students residing abroad. Private universities, such as UniCamillus, publish their own admission calls and deadlines.
Studying medicine in Italy is demanding, as students must complete a six-year, 360-ECTS single-cycle degree that includes basic sciences, clinical subjects, professional training, electives, and a final thesis. Students should expect regular exams, compulsory clinical activities, and strict progression rules set by each university.
3. In what language do you study medicine in Italy?
Medicine in Italy can be studied in Italian or, at selected universities, in English. English-taught medical degrees are available at several public universities and at some private universities. For public English-taught programs, IMAT is generally part of the admission process, while private universities may use separate admission procedures.
4. Can you enroll in Italian medical schools as an international student?
Yes. Many public and private medical schools in Italy accept international applicants. However, available places can differ for EU, EU-equivalent, and non-EU applicants residing abroad, and the exact numbers are published in the annual calls.
Non-EU applicants who require a visa usually need to follow both the university’s admission procedure and the national pre-enrollment process on the Universitaly portal. Visa decisions are made by the competent Italian diplomatic or consular mission, so university validation of a pre-enrollment application does not by itself guarantee a visa.
5. What are the components of the medical curriculum in Italy?
The Italian medical curriculum is usually a single-cycle, 360-ECTS degree that runs for six years or 12 semesters. At least part of the program is dedicated to professional training activities.
The early part of the degree focuses on basic and preclinical sciences, such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and related medical sciences. These subjects prepare students for later clinical training.
The later years focus on clinical disciplines, professional activities, and patient-based learning. Clinical training is carried out in university hospitals, affiliated health facilities, and, in some programs, general practitioners’ offices.
Students also complete elective activities, clinical or research experiences, and a final thesis. At the University of Messina, for example, the program includes 8 ECTS of elective activities and an 18-ECTS final thesis.
After completing the program and the required practical evaluation traineeship, students graduate with a single-cycle degree in Medicine and Surgery, classified as LM-41 in Italy.
6. What do you need to become a doctor in Italy after studying?
Since 2020, Italy has treated the final exam of LM-41 Medicine and Surgery degrees as qualifying for the medical profession, provided that the student has passed the required practical evaluation traineeship.
After graduation, doctors must register with the relevant provincial Order of Physicians, Surgeons, and Dentists before practicing independently in Italy.
Newly licensed doctors can then seek postgraduate training. Common options include the Specific Training Course in General Medicine, which is a three-year pathway, or a medical specialization school, which usually requires a competitive public admission exam and lasts several years depending on the specialty.
Medical universities in Italy can be suitable for international students interested in studying abroad, especially those looking for English-taught options and a structured European medical degree. If you are planning to apply, check the current university call, the MUR admission decree, and the Universitaly procedure for the academic year in which you intend to enroll. You can also review affordable universities in Italy for international students as a starting point for comparing study costs.
I hope this article was helpful. If you are interested, check the available courses in Europe for International Students and the Europe Scholarships Page.
