Best Medical Schools in Italy 2022-2023
Best Medical Schools in Italy: Italy is one of the most popular choices among international medicine students as it has the best medical schools in Europe. Currently, there are 19 medical schools in Italy that offer medicine and surgery programs in English.
The medical schools in Italy can be either Public or Private. Both types of Universities provide excellent quality of education and differ only in Costs and International exposure. While the public Universities provide you the option of studying at lower fees, the private Universities help you in terms of International exposure.
Italy is famous for improving the modern view of society, and their medical education is one of the best available. They are more oriented to theoretical knowledge and less on practice, but the overall education depends on your chosen university. In this article, we will talk about the best medical schools in Italy.
Best Medical Schools in Italy
1. University of Milan
The University of Milan is one of the top Italian universities in most international rankings and is the only Italian university among the 21 of European Research Universities (LERU). Admission to the University of Milan is possible only through a highly competitive nationwide exam called IMAT.
They are also big on promoting equal rights and opportunities for everyone, thus international students feel at home from the first day. Being in one of the most beautiful cities in the world will also benefit the experience and further educate every student.
2. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is a public university established in 1088 making it the oldest university in the Western world. It has campuses in 5 locations (Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini). It is one of the top 5 Italian universities in the Shanghai Times Higher Education rankings. Admission to the University of Bologna is possible only through a highly competitive nationwide exam called IMAT.
This is also one of the most popular universities in Italy because many international students and Italians prefer it over other universities. It has a long history and high-quality education that is known worldwide. This also brings one unfortunate circumstance that rent is high and accommodation hard to find.
3. University of Padua (Padova)
The University of Padua, one of the best medical schools in Italy, was established in 1222, and since then many prominent scientists were made right here, including Galileo and Copernicus, among others who changed history as we know it today.
International students are more than welcome in this Italian city, and they make over 30% of the population in Padua. This amazing place offers not only famous education possibilities but a chance to live in one of the most visited places in Italy.
This university offers medical education in Italian and English, which lasts 6 years and it is oriented around the new idea of holistic learning. The clinical approach is available from the first year to teach the students practical and empiric knowledge.

Best medical universities in Italy for international students
4. Sapienza University of Rome
The Sapienza University of Rome is the oldest university in Rome founded in 1303. The university has around 115,000 students, including 5,500 international students making it the largest university in Europe. Admission to the Sapienza University of Rome is possible only through a highly competitive nationwide exam called IMAT.
They are not only offering pristine education, best professors, and practical experience, they also have the policy of lower prices for students that can’t afford the education. This can be a big benefit for students internationally, who are looking for a good and affordable education.
5. Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
The Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (UniSR) is a private university established in 1996. It is one of the best universities to study medicine in Italy. The university is ranked at 36th position across the globe for student-faculty ratio by QS world university rankings.
Their education system works in small groups, which allows more interaction and a better learning process than more popular and crowded universities. Students have access to the hospital at San Raffaele in Milan where they can learn everything about patient care and get more of a first-hand experience.
6. University of Milano – Bicocca
University of Milan, Bicocca was established quite recently in comparison to older Italian universities, in 1998. Since then they are working hard to produce top-notch doctors and offer many postgraduate education opportunities.
This medical school closely cooperates with many other universities and hospitals, offering its students the best experience and education, with one big plus on their side and that is easier access or application than most other schools. Everything is done online and it’s super convenient for international students. It is one of the best medical schools in Italy.
7. University of Turin
The University of Turin was founded in 1404, and it represents one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in Italy. The city of Turin, where the school is located has all the charm and beauty of the historical heritage of Italy, with little fewer visitors. Thus the cost of living is much more affordable.
The MD program in this university is taught in English at the San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, and they are enrolling international students each year. There are over 79,000 students in general and they occupy 120 buildings.

8. Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
The Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is the largest private medical school in Italy and Europe at large. This medical school which came into the existence in the year 1960 has a long-standing reputation of excellence. Affiliated with Agostini Gemelli University, this medical school have been able to graduate extraordinary medical professionals across diverse medical fields.
The medicine and surgery programme at the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore medical school aims are to integrate clinical sciences with basics of medicine to bring about students with full knowledge in the medical profession, patient care & management, ethics and the legal dimensions of the medical profession. It is one of the best medical schools in Italy.
9. University of Florence
The University of Florence is one of the oldest medical schhols in Italy and it was established over 700 years ago in 1321. Today it is one of the top medical schools in Italy, with over 60,000 students enrolled. They have been participating in national and international research programs, ensuring their position on the map of the best medical schools in Italy.
10. University of Pisa
The University of Pisa was officially established in 1343. Throughout the turbulent history of Europe and Italy, this university remained one of the most highly-regarded ones and home to many famous people in education and research. It is one of the best medical schools in Italy.

Best medical schools in Italy | The IMAT Exam
The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is a subject-specific entrance test in
English, prepared by Cambridge Assessment, for undergraduates applying to Medicine and Surgery
schools at Italian Universities.
These medical schools in Italy are taught in English, with places open to both Italian and international
students. Cambridge Evaluation works with the Italian Ministry of Education and Research (MIUR) to create IMAT, which is the English language equivalent of the admissions test used for Italian Medical Schools taught in the Italian Language.
IMAT Format
IMAT is a pen-and-paper test, consisting of a total of 60 multiple-choice questions divided
into four parts. All questions have five choices, of which only one is right. Students
have to complete the test in 100 minutes including coding to the answer sheet. IMAT sections as follows:
IMAT Section 1
10 questions – Logical Reasoning
12 questions – General Knowledge (New to IMAT 2019)
IMAT Section 2
18 questions – Biology
IMAT Section 3
12 questions – Chemistry
IMAT Section 4
8 questions – Physics and Mathematics
IMAT Scoring
A total score of a candidate is determined using the following method:
- 1.5 points for a correct answer;
- -0.4 points for a wrong answer;
- 0 points for a question not answered
Total IMAT score (maximum 90 points) will be reported, together with a score on each section
of Logical Reasoning, General Knowledge, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
Why should you study at medical schools in Italy?
Medical schools in Italy offer a wide range of high quality of teaching and extra-curricular activities. Italy is known to offer high quality education at affordable tuition fee with degrees that are globally recognized. Add to it, an excellent quality of life, immense post-study work and after graduation opportunities – Italy stands out as a popular country to study among International students.
Prestigious Universities
One of the most important reasons why students choose to study at medical schools in Italy is because of the high quality of education. When a student receives a degree from an Italian university, it acts as a mark of trust and excellence.
Medical Practice Opportunities
One of the reasons why Italian education stands unique is because of its focus on research and theoretical knowledge. But also, if you are willing to become a practitioner, you will have chance to do traineeship in the hospitals. The government of Italy offers great support to university education with scholarships.
Affordable Education
Tuition fee in medical schools in Italy, when compared to universities in the US and UK, is definitely cheaper. But also, you can apply to a range of scholarships to reduce your living expenses.
International Environment
In Italy, you’ll find warm and welcoming people who come from different ethnic groups, cultures and lifestyle. The multicultural environment in the universities promote friendliness and peaceful living like no other country.
Vibrant and lively life
Most of the Italian universities are located in small cities with majority of population being student. This creates a happy environment, joyful events and strong friendships for all the students, helps you network and meet new people.
Best medical schools in Italy | FAQs
How much does it cost to study at medical schools in Italy?
Average tuition fee of a public university is around 1200 Euros/Year and living expenses can vary for every city but it can be as low as 500 euros/month including accommodation. For private universities the fee is around 15.000 Euros/Year.
Is the education in Italy free?
Education is free in Italy and free education is available to students of all nationalities who are residents in Italy and have low family income. Italy has both a private and public education system. Private universities are not free.
Is IELTS required for studying at medical schools in Italy?
Usually it is not required to apply for medicine and surgery courses taught in English but admission test (IMAT) is in English.
How many years does it take to study medicine in Italy?
Medicine course in Italy consists of 12 semesters and lasts 6 years. The programs are recognized worldwide and approved, by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research.
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