MBBS in Italy

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Study MBBS in Italy

The popularity of studying MBBS in Italy for Indian Students has increased for the past 15 years. This surge began in 2009 when Italian public universities introduced medical programs taught in English. Currently, approximately 13 public medical institutions, including the universities of Bari, Bologna, Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Messina, Milan, Milan-Bicocca, Naples Federico II, Padua, Pavia, Parma, Rome La Sapienza, Rome Tor Vergata, and Turin, offer English-taught MBBS degrees. While a few universities admit non-EU students to English-taught programs, these medical schools are globally recognized for their academic excellence and affordability. Moreover, they provide exceptional residency, research, and clinical work opportunities in Europe and beyond, making MBBS in Italy a highly sought-after option for Indian students.

Quick facts:

No. of Medical Colleges 44
College Type Govt and Private both
Medium of Instruction English ( 15 Universities)
Degree Awarded MD Equivalent to MBBS
Duration 6 Years
Total Seats for Non EU Students 135
Eligibility Criteria GPA more than 3.5
English profiecieny IELTS 6.5, Min 6 in each section
Admission Process Thru Common IMAT Exam
Indian Students 300 ( Across All years)
Total Budget for MBBS Govt 15-20 Lacs
Private 75-90 Lacs
Meeting NMC Criteria Yes
Total Subjects in MBBS 36
Medical college Recognition NMC/ECFMG/WHO/ AMC/GMC UK
Study Pattern 1st Year -Pre Clinical
2-3 Year -Para Clinical
4-6 Year -Clinical
Session Starts Sept

Advantages of Studying MBBS in Italy

Advantages of Studying MBBS in Italy

  • Oldest Universities in the World, and are as old as 1000 Years.
  • World Ranked University with all Global recognition.
  • Top quality education at an affordable price.
  • Opportunity to settle in Europe as a practicing doctor
  • Availability of Medicine & Surgery course in the English language.
  • Since MBBS in Italy meets the new NMC norms, Indian students can practice in India after studying medicine in Italy. 

Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in Italy

At first sight, there is no such disadvantage to studying in Italy. The first setback may be caused by appearing in the IMAT Examination, as there is only one IMAT Test Centre in India, and all the slots get filled in minutes. You will be required to fly to another suitable country for the exam.

Secondly, few seats are available for the IMAT exam, and hardly anyone makes it successfully.

Important: Those looking for Italy as their dream destination need to keep a backup option apart from the first preference of their University in preferably another country. When IMAT results are presented, admission to other countries might be closed. Certainly, it may lead to the loss of an academic year for the students.

Medical Universities in Italy

A major consideration is for Indian Students to find the best MBBS University in Italy. There are 15 MBBS Universities in Italy that offer MBBS courses in the English language. The List of MBBS Colleges in Italy can be found in the table below.

Medical School Name City Program Started Univ Type
University of Bologna Bologna 2017 Public
University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' Rome 1982 Public
University of Rome 'La Sapienza' Rome 2005 Public
University of Pavia Pavia 2009 Public
University of Milan Milan 2010 Public
Vita-Salute San Raffaele Univ Milan 2010 Public
University of Bari Aldo Moro Bari 2012 Public
University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Naples 2012 Public
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome 2013 Private
Humanitas University Milan 2014 Public
Saint Camillus International Univ Rome 2018 Public
University of Padua Padua 2019 Public
Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome Rome 2019 Private
University of Turin Torino 2019 Public
University of Parma Parma 2021 Public

MBBS Seats in Italy for International Students

Now the query arises, "How many Italian Medical Colleges offer medical seats to international students in English-taught programs?" The answer is, There are just 7 medical universities. However, the English-taught MBBS program is available in 15 Medical universities, and the rest offer seats to only EU students. Nearly 135 Seats are available where non-EU students can apply for admission to the MBBS Program. Take a look at the Italy MBBS Universities in the table below to see the reserved seats for Non-EU Students-

Medical School Seats Non-EU Seats
University of Pavia 140 40
Humanitas University 70 25
University of Rome 'La Sapienza' 50 10
University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' 35 10
University of Bari Aldo Moro 50 9
University of Bologna 90 20
University of Padua 75 20

Cost of studying MBBS in Italy

Expenses Cost in EUR Cost in INR
Tuition Fees Private Universities Private Universities
6000 – 20000 per year Rs. 5,40,246 to Rs. 18,00,820 per year
Public Universities Public Universities
900 – 4000 per year Rs. 81,036 to Rs. 3,60,164 per year
Miscellaneous Expenses 30-40 per week Rs 2701 to Rs 3601
Accommodation Expenses 300-700 per month Cost in INR Rs. 27012 to Rs. 63028 per month
Food Costs 150 per month INR 13,506 per month

Fee Structure of MBBS in Italy

MBBS in Italy for Indian students stands out as an economical choice in Europe, with reasonable tuition fees compared to other MBBS Abroad options. Many times, Qus arise. Is there any chance for MBBS in Italy on scholarships for Indian students?

Italy's MBBS fee structure for Indian students ranges between 2-4 Lacs INR for a year, which is very competitive, attracting many aspiring doctors from India. Italy offers a cost-effective and high-quality option for Indian students looking for an MBBS course in Italy. There is no specific scholarship for the MBBS course in Italy.

Pl refer to the below table for Italy MBBS fees in INR

Medical School Name Tuition Fee in Euro Tuition Fee in Rupees
University of Padua € 4656 RS 4.19 Lacs
Humanitas University € 1456 RS 1.31 Lacs
University of Rome La Sapienza € 1156 RS 1.04 Lacs
University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' € 5250 RS 4.73 Lacs
University of Bari Aldo Moro € 1580 RS 1.42 Lacs
University of Pavia € 4805 RS 4.32 Lacs
University of Bologna € 3407 RS 3.07 Lacs

Accommodation costs in Italy

Getting on-campus accommodations for international students may not always be possible. You can look for private Apartments near the University; such shared apartments may cost you approx. 30-35 thousand INR every month. Costing depends upon the of sharing and its distance from the city center.

Indian Food in Italy

You can find many Indian restaurants in Italy, But they are quite expensive and can’t be considered an option for your daily meal needs. The only option is self-cooking. All apartments have a kitchen with all facilities like Induction cooktops, Microwave ovens, Fridges, etc. You can buy the groceries, which usually cost 12-15K INR monthly.

Travel Cost

Rome and Milan in Italy have direct flights from Indian cities Delhi and Mumbai. The time and cost of the flight depend upon your chosen airline. Direct Flight can cost you approx. 30-35K for one way and take around 8-9 hours.

Top Medical Universities in Italy

Top Medical Universities in Italy

Medical Universities in Italy are among the oldest universities in the world. The world ranking of most Italian Medical Universities is under the Top 1000 Universities in the world. Here are some of the best Top Ranked Medical Universities in Italy-

University of Bologna - This is the oldest university in Europe. It was founded in 1088 and is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the world. In the QS World University Rankings 2023, it was ranked 165th in the world and 6th in Italy.

University of Milano - This University is located in Milan and is known for its excellence in medical research. In the QS World University Rankings 2023, it was ranked 149th worldwide and 5th in Italy.

University of Rome 'La Sapienza'- This is the largest university in Rome and one of Europe's oldest Universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2023, it was ranked 177th worldwide and 7th in Italy.

University of Padua - The University is located in Padua and is one of the oldest in Italy. It was founded in 1222. In the QS World University Rankings 2023, it was ranked 242nd in the world and 10th in Italy.

University of Torino - This University is located in Turin and is known for its strong focus on medical research. In the QS World University Rankings 2023, it was ranked 357th worldwide and 15th in Italy.

These are just a few examples of the top medical schools in Italy, and many more institutions provide excellent medical education and research opportunities.

Climate in Italy

Italy's average daily temperature is quite moderate compared to other European countries. You can refer to the climate graph below

Climate in Italy

Eligibility for MBBS Admission in Italy

MBBS in Italy for Indian students eligibility typically requires the below conditions to be fulfilled

  • 12th Grade GPA Should be 3.5 or Above
  • Age should be more than 17 Years
  • NEET Qualified (NMC Requirement, if you want to practice in India)
  • Proficiency in English, like IELTS 6.5, Min 6 in each section

Meeting these MBBS in Italy requirements is essential for admission to medical universities in the country.
 

Admission Timelines for MBBS in Italy 2024

Stages Timelines
Pre-enrollment for Indian Students Apr – Aug
Online enrollment for IMAT Admission test July
Admission Test (IMAT) 2024 Exam Sept
Preliminary anonymous ranking End of Sept
Enrollment Process post receiving an Acceptance Letter Mid-Oct
Commencement of Classes End of Oct

Admission process for MBBS in Italy

Admission process for MBBS in Italy

Each year, the Italian Ministry of Education releases updates for the admission process with precise dates. Those are usually announced around May or June. Before enrolling in your desired Medical school in Italy, you must follow the steps below for MBBS Admission in Italy.

STEP 1: Pre-enrollment:

Pre-enrolment refers to the documentation process verifying your academic qualifications for studying at an Italian medical school. Note that this is separate from the IMAT exam enrollment procedure. Contact your nearest Italian consulate or embassy for necessary paperwork related to studying medicine in Italy. Pre-enrollment remains open until the end of June.

STEP 2: IMAT Exam Registration

Online applications for IMAT begin in the first week of July and are open for the first 3 weeks of July. Ensure that you register for the IMAT Exam ‘online’. Also, there is a dedicated website for registering named University.

Declare your first preference for the Medical School Abroad and your IMAT test centre. Furthermore, you must pay a teeny-weeny subscription fee of around 130 Euros for the test. It is important to note that, no university will admit an MBBS in Italy without an IMAT Score.

STEP 3: IMAT Exam

IMAT stands for "International Medical Admissions Test", the only official exam you need to qualify for studying medicine in Italy.

IMAT Exam Format: The IMAT test is in English and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions (five options each). The answer keys might initially seem possible, but the students need to choose the answer key based on their subject knowledge and logical reasoning skills functional to various subjects. The candidates have a limited time frame of 100 minutes to complete the test.

The questions are segmented into the following sections:

Div Subject Ques.
Sec-1 Logical Reasoning 20
General Knowledge 2
Sec-2 Biology 18
Sec-3 Chemistry 12
Sec-4 Physics and Math 8

Please note- The order in which the questions in the test will not be as exact as presented above. Accordingly, the exam will have a different order of questions and answers.

Breakdown of scoring in the IMAT: For evaluation of the test, a candidate's total score is calculated using the following formula:

  • 1.5 points are awarded for every correct answer.
  • 0.4 points will be deducted for every wrong answer.
  • 0 points will be assigned for every blank answer.
  • However, the maximum score will be 90, and the minimum score for the ranks is 20 points.

    Short-stay visas may be issued to students (especially for non-EU students) who choose to take the IMAT exam in Italy; this is optional.

    Kindly note: This is not a student visa, so the Indian student must enrol in the University after passing the exam.

    The IMAT exam will be conducted only at an authorized centre. Globally, in 2023, there were 17 test centres, excluding Italy.

    IMAT EXAM Centers

    You can find the list of international IMAT exam centres in 2023. Please note that the list of IMAT exam centres for 2024 has not been officially released yet, and it is best to check the official IMAT website.

    Abu Dhabi (UAE) Beirut (Lebanon) Athens (Greece)
    Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Berlin (Germany) London (UK)
    Amman (Jordan) Santiago (Chile) Madrid (Spain)
    Ankara (Turkey) Cairo (Egypt) Paris (France)
    Istanbul (Turkey) Casablanca (Morocco) Barcelona (Spain)
    Dublin (Ireland) New Delhi, Gurgaon (India)

    STEP 4: IMAT rankings and University enrollment

    The preliminary IMAT 2024 results will be declared just days after the test ends, generally in the last week of September.

    Preliminary refers to the fact that at the end of September, you’ll only get the test score you have obtained as an individual. No such IMAT ranking position will be mentioned, nor will the confirmation of being admitted to an Italian medical school be stated, as these results are anonymous.

    At the beginning of October, your IMAT score will be published in the university portal, with a scan of your answer sheet. You still won’t identify if you are accepted, but you will know your accurate score. At this stage, complete all the required documents to apply for a student visa.

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    Italy MBBS Course Syllabus

    Italy MBBS Course Syllabus

    The MBBS course in Italy is known as "Laurea Magistrale in Medicina e Chirurgia". Various universities across the country offer this program. The course generally lasts for six years and is taught in English and Italian.

    Here is a general overview of the syllabus for the MBBS course in Italy:

    Year Subject Teaching-Hrs
    1st Basic Science 80 hrs
    Structure of Body 172hrs
    Living Molecules 156hrs
    Scientific Foundations 52hrs
    2nd Biology Of Disease 124hrs
    Ethics And Society 56hrs
    Functions Of Body 164hrs
    Laboratory Medicine 52hrs
    Microbiology 64hrs
    3rd Blood Diseases 40 hrs
    Clinical Foundations 128 hrs
    Clinical Foundations Practicals 120 hrs
    Disease Control and Eradication 88 hrs
    Endocrine System and Metabolism 40 hrs
    Drug Discovery and Actions 48 hrs
    Systemic Pathology 52 hrs
    4th Cardiovascular Disease 48 hrs
    Clinical Cases 320 hrs
    GI and Urinary Tracts 80 hrs
    Lung Disease 40 hrs
    Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases 88 hrs
    Sensory System Diseases 64 hrs
    Soft Tissue Diseases 48 hrs
    5th Childhood and Woman Health 96 hrs
    Clinical Cases 120 hrs
    Clinical Pharmacology, Genetics, Pathology 80 hrs
    General Surgery I 88 hrs
    General Surgery II 96 hrs
    Internship in Medical Area 100 hrs
    Internship in Surgical Area 100 hrs
    6th Clinical Cases 160 hrs
    Clinical Medicine 112 hrs
    Degree Thesis 144 hrs
    Internship in General Practice 100 hrs
    Practical In Degree Thesis Subject 180 hrs
    Public Health 40 hrs

    During the clinical practice year, students work in hospitals and clinics, where they gain practical experience in various medical fields under the supervision of experienced doctors. They also have the opportunity to choose electives in specialized areas of interest.

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    PG Option after MBBS in Italy

    Medical PG in India or NEXT

    During MBBS study, a student realizes the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness to secure MD/MS Seat in Govt College. If we look at the success ratio to get PG in Govt Medical College, which is 11% we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get PG Seat, whereas the chances of getting a Clinical specialty is 1 out of 20 applicants. The PG journey will be very difficult, or else students should have enough money to get a paid seat in Pvt Medical College, which may be in Crores!

    Total Applicants NEET PG 2023 Specialty Govt Med College Pvt Med College
    Seats Success Ratio Seats
    2.09 Lacs
    MD (Non Clinical) 15K 8.6% 10K
    MS (Clinical) 8K 4.6% 5K
    Total 23K 11.4% 15K

    Do you feel early preparation and the right mentorship will pave your dream of becoming a specialist?

    NMC has already announced the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India in 2023. This exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The exam will be conducted in two parts: NEXT-1 and NEXT-2. The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only after qualifying for NEXT-1 will any medical student be eligible for an internship. After completing the internship, Students must go through NEXT-2, which will assess their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Medical history. Those who clear NEXT-2 are awarded a license to practice, and rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice. You may refer to the Page for detailed information on the Next Exam.

    Read more NExT

    Medical PG in USA (USMLE)

    We are well aware of the difficulty of getting a PG in India. With the introduction of NEXT, most students in India are attracted to USMLE prep from 1st year of MBBS since it simulates the new NMC Competency-based curriculum much more easily. US Healthcare system is considered one of the best healthcare systems for numerous reasons like High rewards, excellent infrastructure, Merit-based assessment, and Open opportunities for Super specialities. In most of the countries trying to replicate the US health care assessment system for their Medical Graduates, the USMLE exam is divided into 3 Parts. One can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during an internship, and USMLE Step 3 during your residency (Medical PG). The USMLE is an online exam that can be taken at the PROMETRIC centres across India.

    Medical PG in USA (USMLE)

    MOKSH Coaching focuses on a patient-centered learning approach which helps students score high on both USMLE & NEXT. MOKSH is the leading name in USMLE Coaching. Currently, 1000+ Students from Indian and Abroad medical colleges are preparing for USMLE steps via the MOKSH Platform.

    Read More USMLE

    Medical PG IN UK (PLAB)

    Till 2024, the Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board Test (PLAB test) is the instrument to assess the skills and knowledge of an International Medical Graduate. It also judges whether she can be trained to practice medicine in the UK.

    In short, an IMG's performance in PLAB determines her eligibility to practice in the UK. The PLAB test has two stages. PLAB 1 is an exam that has 180 MCQs that test your recall. On the other hand, PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) that tests your clinical skills.

    The GMC ascertains your linguistic skills by assessing your score on specific tests. It may be the IELTS (Band Score 7.0 or higher) or OET (Grade B in reading, writing, listening & speaking).
    After you pass PLAB 1 & 2, you apply for the GP registration. There is one constraint. You have a window of 2 years after clearing PLAB 2, during which you may apply no later.

    By 2024, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment will replace the PLAB. The COVID pandemic has resulted in a major change that has affected life everywhere and at every level.
    Especially the healthcare sector has faced unprecedented pressure. Consequently, the GMC UK will change certain things in PLAB and create the UKMLA exam.

    Read more UK (PLAB)

    Medical PG in Germany

    Medical PG in Germany

    PG in Germany after MBBS in Italy is another great option, though it requires you to learn the German language. Of the 6 levels starting from A1 to C2, you need to clear A1 and A2, qualifying you to apply for the visa.

    Once the Language formalities are done, you get into the phase where you do an Observer-ship from a German hospital approved by the German Medical Council. Residency follows this.

    This may sound simple here, but the process is quite complicated. To know more about PG in Germany after MBBS in Italy,

    Read more PG in Germany

    MOKSH: A reliable consultant to MBBS in Italy

    Studying MBBS in Italy offers students a rewarding and budget-friendly educational experience. The admissions and scholarship processes at Italian universities are very complex and tedious. You need an expert who can be your companion on your journey to MBBS in Italy. MOKSH counsellors are experts in the Italian university admissions process. You can connect with MOKSH at +91 9699360370WhatsApp us at 8269900555 orVisit WWW.MOKSH16.COM.

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    Faqs

    No, there is no age restriction on applying to medical school. Students of all ages are eligible to study medicine in Italy.

    No, it is not mandatory to learn the Italian language to study in Italy.

    The courses and examinations are carried out entirely in English during the course (6 years). In the first two years (preclinical years) the Italian language is not needed as the practical training does not really start before the 3rd year. During the clinical years, however, Italian will be necessary for communication with patients and doctors, during hospital hours apart from the professors.

    Passing the IMAT exam for English-taught medical courses shows your English language competency. Most of the universities won't ask for extra English certificates.
    In public medical schools where the tuition fee is very nominal, However, in private universities, which are not government-funded, tuition fees are similar to other private medical schools in Europe, typically ranging from €9000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the university.

    Consider the below points while choosing the best medical school in Italy.

    1. Reputation and Ranking
    2. Accreditation
    3. Curriculum and Specializations
    4. Faculty and Facilities
    5. Student Support Services
    6. Research Opportunities
    7. Location and Environment
    8. Student Feedback and Reviews
     
    Public universities in Italy usually prioritize the IMAT exam, managed by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research (MIUR), and do not have their entrance exams. However, Private universities administer their admission tests for medicine programs, which means applicants can apply without taking the IMAT.
    The answer to this question depends to a large extent on your background and your initial level.

    The average amount of time candidates dedicate is about 5-6 months for Indian students. This being said, if you started preparing 3-4 months before the IMAT, You still might have an excellent chance to get in.
    1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving books for IMAT
    2. Thinking Skills Coursebook (by Marc Dawes)
    3. Pearson Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition
    4. AS-level biology and A2-level biology 
    5. Oxford IB Study Guide: Chemistry for the IB Diploma
    6. A-Level Physics for AQA: Year 2 Student Book 
    7. Pearson’s Higher Level Chemistry book 
    8. IMAT Physics and Maths books
    9. CGP A-Level Physics for AQA  
    10. A-Level Maths for OCR
     
    MOKSH is India's most trusted consultant and the only publicly listed company on the National Stock Exchange, setting it apart from local agents. MOKSH assists students with their admission process, accommodation, and other requirements.
    Studying medicine in Italy for international students offers many advantages like affordable tuition fees, excellent education standards, and rich cultural immersion.
    The cost of MBBS in Italy for Indian students varies, with most medical universities charging approximately between 20-30 lakhs (INR) for the entire course.
    Every university in Italy offers an art program; hence, you can choose from 100 art schools in Italy. The most popular are:

    The University of Bologna
    The University of Padua
    The University of Florence
    The University of IULM
    The Rome University of Fine Arts
    The MAECI Scholarship is a government-funded scholarship for international students and Italian citizens living abroad to pursue Master's and PhD degrees in Italian public universities. It covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance for one year, renewable for up to four years.
    No, admissions in most Italian universities require academics at 65%. IELTS scores are a great saviour for access to most universities.
    You must apply for scholarships like the IYT or RO Scholarship in Italy to study for free.

    You can refer to the Indian Embassy in Milan website cgimilan.gov for Italian government scholarships offered to international students

    Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to study in Italy.
    You can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week with a study permit.
    Yes, it is possible to convert a student visa to a work visa in Italy under certain conditions and with the approval of the relevant authorities.
    To recognize your qualification in Italy, you must legalize the original document, provide an official translation, and obtain a certificate of equivalence of qualification
    The language requirement for studying in Italy is typically a B2 level of English proficiency.
     
    Yes, various scholarships are available for Indian students to study in Italy. These include scholarships from the Italian government, Italian universities, external organizations, and Indian government scholarships for international education.
    International students in Italy can work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, during the academic year and full-time during semester breaks. Many students find part-time work in tutoring, language teaching, hospitality, and retail.
    Italy offers a post-study work visa that allows international students to stay and work in Italy for up to 12 months. After finding a job, you can transition to a work visa or residence permit for longer-term employment.
    Italy offers international students various courses, including engineering and technology, business and management, medicine and health, art and design, humanities, law, natural sciences, social sciences, and more. Popular choices include engineering programs, MBBS courses, and business degrees.
    The cost of living in Italy can vary by city and lifestyle. Students may spend around €800 to €1,000 per month on accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other expenses. Bigger cities are generally more expensive than smaller cities.
    Accommodation options in Italy include university halls of residence, private student housing, shared apartments, homestays, and private rentals. Students can select the option that suits their preferences and budget.
    You must have received an acceptance letter from an Italian university to apply for a student visa to study in Italy. Complete the visa application, attend an interview, and provide the required documents, including proof of financial means and health insurance. Check the official guidelines from the Italian consulate or embassy in India for the latest requirements.
    Italy is home to some prestigious MBA colleges, including Bocconi University, one of the country's most notable institutions for an MBA. Bocconi University is known for its top-ranked business programs and international appeal, and it offers a world-class education that is a preferred choice for many aspiring business leaders.

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