If you want to study medicine in Italy, start by checking which course you mean, because the route is different for medicine and for related health degrees. Most students apply to an integrated medicine degree, then move step by step through the university admission process. Rules can change, so always check the university admissions page and the Italian ministry or immigration sites for the latest details.
Which medicine degrees exist in Italy?
In Italy, medicine is usually taught as an integrated degree, not as a separate bachelor's plus master's path like in some countries. The common route is an integrated single-cycle degree in Medicine and Surgery, which usually lasts 6 years.
- Medicine and Surgery - the main path to become a doctor.
- Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics - a separate professional route.
- Other health degrees - for example nursing, physiotherapy, or biomedical areas, which are not the same as medicine.
If you are searching in English, look for programmes called Medicine and Surgery or Medicine and Surgery in English. Some universities also offer related pre-medical or foundation-style support, but these do not replace the official admission route.
Can you study medicine in English?
Yes, some Italian universities offer medicine in English. These programmes are popular with international students, but places are limited and admission is often competitive.
For English-taught courses, check the university page for:
- language of instruction
- test required for admission
- who can apply as an EU or non-EU candidate
- whether the course is at a public or private university
Do not assume that an English-taught course means easier admission. In many cases, you still need an entrance test, and sometimes the process is separate for EU and non-EU applicants.
Typical admission requirements
Universities usually ask for a secondary school diploma that gives access to university in your home country. If you already started university, some schools may still ask you to apply from the beginning instead of transferring, because medicine is highly structured.
Common requirements include:
- school leaving certificate or equivalent
- passport or ID
- transcripts and grades
- language proof, if the course is in English or Italian
- admission test or entrance exam
For public universities, medicine often uses a national or university-based selection test. The format changes from time to time, so check the official programme page and the Italian ministry announcements for the current test rules. For private universities, the school usually sets its own test and deadlines.
If you need a student visa, also check the Italian immigration authority and the Italian embassy or consulate in your country. Visa rules depend on your nationality and your length of stay.
How much does it cost?
Tuition in Italy can vary a lot. Public universities often use income-based fees, so the final amount may depend on your family income documents, the university rules, and your student status. Private universities usually cost much more.
As a broad guide:
- public universities - often low to moderate fees, sometimes a few hundred to a few thousand euros per year
- private universities - often several thousand to more than ten thousand euros per year
- non-EU students - may face different fee rules at some universities
Do not use one number from a forum as your budget. Check the programme page, the tuition page, and any fee reduction rules on the university website.
You should also budget for extra costs such as:
- application or test fees, if any
- visa and residence permit costs
- health insurance
- books, transport, and daily living costs
Living costs in Italy
Living costs depend a lot on the city. Big cities and popular student towns usually cost more than smaller places. Many international students need to plan carefully for rent, food, and transport.
Typical monthly costs can include:
- room in shared housing or student residence
- food and basic shopping
- local transport
- phone and internet
- study materials
A realistic budget is often lower in small cities and higher in large cities. Always check local housing prices before you apply, because housing is often the biggest expense.
When should you start?
Start early. Medicine admissions can take many months, and some steps happen before you even apply to the university.
A simple timeline is:
- 9 to 12 months before start - research universities and entry rules
- 6 to 9 months before - prepare documents and language proof
- during the application period - register for the test and submit forms
- after admission - arrange visa, housing, insurance, and enrolment
If you are a non-EU student, leave extra time for visa documents, translations, legalisation or apostille, and residence permit steps after arrival. Exact steps depend on your nationality, so use the Italian embassy, consulate, and immigration authority pages as your source.
How universities find candidates
Universities do not usually search the open web for applicants. They find students through their own admissions systems, test rankings, and student databases. Some schools also use international platforms and student registers to reach candidates who match a programme.
This is why a complete profile helps. It can make it easier for admissions offices to see your level, your field of interest, and the documents you already have ready.
- field of study - medicine or related health area
- education level - school, college, or university
- English level - or Italian level if relevant
- documents - transcripts, passport, test results, and certificates
Common questions
Do I need to speak Italian?
Not always. Some medicine programmes are in English, but many healthcare degrees in Italy are in Italian. Check the exact language of the course before you apply.
Can I enter medicine straight after school?
Yes, often you can apply after secondary school if your diploma is recognised for university entry. You usually need to meet the test and document requirements too.
Is admission guaranteed if I meet the minimum requirements?
No. Medicine places are limited, so meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee a place. Selection depends on the university process and your test result or ranking.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
You stay in control, and you can compare messages from different universities before you decide what to do next.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.