Medicine in Italy in English

Compare IMAT admissions, private tests, universities, fees and preparation strategy
Medicine student preparing for medical school admissions in Italy

Studying Medicine in Italy in English is a real option for international students, but the application process is not the same everywhere. Public English-taught programs usually use IMAT, while private universities run separate admission tests and calls.

Use this page as the big-picture guide. It explains the main Medicine application options in Italy, what to compare before applying, and where IMAT Mentor fits into your preparation.

Quick facts

Medicine in Italy at a glance

Duration
Medicine and Surgery in Italy is usually a 6-year single-cycle degree.
Language
English-taught Medicine programs are available at selected public and private universities.
Admission test
Public English-taught Medicine programs usually use IMAT; private universities usually run their own admission tests.
Latest checked IMAT format
For 2025/2026: 60 questions, 100 minutes, with Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths, Logical Reasoning and Problems, and Reading and General Knowledge.
Tuition
Public fees are usually income-based; private university fees are published by each university.
Recognition
Always check licensing and recognition rules in the country where you plan to practise.
Application options

Pick the Medicine option you are applying for

Italy has public and private English-taught Medicine options. The exam you prepare for, the deadlines you follow and the fees you plan around depend on which option you choose.

Admissions

What Medicine applicants usually need

Most applicants need a strong school science background, valid documents, English readiness and a plan for the exact entrance test used by the university they are targeting.

IMAT subjects

Public English-taught Medicine admissions focus on Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths, Logical Reasoning and Problems, and Reading and General Knowledge.

Documents

Expect school certificates, transcripts, ID/passport, application forms and sometimes language or visa documents.

Private calls

Private universities publish their own tests, deadlines, places, fee rules and ranking procedures.

Timing

Application windows can be short, so students should prepare before the official call is open.

Costs

Compare the full yearly budget, not just tuition

Tuition is only one part of the decision. Add housing, food, transport, books, application fees, test fees, visa or residence costs and later licensing costs before deciding which option makes sense.

Admission optionMedicine universities to compareTuition patternAdmission modelGuide
Public IMAT admissionsMilan IMS, Pavia, Bari, Messina, Sapienza, Milano-Bicocca and other public English-taught programs.Public university fees vary by university and student situation; check the official fee simulator or yearly call.National English-language admission test. Latest checked 2025/2026 format: 60 questions in 100 minutes.Open guide
Humanitas admissionHumanitas University Milan.Private tuition is published by Humanitas and can vary by bracket or intake.Humanitas runs its own Medicine admission test and call, separate from the public IMAT ranking.Open guide
Cattolica admissionUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome and Bolzano English Medicine programs.Private tuition and contribution rules are published by Cattolica for each intake.Cattolica uses its own entrance-test and application process rather than the public IMAT ranking.Open guide
Other private admissionsVita-Salute San Raffaele, Campus Bio-Medico Rome, UniCamillus and other private options.Private fees are usually higher than public fees and must be checked university by university.Private universities publish their own calls, tests, interview steps, English rules and deadlines.Open guide
Recognition

Verify where the degree lets you practise

Medicine is a regulated profession, so you should check recognition before choosing a university. The right question is not only where you can study, but where you want to work after graduation.

EU recognition

EU recognition can apply when the qualification meets the relevant European training rules, but students should still verify the exact degree title and licensing steps.

United States path

US pathways require ECFMG eligibility checks, World Directory information, USMLE exams and residency matching. A degree alone is not enough.

Destination-country rules

The UK, Ireland, Canada, Gulf countries and other destinations have their own registration, exam and language rules. Check them early.

Useful official checks: EU automatic recognition, World Directory of Medical Schools, and ECFMG eligibility.

Medicine universities

Explore Medicine university guides

These guides cover admissions, tuition, curriculum context, official sources and IMAT Mentor preparation support for individual Medicine programs in Italy.

IMAT Mentor support

Prepare for the entrance exam

If your target is a public English-taught Medicine program, your preparation should be built around IMAT subjects, question timing and realistic simulations.

If your target is a private university, use the official call to check the exact test format, then prepare the core science and reasoning skills that overlap with Medicine entrance exams.

See how IMAT Mentor helps you prepare

Explore the question bank, simulations, flashcards, AI study assistant and Italy application context.

Explore IMAT prep
FAQ

Medicine in Italy questions

Can I study Medicine in Italy in English?
Yes. Several Italian public and private universities offer English-taught Medicine and Surgery programs. Public admissions are normally connected to IMAT, while private universities often use their own admission tests.
Is IMAT required for every Medicine program in Italy?
No. IMAT is the key public English-language admission test. Private universities such as Humanitas, Cattolica, San Raffaele, Campus Bio-Medico and UniCamillus publish their own calls and tests.
How long is Medicine in Italy?
Medicine and Surgery in Italy is usually a 6-year single-cycle degree. Students should also plan for clinical training, language growth and post-graduation licensing steps depending on where they want to practise.
What is the latest checked IMAT format?
For the 2025/2026 English-language admission test, MUR set one test for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary in English with 60 multiple-choice questions, 100 minutes, and questions in reading/general knowledge, logic, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths.
How much does Medicine in Italy cost?
Public university fees are usually lower and may depend on income or student status. Private university fees are set by each institution and are usually much higher. Always check the official call before applying.
Are Italian medical degrees recognized?
Recognition depends on the exact degree and the country where you want to work. EU recognition, UK registration, US ECFMG/USMLE pathways and other licensing systems all have their own rules.
How does IMAT Mentor help Medicine applicants?
IMAT Mentor helps students prepare for the IMAT with subject review, practice questions, simulations, flashcards, AI study support and Italy application context. It does not guarantee admission.
Practice before your IMAT exam
IMAT Mentor practice question dashboard
IMAT topics
3000+ practice questions
Mobile & Desktop
Review weak areas before test day
IMAT Mentor practice question dashboard
Prepare for the IMAT with structure
Full IMAT course
Practice the question types
Study everywhere
AI study support
IMAT Mentor student preparing for the IMAT examIMAT Mentor student preparing for the IMAT exam