Italy welcomes more than 100,000 international students every year, making it one of the fastest-growing education hubs in Europe. Ranging from several degrees like bachelor’s, master’s, MBA programs, and more, the public and private universities in Italy offer a wide range of popular courses.
One such course is medicine, which is quickly becoming famous among Indian students. With English as a medium of Instruction, an MBBS degree in Italy for international students offers a perfect blend of centuries-old academic tradition and modern facilities.
If you are looking to pursue your MBBS or MD degree in 2025 from Italy, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. Read on to know about top universities, scholarships, application tips, and more.
Why Study Medicine in Italy?
With more than 25 medical universities in Italy, the country is a perfect study abroad destination for students. Here are some of the reasons why international students, especially from non-EU countries, are coming to the country to pursue their medical education:
Globally Recognized Degrees: Italian medical universities are ranked among the top in Europe and offer degrees accepted across the EU, the US, and beyond.
Affordable Tuition: Top public universities in Italy offer world-class education at affordable tuition fees, as compared to private schools in the US or the UK.
English-Taught Medical Programs: Several top medical universities in Italy offer 6-year MD programs in English, making it easier for students to learn.
Cultural & Historical Appeal: By pursuing an MBBS in Italy, International students can get a chance to live and learn in cities rich in history, art, and vibrant student life.
Key Highlights of Studying MBBS in Italy
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Mode of Instruction | English & Italian |
| Entrance Exam | IMAT (International Medical Admission Test) |
| Annual Tuition | €1,000 – €5,000 |
| Scholarship Availability | Yes (regional, merit-based, etc.) |
Top Medical Universities in Italy for International Students (2025)
Since 2005, when Italian universities introduced English-taught medicine programs, international students seeking medical degrees have continuously chosen Italy as their favorite destination. Here are some of the leading Italian medical universities offering English-taught programs for international students:
| Universities | Locations | QS Ranking 2025 (Medical) | Tuition Fee (Annual) | Admission Requirements | Scholarships Available |
| University of Milan | Milan | 80 | €1,000–€4,000 | High school diploma, IMAT, English proficiency | Yes – €8,000 grants and tuition waivers |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Rome | 94 | €1,000–€2,500 | High school diploma, IMAT, English proficiency | Yes – Various merit-based scholarships |
| University of Bologna | Bologna | 96 | €2,000–€4,000 | High school diploma, IMAT, English proficiency | Yes – €6,500 grants and tuition waivers |
| University of Padua | Padua | 131 | €2,500–€4,500 | High school diploma, IMAT, English proficiency | Yes – Full tuition waivers and €8,000 stipend |
| University of Milano-Bicocca | Milan | 165 | €156–€600 | High school diploma, IMAT, English proficiency | Yes – DSU and merit-based scholarships |
| University of Naples Federico II | Naples | 201 | €1,000–€3,000 | High school diploma, IMAT, English proficiency | Yes – Fully funded scholarships available |
| University of Pavia | Pavia | 201-250 | €4,500–€5,000 | High school diploma, IMAT, English proficiency | Yes – Various scholarships for international students |
| University of Florence | Florence | 251-300 | €156–€2,600 | High school diploma, IMAT, English proficiency | Yes – Merit Excellence Grants up to €3,000 |
| University of Pisa | Pisa | 251-300 | €2,500–€4,000 | High school diploma, IMAT, English proficiency | Yes – DSU scholarships covering tuition and living expenses |
| University of Turin | Turin | 251-300 | €2,800–€3,500 | High school diploma, IMAT, English proficiency | Yes – Scholarships for international students |
Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Medicine
Admission Requirements for MBBS in Italy for International Students:
Getting admission to top Italian universities is pretty easy with a straightforward process. Here are the admission requirements for MBBS in Italy for International students:
- High school transcripts (12th grade or equivalent)
- NEET scorecard (for Indian students)
- IMAT scorecard
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport-size photographs
- Student visa
- Health insurance documentation
Cost of Living in Italy
Italy is not only known for its rich culture, historic landmarks, and world-class cuisine, but also for offering quality higher education at relatively affordable costs. For international students, especially those pursuing degrees in fields like medicine, understanding the overall expenses involved is crucial for effective planning. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Italy:
| Expense Type | Monthly Estimate |
| Tuition Fees | €1,000 – €5,000/year |
| Rent | €300 – €700 |
| Food | €150 – €250 |
| Transport | €25 – €50 |
| Miscellaneous | €100 – €200 |
| Total Monthly | ~€600 – €1,200 |
Scholarships for Medical Students
By opting for a scholarship in Italy, international students can make their MBBS degree more accessible. Italy offers a wide range of scholarships aimed at easing the financial burden of tuition and living expenses, especially at public universities where education is already affordable.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits |
| Regional Scholarships (DSU) | Based on family income | Tuition waivers + living allowance |
| University Merit Scholarships | High academic performance | €1,000 – €5,000 |
| MAECI Scholarship | From Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Full/partial tuition + stipend |
| Invest Your Talent in Italy | For PG programs (mention only) | Tuition fee waiver + internship |
Career Prospects After Graduation:
Graduating with a medical degree from an Italian university opens up a world of opportunities. Here are some of the career aspects of pursuing your medical degree from an Italian university:
- You get a chance to pursue postgraduate residencies in Italy
- Many universities offer advanced research programs.
- Post-study work permits are available for up to 12 months, allowing you to search for job opportunities.
Conclusion:
MBBS in Italy offers a perfect combination of academic excellence, affordable tuition, and great career opportunities. Whether you are planning to practice in Europe or in your home country, Italian Medical universities provide the right foundation.
But the journey from choosing the right university to reaching there and pursuing the course can be overwhelming. This is where YES Italy steps in. YES Italy is a trusted study abroad in Italy consultant in India that offers end-to-end support to students. So, let us ask you, are you ready to make your dream of studying medicine in Italy a reality? Get in touch with YES Italy and take the first confident step towards your future.
