Looking to pursue a medical PG in Italy? Check out all the details and Apply through Standyou for Medical Residency in Italy. ....
Nov 17, 2022 10:48:15
Medical residency is a term that refers to postgraduate training, or medical training that is established during postgraduate studies. In current times, an MBBS certification is generally followed by a postgraduate degree. A postgraduate certificate is considered advantageous in the long run.
There are a lot of added advantages to getting a postgraduate certificate over a graduate degree alone. A PG certification ensures an enhanced skill set, more career opportunities, and a chance to pursue a further specialization.
The medical residency entails both education and medical training. The PG Residency involves the training of the in-house postgraduate and their rotation through various medical departments.
In terms of healthcare quality, Italy is ranked among the top ten countries by the World Health Organization. Quality healthcare was considered a right, and a national health plan was formulated in a way to provide quality health to all citizens. However, the fragility of the Italian healthcare sector was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the desperate times, Italian authorities honestly emphasized the country's lack of healthy doctors. This need was met by cancelling the license exams for medical students and providing them with the certification.
However, despite the rushed decision, Italy is one of the best countries for medical education, particularly for a Medical PG in Italy. Due to the need for medics, the country's authorities offer various quality scholarships for students pursuing their
In addition, reputable Italian universities offer admission based on the common entrance exam. Courses for pursuing a medical postgraduate degree in Italy are available in both English and Italian.
After completing MBBS in Italy or any other equivalent degree from any country the candidate needs to undergo a one-year clinical practice called a Junior residency and work as a junior doctor
The degree must be recognised by the Italian Health Ministry together with the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research
The applicant must undergo assessment for an adequate Italian language skill test
They must then pass a national medical exam to be registered as a generalist. You will have to attend a three months traineeship and then pass a multiple-choice test.
Registration with the Ordine Dei Medici is a must for obtaining a medical license.
Non-EU international citizens need to apply for a visa and a resident permit to work as a doctor in Italy.
Registered doctors can look for jobs in hospitals through Italian job search engines.
After MBBS the person has to take three exams; 3 months stage, a theoretical exam which includes 90 multiple choice questions has to be done in 150 minutes (Exam Fees 370 euros) (that exam has 2 sections preclinic and clinic)
National assessment test which includes 110 questions (Exam fees 100 euros).
Many people prefer to pursue their postgraduate medical degrees abroad. However, one thing that should be kept in mind is that the postgraduate certification needs to be done by a university recognized by the Medical Council of India.
Italy is one country that is famous for its cultural heritage and beauty. Hence, Italy is a popular choice for the PG certification for Indian students. Every year, several Indian students opt for a medical PG in Italy.
Germany has always been the first most preferred country in Europe for a medical specialty in our country. In Germany, where admission requirements were more flexible until recently, the difficulty of admission has increased due to an increase in the number of applicants. Now, Italy has taken over as the most popular choice after Germany.
Another reason for Italy being a top choice for pursuing Medical PG in Italy for Indian students is the cost of education. The cost of living in Italy is considered higher than the average expenses in India. However, the tuition fee for medical residency is eased owing to the various scholarships offered by the Italian authorities to Indian as well as other international students.
Here is a list of scholarships offered by the Italian government and universities for a Medical PG in Italy for Indian students and other international students.
Merit-Based Scholarships: The Italian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economic Development offer merit-based scholarships to talented and skilled students. This scholarship is valid for all international students. The students need to be academically skilled. Along with that, students who are skilled in sports and artistic affairs are also provided the chance to apply for the scholarship.
Laurea Magistrale Program, which is the equivalent of a two-year Master of Science, offers a scholarship for students pursuing the Laurea Magistrale medical program. The application is thoroughly examined, and awarded if the conditions for the scholarship are met.
· State Scholarships, or Diritto Allo Studio Universitario (DSU): These state scholarships offered for international students cover the expense of life in Italy. Along with that, it covers the accommodation costs.
There is an additional scholarship available for the academic fee. The value of the scholarship depends on certain things. For example, the family income must be less than 23,000 euros. Also, depending on the amount, the value of the scholarship offered differs. In addition, the application must be filled out within a specific period.
These scholarships usually last for nine months and require a certain minimum credit to avail yourself of the chance to procure them. After nine months, one can apply for the scholarship again.
Some universities providing the above-mentioned state scholarships for Medical PG in Italy are the University of Milan, Politecnico di Milano, University of Turin, Politecnico di Torino, University of Bologna, and the University of Padova. It also includes other reputed universities such as Pisa, Pavia, and Siena.
The International Medical Entrance Test Exam is an entrance exam held for admission to some medical universities in Italy for a medical postgraduate program. These universities generally offer medical courses in the English language for international, or non-EU, students.
The NEET is the national entrance exam held for admission to medical universities in India. IMAT and NEET are not the same. They do, however, share some factors or grounds. Both of these entrance exams have similar structures, which are MCQs. However, the IMAT has a much tougher approach. The general knowledge and critical thinking questions are given more weight than the subject-oriented questions in the exam.
The subject curriculum is the same in the case of medical exams. However, Indian students pursuing Medical PG in Italy should study from IMAT-oriented medical books.
The best book for preparation for the biology section of the International Medical Entrance Test is "Pearson Biology: A Global Approach." Similarly, the best guide and help books for chemistry and physics preparation are "Pearson Chemistry for the IB Diploma" and "Baron’s Physics Guides," respectively.
The IMAT is divided into four sections, which are described below. Section 1 consists of logical reasoning and general knowledge. This section has 22 questions with five options. Sections 2, 3, and 4 are based on one’s scientific knowledge. There are 38 questions in this section. These questions are further divided into 18 questions from biology, 12 from chemistry, and 8 from physics and mathematics. The duration of the test is 100 minutes. Each correct answer carries 1.5 marks. An incorrect answer results in a deduction of 0.5 marks. The test is a pre-requisite for entrance to medical studies in Italian universities.
The application fee for the test is 140 euros, and each university has set its minimum marks required for the admission process.
There are several courses offered for medical PG in Italy. For Indian students to pursue a medical PG in Italy, several basic minimal criteria must be met. Some basic eligibility requirements are medical credentials, citizenship or education visas, and language certifications.
Indian students who have completed their MBBS need to follow a set of guidelines and meet certain documentary requirements for pursuing a medical PG in Italy.
The first step to starting the process of admission into a medical PG in Italy is thorough research on the universities and their programs.
When an Indian student pursues a Medical PG in Italy, the student must always remember to choose the non-EU citizen option.
At the school level, one needs to have completed a 12-year education.
One needs to qualify for the entrance exam of the university if they are eligible for the desired program.
Proof of attendance for the previous two years of study.
Those applying for a master's degree need to submit a bachelor's degree.
There are some basic documentary requirements for the application process to pursue a medical PG in Italy.
The degree or secondary school education pursued.
Proof of maintaining the eligibility criteria and qualifying test scores for the entrance exam for the course applied for.
ID proof (important documents such as a passport and an Aadhar card)
Personal identification; a resume or a curriculum vitae.
Official transcripts, or proof of education.
Academic transcripts involve documents such as mark sheets, mark lists, academic certificates, report cards, statements of leaving, diploma supplements, and cumulative record files (CRF).
For English, there is a language proof requirement. Information about the basics of the Italian language is also required.
Universities in Italy accept English language proficiency test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or other exams as specified in the course requirements to assess the level of one’s English language proficiency. The minimum score required in the standard IELTS test is 5.5.
OP is another document that is required. SOP, or a statement of purpose, is a long essay stating the purpose of applying to a particular program at a recognized university. The statement of purpose is required as part of the documents required for foreign universities for the assessment of the applicants’ personalities.
The basic format of a statement of purpose includes the integration of academic achievements, the purpose of education, and life goals. All this must be compiled according to the word limit. Also, there should be clarity in one’s statement of purpose.
Two or more letters of recommendation (LORs) strengthen the application process.
A student visa or valid permit to stay: There are different types of student visas, such as Type-C or Type-D, that differ based on the duration of the stay.
Other requirements must be met, specifically for students pursuing a medical PG in Italy. These students are issuing their medical licenses in India. However, for them to pursue their residency in Italy, their medical license and qualifications must be recognized by the Italian Health Ministry, along with the Ministries of Education, Universities, and Research. This recognition of the certification usually involves a training period followed by a general test.
Specialization |
Duration in Years |
Dermatology |
4 Years |
Endocrinology |
5 Years |
Geriatrics |
5 Years |
Cardiology |
5 Years |
Clinical Psychology |
5 Years |
Neurophysiopathology |
4 Years |
Paediatrics |
5 Years |
Internal Medicine |
4 Years |
Pathology |
4 Years |
Radiotherapy |
4 Years |
Medical Pharmacology |
4 Years |
Medical Statistics |
4 Years |
Tropical Medicine |
4 Years |
Pediatric Surgery |
4 Years |
General Surgery |
5 Years |
Cardiac Surgery |
5 Years |
Neurosurgery |
5 Years |
Orthopaedics |
4 Years |
Allergology and Clinical Immunology |
4 Years |
Urology |
5 Years |
Internal Medicine |
5 Years |
Gastroenterology |
4 Years |
Haematology |
4 Years |
Cancer Medicine |
5 Years |
Nephrology |
4 Years |
Neurology |
4 Years |
Pediatric Psychiatry |
4 Years |
Anesthesiology |
5 Years |
Hygiene and Preventive Medicine |
4 Years |
Clinical Biochemistry |
4 Years |
Microbiology and Virology |
4 Years |
Audiology |
4 Years |
Radiology |
5 Years |
Plastic surgery |
5 Years |
Top Universities that offer Medical PG in Italy
Several universities offer instruction in the English language for medical residents pursuing medical PG in Italy for Indian students. Some of these top universities are listed below.
Established in 1088, the University of Bologna is the oldest in the geographical region of Italy. The campus is widespread, and one can choose from campuses across Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini in Italy.
Various subjects can be studied at the University of Bologna. Some of these options are law, business, management, veterinary studies, agricultural studies, medicine, the humanities, creative art, design, and others.
For admission to medical PG in Italy for Indian students, all degree courses in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Pavia require the clearance of an admission test.
One needs to apply to the university after obtaining their visa. Once they get the visas, the students need to apply for a residence permit as well.
There are 45 and 25 residency seats available for European and non-European students, respectively.
The minimum entry score for admission to the medical program of the university is 51.5. Interestingly, this score is the same for European graduates as well.
· For Indian students pursuing medical PG in Italy, the tuition fee for a year goes from 156 up to a maximum of 1456 euros. The living expenses are high. The estimated costs for campus housing are 4800 euros and living costs are 10,000 euros.
The university is ranked at the world position of 301. The university has eight faculties and two schools, as well as numerous study options in the English medium. The main courses and subject areas that are covered are law, business, management, social studies, medicine, and applied and pure science.
Cambridge Assessment created the admission test (International Medical Admissions Test, IMAT) in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Higher Education and Research. The admissions test consists of sixty MCQs.
One needs to apply to the university after obtaining their visa. Once they get the visas, the students need to apply for a residence permit as well.
There are 70 and 20 residency seats available for European and non-European students, respectively.
The minimum entry score for admission to the medical program of the university is 40.8.
· For Indian students pursuing medical PG in Italy, the tuition fees for a year range from 156 euros to a maximum of 3407 euros. The living expenses are high. However, the applicants can check the scholarships and grants for the university on its portal.
Established in 1361, the University of Pavia is one of the oldest universities based in the region of Italy. The university offers a 95% employment rate. It offers various streams such as engineering, architecture, pure and applied science, and medicine.
The University of Pavia is most famous for its medical residency, also known as Harvey Medicine and Surgery. The Harvey Medicine and Surgery Course, along with several other MD programs offered in English by the University of Pavia, is Italy's first entirely English-taught medicine course.
For admission to Medical PG in Italy for Indian students, check the 'Admission' section of the degree program website for information on the admission procedure and any required tests. Apply before the deadlines run out.
One needs to apply to the university after obtaining their visa. Once they get the visas, the students need to apply for a residence permit as well.
There are 103 and 40 residency seats available for European and non-European students, respectively.
The minimum entry score for admission to the medical program of the university is 49.4. However, there is a considerable margin between the scores required for European and non-European students.
For Indian students pursuing Medical PG in Italy, the tuition fee for a year goes up to a maximum of 4700 euros. However, foreigners (Indians) can get scholarships based on their family income.
Established in 1303, Sapienza University is one of the oldest and largest universities in the country. The university is affiliated with several other reputable universities across Italy.
The university offers several courses such as law, education, engineering, humanities, creative, and performing arts. Most importantly, it has a department devoted to health and medicine where students can opt to pursue a medical PG in Italy. The students can opt for either the nursing or medicine and surgery course for their master’s program. The duration of these degree programs is six years.
Further, the Sapienza medical residency presents the postgraduates with a chance to enter the Erasmus program and complete medical training abroad.
MAT scores are required for admission to the degree program at Sapienza University.
For Indian students pursuing medical PG in Italy, the tuition fees for a year range from a minimum of 2900 euros to 4965 euros. However, foreigners (including Indian students) can get scholarships based on their family income.
Established in 1222, the University of Padua continues to be one of the most reputable universities offering medical PG in Italy for Indian students. Forest Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Business Administration, Economics and Finance, Human Rights, Environmental Engineering, Mathematical Engineering, and Medical Biotechnologies are among the topics covered.
On the official portal of the University of Padua, "international applicants" can check the country-based list of qualifications to see if their previous education is eligible. However, on the same portal, they can get their previous education recognized before applying for any course at the university.
Candidates must qualify for the IMAT in the English language as a requirement for admission to the medicine and surgery degree program.
Being a non-EU applicant, one needs to pre-enrol at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in one’s country of residence.
The University of Trento is one of the newer universities established in the geographical region of Italy. It was established in 1962. This university, based in Trento, Italy, is known for its excellent master and doctoral programs. Various study options in different fields are offered in English instruction at the University of Trento.
The basic eligibility requirements are a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The applicants must know the English language up to a degree from a recognized university. The applicants must know the English language up to B2-level proficiency. The applicant should have a valid and legal visa and passport.
The University of Verona is a private, medium-sized university housing almost 17,500 students. These students are scattered across various departmental courses. However, the University of Verona is most popularly known for its master’s program in molecular biotechnology and medicine. The other medicine courses are the bachelor's and master's degrees in medical bioinformatics.
· For Indian students pursuing Medical PG in Italy, the tuition fee for a year goes from 291 up to a maximum of 1000 euros. The living expenses for Verona are not very high.
7. University of Rome Tor Vergata
The University is a public educational institution with a 600-hectare-wide campus. The disciplinary areas offered here are law, economics, mathematics, physics, and, most importantly, medicine.
For admission to Medical PG in Italy for Indian students, all degree courses at this university require the clearance of an admission test.
One needs to apply to the university after obtaining their visa. Once they get the visas, the students need to apply for a residence permit as well.
There are 25 and 10 residency seats available for European and non-European students, respectively. There is a distinct difference between the opportunities available to European citizens and those available to foreigners.
The minimum entry score for admission to the medical program of the university is 47.7. However, these scores are only for first-round clearance. Interestingly, this score is similar for European graduates as well.
For Indian students pursuing Medical PG in Italy, the tuition fee for a year goes from 156 up to a maximum of 5250 euros.
Interestingly, the maximum tuition fee for European citizens is also 5,250 euros. There are scholarships offered for both Europeans and non-Europeans pursuing medical PGs in Italy.
The University of Bari is a perfect choice for the completion of a medical PG in Italy for Indian students. It offers an excellent six-year-long master’s course in medicine and surgery. This course is held on the premises of the Department of Medicine and Surgery on the university grounds.
For admission to Medical PG in Italy for Indian students, all degree courses at this university require the clearance of an admission test.
One needs to apply to the university after obtaining their visa. Once they get the visas, the students need to apply for a residence permit as well.
There are only 9 residency seats available for non-European students, as opposed to the 42 seats reserved for European citizens. There is a distinct difference between the opportunities available to European citizens and those available to foreigners.
The minimum entry score for admission to the medical program of the university is 32.7. However, these scores are only for first-round clearance. The low clearance required here attracts lots of Indian dropouts to pursue their Medical PG in Italy.
The tuition fee for foreigners or non-Europeans is only a meager amount of 1580 pounds. The cost of living in this beautiful tropical region amounts to only 750 euros annually.
9. University of Siena (Dentistry)
The University of Siena is known for accepting admissions from all over the world. This university offers both bachelor’s and master’s programs in the department of dentistry. The university has a separate platform ‘Dream Apply’ for the applications of foreigners and non-Europeans.
· For admission to Medical PG in Italy for Indian students, all degree courses at this university require the clearance of an admission test.
· One needs to apply to the university after obtaining their visa. Once they get the visas, the students need to apply for a residence permit as well.
· There are only 15 residency seats available for non-European students. There is a clear distinction between the opportunities presented to European citizens over foreigners.
· The minimum entry score for admission to the medical program of the university is 35.4. However, these scores are only for first-round clearance. The low clearance required here attracts lots of Indian dropouts to pursue their Medical PG in Italy.
The tuition fee for non-Europeans or foreigners is a pittance of 2690 pounds.
Before deciding to pursue medical PG in Italy or elsewhere, one should consider the value of their foreign certification in the real world. While some courses, such as homeopathy, require a foreign certification to be recognized more on the Indian scene, some medical residencies are better done in the home country. However, this distinction can only be explored while doing thorough research on the career opportunities in different departments of medicine and surgery.
The career opportunities for Indians in the European region are diverse after the completion of a Medical PG in Italy. Physicians who receive medical training in medicine in Italy have the right to work in other European and Italian countries. With the master’s degree a student obtains in Italy, they will be able to work in other European countries. In Italy, dental specialty education lasts three years. Specialization education is available in three areas of dentistry. These are Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, and Paediatric Dentistry. There will be another exam for this.
University Name |
Duration |
Program Name |
University of Sapienza |
2 Years |
Biochemistry |
University of Sapienza |
2 Years |
Clinical Pyschosexology |
University of Sapienza |
2 Years |
Cognitive Neuroscience |
University of Sapienza |
2 Years |
Genetics & Molecular Biology |
University of Padova |
2 Years |
Biotechnologies for Food Science |
University of Padova |
2 Years |
Environmental Sustainbility and Education |
University of Padova |
2 Years |
Marine Biology |
University of Padova |
2 Years |
Medical Biotechnologies |
University of Padova |
2 Years |
Molecular Biology |
University of Padova |
2 Years |
Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies |
University of Milan |
2 Years |
Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics |
University of Milan |
2 Years |
Biomedical Omics (BO) |
University of Milan |
2 Years |
Biotechnology for the Bioeconomy |
University of Milan |
2 Years |
Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine |
University of Milan |
2 Years |
Molecular Biology of the Cell |
University of Milan |
2 Years |
Medical Biotechnology and Bioinformatics |
University of Milan |
2 Years |
Plant Science |
University of Milan |
2 Years |
Quantitative Biology |
University of Milan |
2 Years |
Safety Assessment of Xenobiotics and Biotechnological Product |
University of Tor Vergata |
2 Years |
Biotechnology |
University of Tor Vergata |
2 Years |
Physical Activity and Health Promotion |
University of Turin |
2 Years |
Biotechnology for Neuroscience |
University of Turin |
2 Years |
Cellular and Molecular Biology |
University of Turin |
2 Years |
Molecular Biotechnology |
University of Pavia |
2 Years |
Molecular Biology and Genetics |
University of Pavia |
2 Years |
Psychology, Neuroscience and Human Sciences |
University of Siena |
2 Years |
Biodiversity, Conservation and Environmental Quality |
University of Siena |
2 Years |
Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction |
University of Siena |
2 Years |
Chemistry |
University of Siena |
2 Years |
Genetic Counsellors |
University of Siena |
2 Years |
Medical Biotechnologies |
University of Siena |
2 Years |
Sustainble Industrial Pharmaceutical |
University of Venice |
2 Years |
Science & Technology of Bio and Nanomaterials |
University of Palermo |
2 Years |
Neurosciences |
University of Messina |
2 Years |
Cognitive Sciences and Theory of Communication |
University of Genova |
2 Years |
Medical-Pharmaceutical Biotechnology |
University of Florence |
2 Years |
Advanced Molecular Sciences |
University of Naples |
2 Years |
Biology of Extreme Environments |
University of Naples |
2 Years |
Marine Biology and Aquaculture |
University of Naples |
2 Years |
Industrial Bioengineering |
University of Bologna |
2 Years |
Medical Biotechnology |
University of Bologna |
2 Years |
Bioinformatics |
University of Bologna |
2 Years |
Molecular and Cell Biology |
University of Bologna |
2 Years |
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology |
University of Bologna |
2 Years |
Pharmacy |
University of Bologna |
2 Years |
Psychology of Wellbeing and Social Inclusivity |
University of Bologna |
2 Years |
Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology |
University of Marche |
2 Years |
Biomedical Engineering |
University of Verona |
2 Years |
Medical Bioinformatics |
University of Verona |
2 Years |
Molecular and Medical Biotechnology |
University of Pisa |
2 Years |
Neuroscience |
University of Camerino |
2 Years |
Biological Sciences |