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Italy has become one of famous countries for quality medical education at a lower cost for Indian students compared to private institutions in India. The medical university in Italy offers globally recognized degrees, English learning courses, and training in hospitals that makes the graduates for global career opportunities. This article detailly explains about the student studying in Italy and their career opportunities.
Studying medicine in Italy is affordable with tuition fees ranging from INR 45,000 to INR 3,00,000 per year, which varies according to the universities, the living expenses are from INR 90,000 to INR 1,35,000 per month which can be managed through the scholarship and part time work opportunities.
Aspect |
Details |
|
Program Duration |
6 years (5 years academics + 1 year internship) |
|
Language of Instruction |
English and Italian (Italian required during internship) |
|
Tuition Fees - Public Universities |
INR 45,000 to INR 30,000 per year (EUR 500 to EUR 3,000) |
|
Tuition Fees - Private Universities |
INR 6,00,000 to INR 22,00,000 per year (EUR 6,000 to EUR 22,000) |
|
Living Expenses |
INR 50,000 to INR 85,000 per month (EUR 600 to EUR 1,000) |
|
Accommodation |
INR 27,012 to INR 63,028 per month (EUR 300 to EUR 700) |
|
Entrance Examinations |
IMAT (mandatory) and NEET (mandatory for Indian students) |
|
Eligibility Age |
Minimum 17 years (no upper age limit) |
|
Recognition |
|
|
Work Opportunities |
Part-time work is allowed up to 20 hours per week |
|
Scholarship Availability |
Government and university-based scholarships are available |
|
Intake Periods |
September |
|
Number of Universities |
13 Public + 3 major private universities offering English-taught MBBS |
|
Degree Recognition |
NMC, WHO, FAIMER, UNESCO, and ECFMG |
|
Accreditation |
All programs follow standards set by European medical education bodies |
|
Class Size |
Typically, 40-100 students per batch, depending on the university |
|
Practical Training |
Mandatory clinical rotations across various medical specialities throughout the program |
|
Assessment Pattern |
Written examinations, practical assessments, and continuous evaluation |
|
Graduation Requirements |
Completion of all coursework, clinical requirements, and final state examination (Esame di Stato) |
|
Employment After Graduation |
Graduates can register with the Italian Medical Council (Ordine Dei Medici) immediately after completing the degree |
Studying medicine in Italy has lower cost compared to the other like United States, United Kingdom and other European countries. The universities in Europe charges between €500 to €3,000 annually, equal to INR 45,000 to INR 3,00,00 charges in Italian universities which is affordable for entire six-year course with total fees from INR 2,70,000 to INR 3,60,000 according to the universities.
The degrees from Italian medical universities are approved by India through Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or NEXT exam and also in United States through ECFMG certification, the United Kingdom through PLAB, providing various career opportunities for the graduates without additional degrees.
The universities in Italy such as University of Milan, Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Bologna are ranked in the top 100 position of the QS world ranking. These universities allow the student to work in the advance medical research, good hospital facilities and clinical training.
Italian universities provide the six-year MBBS course completely in English, so there are no language restrictions in these universities compared to other European countries. It is very easy for Indian students to start their medical studies.
There are no capital fees and donations are not required. Students are selected based on their academic qualification and through IMAT entrance examination. Italian universities provide merit-based selection for all the students.
A multicultural classroom environment in Italian universities helps the student to gain more knowledge about medical practices, healthcare system and clinical approaches in various countries, especially Indian students who benefit across multiple countries after graduation.
University |
City |
Annual Tuition (INR) |
Annual Tuition (EUR) |
QS World Ranking |
Type |
Non-EU Seats |
|
Milan |
INR 2,60,000-INR 3,00,000 |
€2,600-€3,000 |
80 |
Government |
60-80 |
|
|
Rome |
INR 2,00,000-INR 2,70,000 |
€2,000-€2,700 |
94 |
Government |
50 |
|
|
Bologna |
INR 2,25,000-INR 3,00,000 |
€2,500-€3,000 |
96 |
Government |
80-90 |
|
|
Padua |
INR 3,20,000-INR 4,60,000 |
€3,200-€4,656 |
131 |
Government |
70-75 |
|
|
Turin |
INR 2,50,000-INR 3,00,000 |
€2,500-€3,000 |
251-300 |
Government |
60-70 |
|
|
Pavia |
INR 3,30,000-INR 4,80,000 |
€3,300-€4,805 |
251-300 |
Government |
40 |
|
|
Florence |
INR 3,00,000-INR 3,50,000 |
€3,000-€3,500 |
251-300 |
Government |
50-60 |
|
|
Milan |
INR 4,00,000-INR 6,60,000 |
€4,000-€6,600 |
151-175 |
Private |
25 |
|
|
Naples |
INR 2,00,000-INR 2,70,000 |
€2,000-€2,700 |
201-250 |
Government |
45-50 |
|
|
Rome |
INR 4,00,000-INR 6,00,000 |
€4,000-€6,000 |
176-200 |
Private |
30 |
Note:- Public universities in Italy reduce fees for international students through income/need based scholarships (like MAECI, DSU)
Expense Category |
Annual Cost (EUR) |
Annual Cost (INR) |
|
Tuition Fee (Public University) |
€ 500-3,000 |
INR 45,000-INR 3,00,000 |
|
Tuition Fee (Private University) |
€6,000-€22,000 |
INR 6,00,000-INR 22,00,000 |
|
Accommodation (Shared Apartment) |
€300-€700 |
INR 27,000-INR 63,000 |
|
Food and Groceries |
€150 |
INR 13,500 |
|
Transportation (Monthly Pass) |
€35-€50 |
INR 3,150-INR 4,500 |
|
Medical Insurance |
€400-€600 annually |
INR 36,000-INR 54,000 |
|
Books and Study Materials |
€200-€400 annually |
INR 18,000-INR 36,000 |
|
Miscellaneous (Phone, Utilities) |
€100-€150 monthly |
INR 9,000-INR 13,500 |
|
Total Annual Cost (Public University) |
€7,000-€11,000 |
INR 6,30,000-INR 9,90,000 |
|
Total 6-Year Cost (Complete) |
€42,000-€66,000 + Tuition |
INR 37,80,000-INR 59,40,000 + Tuition |
€500 – €3,000 per year (INR 45,000 – 3,00,000 Lakhs)
Fees are income-based and vary by institution
Examples: University of Milan (€2,000), Sapienza University of Rome (€1,500), University of Padua (€4,656), University of Bologna (€3,407)
Private Universities
€6,000 – €22,000 per year
Examples: Humanitas University (€10,000-€20,000), UniCamillus (€20,140), Campus Bio-Medico (€18,140), Vita-Salute San Raffaele (€20,140)
Note:- Through DSU Scholarship the Tuition fees can be further reduced
|
Stage |
Timeline |
Details |
|
Pre-enrollment Registration |
April - August |
Indian students submit basic documents and background information to express interest in Italian universities; preliminary verification of eligibility |
|
Online Registration for IMAT |
July |
Students register officially for the IMAT entrance examination through the official portal; the registration fee is approximately €50-€100 |
|
IMAT Entrance Examination |
September (typically mid-September) |
Competitive entrance exam consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions in 100 minutes; tests biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, logical reasoning, and English comprehension |
|
Preliminary Ranking Publication |
End of September / Early October |
Anonymous ranking of candidates is published; it determines the initial allocation of university seats based on IMAT scores |
|
Enrollment After Selection |
Mid-October |
Selected candidates complete online enrollment, confirming university choice and submitting additional documentation; the process must be completed to secure a seat |
|
Final Admission Letter |
October - November |
Universities issue official admission letters to enrolled candidates; necessary for the student visa application process |
|
Student Visa Application |
October - December |
Candidates apply for a Type D study visa at the Italian consulate; processing typically requires 4-6 weeks |
|
Academic Session Begins |
Late September / Early October (Following Year) |
Classes commence; the first month typically involves orientation and an adjustment period |
Criterion |
Requirement |
Additional Information |
|
Academic Qualification |
12th grade (10+2) completed |
Must have passed from a recognized board or equivalent qualification; final results must be submitted before enrollment if still pending at application time |
|
Minimum Marks in PCB |
50-60% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology combined |
Different universities may have slightly different minimum percentage requirements; higher marks improve candidacy and IMAT ranking position |
|
Age Requirement |
Minimum 17 years at the time of admission |
No maximum age limit officially specified; age calculated as of December 31st of the entry year |
|
NEET Qualification |
Must qualify the NEET exam (for Indian students) |
Mandatory requirement set by the National Medical Commission; score must be at or above the 50th percentile; NEET qualification required to practice in India after graduation |
|
IMAT Examination |
Must appear and secure a qualifying score |
International Medical Admission Test conducted in English; 60 questions in 100 minutes; cutoff score varies annually, but typically 10-15 correct answers out of 60 are sufficient for admission consideration |
|
English Proficiency |
English medium schooling OR IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6 in each section) |
If 12th grade was in English medium, no additional test is required; otherwise, IELTS/TOEFL scores are needed; some universities waive this requirement |
|
Medical Fitness |
Health certificate confirming medical fitness |
Pre-admission medical examination required; certain conditions may disqualify candidates (e.g., uncontrolled chronic diseases, untreated mental health conditions); HIV/AIDS screening is typically required |
|
No Criminal Record |
Clean criminal background |
A character certificate from local authorities or school is required; any criminal history may result in visa rejection |
|
Financial Capability |
Proof of funds for the entire duration |
Bank statements showing INR 6,00,000-INR 15,00,000 depending on university and living costs; scholarship letters accepted as proof of financial support |
|
IMAT Syllabus Coverage |
General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics |
General knowledge: 4 questions; Logic: 5 questions; Biology: 23 questions; Chemistry: 15 questions; Physics and Maths: 13 questions; scoring: +1.5 correct, -0.4 incorrect, 0 unanswered |
The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is a standardized entrance examination conducted by Italy's Ministry of Education. IMAT is Mandatory admission test for EU and non-EU students applying to English-taught Medicine and Surgery programs at Italian public universities. IMAT registration opens every year in last week of August and closes on first week of September.
Exam Format: Pen-and-paper test consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions with five options each.
Duration: 100 minutes
Scoring System: +1.5 marks for correct answers, 0 marks for unanswered questions, -0.4 marks for incorrect answers; maximum score of 90 marks
Eligibility: Candidates must have completed 12 years of schooling with foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics. No age restrictions apply.
Competition: Scores above 60 out of 90 for top universities like Sapienza, Milan, Bologna, Padua and Pavia.
|
Subject Section |
Number of Questions |
|---|---|
|
Biology |
23 |
|
Chemistry |
15 |
|
Physics & Mathematics |
13 |
|
Logical Reasoning & Problem Solving |
5 |
|
Reading Skills & General Knowledge |
4 |
|
Total |
60 Questions |
Document Type |
Details |
Format Required |
|
Valid Passport |
Minimum validity of 18 months beyond course duration |
Original with copies of all pages; would contain at least 2 blank pages |
|
10th and 12th Marksheets |
Official certificates and mark sheets from recognized board |
Original + 3-4 copies; attested by school principal or authorized officer |
|
NEET Scorecard |
Indian entrance exam qualification proof |
Original + 2-3 copies; must clearly show all-India rank and qualifying status |
|
IMAT Score Report |
International Medical Admission Test result |
Official score report provided by the examining authority; required for public university admissions |
|
Birth Certificate |
Proof of date and place of birth |
Original or certified copy; required for visa application and university enrolment |
|
Character Certificate |
Proof of good moral character |
Issued by the school or local municipal authority; must be attested and include local police verification |
|
Migration Certificate |
Proof of school transfer clearance |
Issued by previous school; confirms no outstanding dues or disciplinary issues |
|
Medical Certificate |
Health fitness confirmation |
Issued by authorized medical practitioner; includes basic health screening and fitness declaration |
|
Passport-size Photographs |
Official identity photographs |
4-6 photos, 35mm x 45mm size, color, recent (not more than 6 months old), white background |
|
Bank Statements |
Financial proof for visa |
Last 6-12 months of bank statements showing sufficient funds; must show financial capacity to support 6-year education and living expenses |
|
Sponsorship Letter |
If funds held by parents |
Notarized letter stating parents' willingness to sponsor; includes parents' income proof and bank details |
|
English Proficiency Certificate |
IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent |
Required if 12th was not in English medium; minimum IELTS 6.5 with no individual band below 6 |
|
Affidavit |
Legal document confirming information |
Notarized and apostilled affidavit by parents if the applicant is a minor; confirms consent for overseas education |
|
Declaration of Value (DOV) or CIMEA Certificate |
Educational credential verification |
Issued by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DOV) or CIMEA (Italian evaluation center); authenticates 10th and 12th certificates for Italian recognition |
|
Letter of Purpose |
Statement of intent |
Written in English; maximum 1 page explaining the choice of Italy, university, financial arrangement, and post-graduation plans |
|
Curriculum Vitae |
Professional resume |
Basic CV highlighting academic achievements, any relevant medical exposure, language skills, and extracurricular activities |
Year |
Focus Areas |
Key Components |
|
Year 1 |
Foundational Medical Sciences |
Anatomy (study of human body structure), Histology (microscopic tissue study), Biochemistry (molecular processes), Physiology (body function mechanisms), Introduction to the medical profession and ethics |
|
Year 2 |
Basic Pathology and Pharmacology |
General Pathology (disease mechanisms), Biochemistry advanced topics, Pharmacology (drug actions and effects), Microbiology (bacteria and viruses), Immunology (immune system function), Genetics (heredity principles) |
|
Year 3 |
Systems and Organ Pathology |
Systemic pathology (disease in organs), Advanced pharmacology applications, Pathophysiology (functional disease aspects), Introduction to clinical examination techniques, Laboratory diagnosis principles |
|
Year 4 |
Clinical Medicine Theory |
Internal Medicine fundamentals, Surgery principles, Pediatrics overview, Obstetrics and Gynecology basics, Psychiatry introduction, Diagnostic techniques (radiology, ultrasound) |
|
Year 5 |
Advanced Clinical Practice and Specialization Electives |
Mandatory rotations: Medicine (2 months), Surgery (2 months), Pediatrics (1 month), Obstetrics (1 month), Optional specialized rotations in cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, or other specialities; Seminars and case discussions; Student-led teaching |
|
Year 6 |
Internship and Clinical Integration |
Full-time clinical work in hospitals, Supervised patient care with increasing autonomy, Rotations across multiple departments, Preparation for state licensing examination (Esame di Stato), Final comprehensive assessment covering all medical knowledge, Thesis or research project presentation |
Parameter |
MBBS in Italy |
MBBS in India |
|
Duration |
6 years (5 academics + 1 internship) |
5.5 to 6 years (4.5 academics + 1.5-2 internship) |
|
Entrance Examination |
IMAT (60 questions, 100 minutes) - less competitive internationally |
NEET (200 questions, 3 hours) - highly competitive within India |
|
Annual Tuition Fees |
Public: INR 90,000-INR 4,50,000; Private: INR 5,40,000-INR 7,20,000 |
Government: INR 50,000-INR 2,00,000; Private: INR 10,00,000-INR 30,00,000 |
|
Total 6-Year Cost (Tuition Only) |
INR 5,40,000-INR 43,20,000 depending on university type |
Government: INR 3,00,000-INR 12,00,000; Private: INR 60,00,000-INR 1,80,00,000 |
|
Living Expenses (Annual) |
INR 3,60,000-INR 7,20,000 in major cities; lower in smaller cities |
INR 1,50,000-INR 3,00,000 (highly variable by location) |
|
Medium of Instruction |
English throughout; Italian during internship |
Hindi or English, depending on the state and college choice |
|
Scholarships Availability |
Merit-based scholarships are available; some universities offer partial or full tuition waivers |
Very limited scholarships; mostly need-based for government college students |
|
Clinical Exposure |
Continuous from Year 2; mandatory clinical rotations with patient responsibility |
Intensive from Year 3; structured clinical postings |
|
Teaching Methodology |
Problem-based learning; integrated systems approach |
Didactic lectures with clinical correlation; traditional examination-based learning |
|
Global Recognition |
WHO recognized; ECFMG certification available, easier international licensing |
NMC recognized; FMGE/NEXT required to practice in India; international practice requires country-specific exams |
|
Admission Transparency |
Pure merit-based; no donations or capitation fees |
Government colleges: merit-based with quota system; Private colleges: commonly capitation fees of INR 50,00,000-INR 1,50,00,000 |
|
Cultural Experience |
International student body (50+ countries); European lifestyle; multicultural campus |
Predominantly Indian students; Indian medical culture; Indian healthcare system exposure |
|
Post-Graduation Opportunity |
Easy pathway to EU residency; USMLE/PLAB friendly; research opportunities |
Primary pathway to practice in India; limited EU positions; stronger domestic networking |
Scholarship Name |
Offered By |
Coverage |
Eligibility |
Application Timeline |
|
MAECI Scholarship |
Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (€500-€800), health insurance, and accommodation support |
Master's and above primarily; some bachelor's programs; requires academic excellence |
Typically March-April; check the official Italian embassy website |
|
|
DSU Regional Scholarship (University-specific) |
Regional student welfare organizations (DSU) |
Need-based: tuition reduction, free meals, housing, annual allowance |
Low-income families, merit-based with need assessment, and Indian nationals are eligible as international students |
Rolling basis; varies by university |
|
University of Bologna Study Grants |
Partial to full tuition cover, monthly stipend (€300-€500) |
High academic achievers, financial need, and country quota for specific nationalities |
August-September for September intake |
|
|
Humanitas University Merit Awards |
Humanitas University, Milan |
Up to 50% tuition reduction, competitive scholarships for top scorers |
IMAT score above 65/90, academic excellence, and interview performance |
After IMAT results, offers are made during enrollment |
|
Invest Your Talent in Italy Program |
Italian Government / Universities |
Full tuition, monthly stipend, and accommodation support |
Master's level, mainly; some bachelor's programs; merit-based |
Varies by institution; typically 2-3 times per year |
|
Politecnico di Milano Merit Awards |
Politecnico di Milano (engineering/medicine affiliated) |
Partial to full tuition, yearly stipend |
Academic excellence, competitive entrance scores, limited to engineering and design |
Submission after admission; rolling review |
|
Bocconi Merit Awards |
Competitive merit scholarship covering tuition and living costs |
Top academic performers, global competitiveness score, and interview success |
Within two weeks of admission, offer |
|
|
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters |
European Union via Universities |
Full scholarships, including travel, tuition, and a living stipend |
Master's level; some bachelor's eligible; merit-based European-wide competition |
Typically September-December for the following year intake |
|
University-specific Excellence Grants |
Individual universities (Milan, Padua, Bologna, etc.) |
Tuition partial/full coverage, monthly allowance |
High IMAT scores (70+), strong academic record, demonstrated commitment to medicine |
After IMAT results publication |
|
Italian Government Scholarships for Specific Countries |
Italian Ministry of Education |
Full funding, including living expenses, for select nationalities |
Country-specific quotas; India sometimes included; merit-based |
Annual basis; consulate coordination |
In public and private hospitals in Italy, after Esame di Stato and registration with the Ordine dei Medici, using clinical practice.
The paid training positions offer 4–6 year placements in medical surgery, pediatrics, and cardiology, etc.
Back to India after passing the FMGE/NEXT examination to acquire a license and practice or apply for postgraduate seats.
The US pathways through ECFMG certification and USMLE for training placements.
Foundation/CT training via the UK pathway posts to achieve PLAB.
The PhD/clinical research via to joining research hospitals and Italian universities.
Global health projects work with WHO/UN/INGOs using international degree.
European clinical exposure, start clinics, diagnostics, or health-tech ventures.
After MBBS transfer into health policy and hospital administration positions.
Many Gulf regulators have approved Italian degrees to search new GCC jobs
Type D study visa was required for Long-stay apply through the Italian consulate/VFS.
The passport is valid for 18+ months with two blank pages.
The University admission letter and pre-enrollment are processed through UNIVERSITALY.
Financial proof current bank statements 6–12 month cover with tuition/living.
Minimum €30,000 include coverage of health insurance.
Accommodation Proof for initial stay (dorm/lease/hotel).
10+2 identifications is must to verify by CIMEA, or a Declaration of Value (DoV) is required.
Anywhere Notarized sponsorship/affidavit and MEA validation if necessary.
Through English-medium schooling or IELTS/TOEFL if asked proof of English proficiency
A recent and certified document is required for the Police Clearance Certificate.
An official mentor has provided that a medical fitness certificate is required.
Processing takes 4–6 weeks typically, so apply 8–10 weeks before the travel.
Profile evaluation: Italian medical schools mapped by NEET score and Academic goals.
University shortlisting: City costs balanced QS reputation, fees, and non-EU seats.
Application planning: For Portal, choices are the IMAT timeline deadline of the calendar.
Documentation: Transcripts, apostilles, DoV/CIMEA, PCC checklist, and authorizing is needed.
IMAT preparation: Mock test timing section-wise plan for logic, physics, chemistry, biology, and maths.
English proof guidance: IELTS/TOEFL is required with English school certificates.
Scholarship targeting: University merit awards, MAECI/government calls, DSU regional grants.
Forms and submissions: Acknowledgements are tracked which are accessed through university portals and pre-enrollment is done through UNIVERSITALY.
Visa filing support: Accommodation, Insurance, VFS appointments, funds presentation, cover letters.
Pre-departure: cost-of-living plan, housing selections, city transfer passes, SIM/banking.
Post-arrival orientation: university registration is needed permesso di soggiorno, codice fiscale.
Ongoing help: In Milan, connections are completed by Rome, Bologna, and alumni regarding internship/rotation tips.
1. Is MBBS from Italy recognized in India?
Yes, Italian medical degrees are recognized in India by clearing FMGE or NEXT exams compulsory for Indian licensure and practice.
2. Do I need to qualify NEET and IMAT both?
Yes, both qualifications are needed, NEET for NMC requirement in India and IMAT for Italian public universities.
3. What is total cost of MBBS in Italy for six years?
For tuition and living expenses nearly INR 41,40,000-INR 70,20,000 for public and INR 68,40,000-INR 86,40,000 for private universities.
4. Can I get full scholarship for MBBS in Italy?
Full scholarship is achieved based on the student’s merit which is more competitive, and partial scholarship of 25-75% are accessible for tuition fees.
5. Is IELTS mandatory for English-taught MBBS programs?
Not mandatory for English medium students but IELTS 6.5 strengthens the application and is compulsory in some universities.
6. What is the IMAT entrance exam?
International Medical Admission Test with 60 multiple-choice questions in 100 minutes covering physics, chemistry, biology, general knowledge and logical reasoning.
7. Can I work part-time while studying MBBS in Italy?
Yes, you can do part-time work, a student visa permits 20 hours working weekly and fulltime in official holidays.
8. What career opportunities exist after Italian MBBS?
You can practice medicine in Italy, USA, UK, India, UAE and pursue residency specialization, be involved in medical research, and join any international health organization.
9. How long is MBBS course duration in Italy?
A 6-year course with 3 years of preclinical studies and 3-year clinical training and a compulsory 1-year internship.
10. What documents are needed for Italian student visa?
An Italian student visa was needed valid passport, admission letter, financial proof, medical insurance, accommodation proof, Declaration of Value, notarized affidavit, PCC, and health certificate.
