Top Medical Universities in Italy

The University of Milan is among the best medical universities in Italy. The degrees are recognized across the entire European Union (EU). There are also many scholarships in Italy available to help you save money.

Many Indian students want to study medicine abroad. Italy is now a top choice for them. Multiple top medical universities in Italy offer medical education completely in English.

Studying in Italy is a great option for two main reasons:

• Undergraduate (UG): You can study an MBBS-equivalent degree.
• Postgraduate (PG): You can specialize after your medical degree.

And your degree will be valid in India as well. These universities offer world-class education at a very low cost. In fact, tuition fees are much cheaper than in the US or the UK. Plus, the degrees are recognized across the entire European Union (EU). There are also many scholarships in Italy available to help you save money.

This guide will help you find the top medical universities in Italy. You will learn about their global rankings, fees, and scholarships. We also explain the eligibility rules, the IMAT entrance exam, and the step-by-step admission process. Read on to start your medical journey!

Top 10 Medical Universities in Italy: Updated Ranking (2026)

The University of Milan is the #1 university in Italy for medical studies. It holds 65th rank in QS WUR by subject (medicine) 2026. Here, we have mentioned the most updated rankings of 10 best medical universities in Italy. This ranking table will help Indian students who want to study MBBS in Italy or other medical courses in upcoming intakes.

University of Milan

The University of Milan is the top public medical school in Italy. It offers exceptional clinical practice through a vast network of partner teaching hospitals.

• Located City: Milan

• Approx Cost: EUR 156 to EUR 4,600 per year (Calculated based on family income)

• Popular medical course: Medicine and Surgery (International Medical School - MD)

• Scholarship Available for Indian Students: DSU Regional Scholarship, Merit-Based University Grants, and MAECI Scholarships.

Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza is one of Europe's largest public universities. It provides Indian students with deep clinical exposure at the famous Policlinico Umberto I hospital.

• Located City: Rome
• Approx Cost: EUR 1,000 to EUR 4,000 per year (Calculated based on family income)

• Popular medical course: Medicine and Surgery (6-year Single Cycle MD)

• Scholarship Available for Indian Students: DiSCo Lazio Regional Scholarship and Wanted the Best Merit Grants.

Alma Mater Studiorum (University of Bologna)

Founded in 1088, this is the oldest university in the Western world. It is highly famous for its modern, case-based learning approach to medical sciences.

• Located City: Bologna

• Approx Cost: Up to EUR 3,315 per year (Can drop to EUR 0 to EUR 157 based on family income)

• Popular medical course: Medicine and Surgery (MBBS equivalent)

• Scholarship Available for Indian Students: ER.GO Regional Scholarship and University of Bologna Study Grants.

University of Padua

The University of Padua is a world-renowned research institute. It offers a very high-quality medical curriculum with affordable living expenses.

• Located City: Padua

• Approx Cost: Up to EUR 4,650 per year (Income-based fee reductions apply)

• Popular medical course: Medicine and Surgery

• Scholarship Available for Indian Students: Veneto Regional Scholarship and Padua International Excellence Scholarship.

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

This is the largest private Catholic university in the world. It features the famous Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, which treats high-profile patients in Italy.

• Located City: Rome

• Approx Cost: Fixed at EUR 18,150 per year for international students

• Popular medical course: Medicine and Surgery (English Track)

• Scholarship Available for Indian Students: Institutional fee reductions are very limited for medicine (Regional Lazio scholarships may sometimes apply, but university waivers are excluded).

Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele

A highly prestigious private university in Milan. It is built inside the San Raffaele Hospital group, giving students top-tier research opportunities.

• Located City: Milan (Segrate)

• Approx Cost: EUR 20,140 per year

• Popular medical course: International MD Program

• Scholarship Available for Indian Students: Merit-based university fee reductions and Lombardy regional support channels.

University of Milano-Bicocca

Milano-Bicocca is a highly modern public university. Its medicine course is built around problem-based learning (PBL) inside state-of-the-art labs.

• Located City: Milan / Monza

• Approx Cost: EUR 0 to EUR 4,700 per year (Calculated based on family income)

• Popular medical course: Medicine and Surgery

• Scholarship Available for Indian Students: DSU Regional Scholarship and UNIMIB merit awards.

University of Naples Federico II

This historic public university provides excellent medical training in the south of Italy, featuring large teaching facilities and rich clinical history.

• Located City: Naples

• Approx Cost: EUR 156 to EUR 3,000 per year (Calculated based on family income)

• Popular medical course: Medicine and Surgery

• Scholarship Available for Indian Students: ADISURC Regional Scholarship and MAECI Government Grants.

University of Pisa

Located in the famous city of Pisa, this public university is known for its rigorous scientific curriculum and deep academic history.

• Located City: Pisa

• Approx Cost: EUR 156 to EUR 2,500 per year (Calculated based on family income)

• Popular medical course: Medicine and Surgery

• Scholarship Available for Indian Students: DSU Toscana Regional Scholarship.

University of Rome "Tor Vergata"

Tor Vergata is a top public university that focuses heavily on international standards. It features a dedicated university hospital right on its modern campus.

• Located City: Rome

• Approx Cost: EUR 156 to EUR 2,850 per year (Standard rate for international students if income is not disclosed; drops lower with income documents)

• Popular medical course: Medicine and Surgery

• Scholarship Available for Indian Students: DiSCo Lazio Regional Scholarship and MAECI Scholarships.

Why Study Medicine in Italy?

Italy is an excellent choice for Indian medical students. Here are the main reasons to study here:

• Top-Ranked Universities: Institutions like the University of Bologna and Sapienza University are in the world's top 150. They have excellent teaching hospitals.
• Low Fees: Public universities in Italy cost much less than private medical colleges in India, the US, or the UK.
• Valid in Europe: Your medical degree is fully recognized across the entire European Union (EU).
• Classes in English: Many universities teach the entire MBBS-equivalent course and PG courses in English. You do not need to know Italian to study.
• Great Scholarships: Programs like the DSU regional scholarship can lower your costs significantly. Some even cover your living expenses.
• PG Specialization: If you already have an MBBS degree from India, you can apply directly for medical residency (Scuola di Specializzazione) in Italy.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

For UG (Medicine and Surgery):

• Completion of Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB)
• Minimum 50–60% aggregate in PCB, depending on the university
• Valid NEET score (required for recognition of the degree in India later)
• IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs, or an Italian language certificate for Italian-medium courses
• Passing the IMAT entrance exam

For PG (Specialization):

• A recognised MBBS degree
• NMC screening test compliance for future practice in India
• English or Italian language proficiency, depending on the specialization track
• Some universities require a national ranking exam for specialization seats.

Is IMAT Exam Important for Studying Medicine in Italy?

If you are an Indian student planning to study medicine in Italy, you must know about the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). Think of it like the NEET exam, but specifically for Italian public universities.

Here is everything you need to know in simple terms:

• Who Needs It? It is compulsory if you are applying for undergraduate (UG) programs like MBBS or Medicine and Surgery.

• Who Can Skip It? You do not need to take the IMAT if you are a postgraduate (PG) doctor applying for medical specialization courses.

• Exam Language: The test is conducted completely in English.

• Total Questions: There are 60 multiple-choice questions that you must solve in 100 minutes.

What is the Exam Pattern?

The paper is divided into scientific and logical sections:

• Biology & Chemistry: Covers the maximum portion of the exam.

• Physics & Mathematics: High-school level numerical questions.

• Logical Reasoning & General Knowledge: Tests your reading skills and critical thinking.

Key Timelines to Remember

• Registration Opens: Late July. You must register online through the official University portal.

• Exam Date: Mid-September. The exam happens only once a year.

• Exam Centers: You can take the test at authorized centers worldwide, including in India.

Feel free to mention any query in the comment section and we will be happy to answer your question. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors.