As an Indian student looking for MBBS abroad, are you wondering about Italy as an ideal destination? In this blog, let’s discuss all aspects of MBBS in Italy for Indian students. Pursuing MBBS in Italy offers world-class medical education and the opportunity to experience all this fascinating nation has to offer. As a matter of fact, due to its high prospects, approximately 6000 Indian students are pursuing their higher education in Italy.
Here are some reasons you should consider studying MBBS in Italy:
Affordable Education
Compared to other Western countries, the cost of education in Italy is lower. Generally, MBBS in Italy costs around €400-4000/year depending on the university and the scholarship you get. You can also save on living expenses, as Italy has a moderate cost of living.
Widely Acclaimed Universities
Italy has some of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities, especially in medicine. Some top universities for MBBS in Italy are Humanitas University, Sapienza University of Rome, and the University of Milan. These universities have excellent facilities, faculty, and curriculum for MBBS students. They also have global recognition and accreditation from organizations like WHO, MCI, WFME (World Federation for Medical Education), FAIMER (Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research), and ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates).
Scholarship Opportunities
Many universities in Italy offer scholarships and financial aid to deserving students based on their academic performance and entrance exam scores. The most popular scholarships for MBBS in Italy are EDISU Piemonte, University of Bologna Study Grants, and Italian Government Scholarships.
Courses are Taught in English
Most of the universities in Italy offer MBBS programs in English, which makes it easier for Indian students to follow the course and communicate with the faculty and peers. You can also learn Italian as an optional language to enhance your cultural experience.
Globally Recognized Degree
The six-year course emphasizes self-learning, analytical thinking, and classroom discussions. After completing your MBBS study in Italy, you can practice medicine anywhere in the world as long as you clear the licensing exams of that country. You can pursue higher studies or research in Italy or other countries with your MBBS degree from Italy.
Top-level Facilities
The universities in Italy have state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment for medical education and research. They also have affiliations with reputed hospitals and clinics for clinical training and internships.
Top Specializations After MBBS in Italy
MBBS in Italy is a six-year program that covers all aspects of medical education, from basic sciences to clinical skills and humanities. The program follows the international study pattern: two semesters per year and a six-week examination period. The program is taught in English, but students can also learn Italian as an optional language. After MBBS, here are some top specializations that students can pursue.
Medical Programs
Allergology and Clinical Immunology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Internal Medicine
Gastroenterology
Hematology
Cancer Medicine
Cardiology
Clinical Psychology
Neuropsychopathology
Nephrology
Neurology
Pediatrics
Surgery Programs
Maxillofacial Surgery
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pediatric Surgery
General Surgery
Cardiac Surgery
Neurosurgery
Orthopedics
Plastic surgery
Top Universities for MBBS in Italy
Italy has many top ranked universities. Each of them has different universities have different fee structures. Here is a list of the top universities for MBBS in Italy, along with fees & QS ranking.
Sl No
University Name
Total Fees (per year)
QS World University Rankings 2024
1
Sapienza University of Rome
€2,500
134
2
University of Milan
€4,000
276
3
University of Pisa
€2,400
349
4
University of Florence
€2,650
358
5
University of Turin
€2,800
364
6
University of Parma
€3,500
NA
7
University of Bari
€2,000
741-750
8
Humanitas University
€20,000
NA
9
University of Udine
€7000
NA
10
University of Naples Federico II
€3,500
335
MBBS in Italy: Eligibility Criteria
To study MBBS in Italy, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria may vary depending on the university and program but generally include:
Complete 12th grade from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects. Secure at least 50% marks in PCB in class 12th.
Obtain at least 50% marks in NEET. Also, you need to pass the IMPT (International Medical Admissions Test) exam.
Be at least 17 as of 31st December of the admission year.
The medical qualification you obtain should be recognized in the country of the medical institution.
Obtain an 'Eligibility Certificate' from the National Medical Commission (or MCI) as per regulations, unless you are an Indian or Overseas Citizen of India who acquired the medical qualification or got admission before 15th March 2002.
MBBS in Italy: Intakes
The intake for MBBS education in Italy usually starts by the end of September or October each year. Here are the details of the intake capacity of various universities in Italy for MBBS.
University
Seats Available
University of Milan
1,000
University of Bologna
1,300
University of Pavia
1,000
University of Padua
1,500
University of Naples Federico II
1,300
University of Rome "La Sapienza"
1,200
University of Turin
1,300
University of Genoa
600
University of Florence
1,100
University of Pisa
1,200
University of Rome "Tor Vergata"
1,000
University of Milan-Bicocca
300
Humanitas University
150
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
90
International Medical School, University of Milan
100
MBBS in Italy: Scholarships
There are several scholarships available for MBBS in Italy for Indian students. The Italian government, universities, and other organizations offer these scholarships. Scholarships help students cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs of studying abroad. Some of them are:
Name
Provider
Amount
Eligibility
Italian Government Scholarships
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy
Full or partial tuition fee waiver, health insurance, accommodation, etc.
Merit-based, need-based, or country-based criteria
EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
Regional Authority for the Right to Education of Piedmont
€1,800 to €5,500 per year, plus accommodation, meals, etc.
Family income and merit-based criteria
Bologna University Study Grants
University of Bologna
€11,000 per year
Merit-based criteria
Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarships
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy
University of Pavia Fund for Cooperation and Knowledge Scholarships
University of Pavia
Full tuition fee waiver, monthly allowance, travel expenses (total €500)
Merit-based and need-based criteria for selected countries
Some universities also offer scholarships for MBBS students based on their academic performance and entrance test scores. For example,
University
Scholarship
Amount
Humanitas University
Humanitas Merit-Based Scholarships
€6,000 to € 20,000
University of Turin
University of Turin Scholarships
€ 20,000
University of Milan
University of Milan Scholarships
€6,000
MBBS in Italy: Jobs
After completing MBBS in Italy, you have many job opportunities as a medical professional in Italy or abroad. The MBBS degree from Italian universities is globally recognized and accredited by NMC and WHO. You can work in government or private hospitals, clinics, and research institutes or start your own practice. You can also pursue further studies or specialization in Italy or other countries.
Job Post
Average Annual Salary*
General Medical Practitioner
€101,000
Physician - Anesthesiology
€166,000
Physician - Cardiology
€162,000
Physician - Dermatology
€131,000
Physician - Neurology
€132,000
Physician - Obstetrics / Gynecology
€130,000
Surgeon
€132,000
*As per job sites
MCI-Approved Medical Colleges in Italy
The National Medical Commission (NMC), formerly Medical Council of India (MCI), does not provide an official list of approved medical colleges in Italy or any other country outside of India.
It is essential to personally confirm the accreditation and recognition of the medical university or institution with the appropriate Italian authorities if you are an Indian student thinking about taking an MBBS or comparable program in Italy. This entails obtaining official confirmation from the university or other appropriate organisation regarding the pricing schedule, course specifics (such as content, length, and internship), and other pertinent information.
FMGE After MBBS from Italy to Practice in India
All Indian medical graduates from foreign institutes must clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to obtain a license to practice medicine in India. The FMGE is a screening test conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
Conclusion
Studying forMBBS in Italy can be a great option. The course fees are much lower than in the UK or US while still providing a top-quality education. The universities have modern facilities and campuses, and many classes are taught in English, making it accessible for international students. Once you graduate, you can practice medicine in Italy, Europe, and beyond. Overall, obtaining your MBBS in Italy means getting a reputable medical degree at a reasonable cost from a country with a strong healthcare system. So if you want an affordable yet still world-class medical education, Italy is worth considering.
FAQs
Can we do MBBS in Italy without NEET?
No, you need to qualify for NEET to be eligible for MBBS in Italy. You must also take the IMAT (International Medical Admission Test) and score at least 50 marks to get admission to Italian medical universities.
After studying for an MBBS in Italy, can I work in India as a doctor?
Yes, you can work in India as a doctor after completing your MBBS in Italy. But you need to clear the NEXT (National Exit Test) screening test to get a medical license in India.
Do universities in Italy provide accommodation?
Yes, some universities in Italy provide accommodation facilities for international students. You can check the official websites of the universities or contact them directly for more information.
What is the salary of an MBBS Doctor in Italy?
The average salary of a physician/doctor in Italy is €52,726 per year. However, this may depend on experience, specialization, location, etc.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!