University of Bari Aldo Moro
Located in the sun-drenched region of Puglia, UniBa offers a pragmatic, 6-year English MD program. It combines rigorous EU-aligned theory with early integration into the massive Policlinico di Bari, providing a hands-on clinical environment at an accessible cost.
The Academic Philosophy
Bari follows a structured, "Foundations First" approach. The first three years are theory-heavy, utilizing lectures and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to build deep biomedical knowledge, followed by an intensive transition to ward-based practice.
Strong Theoretical Base
Years 1-3 focus on Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Biochemistry. Assessments are rigorous and often oral, designed to ensure you can verbally defend your clinical reasoning before entering the wards.
Hospital Integration
From Year 4, the focus shifts to the Policlinico. You will rotate through Internal Medicine, Surgery, and specialties, learning to take histories and perform examinations under supervision in a real-world setting.
Campus & Facilities
The medical school is centered around the Policlinico di Bari, a "city within a city," allowing students to move easily between lecture halls, libraries, and hospital wards without long commutes.
One of the largest hospitals in Southern Italy. It serves as the primary teaching hub, offering exposure to a vast diversity of pathologies.
Access to the central medical library and smaller departmental study rooms. Digital access to major journals is included.
Active student associations organize extracurricular workshops (suturing, ultrasound) to supplement the curriculum.
Admissions & Housing
The IMAT Exam
Admission is exclusively via the International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT). It is a competitive, single-day exam held annually in September.
The exam includes 60 multiple-choice questions covering:
- Logical reasoning (5)
- General knowledge (4)
- Biology (23)
- Chemistry (15)
- Physics & mathematics (13)
Historical Scores (Estimated)
Bari is typically a mid-tier choice, making it a strategic option for applicants who want a balance of quality and entry feasibility.
| SEATS | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU | 42 | 69 | ~53 | TBA |
| Non-EU | 27 | 29 | Varies | TBA |
Minimum Entry Thresholds (Score / 90)
Cost of Living
Bari is significantly cheaper than Milan or Rome. A student budget goes much further here, especially regarding food and rent.
Canteen Benefit: ADISU scholarships provide access to university canteens (Mensa) at very low rates or free for eligible students.
Important Warnings
Attendance is generally mandatory (often 67% or 75% per course). Professors may check signatures or badges, so plan to be present.
While the degree is in English, patients speak Italian. You cannot successfully complete clinical rounds without B1/B2 level Italian. Start learning immediately upon arrival.
Clinical Training Roadmap
The program allocates 60+ ECTS specifically to professional internships (Tirocini).
YEARS 1-2
Pre-clinical sciences. Occasional early exposure/observation, but the primary focus is passing core science exams.
YEAR 3
Semeiotics & Methodology. You learn the "grammar" of medicine: how to physically examine a patient and interpret signs.
YEARS 4-6
Full clinical rotations. You rotate through specific wards (Cardiology, Neuro, OBGYN, etc.) and complete your thesis work.