The University of Messina is one of Italy’s oldest universities, founded in 1548, and it has a strong reputation for its academic excellence in medical education and research. The university offers a comprehensive Medicine and Surgery program in English, specifically designed to provide international students with a high-quality medical education. This program prepares future doctors by blending traditional academic teaching with innovative research and hands-on clinical training.
- Program Structure
The Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Messina spans six years and offers a thorough medical education that integrates theoretical instruction with clinical practice, ensuring students are well-prepared for the complexities of a medical career.
- Years 1-3: Preclinical Studies: In the first three years, students focus on basic medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, pathology, pharmacology, and genetics. The goal is to build a solid foundation in understanding how the human body functions in health and disease. These years include a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and small-group tutorials. Classes are held at the university’s modern medical campus in Messina, with access to cutting-edge research facilities.
- Years 4-6: Clinical Training: Starting from the fourth year, students begin their clinical training in a variety of medical specialties, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and emergency medicine. Clinical rotations take place at the Policlinico Universitario G. Martino, the University Hospital of Messina, which is one of the largest and most advanced healthcare facilities in southern Italy. These rotations provide students with direct patient care experience under the supervision of experienced physicians, ensuring that they develop the necessary clinical skills.
- Years 1-3: Preclinical Studies: In the first three years, students focus on basic medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, pathology, pharmacology, and genetics. The goal is to build a solid foundation in understanding how the human body functions in health and disease. These years include a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and small-group tutorials. Classes are held at the university’s modern medical campus in Messina, with access to cutting-edge research facilities.
- Admission
- Admission to the Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Messina is determined by the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). This exam assesses candidates’ knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and logical reasoning. Both EU and non-EU students must take the IMAT, and the selection process is highly competitive. Strong performance on the IMAT is essential for securing a place in the program.
- Admission to the Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Messina is determined by the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). This exam assesses candidates’ knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and logical reasoning. Both EU and non-EU students must take the IMAT, and the selection process is highly competitive. Strong performance on the IMAT is essential for securing a place in the program.
- Learning Environment and Facilities
The University of Messina provides an excellent academic environment, supported by modern facilities that cater to both theoretical learning and clinical practice.- Libraries: The university’s Medical Library is a key resource for students, offering a wide selection of textbooks, medical journals, and digital databases. The library provides quiet study spaces and is equipped with online resources that support research and exam preparation.
- Laboratories: During the preclinical years, students engage in practical laboratory work to reinforce their theoretical knowledge. The university’s labs are equipped with modern technology, allowing students to conduct experiments and deepen their understanding of medical sciences in fields such as molecular biology, pharmacology, and biochemistry.
- Simulation Centers: Before interacting with real patients, students develop their clinical skills in the university’s simulation centers, which replicate real hospital settings. These centers allow students to practice medical procedures and patient care in a safe and controlled environment, preparing them for the transition to clinical rotations.
- Libraries: The university’s Medical Library is a key resource for students, offering a wide selection of textbooks, medical journals, and digital databases. The library provides quiet study spaces and is equipped with online resources that support research and exam preparation.
- Language Proficiency and Italian Language Support
- While the program is taught entirely in English, students must achieve B1-level proficiency in Italian by their third year to communicate effectively with patients and medical staff during clinical rotations. The University of Messina provides free Italian language courses during the first two years to help international students meet this requirement. By the time they begin their clinical training, students will be able to interact confidently with Italian-speaking patients and healthcare professionals.
- While the program is taught entirely in English, students must achieve B1-level proficiency in Italian by their third year to communicate effectively with patients and medical staff during clinical rotations. The University of Messina provides free Italian language courses during the first two years to help international students meet this requirement. By the time they begin their clinical training, students will be able to interact confidently with Italian-speaking patients and healthcare professionals.
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition fees at the University of Messina are income-based, meaning they vary depending on the financial situation of the student’s family. Fees typically range from €1,000 to €4,000 per year, making the program accessible to a broad range of students. The university also offers scholarships and financial aidto help reduce the cost of attendance, especially for students from low-income backgrounds.
- Tuition fees at the University of Messina are income-based, meaning they vary depending on the financial situation of the student’s family. Fees typically range from €1,000 to €4,000 per year, making the program accessible to a broad range of students. The university also offers scholarships and financial aidto help reduce the cost of attendance, especially for students from low-income backgrounds.
- Clinical Training and Practical Experience
- The Policlinico Universitario G. Martino is the primary site for clinical rotations and is one of the most advanced medical centers in southern Italy. The hospital offers a wide range of specialties, providing students with exposure to a variety of medical conditions and treatment methods. From the fourth year onward, students work alongside experienced doctors, participating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
- During their clinical training, students gain experience in cardiology, general surgery, neurology, pediatrics, and other medical fields. The university’s focus on early clinical exposure ensures that students are well-prepared for the practical demands of the medical profession by the time they graduate.
- The Policlinico Universitario G. Martino is the primary site for clinical rotations and is one of the most advanced medical centers in southern Italy. The hospital offers a wide range of specialties, providing students with exposure to a variety of medical conditions and treatment methods. From the fourth year onward, students work alongside experienced doctors, participating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
- Exams and graduation
- Exams: Students are assessed through a combination of written, oral, and practical exams throughout the six-year program. These exams evaluate both the students’ theoretical knowledge and their ability to apply what they have learned in clinical settings. Practical assessments during clinical rotations also play a key role in ensuring that students are ready for real-world medical practice.
- Thesis and Graduation: In their final year, students must complete a medical thesis based on original research or an in-depth study of a clinical case. The thesis must be presented and defended in front of a panel of professors. Upon successful completion of the thesis and all required exams, students are awarded their MD degree and can apply for residency programs or pursue further specialization.
- Graduates of the Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Messina are well-equipped to pursue careers in Italy, across Europe, and internationally. The MD degree awarded by the university is recognized throughout the European Union, allowing graduates to apply for residency programs or further specialization in various countries.
- Upon graduation, students must pass the Italian state exam to practice medicine in Italy. However, the international recognition of Messina’s medical degree also allows graduates to apply for medical licensure in other countries, providing them with a wide range of career opportunities.
- Exams: Students are assessed through a combination of written, oral, and practical exams throughout the six-year program. These exams evaluate both the students’ theoretical knowledge and their ability to apply what they have learned in clinical settings. Practical assessments during clinical rotations also play a key role in ensuring that students are ready for real-world medical practice.
- Student life in Messina
- Messina is a picturesque city located in the northeastern part of Sicily, offering a rich cultural experience for international students. The city’s historic architecture, beautiful coastal views, and vibrant student community make it an ideal place to live and study. The university campus is located in the heart of the city, giving students easy access to all that Messina has to offer, from its famous cuisine to its scenic landscapes.
- The University of Messina provides a welcoming environment for international students, with numerous student organizations, sports activities, and cultural events throughout the academic year. The university also offers dedicated support services to help international students adjust to life in Italy, find housing, and manage administrative tasks like visas and residency permits.
- Messina is a picturesque city located in the northeastern part of Sicily, offering a rich cultural experience for international students. The city’s historic architecture, beautiful coastal views, and vibrant student community make it an ideal place to live and study. The university campus is located in the heart of the city, giving students easy access to all that Messina has to offer, from its famous cuisine to its scenic landscapes.
Medical Italian Universities
These schools are all highly selective and have rigorous admissions requirements. However, they also provide their students with an exceptional education and prepare them for successful careers in medicine.