- The University of Catania, located in the historic city of Catania in Sicily, is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions, founded in 1434. The university offers a comprehensive Medicine and Surgery program taught in English, designed to attract international students who seek a high-quality medical education. With a combination of traditional medical teaching and modern research, the program prepares future doctors for global medical practice.
- Program Structure
The Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Catania spans six years and is structured to provide a balanced education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical clinical training.- Years 1-3: Preclinical Studies: During the first three years, students focus on the basic sciences that underpin medical practice, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and genetics. Lectures, seminars, and laboratory work help students build a strong foundation in understanding the human body, its functions, and disease mechanisms. The program emphasizes problem-based learning (PBL), allowing students to work through clinical cases and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Years 4-6: Clinical Training: Clinical training begins in the fourth year, when students start rotations at the Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, the university’s teaching hospital, and other affiliated healthcare centers. Clinical rotations expose students to various specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, and emergency medicine. This hands-on experience is crucial for applying theoretical knowledge to real-world medical practice, allowing students to interact directly with patients under the supervision of experienced doctors.
- Years 1-3: Preclinical Studies: During the first three years, students focus on the basic sciences that underpin medical practice, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and genetics. Lectures, seminars, and laboratory work help students build a strong foundation in understanding the human body, its functions, and disease mechanisms. The program emphasizes problem-based learning (PBL), allowing students to work through clinical cases and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Admission
- Admission to the Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Catania is based on the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). The IMAT tests applicants on subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and logical reasoning. Both EU and non-EU students are required to take the exam, and admission is highly competitive. High scores on the IMAT are essential to securing a place in the program.
- Admission to the Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Catania is based on the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). The IMAT tests applicants on subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and logical reasoning. Both EU and non-EU students are required to take the exam, and admission is highly competitive. High scores on the IMAT are essential to securing a place in the program.
- Learning Environment and Facilities
The University of Catania provides a supportive and modern learning environment that combines academic excellence with state-of-the-art facilities to help students succeed in their medical studies.- Libraries: The university’s Medical Library is a key resource for students, offering access to a wide range of textbooks, academic journals, and digital resources. The library is also equipped with study areas for individual or group learning, allowing students to conduct research and prepare for exams in a quiet and resourceful environment.
- Laboratories: Laboratory work is an essential component of the preclinical years. The university’s laboratories are equipped with modern technology, enabling students to engage in practical exercises in fields such as biochemistry, histology, microbiology, and pharmacology. These practical sessions reinforce the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures and help students gain hands-on experience.
- Simulation Centers: The university’s clinical simulation centers allow students to practice medical procedures and patient care in a controlled setting before moving on to real clinical environments. These centers replicate hospital conditions, providing students with a safe space to develop their clinical skills and prepare for patient interactions during their rotations.
- Libraries: The university’s Medical Library is a key resource for students, offering access to a wide range of textbooks, academic journals, and digital resources. The library is also equipped with study areas for individual or group learning, allowing students to conduct research and prepare for exams in a quiet and resourceful environment.
- Language Proficiency and Italian Language Support
- Although the Medicine and Surgery program is taught entirely in English, students must achieve B2-level proficiency in Italian by the third year. This is necessary for effective communication with patients and medical staff during clinical rotations, as most interactions will be in Italian. The University of Catania offers free Italian language courses during the first two years to help international students develop the required language skills before starting their clinical training.
- Although the Medicine and Surgery program is taught entirely in English, students must achieve B2-level proficiency in Italian by the third year. This is necessary for effective communication with patients and medical staff during clinical rotations, as most interactions will be in Italian. The University of Catania offers free Italian language courses during the first two years to help international students develop the required language skills before starting their clinical training.
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition fees at the University of Catania are based on the student’s family income, ensuring accessibility to students from various financial backgrounds. Fees typically range from €1,000 to €3,000 per year. The university also provides scholarships and financial aid for both EU and non-EU students, making medical education more affordable for a wide range of students.
- Tuition fees at the University of Catania are based on the student’s family income, ensuring accessibility to students from various financial backgrounds. Fees typically range from €1,000 to €3,000 per year. The university also provides scholarships and financial aid for both EU and non-EU students, making medical education more affordable for a wide range of students.
- Clinical Training and Practical Experience
- The clinical training at the Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele and other affiliated hospitals is a crucial part of the medical program at the University of Catania. Starting from the fourth year, students begin clinical rotations in various departments, including cardiology, surgery, pediatrics, neurology, and emergency medicine.
- These rotations give students practical, hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients, working alongside experienced doctors and healthcare professionals. The emphasis on early clinical exposure ensures that students develop the necessary clinical skills and experience to succeed in medical practice by the time they graduate.
- The clinical training at the Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele and other affiliated hospitals is a crucial part of the medical program at the University of Catania. Starting from the fourth year, students begin clinical rotations in various departments, including cardiology, surgery, pediatrics, neurology, and emergency medicine.
- Exams and Graduation
- Exams: Throughout the program, students are assessed through a combination of written, oral, and practical exams. These exams are designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and clinical skills, ensuring that students are progressing through the program at the expected pace. Practical exams during clinical rotations assess students’ abilities to apply what they have learned in real-world healthcare settings.
- Thesis and Graduation: In their final year, students are required to complete a medical thesis, which can be based on original research or a detailed clinical case study. The thesis must be presented and defended before a panel of professors. Upon successful defense and completion of all exams, students are awarded their MD degree and can apply for residency programs or further specialization in their chosen medical field.
- Exams: Throughout the program, students are assessed through a combination of written, oral, and practical exams. These exams are designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and clinical skills, ensuring that students are progressing through the program at the expected pace. Practical exams during clinical rotations assess students’ abilities to apply what they have learned in real-world healthcare settings.
- Student Life in Catania
- Catania, a historic city located on the eastern coast of Sicily, offers students a vibrant and welcoming environment. Known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna, Catania provides students with a unique blend of academic life and leisure. The university’s campus is centrally
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.