Full List of IMAT Universities in Italy (Medicine, Dentistry, Vet)
Choosing the right Italian medical school is one of the most important decisions you'll make as an international student preparing for the IMAT.
Italy offers a diverse range of English-taught Medicine and Surgery programs, each with its own strengths, atmosphere, and regional culture. Whether you're drawn to the historic northern cities, the vibrant central regions, or the warm Mediterranean south, understanding the differences between universities—and precisely where they are located—can make your choice much easier.
In this guide, we break down every public medical school in Italy that offers Medicine in English, grouping them by region and highlighting what makes each one unique.
Northern Italy (The North)
The north is generally more expensive but is home to highly ranked universities, strong research facilities, and excellent hospitals.
Climate Profile: North
- Winter: 0–7°C. Foggy, humid, colder than you expect.
- Summer: 28–34°C. Hot and humid.
- Vibe: Continental. Great for students who prefer defined seasons.
1. Lombardy Region
University of Milan (IMS)
- City vibe: Big, international, cultural; expensive rent.
- Strengths: Research, modern labs.
- Teaching style: Lecture-based + lab work.
- Competitiveness: Very high cutoffs.
- Student life: Busy, metropolitan.
University of Milano-Bicocca (SMS)
Location: Bergamo (Not Milan!)
- City vibe: Modern campus area; student-friendly. Quieter and more scenic than Milan.
- Strengths: Newer facilities, small class sizes.
- Teaching style: Modern, interactive.
- Competitiveness: High (but lower than Milan).
University of Pavia
- City vibe: Very student-focused, affordable.
- Strengths: First English med school in Italy; excellent reputation.
- Teaching style: Structured, good English.
- Competitiveness: High but stable.
- Student life: International, quiet but social.
2. Veneto Region
University of Padova
New Location: Venice (2025 Start)
- City vibe: Students can experience Venice’s extraordinary lifestyle, from its canals to its cultural events.
- Strengths: Holistic patient-centered care; excellent hospitals.
- Teaching style: Clear English, organized.
- Competitiveness: Medium-High cutoff.
- Student life: Safe, walkable, vibrant.
3. Emilia-Romagna Region
University of Bologna
- City vibe: One of the best student cities in Europe, expensive rent.
- Strengths: Oldest university in the world; strong academic reputation.
- Teaching style: Traditional with strong anatomy focus.
- Competitiveness: Very high.
- Student life: Vibrant nightlife, international community.
University of Parma
Location: Piacenza
- City vibe: Calm, elegant, mid-sized.
- Strengths: Good professor-student interaction.
- Teaching style: Balanced.
- Competitiveness: Medium.
- Student life: Friendly, laid-back.
4. Piedmont Region
University of Turin
Location: Orbassano
- City vibe: Fourth largest city in Italy, elegant, affordable compared to Milan.
- Strengths: Strong research; good hospitals.
- Teaching style: Mix of lectures & case-based learning.
- Competitiveness: Medium-high.
- Student life: Active cultural scene.
Central Italy (The Centre)
Climate Profile: Centre
- Winter: 6–12°C, mild.
- Summer: 30–35°C, hot but breezy.
- Vibe: Mediterranean, sunny and warm.
1. Lazio Region (Rome)
La Sapienza University
- City vibe: Rome is historic, chaotic, exciting, high rent.
- Strengths: Huge teaching hospitals.
- Teaching style: Traditional.
- Competitiveness: High.
- Student life: Busy city living.
Tor Vergata University
- City vibe: Suburban Rome; cheaper rent than centre.
- Strengths: Good Erasmus programs.
- Teaching style: Structured.
- Competitiveness: Medium.
- Student life: Campus community feel.
2. Marche & Tuscany
Marche Polytechnic (Ancona)
MedTech Degree
- City vibe: Coastal, calm, cheap.
- Strengths: Small classes.
- Teaching style: Accessible, student-friendly.
- Competitiveness: Lower.
- Student life: Relaxed seaside environment.
University of Siena
Dentistry Only
- City vibe: Medieval, small, scenic.
- Strengths: English dentistry course.
- Teaching style: Practical.
- Competitiveness: High due to limited seats.
- Student life: Quiet but beautiful.
Southern Italy & Islands
More affordable cities, more seats available, and generally lower cutoffs.
Climate Profile: South
- Winter: 10–17°C, very mild.
- Summer: 30–38°C, very hot (especially Sicily).
- Vibe: Sunny, beach weather, long summers.
1. Campania Region
Naples Federico II
- City vibe: Energetic, chaotic, culturally rich.
- Strengths: Large teaching hospital.
- Teaching style: Traditional.
- Competitiveness: Medium.
- Student life: Lively, great food.
Luigi Vanvitelli (Naples)
- City vibe: Similar to Federico II but calmer.
- Strengths: Good student support.
- Competitiveness: Medium.
- Student life: City-life mixed with campus feel.
2. Puglia Region
University of Bari Aldo Moro
- City vibe: Coastal, peaceful, affordable lifestyle.
- Strengths: Long medical traditions, strong ties to the Policlinico hospital.
- Competitiveness: Lower.
- Student life: Slow-paced but pleasant.
3. Sicily & Sardinia
University of Catania
- City vibe: Affordable, warm climate.
- Strengths: Cheaper living; expanding program.
- Competitiveness: Lower.
- Student life: Relaxed.
University of Messina
- City vibe: Coastal, peaceful, affordable.
- Strengths: Historic and innovative.
- Competitiveness: Lower.
- Student life: Slow-paced but pleasant.
University of Cagliari
- City vibe: Island life; beaches nearby.
- Strengths: Good community feeling.
- Competitiveness: Lower.
- Student life: Calm, sunny, outdoorsy.