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20
Seats per year
5
Years / 300 ECTS
B2
English required

Veterinary Medicine in Italy in English: What is this programme?

The University of Naples Federico II — one of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in Europe — is launching a new single-cycle Master's Degree in veterinary medicine in Italy in English, starting from the 2026–27 academic year.

This makes Federico II only the second Italian public university to offer a full English-taught veterinary medicine programme in Italy, joining the University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum) which has offered one for several years. The programme is classified under degree class LM-42 – Veterinary Medicine and delivered through the School of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine.

Why does this matter for international students? English-taught veterinary programmes in Italy are extremely rare. With only two now existing in the whole country — and Federico II's capped at 20 students — this is a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity for students who want a European veterinary degree without needing Italian language proficiency.

Programme details at a glance

Field Details
Degree TypeSingle-cycle Master's Degree
Degree ClassLM-42 – Veterinary Medicine
Duration5 years
Total Credits300 ECTS
Language of InstructionEnglish
Seats per Year20 (restricted access)
Campus LocationComplesso Frullone, Via Marco Rocco di Torrepadula 35, 80145 Napoli
SchoolAgricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
Programme CoordinatorLivia D'Angelo
Regulatory FrameworkD.M. 270/2004 & L. 8 novembre 2021, n. 163 – DM 7 luglio 2022, n. 652
Training Delivery ModeStandard (in-person)

Admission requirements for English veterinary medicine in Italy

As a nationally regulated programme, admission to Veterinary Medicine in Italy follows rules set by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) each year. The specific requirements for this English-taught programme are:

  • A recognised secondary school diploma (or equivalent qualification recognised under current Italian regulations)
  • Demonstrated knowledge and skills as defined annually by national legislation for Veterinary Medicine admission
  • English language proficiency at B2 level (CEFR) or above
No B2 certificate? If you don't hold a formal English certification, the University Language Center will administer a placement test at the time of enrolment to verify your declared level. This is an important safety net for students who are proficient but uncertified.

What are OFA (Additional Educational Requirements)?

Students who pass the admission test but score below 20 points are assigned OFA — Additional Educational Requirements (Obblighi Formativi Aggiuntivi). These are not a penalty; they are structured support hours embedded within the following first-year courses:

  • General Chemistry
  • Statistical Physics
  • Preparatory Biochemistry
  • General Biochemistry

OFA are automatically cleared when you pass the exams for the above subjects — no separate test required.

Why University of Naples Federico II?

Founded in 1224, Federico II is consistently ranked among the top universities in southern Italy and has a strong international profile in life sciences and medicine. The veterinary campus at Complesso Frullone is dedicated to agricultural and veterinary sciences, with modern facilities designed for clinical and laboratory-based learning.

The intentionally small cohort of 20 students per year is a defining feature of this programme. It guarantees a very high student-to-teacher ratio and direct contact with academic staff from the very first day — an experience that is difficult to replicate in larger programmes.

Frequently asked questions

Is this different from the IMAT exam for Medicine? +
Yes. IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is specifically for the Human Medicine and Surgery programme. Veterinary Medicine has its own separate national admission test, also regulated by the MUR. The full details of this test for the Federico II English programme have not yet been released.
When will applications open? +
Application details have not yet been officially published. We expect the MUR circular to be released in mid-2026. We will update this page immediately when that happens.
Can non-EU students apply? +
Yes. Like all Italian public university programmes, non-EU students can apply. The specific quotas for EU and non-EU seats within the 20-seat cap will be published in the official MUR circular.
Is the degree internationally recognised? +
The LM-42 Veterinary Medicine degree from Federico II is a national degree regulated by Italian law and aligned with EU Directive 2005/36/EC on professional qualifications. This means it is automatically recognised across EU member states for the purpose of practicing veterinary medicine professionally.
Do I need to know Italian to study here? +
The programme is taught entirely in English, so Italian is not required for coursework. However, for daily life in Naples and for clinical placements, some Italian knowledge is practically useful. The university may offer Italian language support for enrolled students.

Sources: Official announcement from the Embassy, programme information published by the University of Naples Federico II Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production. This page will be updated as more official information becomes available from the MUR and the university.

Last updated: June 2026 · This page is maintained by Locomotive, an independent IMAT preparation brand. We are not affiliated with any Italian university.