The International Medical School (IMS) at the University of Milan is a top choice for students worldwide seeking a comprehensive and modern medical education. This six-year Medicine and Surgery program is conducted entirely in English, making it accessible to a global audience and designed to meet the needs of students pursuing a career in medicine in both Europe and internationally.
- Program Structure
The IMS curriculum spans six years, divided into preclinical and clinical phases:- Years 1-3: These early years focus on establishing a strong foundation in subjects like biology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology. Lectures and lab work take place primarily at the LITA Segrate Campus, where students delve into the fundamental sciences required for a medical career.
- Years 4-6: The later years focus on clinical practice. Students begin clinical rotations in major hospitals across Milan, including Policlinico, Niguarda, and San Paolo. During these rotations, they gain hands-on experience in various medical specialties such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and emergency medicine.
- The final year includes a 300-hour internship, which involves working directly with patients in surgery, internal medicine, and family medicine.
- The final year includes a 300-hour internship, which involves working directly with patients in surgery, internal medicine, and family medicine.
- Years 1-3: These early years focus on establishing a strong foundation in subjects like biology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology. Lectures and lab work take place primarily at the LITA Segrate Campus, where students delve into the fundamental sciences required for a medical career.
- Admissions
- Entry into the IMS program is highly competitive and is determined by the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). This standardized test assesses knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and logical reasoning. The IMAT is required for all international students and is a critical component in determining admission.
- Entry into the IMS program is highly competitive and is determined by the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). This standardized test assesses knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and logical reasoning. The IMAT is required for all international students and is a critical component in determining admission.
- Facilities
IMS students benefit from the University of Milan’s well-equipped facilities- Libraries: The Biblioteca Centrale di Medicina at the LITA Campus and other libraries provide students with access to a comprehensive collection of medical literature, textbooks, journals, and online resources.
- Laboratories: The campus features cutting-edge laboratories that allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge through practical experiments and research in fields like molecular biology and pharmacology.
- Libraries: The Biblioteca Centrale di Medicina at the LITA Campus and other libraries provide students with access to a comprehensive collection of medical literature, textbooks, journals, and online resources.
- Language Requirements and Support
- While the program is conducted in English, students are required to reach B2-level proficiency in Italian by the end of their second year. This is necessary for clinical rotations where communication with patients and medical staff is crucial. To help international students, the university offers free Italian language courses during the first two years.
- While the program is conducted in English, students are required to reach B2-level proficiency in Italian by the end of their second year. This is necessary for clinical rotations where communication with patients and medical staff is crucial. To help international students, the university offers free Italian language courses during the first two years.
- Tuition fees
- The program offers income-based tuition, ensuring that students from diverse financial backgrounds can access the program. Fees range from €200 to €4,500 per year, depending on the student’s financial situation. Additionally, scholarships are available for eligible students, further reducing the financial burden.
- The program offers income-based tuition, ensuring that students from diverse financial backgrounds can access the program. Fees range from €200 to €4,500 per year, depending on the student’s financial situation. Additionally, scholarships are available for eligible students, further reducing the financial burden.
- Clinical training and experience
- Starting in the third year, students participate in clinical rotations, gaining real-world experience in Milan’s renowned hospitals. By the final year, students complete an internship that prepares them for medical practice by exposing them to the day-to-day responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
- Starting in the third year, students participate in clinical rotations, gaining real-world experience in Milan’s renowned hospitals. By the final year, students complete an internship that prepares them for medical practice by exposing them to the day-to-day responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
- Exams and Thesis
- Examinations at IMS typically include written and oral assessments, with clinical exams focusing on diagnosing and treating patients. In the final year, students must complete a thesis based on original research or a review of existing studies. This thesis is presented and defended in front of a committee as part of the graduation process.
- Examinations at IMS typically include written and oral assessments, with clinical exams focusing on diagnosing and treating patients. In the final year, students must complete a thesis based on original research or a review of existing studies. This thesis is presented and defended in front of a committee as part of the graduation process.
- Student life in Milan
- Milan offers a rich cultural and social experience for students. Known for its history, art, and fashion, the city provides numerous opportunities for students to explore beyond their academic lives. IMS students also enjoy participating in university-organized events such as sports days and the white coat ceremony.
- Milan offers a rich cultural and social experience for students. Known for its history, art, and fashion, the city provides numerous opportunities for students to explore beyond their academic lives. IMS students also enjoy participating in university-organized events such as sports days and the white coat ceremony.
- Graduation
- Upon successful completion of the course, including the defense of their thesis, students graduate and receive their medical degree. Afterward, graduates are eligible to apply for residency programs in Italy, Europe, or internationally. However, graduates must register with the Ordine dei Medici (Medical Association) before they can officially practice medicine in Italy.
Medical Italian
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.