- The University of Rome Tor Vergata is one of Italy’s leading public universities, offering an internationally recognized Medicine program taught entirely in English. With a focus on scientific research, clinical practice, and global healthcare trends, Tor Vergata’s Medicine and Surgery program prepares students for a dynamic medical career both in Europe and internationally. Established in 1982, the university is known for its modern approach to education and research.
- Program Structure
The Medicine and Surgery program at Tor Vergata is a six-year course, designed to integrate both foundational medical knowledge and hands-on clinical training.- Years 1-3: Preclinical Studies: The first three years of the program are dedicated to developing a strong understanding of basic medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics, and histology. Students will attend lectures and seminars, complemented by laboratory work and problem-based learning sessions. These years are essential for laying the groundwork for more advanced clinical studies.
- Years 4-6: Clinical Training: From the fourth year onward, students begin their clinical rotations in various departments such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and neurology. These rotations take place at the university’s affiliated teaching hospitals, including Tor Vergata General Hospital, where students gain practical experience in treating patients, diagnosing diseases, and working alongside healthcare professionals. These clinical experiences are critical in preparing students for real-world medical practice.
- Years 1-3: Preclinical Studies: The first three years of the program are dedicated to developing a strong understanding of basic medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics, and histology. Students will attend lectures and seminars, complemented by laboratory work and problem-based learning sessions. These years are essential for laying the groundwork for more advanced clinical studies.
- Admissions
- Admission to the Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Tor Vergata is based on the IMAT(International Medical Admissions Test). The IMAT evaluates students in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and logical reasoning. The exam is required for both EU and non-EU students and is used to rank applicants for the program. Given its competitiveness, applicants need strong IMAT scores to secure a place.
- Admission to the Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Tor Vergata is based on the IMAT(International Medical Admissions Test). The IMAT evaluates students in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and logical reasoning. The exam is required for both EU and non-EU students and is used to rank applicants for the program. Given its competitiveness, applicants need strong IMAT scores to secure a place.
- Learning Environment and Facilities
The University of Tor Vergata is well-known for its advanced facilities and research-driven approach, providing students with the tools and resources they need to excel in their medical education.- Libraries: The university has a comprehensive library system, with the Medical Library being a key resource for students. It offers access to medical textbooks, journals, and electronic databases, allowing students to stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in medicine. The library also provides quiet study areas, making it an ideal place for both individual and group study.
- Laboratories: The university emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, and students begin lab work as early as the first year. Tor Vergata’s labs are equipped with modern technology that supports a range of studies in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and more. This early exposure to laboratory work ensures that students are comfortable with practical aspects of their education.
- Simulation Centers: Before interacting with real patients, students practice clinical skills in the university’s simulation centers, where they can learn to perform procedures and manage patient care in a controlled environment. These simulation labs help students build confidence and develop critical skills before moving into clinical settings.
- Libraries: The university has a comprehensive library system, with the Medical Library being a key resource for students. It offers access to medical textbooks, journals, and electronic databases, allowing students to stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in medicine. The library also provides quiet study areas, making it an ideal place for both individual and group study.
- Language Proficiency and Italian Language Support
- Although the program is taught in English, students are required to achieve B2-level proficiency in Italianby their third year. This is essential for communicating with patients and staff during clinical rotations. To support international students, Tor Vergata offers Italian language courses during the early years of the program, ensuring that students can meet the language requirements by the time they start their clinical training.
- Although the program is taught in English, students are required to achieve B2-level proficiency in Italianby their third year. This is essential for communicating with patients and staff during clinical rotations. To support international students, Tor Vergata offers Italian language courses during the early years of the program, ensuring that students can meet the language requirements by the time they start their clinical training.
- Tuition fee
- Tuition fees at the University of Tor Vergata are based on the student’s family income, making the program accessible to a wide range of students. Annual fees range from €2,000 to €5,500, depending on financial circumstances. The university also offers scholarships and financial aid programs to assist both EU and non-EU students, helping to alleviate the cost of attending medical school.
- Tuition fees at the University of Tor Vergata are based on the student’s family income, making the program accessible to a wide range of students. Annual fees range from €2,000 to €5,500, depending on financial circumstances. The university also offers scholarships and financial aid programs to assist both EU and non-EU students, helping to alleviate the cost of attending medical school.
- Clinical Training and Practical Experience
- One of the key strengths of the Medicine program at Tor Vergata is its focus on early clinical exposure. Starting in the fourth year, students rotate through various medical specialties at the Tor Vergata General Hospital and other affiliated teaching hospitals. These rotations provide students with practical experience in areas such as cardiology, general surgery, pediatrics, and neurology.
- The clinical training is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, ensuring that students graduate with the skills needed to thrive in real medical settings. Under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals, students gain invaluable experience in diagnosing and treating patients, conducting medical procedures, and developing their bedside manner.
- One of the key strengths of the Medicine program at Tor Vergata is its focus on early clinical exposure. Starting in the fourth year, students rotate through various medical specialties at the Tor Vergata General Hospital and other affiliated teaching hospitals. These rotations provide students with practical experience in areas such as cardiology, general surgery, pediatrics, and neurology.
- Exams and Graduation
- Exams: Students are assessed through written, oral, and practical exams throughout the program. Exams cover both the theoretical aspects of medicine as well as clinical competencies, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of patient care.
- Thesis and Graduation: In the final year, students are required to complete a thesis based on original research or an in-depth analysis of a medical topic. This thesis must be defended in front of a panel of professors, and successful completion of the thesis is a key requirement for graduation. Students are awarded their medical degree after defending their thesis and passing all required exams.
- Exams: Students are assessed through written, oral, and practical exams throughout the program. Exams cover both the theoretical aspects of medicine as well as clinical competencies, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of patient care.
- Student life in Rome
- Rome offers an unparalleled experience for students, blending academic life with rich cultural opportunities. As the capital city of Italy, Rome is home to historic landmarks, world-class museums, and a vibrant student community. Living in Rome provides medical students at Tor Vergata with a chance to experience the best of both worlds: an excellent education and access to a city full of history, art, and culture.
- The university also fosters a strong sense of community, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and social events. This creates an environment where students can build lasting friendships, engage in extracurricular activities, and develop a healthy work-life balance.
- Rome offers an unparalleled experience for students, blending academic life with rich cultural opportunities. As the capital city of Italy, Rome is home to historic landmarks, world-class museums, and a vibrant student community. Living in Rome provides medical students at Tor Vergata with a chance to experience the best of both worlds: an excellent education and access to a city full of history, art, and culture.
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.