Voices from Italy (IMAT Edition) – Thinking about studying medicine in Italy? In this post, we dive into real student experiences at Parma University, one of the IMAT-participating universities. This blog is based on the personal experience of a medical student at the University of Parma.
The podcast version of this story is available on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
- Location
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- Parma medicine and surgery English course is situated in Piacenza, 60km west of Parma (30-40 mins by train) and 70km from Milan (40-50mins by train). The University of Parma boasts a thousand-year history, with roots dating back to Emperor Otto I, and is home to numerous great personalities.
- Capacity and IMAT Thresholds
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The English course offers a total of 120 places in 2024, with 75 for EU citizens and 45 for non-EU citizens residing abroad.
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Non-EU score cut-off for the 2024/2025 academic year was 59,10
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The cut-off mark for the EU first round in the 2024/2025 academic year was 60.3.
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Course in general
- First-year lectures are held in classrooms located at Morigi College, on Via San Bartolomeo. As students progress, classes gradually shift to the main campus, near the Catholica Private University, offering a more immersive academic environment
- The first semester of Year 1 can feel a bit intense — much like in many university programs — with the goal of introducing foundational subjects within a three-month timeframe. Subjects are carefully spread out across the academic years to ensure depth and progression.
- Notably, there are no mandatory oral exams during the first year.
- Course description and general curriculum can be checked out on this website https://corsi.unipr.it/en/scheda/cdlm-ms
- Classes usually begin at 10:30 AM and continue until 1:30 PM, followed by a typical afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
- To manage schedules and attendance, students use a dedicated mobile application, similar to what’s used in other universities.
- Lab work in the first year is limited, with few to no lab sessions in Biochemistry and Anatomy.
- Clinical rotations begin in the fourth year, giving students their first direct experience in patient care.
- A unique feature in the second year is the biomedical research clerkship, allowing students to engage with scientific research early on.
- Postgraduate training can continue in Italy or abroad, depending on local regulations. Options include Medical Specialization Schools, General Medicine Training, Second-Level Master’s Programs, and Ph.D. Programs.
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Canteen
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There is a café and a canteen near the first-year classroom.
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There is a self-service canteen at Morigi College that offers a full course €7.20.
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City life
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Piacenza rests on the bank of the Po River, with rolling hills and countryside nearby, great for wine and food lovers. Compared to bigger cities like Parma or Bologna, it has a more laid-back and authentic Italian vibe, making it a great place to explore without crowds. Can easily commute to Milan or Parma for Friday night outs and weekend getaways.
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- Weather
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In Piacenza, the summers are warm, humid, and mostly clear and the winters are very cold and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 30°F to 87°F and is rarely below 22°F or above 94°F.
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- Liberies
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Several public libraries are available.
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The Biblioteca Passerini-Landi is the main library of the comune of Piacenza.
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No booking is required, which helps avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
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Transportation
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Most students rely on bicycles for commuting. If a bike is not an option for you, there are also several bus lines that run from 6 AM to 10 PM.
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Tuition fees
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Tuition fees are calculated based on the student’s family’s economic status, using the ISEE calculator—annual tuition fees range from a minimum of 156€ to a maximum of 2725€.
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- Language Certificate
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A language certificate is not necessary as long as you score above 37 on the admission test. However, if you want to do a part-time job while studying, the Italian language is essential.
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After admission, the university offers a language course worth 6 credits.
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Accommodation
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There is no housing crisis in general, and the university also helps in finding accommodation. However, student accommodation provided by the university is not available. A single room can be found in the range of 400-500 euros.
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Scholarships
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Students can apply for the Ergo scholarship. The scholarship application must be submitted annually within the deadline. Those who receive the scholarship, in addition to being exempt from paying university fees, receive an annual sum that varies according to the value of their ISEE and their status as on-campus student, off-campus student or commuter. More details can be found at the https://www.er-go.it/ website.
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This blog is based on the experience of a first-year medical student at the University of Parma.
