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Overview

Overview

Italy offers a 6-year MD program in “Medicine and Surgery” (locally referred to as Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico in Medicina e Chirurgia, which translates to “Single-Cycle Master's Degree in Medicine and Surgery”). It is equivalent to the MBBS in India, making it a strong option for students planning mbbs abroad, and medical education standards are regulated by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and the European Union Higher Education Framework. Public universities in Italy offer affordable tuition fees, based on family income, under the ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) system.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India, approximately 5,000 Indian students are pursuing studies in Italy. While this report from the MEA, released in January 2025, does not mention anything specific about the MBBS in Italy for Indian students, historical data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) show rough figures. According to the enrolment data from the ISTAT from late 2024, an estimated 300–500 Indian students were enrolled in “Medicina e Chirurgia” (Medicine and Surgery), reflecting a steady interest among Indian students choosing Italy for mbbs abroad.

Medical education across Italian universities is offered in English for international students, making it accessible for Indian students to pursue their higher education. Italian institutions have been listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), allowing Indian students to enrol in them. In addition, the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India prescribes guidelines to recognise the medical degrees of Indian foreign graduates. This allows them to appear for the medical licensing examinations and practise or pursue further education in India.

Why Choose Italy for Study MBBS?

Why MBBS ?

Italy’s medical education lasts up to 6 years, offering English-taught programs to Indian students. The academic standards of medical education in Italy are governed by government officials; they offer tuition fees based on family income, ensuring affordability and accessibility for medical students.

 

  • Affordable Public Universities Public universities in Italy offer students an income-based tuition fee structure. Known as ISEE, it evaluates the economic conditions of a family (income, assets, total members) to determine tuition fees and other benefits, including scholarships. This allows students to afford Italian medical education without the burden of financial difficulties.
  • Bilateral Relations Between Countries Italy and India signed the Migration and Mobility Agreement in November 2023. This has made it easier for Indian students to pursue higher education in Italy with their higher education requirements. This agreement is expected to increase the number of Indian students enrolling at Italian universities by 2027.
  • Standardised Medical Education Unlike many other private universities in Italy (or even Europe), the medical programs offered by public universities are regulated by the government entities. The medical education standards are set by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) under the European Union Higher Education Framework.
  • English-Medium Medical Programs English is one of the official languages spoken in Italy, with 50% of the population having some knowledge of this universal language. Most public universities in Italy offer fully English-taught medical programs to all foreign students. However, basic Italian will help students during the clinical rotations.
  • World’s Oldest Universities Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest universities, including the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and the University of Milan. These universities offer Indian students advanced clinical training under the supervision of highly qualified faculty members.
  • Worldwide Career Opportunities The MD-degree from Italian medical universities (called Laurea Magistrale) are recognised across all the member countries of the European Union and the United Kingdom. Graduates can choose to practice in Italy, Germany, France, the USA, the UK, or India after meeting the medical licensing requirements of the chosen country.

MBBS in Italy Eligibility for Indian Students

Eligibility & Admission Process

Every year, hundreds of thousands of medical aspirants from India plan to study MBBS abroad, and Italy is one of those countries. These days, getting admission to top medical Universities in Italy is smooth and hassle-free if you meet the basic eligibility criteria. The basic eligibility for admission into the MBBS program in Italy is passing Senior Secondary or 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, according to the Indian education system. Here is the breakdown of the eligibility for studying MBBS in Italy

Entrance Exam - NEET qualified score is compulsory for Indian students

Academic Qualification - A minimum of 50% in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Age Criteria - The Minimum age required is 17 years during admission, and there is no upper age limit for applying to medical school in Italy.

Documents Required

Documents
Document requried 10th & 12th Mark Sheets

10th & 12th Mark Sheets

Document requried IMAT Score Card

IMAT Score Card

Document requried English Proficiency Certificate

English Proficiency Certificate

Document requried Valid Passport (at least 6 months of validity)

Valid Passport (at least 6 months of validity)

Document requried Declaration of Value (DoV) or Certificate of CIMEA

Declaration of Value (DoV) or Certificate of CIMEA

Document requried Pre-enrollment Summary PDF

Pre-enrollment Summary PDF

Document requried Proof of Sufficient Funds (Financial Statements, S

Proof of Sufficient Funds (Financial Statements, S

Document requried Proof of Accommodation

Proof of Accommodation

Document requried Overseas Health Insurance

Overseas Health Insurance

Document requried Motivation Letter/SOP

Motivation Letter/SOP

MBBS in Italy Admission Process 2025-2026

  • Academic Qualifications High school diploma (equivalent to Italian secondary education) with 50% aggregate in PCB (physics, chemistry, and biology) or 40% (for reserved students).
  • Entrance Examination The International Medical Admission Test (IMAT) is the official entrance examination for medical and dental programs at selected Italian institutions.
  • English Proficiency While some Italian universities do not require a high level of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL), others do for overseas students in medical programs.
  • NEET Qualification All Indian medical aspirants who want to practise medicine or pursue further education in India must have a NEET-UG qualification, as per the NMC rule.
  • Age Requirement The minimum age of the Indian medical candidate must be 17 years old at the time of the application (or as of 31st December).
  • Documentation Translated, apostilled documents from India’s MEA, a Declaration of Value (DoV) or a CIMEA (Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence).

MBBS in Italy Fees For Indian Students

Cost

The cost of education in Italy, especially the medical education for international students, from public to private universities, varies greatly. The fees for MBBS education at public universities are lower, between €3,000 and €8,000 per year, than those at private universities. MBBS in Italy allows Indian medical aspirants to fulfil their dream of becoming doctors. Below is the expected cost of education in Italy calculated yearly. 

Type of Expense Approx. Cost (in Euro) / Year
Tuition fee per year 3000.00
Living & Accomodation 9600.00
Mess & Food 1800.00
Student visa fee 60.00
Medical Insurance 150.00
Total Expense 14610

Note: The above conversion is done as per the current exchange rate (1 EURO = INR 100.55, as of 30.06.2025), and it fluctuates due to foreign exchange rates.

Study MBBS in Italy vs MBBS in India

Comparison
MBBS in Italy MBBS in India
Duration of MBBS is 5+1 years, where 5 years is academic and 1 year is clinical training Duration of MBBS is 5.5 years, where 4.5 years is academic and 1 year is clinical training
Most universities offer MBBS in the English medium All universities offer MBBS in the English medium
The NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian medical aspirants The NEET is mandatory for all students
Fees at public universities are nominal, and private universities are higher. Fees at public universities are nominal, but fees at private universities can go up to 1 Cr. INR, or more.
Accreditation and recognition - NMC, WHO, FAIMER, Health Ministry, Italy, and various EU and global bodies Accredited and recognised by NMC and WHO
Internship at top-reputed government and private hospitals Internship is conducted by the university at its associated hospital only

Our Take on Italy

Our Take

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Italy at Glance

Glance

Italy is one of the countries that is nestled in the heart of Southern Europe. Many see it as a land of timeless beauty, vibrant culture and an amicable studying and living environment. From the ruins of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice; also the artistic treasures of Florence, Italy also offers an unparalleled blend of age-old heritage and contemporary charm. If you plan to study MBBS abroad, consider studying in Italy, one of the best countries for studying medicine at affordable costs. When you study MBBS in Italy, you invest in your lifetime. It is a destination that enriches with environment for those finding more than just academic growth!

Capital

Capital

Rome

Currency

Currency

Euro

Religions

Religion

Catholicism

languages spoken

Language

English

Population

Population

59,146,260

Head of state

Head of state

Sergio Mattarella

Cuisine

Cuisine

Pizza, Pasta, Risotto, Gelato

major cities

Major Cities

Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

The validity of an Indian medical degree is not relevant, as per Italian law. If an Indian student has obtained a medical degree from an Indian higher education institution and wants to practise in Italy, they will need to go through the degree requirements and licensing regulations.

The cost of living in Italy is generally affordable in comparison to the USA or the UK, ranging between €700 and €1,200 (₹75,036 and ₹128,633 in Indian currency for the exchange rate in February 2026). The actual cost of living for an Indian student can vary depending on the particular Italian city, type of accommodation, lifestyle habits, and other factors.

Italy has a long reputation for its academic excellence in fields such as medicine, architecture, and more. Italian public universities reward graduates with a medical degree that is recognised across European countries that follow the Bologna process, offering a diversified international career pathway. Compared to the MBBS in India, Italy offers a wider clinical experience and career opportunities.

The overall cost to study MBBS in Italy from public universities can be anywhere from €900 to €30,000 for the 6 years of tuition fees, translating to ₹96,475 and ₹32,15,820 for the exchange rates between Italy and India for February 2026. On the other hand, private universities are more expensive than public universities, costing about €15,000-25,000 per year. Public universities' tuition fees are offered based on the family income of a candidate.

There are no specific scores required for an MBBS in Italy for Indian students, but they must qualify for the NEET-UG for admissions for overseas studies in Italy. The earned NEET scores will remain valid for three years after the NEET score results.

Ideally speaking, pursuing an MBBS in Italy for Indian students is rewarding and cost-effective from India. The medical education is regulated by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR), offering academic standards that are followed under the European Union Higher Education Framework. Public universities in Italy are affordable, too

Yes, Italian MBBS degrees are valid in India, considering the particular rewarding higher education institution in Italy aligns with the NMC requirements as mentioned in the Gazette of India.

The International Medical Admission Test (IMAT) is the official entrance examination for overseas students who want to pursue their MBBS in Italy at public universities. This exam is conducted by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) every year, focusing on the aptitude, logical reasoning, and academic knowledge of a foreign medical candidate. While not always applicable, private universities do not have the IMAT process; they conduct their own entrance exams or assessment process for the admission of overseas students.

Yes, an MBBS in Italy is taught entirely in English at several universities. Some universities also require English proficiency from Indian students to enrol in a 6-year, English-taught medical programme. However, all students should learn basic Italian to easily communicate with the local patients during clinical rotations, as well as local citizens during their stay in Italy.

Transferring between universities during an ongoing medical programme in Italy is a complicated process from a legal perspective and depends entirely on university approval. However, it should be noted that the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India requires Indian foreign medical students to complete their degree programme in the same institution they started with. Specifying in the “Gazette of India” under the FMGL Regulations, any Indian student who wants to appear for the licensing examination and practice their profession in India must ensure that they comply with the requirements of the NMC.

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