MBBS in Italy 2027-28 through IMAT

Italy's public universities offer six-year Medicine and Surgery degrees in English, with very low fees compared with other European countries. Entry is through the IMAT test, and seats for non-EU students are few. Here is how Indian students can plan for 2027-28.

Why Indian students look at Italy

Italy has some of the world's oldest universities and a strong public health system. Several public universities run Medicine and Surgery (a six-year single-cycle degree, class LM-41) in English. Tuition at public universities is low, and income-based scholarships may help with living costs. Because of this, competition is high.

Universities on this page

• University of Bologna — founded in 1088 and often called the oldest university in the Western world. It runs an English-taught single-cycle degree in Medicine and Surgery. For 2026-27, its call reserved 20 places for non-EU citizens living abroad.
• University of Pavia — a historic university founded in 1361, with the English-taught Harvey course in Medicine and Surgery. Its admission portal listed tuition of EUR 4,500 per year for non-EU students, with possible income-based fees.

The IMAT entrance test

Admission to English-taught medicine in Italy is through the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). It tests biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and logical reasoning. Non-EU students living abroad compete only for the non-EU seats of the single university they choose at pre-enrolment, so choose carefully. Italy changed admission to Italian-taught medicine in 2025, but English-taught courses still use a single entrance test.

Steps for non-EU students

1. Pre-enrol on the Universitaly portal and choose your university.
2. Register for the IMAT and pay the test fee.
3. Take the test and wait for the university's ranking for non-EU students.
4. If you are admitted, enrol, get your documents checked (for example, a declaration of value or CIMEA statement for your school certificate) and apply for the study visa.
5. Apply for the permit of stay within eight days of arriving in Italy.

2027-28 intake timeline for Italy

• Now – spring 2027: start IMAT preparation. Watch the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and Universitaly for the 2027-28 decree, which sets the test date and seats.
• Spring – summer 2027: pre-enrol on Universitaly and register for the IMAT within the official window.
• May 2027: appear for NEET-UG 2027 if you want to practise in India later.
• After the IMAT: check rankings, confirm your seat, enrol and apply for the visa. Classes usually start in autumn.

Costs to plan for

Tuition at public universities is low compared with private colleges. Plan for the IMAT and pre-enrolment costs, document translation and legalisation, accommodation, food, insurance and permit of stay fees. Rooms in Bologna are in high demand, so start searching early.

Will this degree let you practise in India?

The National Medical Commission (NMC) does not approve or list foreign universities. Your course must meet the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021: at least 54 months of study, a 12-month internship at the same institution, teaching in English, the whole course done outside India in the same institution, and eligibility for a licence to practise in that country on the same terms as its citizens. You must also qualify NEET-UG before joining, clear the licensing exam (currently FMGE), and complete a 12-month internship in India. Ask the university to confirm these points in writing, and read the latest notices on nmc.org.in.

Italian medical graduates take a state licensing step to practise in Italy. Ask your university how the degree and its clinical training match each NMC condition, including licence eligibility and the internship rule.

Language reality

You study in English, but patients speak Italian. Plan to learn Italian to at least an intermediate level by your clinical years.

Is Italy right for you?

Italy suits students who can prepare seriously for a competitive entrance test, are ready to learn Italian, and want a European degree at public-university fees. Because non-EU seats are few, many students apply to Italy and also keep a second option in another country for the same year.

Your 2027-28 checklist for MBBS in Italy

• Qualify NEET-UG (2025, 2026 or 2027 result, within its three-year validity).
• Read the university's official 2027-28 admission rules, entrance test details and fee list.
• Get written confirmation of course length, internship, teaching language and licence eligibility.
• Check the latest notices on nmc.org.in about Italy before paying anything.
• Prepare your passport, Class 10 and 12 documents and NEET scorecard, and find out which need apostille or translation.
• Plan the full budget for six years, plus 10–15% for exchange-rate changes.
• Pay fees only to the university's official bank account and keep every receipt.

NMC rules for MBBS in Italy: read before you apply

If you want to practise medicine in India after studying in Italy, your course must meet the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021. These rules apply to students who joined a foreign medical course on or after 18 November 2021. The National Medical Commission (NMC) does not approve or publish a list of foreign universities. Instead, it sets conditions that your course must meet:

• The course is at least 54 months long.
• You complete a 12-month internship in the same foreign university.
• The whole course is taught in English.
• The entire course, training and internship happen outside India, at the same university. No part of it can be done in India.
• You study the subjects listed by NMC.
• You become eligible for a licence to practise medicine in Italy, on the same terms as its own citizens.
• You finish the course within 10 years of joining.

After returning to India, you must clear the licensing exam for foreign medical graduates and complete a 12-month supervised internship in India. Today this exam is the FMGE, conducted by NBEMS. NMC plans to replace it with the National Exit Test (NExT), but as of October 2026 NExT has not started for foreign graduates.

Eligibility for MBBS in Italy

• Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, with the marks needed for MBBS admission in India (lower for reserved categories; check the NEET-UG information bulletin).
• NEET-UG qualified. NEET is compulsory for Indian students who want to practise in India after studying abroad. For foreign admission, the result is valid for three years from the date it is declared. The Supreme Court upheld this rule in 2025.
• At least 17 years old by 31 December of the admission year.
• A valid passport.

Universities may also set their own minimum marks, an entrance test or an interview. Do not trust anyone who offers MBBS admission without NEET if you want a medical career in India.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and certificates
• NEET-UG scorecard
• Passport-size photographs
• Medical fitness certificate and any tests the embassy asks for
• Admission letter and visa invitation or approval

Some documents may need translation, notarisation or apostille. Follow the exact list your university gives you.

MBBS admission process for Italy

1. Counselling: share your NEET score, Class 12 marks, budget and preferences with a counsellor.
2. Shortlisting: compare course duration, teaching language in every year, clinical training, hostel and the full cost.
3. NMC check: ask the university to confirm the NMC conditions in writing and read the latest notices on nmc.org.in.
4. Application: submit your documents through the university's official channel.
5. Admission letter: read the fee schedule and refund rules before paying.
6. Visa: apply for the student visa arranged through the university.
7. Travel: attend a pre-departure briefing and plan your arrival with the university.

After MBBS in Italy

Most Indian graduates return to clear the FMGE and complete the internship in India, then practise or prepare for postgraduate entrance exams. Some take licensing exams in other countries. A foreign medical degree alone does not give you the right to practise anywhere. Read our MBBS abroad guide for the full rules.

Your MBBS journey in Italy, year by year

• Before you leave: qualify NEET, choose the university carefully, check the NMC conditions in writing, arrange documents and visa, and join a pre-departure briefing.
• First year: settle into hostel life, learn the local language seriously, and build strong basics in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry.
• Middle years: focus on pathology, pharmacology and microbiology. Start reading Indian textbooks and solving FMGE-style questions alongside your university studies.
• Clinical years: attend every hospital posting, talk to patients in the local language, and keep a record of your clinical training.
• Final year and internship: complete the 12-month internship at your university, collect all certificates, and prepare for the licensing exam in India.
• After returning: apply for the FMGE, then the 12-month internship in India through your State Medical Council.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Choosing only by the lowest fee. A cheap course that does not meet NMC rules can cost you your career in India.
2. Believing "NMC approved" claims. NMC does not approve foreign universities. Check the conditions yourself.
3. Ignoring the local language. Students who do not learn it struggle in clinical years.
4. Leaving FMGE preparation to the end. Start practising early.
5. Paying agents in cash or to personal accounts. Pay fees only to the university's official account and keep every receipt.
6. Not keeping documents. Save your syllabus, marksheets, attendance and internship certificates. You will need them in India.

Paying for your studies in Italy

Education loans

Many Indian families use an education loan for studies abroad. Banks and lenders usually ask for the admission letter, a cost estimate from the university, academic records, identity and address proof, and income documents of a co-applicant, usually a parent. Larger loans may need collateral. Interest rates, limits and repayment rules differ between lenders, so compare at least two or three offers and read the terms carefully.

Sending money abroad

Fees and living money are usually sent through a bank's foreign remittance service under the RBI's rules for education abroad. Keep the university's fee invoice and bank details ready, and always pay only to the university's official account. Never pay fees into a personal account.

Making a realistic budget

• Write down tuition for every year, not just the first year.
• Add hostel, food, transport, mobile, insurance, books and visa charges.
• Add flights home at least once a year.
• Keep 10–15% extra for exchange rate changes and emergencies.

How to prepare for the FMGE while studying in Italy

The FMGE tests your medical knowledge as per the Indian curriculum. Many students who study abroad find it challenging, so prepare steadily through your course:

• Use standard Indian textbooks alongside your university notes, especially for clinical subjects.
• Solve multiple-choice questions regularly from your second year onwards.
• Revise subject by subject after each semester, while the topics are fresh.
• Take mock tests in the final year to build speed and confidence.
• Study in a group with other Indian students to stay motivated.

MBBS in Italy or a private college in India?

• Cost: studying abroad is often cheaper than many private colleges in India, but compare the full cost honestly.
• Practice in India: an Indian MBBS lets you practise after internship; a foreign degree also needs the licensing exam and an internship in India.
• Patients and language: in India you train with patients who speak your language; abroad you must learn a new one.
• Experience: studying abroad builds independence and international exposure.

Discuss these points openly as a family before you decide.

Living and studying in Italy: what to expect

Italy at a glance for students

Italy is in Southern Europe and is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area. Its capital is Rome, and well-known university cities include Milan, Bologna, Pavia, Padua, Turin and Naples. The language is Italian and the currency is the euro (EUR). Italy has some of the oldest universities in the world.

How non-EU students apply

Non-EU students living abroad usually start with pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal, choosing one university and programme. The Italian Embassy or Consulate checks the application. For English-taught Medicine and Surgery, you must also take the IMAT entrance test and rank within the seats for non-EU students at the university you chose.

Study visa and permit of stay

After the university accepts you, you apply for a national (D) study visa. Within eight days of arrival you must apply for a permesso di soggiorno (permit of stay) for study. You will need proof of funds, accommodation, insurance and your admission documents.

Living costs and accommodation

Milan and Rome are expensive. Bologna and Pavia are smaller student cities with lower costs, though rooms near the campus are in high demand. Regional scholarships (for example from DSU or ER.GO agencies) may cover part of living costs for students with lower family income; they need income documents translated and legalised.

Language

Even on an English programme, you will need good Italian to talk to patients in hospital, especially in clinical years. Start learning Italian before you travel.

How PSP Education helps you

PSP Education has guided Indian students and parents since 1992. For MBBS in Italy, we help you compare universities, check the rules that apply to you, prepare documents, apply before the 2027-28 deadlines and plan your visa and travel. We give honest advice, and we never promise seats, visas or jobs that no consultant can guarantee. Use the enquiry form on this page or call us to book free counselling.