University of Bologna

The University of Bologna is widely described as the oldest university in the Western world. Its English-taught Medicine and Surgery degree offers a European medical education at public-university fees, but entry is through the competitive IMAT test and seats for non-EU students are very few. Here is how Indian students can plan for 2027-28.

Key facts for 2027-28

Location	Bologna, Italy
Founded	1088
Type	Public university
Programme	Medicine and Surgery (single-cycle degree), taught in English
Duration	6 years
Admission	IMAT entrance test
Non-EU places	20 for 2026-27 (non-EU citizens living abroad)
Intake	Autumn 2027

Always check fees, dates and rules for your intake on the official university website before you apply or pay.

About the University of Bologna

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum) has taught students for more than 900 years. It is one of Italy's largest universities, with campuses in Bologna and several cities in the Emilia-Romagna region. Its medical school works with major hospitals in Bologna, including the university hospital.

The Medicine and Surgery programme

Medicine and Surgery is a six-year single-cycle degree taught in English. The course introduces clinical clerkships early in the curriculum, alongside the basic sciences. Later years focus on clinical medicine, surgery and specialities in hospital settings, and students prepare a thesis before graduation.

Although teaching is in English, patients in Bologna speak Italian. You will need good Italian for clinical work, so plan to learn it from your first year.

Why students choose Bologna

• One of the world's most historic universities.
• A public university with fees far lower than private medical schools.
• Possible regional scholarships (from the ER.GO agency) for students with lower family income.
• A lively, safe student city in northern Italy.

Things to think about

• Very few seats for non-EU students living abroad (20 in the 2026-27 call), so competition is intense.
• You must prepare seriously for the IMAT.
• Accommodation in Bologna is in high demand; search early.

How admission works

Non-EU students living abroad must pre-enrol on the Universitaly portal, choose Bologna, register for the IMAT and rank within Bologna's non-EU quota. For 2026-27, the university's call reserved 140 places for Italian, EU and equivalent candidates and 20 places for non-EU citizens living abroad, with a separate ranking for the non-EU group. The call also pointed applicants to the university's fees page for tuition information. The 2027-28 call will set new numbers and dates.

Fees and costs

Tuition at Italian public universities depends on the rules for international students and, in some cases, family income documents. Check the University of Bologna's "Fees and exemptions" page for 2027-28. Also plan for the IMAT fee, document translation and legalisation, insurance, permit of stay, rent and living costs.

Life in Bologna

Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna, famous for its long porticoes, medieval towers and food. It is a true student city, with tens of thousands of students. It has excellent train links to Milan, Florence, Venice and Rome. Rents near the centre are high, so many students share flats. Winters are cool and foggy, and summers are hot.

Preparing for the IMAT

Start IMAT preparation at least six to nine months before the test. Revise Class 11 and 12 biology and chemistry thoroughly, practise physics and mathematics problems, and work on logical reasoning and reading comprehension. Solve past IMAT papers under timed conditions, and learn how the scoring works, including marks lost for wrong answers. Because Bologna has very few non-EU seats, many students also keep a backup option in another country for the same year.

Before you apply to University of Bologna

To practise in India later, you need a qualifying NEET-UG result before you join, and the course must meet the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021: at least 54 months of study, a 12-month internship at the same university, teaching in English and eligibility for a medical licence in Italy. NMC does not approve or list foreign universities, so ask University of Bologna to confirm these points in writing and read the latest notices on nmc.org.in. After graduating you will need to clear the licensing exam (currently FMGE) and a 12-month internship in India. Our MBBS abroad guide covers eligibility, documents, FMGE preparation and careers in detail.

2027-28 intake timeline

• October 2026 – January 2027: shortlist University of Bologna and other options, read the official 2027-28 admission rules and check that the course meets the NMC conditions.
• February – April 2027: register for NEET-UG 2027 and get your passport and documents ready.
• May 2027: appear for NEET-UG 2027 (NTA will announce the date; recent exams were on the first Sunday of May).
• Pre-enrolment on Universitaly and IMAT registration in the official 2027 window: apply to University of Bologna through its official international admissions channel.
• After IMAT rankings: enrolment, visa and travel: admission letter, visa, travel and joining.

Watch the Italian ministry's decree for 2027-28, which sets the IMAT date and the number of non-EU places at each university.

Related guides

For the bigger picture beyond University of Bologna, read these guides:

• MBBS in Italy: living costs, visa, climate, student life and the full admission process in Italy.
• MBBS abroad guide: eligibility, recognition in India, costs and choosing a country.
• Compare other universities by country, course and city.

How PSP Education can help

PSP Education has guided Indian students since 1992 and can help you decide whether University of Bologna suits you and apply before the 2027-28 deadlines. Book a free counselling session using the form on this page.

Summary and official sources

The University of Bologna’s Medicine and Surgery programme is a six-year single-cycle degree taught in English. The course describes clinical clerkships beginning early in the curriculum. Use the current admission call for examination, non-EU places and document requirements, and confirm any Italian needed for patient contact.

Courses and official information

• Medicine and Surgery — single-cycle degree — 6 years; language: English. Official programme information. Explore this course.

Visit the official university website for current admission rules, fees and application dates.

Indian medical applicants should check the current NMC requirements, NEET bulletin, internship structure and local licensing conditions before applying. Admission alone does not give permission to practise medicine in India.