University of Pavia

The University of Pavia runs the Harvey course, an English-taught Medicine and Surgery degree named after William Harvey, the English physician who described blood circulation. It combines the low fees of an Italian public university with a historic campus in a small, student-friendly city. Here is how Indian students can plan for 2027-28.

Key facts for 2027-28

Location	Pavia, Italy
Founded	1361
Type	Public university
Programme	Medicine and Surgery — Harvey course (English)
Duration	6 years
Admission	IMAT entrance test
Published tuition	EUR 4,500 per year for non-EU students (admission portal)
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 Pavia

The University of Pavia was founded in 1361 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Famous scientists such as Alessandro Volta (the physicist who invented the electric battery) and Camillo Golgi (Nobel Prize in Medicine, 1906) taught here. The university works closely with the San Matteo hospital and other research hospitals in Pavia.

The Harvey course

The Harvey course is a six-year single-cycle degree in Medicine and Surgery taught in English. The early years build the scientific base: chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. The later years focus on clinical medicine, surgery and specialities, with training in Pavia's hospitals, and end with a thesis.

Patients speak Italian, so you will need Italian for clinical work. Read the current admission call for any Italian-language conditions.

Why students choose Pavia

• A historic university with a strong medical tradition.
• Low tuition compared with private medical schools.
• A small, safe city that is easy to live in, close to Milan.
• Possible regional scholarships based on family income.

Things to think about

• Non-EU seats are limited, and IMAT preparation is essential.
• Pavia is small, so city life is quieter than in Milan or Bologna.
• Learning Italian is not optional for clinical years.

How admission works

According to the university's admission portal, entry to Harvey Medicine and Surgery for non-EU students requires the national IMAT entrance test. The application fee is listed as EUR 35 per programme, and the terms are set in the yearly announcement for the course. Non-EU students living abroad also pre-enrol through Universitaly, choosing Pavia, and compete within Pavia's non-EU quota.

Fees and costs

The admission portal listed tuition of EUR 4,500 per year for non-EU students on the Harvey course, with the option to apply for a flat rate or fees based on family income. This figure may change for 2027-28, so confirm it with the university. Also plan for the IMAT fee, documents, insurance, permit of stay, rent and living costs.

Life in Pavia

Pavia is a small university city in Lombardy, about 30–40 minutes by train from Milan. It has a historic centre, a covered bridge over the Ticino river and a traditional system of university colleges. Life is calm and affordable compared with Milan, and Milan's airports connect you to India. Winters are cold and foggy, and summers are hot and humid.

Preparing for the IMAT

Start IMAT preparation at least six to nine months before the test. Revise biology and chemistry thoroughly, practise physics and mathematics, and build speed in logical reasoning. Solve past papers under timed conditions and understand the negative marking. Pavia's Harvey course is popular, so a strong IMAT score matters, and it is wise to keep a backup option for the same year.

Before you apply to University of Pavia

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 Pavia 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 Pavia 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 Pavia 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 Pavia, 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 Pavia 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 Pavia’s Harvey course is a six-year single-cycle Medicine and Surgery degree taught in English. The early years develop the scientific base for later medical learning. Read the current admission call and Italian-language conditions for clinical work before planning your application.

Courses and official information

• Medicine and Surgery — Harvey course — 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.