Are you dreaming of studying Medicine in Italy in English? Look no further than the University of Padova (UniPd) — one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, with a medical tradition that dates back to 1222. Now offering a full 6-year Medicine and Surgery degree entirely in English, UniPd blends academic freedom, modern clinical training, and vibrant student life in the heart of Northern Italy.
Why Choose the University of Padova?
The University of Padova stands out for its academic excellence, international outlook, and pioneering role in medical education. Founded by students seeking a more liberal and independent learning environment, its motto “Universa Universis Patavina Libertas” reflects its enduring commitment to freedom of thought and innovation.
As a city, Padova (Padua) is a buzzing university town known for its accessible layout, thriving student culture, and affordable lifestyle — an ideal environment for international students.
📚 The Medicine and Surgery Program in English at UniPd
Since 2019, the University of Padova has offered a Medicine and Surgery degree entirely in English, designed for both EU and non-EU students.
🎓 Course Overview
- Duration: 6 years, full-time
- Language: 100% English
- Location: Collegio Morgagni, Padova
- Internships: Begin in Year 1
- Accreditation: Degree is recognized across the EU and internationally (check local regulations for non-EU countries)
🧠 Curriculum Breakdown
The Medicine and Surgery degree at UniTo is a 6-year program entirely in English, blending solid theoretical foundations with early clinical exposure. You’ll go from microscopes to hospital wards step by step — with real patients, real responsibility, and real impact.
🧪 Years 1–2: Pre-Clinical Foundations
These years focus on basic sciences: biology, anatomy, biochemistry, and public health. You’ll build the knowledge base you’ll need for clinical reasoning later. Expect a mix of lectures, lab work, and hospital observations starting from Year 1.
Year 1 Highlights:
- Cell Biology and Genetics (11 CFU)
- Preparatory Biochemistry (7 CFU)
- Medical Language (4 CFU)
- Basis of Human Morphology I (8 CFU)
- Physics and Intro to Medicine (7 CFU total)
- Biochemical & Molecular Basis of Metabolism (11 CFU)
Year 2 Highlights:
- Human Morphology II & Physiology
- Biochemistry II
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Medical Psychology
- Pathology I
- Public Health & Epidemiology
🩺 Years 3–4: Clinical Entry + Hospital Clerkships
You’ll transition from theory into clinical practice, with courses like pathology, pharmacology, and radiology — and you’ll begin your official clerkships in various departments.
Year 3 Highlights:
- Pathology II, Clinical Methodology
- Radiology and Medical Semiology
- Pharmacology
- Advanced English & Academic Writing
- Clerkships in Internal Medicine and Surgery
Year 4 Highlights:
- Cardiology, Neurology, Psychiatry
- Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Gynecology & Obstetrics
- Internal Medicine II
- Extended clinical rotations
🧠 Years 5–6: Specialization + Thesis + Full Clinical Immersion
You’ll dive deeper into specialized fields and take on more responsibility during your rotations. Year 6 is almost fully spent in hospitals — plus, you’ll wrap up your thesis and start preparing for post-graduate exams or residencies.
Year 5 Highlights:
- Dermatology, Oncology, Rheumatology
- Emergency Medicine & Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Elective rotations & personalized clerkships
Year 6 Highlights:
- Geriatrics and Palliative Care
- Final clerkships and hands-on training
- Licensing internship
- Thesis research and defense
💸 Tuition Fees and Financial Aid
Fees are based on income (ISEE) and country of origin:
Tuition at the University of Turin is based on family income (ISEE) and your country of origin. Here’s the breakdown:
- EU students and Non EU (and non-EU with EU residency):
- Tuition ranges from €156 to ~€2,800 per year
- The exact amount depends on your ISEE (Equivalent Financial Status Indicator)
- If you submit your ISEE correctly, you could pay very little — or even nothing
💡 Bonus: Many students get fee reductions or scholarships through EDISU Piemonte, the regional student support organization.
🏠 Living Costs in Turin
Turin is much cheaper than cities like Milan, Paris, or London — but it’s still a major European city, so budget wisely. Here’s a rough monthly breakdown:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (per month) |
|---|---|
| 🏡 Rent (shared apartment) | €300–€500 |
| 🍝 Food & groceries | €150–€250 |
| 🚍 Transport pass (GTT) | €25 (student rate) |
| 📚 Study materials | €30–€50 |
| ☕ Social life & extras | €100–€200 |
➡️ Total estimated monthly cost: €600–€1,000
➡️ Yearly average cost (including rent): €7,000–€11,000
🏆 Scholarships & Support
You can apply for:
- EDISU Piemonte scholarships (cover tuition + offer housing/meal support)
- Merit-based scholarships from UniTo
- ERASMUS+ funding for exchanges abroad
🏆 Scholarships & Grants
- Regional Scholarships (Veneto region)
- Merit-based Scholarships
- International Student Incentives
- Student-Athlete Support
- Ulisse Program for Global Exchange
📝 Admission Process (IMAT Exam Required)
To apply for Medicine and Surgery at UniPd, international students must:
- Pre Enrolment
- Pass IMAT and be Assigned/Booked to Padova
- Complete final enrollment on UniPd site
- Pay Tuition Fee
Need help? Email: in*********************@***pd.it
Entry Requirements
- High school diploma eligible for university in your country
- IMAT score above the threshold (varies yearly)
- English language proficiency (recommended B2 or higher)
🏡 Student Life in Padova
📍 City & Campus Location
- Main Teaching Venue: Collegio Morgagni
- Closest Hospital: Policlinico University Hospital (on-campus)
- Library: Pinali Library (inside the hospital), Fiore di Botta for Biomedicine
- Commute: Walkable or bike-friendly city; most students bike or use public transport
🍝 Dining & Cafeterias
- ESU Canteens (e.g., Piovego, Belzoni) offer meals from €3.50–€4.70
- Hospital canteen access for medical students
- Countless cafés and restaurants in the city center and near campus
🏠 Accommodation
- ESU Student Residences: 14 dorms, 1,600+ beds
- Private Housing: Search around Portello, Prato della Valle, or city squares
- Housing Office: Helps international students find housing and understand leases
Apply via ESU Padova
🌍 Study Abroad and Erasmus+ at UniPd
UniPd offers robust mobility programs:
- Erasmus+ Study & Traineeships across Europe
- Swiss European Mobility Program (SEMP)
- Ulisse Program: Study or intern across 5 continents
Free language courses and scholarships are often available to Erasmus participants.
✅ Pros & Cons of Studying Medicine in Padova
✅ Pros:
- World-class education with early clinical experience
- Affordable tuition and living costs
- Diverse international community (>60% non-Italian students)
- Integrated research and language support
- Historic and vibrant university town
❌ Cons:
- Some professors may have heavy Italian accents
- New course structure still improving administrative processes
- Extracurricular booking can be competitive
📍 Contact Details
📬 Medicine and Surgery Office
Address: Via Nicolò Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova (PD), Italy
Email: me**************@***pd.it
Phone: +39 0498213950
🕒 Office Hours:
Mon & Wed: 10:00–13:00
Tues: 10:00–13:00 & 15:00–16:30
Thurs: 10:00–15:00
Fri: 10:00–13:00
✨ Final Thoughts: Should You Study Medicine at UniPd?
Studying Medicine in English at the University of Padova means becoming part of a centuries-old academic tradition while training with cutting-edge medical tools. You’ll be immersed in a multicultural environment, start internships from Day 1, and enjoy student life in one of Italy’s liveliest university towns.
Whether it’s a Spritz in Piazza delle Erbe after an anatomy lecture or diving into research during your second year, Padova offers more than a degree — it offers a life-changing experience.
