The University of Rome Tor Vergata offers a top-tier International Medical School (IMS), blending early clinical exposure, integrated learning, and an international atmosphere — all nestled in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Whether you’re just discovering your options or already planning your application, here’s your ultimate guide — from syllabus by year, 📚 to fees and living expenses, 💸 and campus life. 🏞️
📚 Medicine & Surgery Degree Overview
- 📍 Location: Via Montpellier, Rome (Southeast of the city)
- 🏥 Hospital: Training at Policlinico Tor Vergata (PTV)
- 🌍 Language: Entirely in English, with Italian courses for patient interaction
- 📆 Duration: 6 years, Single-Cycle Degree (360 ECTS/CFUs)
- 🎯 Admission: Through the IMAT exam
- 🪪 Seats (2024/25): 55 total (40 EU/Italian residents, 15 non-EU visa applicants)
🗂️ Curriculum
🧬 Year 1 – Foundations of Medicine
The first year builds your scientific base and study stamina.
Core Subjects:
- Chemistry & Biochemistry 🧪 (7 CFU)
- Physics & Medical Statistics 📊 (12 CFU)
- Scientific Writing & Bioethics ✍️ (6 CFU)
- Human Anatomy I (Musculoskeletal & Splanchnology) 🦴 (10 CFU)
- Biology & Genetics 🧫 (10 CFU)
- Histology & Embryology 🧬 (9 CFU)
- Clinical Practice I 🩺 (6 CFU, first exposure in hospital)
Tip: Expect packed weekdays, mandatory attendance, and two main exam sessions (Winter & Summer) + extra Spring/September sessions.
🧠 Year 2 – Systems & Structures
This year focuses on deeper anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiological principles.
Topics Include:
- Anatomy II (Nervous system, special senses)
- Medical Physiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry II
- Clinical Practice II (more hospital days)
You’ll also need a B1 level in Italian to continue to Year 3 – start practicing early!
💉 Year 3 – Clinical Core Begins
The gateway to clinical medicine.
Subjects:
- Pathology & Pathophysiology
- Microbiology & Virology
- Pharmacology 💊
- Introduction to Internal Medicine
- Introduction to Surgery
- Clinical rotations begin in wards under supervision
❤️ Year 4 – Full Clinical Integration
From textbooks to stethoscopes, Year 4 blends lectures with hands-on learning.
Key Areas:
- Cardiology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Clinical rotations across departments
- Seminars & decision-making workshops
🧠 Year 5 – Advanced Clinical Knowledge
Deep dives into specialties.
Focus Includes:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry 🧠
- Dermatology
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatrics
- OB-GYN 👶
- Clinical internships become more active
🎓 Year 6 – Internship & Thesis
Your final year is spent mostly in hospitals with real responsibilities.
Tasks:
- Clinical clerkships across all major fields
- Choose a thesis topic and conduct original research 🧾
- Final exams & practical assessments
💶 Tuition Fees & Living Costs
📘 Tuition Fees
Fees are income-based, ranging from €0 to ~€5,200/year depending on your family’s ISEE (Equivalent Financial Status).
🎓 Scholarships
- Lazio Disco Scholarships (regional funding)
- University merit-based aid
- Additional grants for non-EU/low-income students
🏡 Living Expenses in Rome (Monthly Estimate)
| Item | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared flat) | 350 – 500 |
| CampusX housing | 500 – 650 |
| Food & groceries | 200 – 300 |
| Public Transport | ~35 (student pass) |
| Total | 600 – 1,000 |
🍝 University mensa (canteen) meals cost just €4–5 — affordable and convenient.
📝 Admission Procedure 2025 – Tor Vergata International Medical School (IMS)
🇪🇺 EU Students (and Non-EU with Italian Residence)
✅ Requirements
- High school diploma (12 years)
- EU passport or Non-EU passport with Italian residence permit
📌 Application Steps
- Universitaly Registration
Sign up and list “Tor Vergata IMS – Medicine & Surgery (English)” as your first choice. - IMAT Registration
Register via Cambridge Assessment or authorized center; usually held in September. - Take the IMAT Exam
In 2024, the EU IMAT cut-off for Tor Vergata was around 61.0 - Check Rankings & Placement
Admissions fill by descending IMAT scores until 40 EU places are taken . - Pre-enrollment
Submit documents (identity, diploma) via the university portal and pay the first installment. - Enroll
Finalize enrollment, upload visa/residence proof if applicable, and pay second fee by March.
🌍 Non‑EU Students (Living Abroad)
✅ Requirements
- Passport from non‑EU country
- High school diploma
- D-type study visa (apply via Italian Embassy after pre-enrollment acceptance)
📌 Application Steps
- Pre-enroll on Universitaly
Start application and choose Tor Vergata IMS; upload documents for embassy validation. - Apply for Student Visa
After pre-enrollment, contact your Italian embassy to begin visa paperwork. - Register & Sit for IMAT
Must take the IMAT; 2024 non‑EU cut-off at Tor Vergata was 60.6 - Check Admission List
Only the top 15 non-EU scorers secure seats - Finalize Pre-Enrollment
Upload legalized diploma (with Declaration of Value), visa, IMAT score, ID/photo. - Pay Fees & Enroll
Pay first installment, then complete registration by the deadline.
🎓 IMAT Insights (2024–25)
- Non‑EU cut-off: ~60.6
- EU cut-off: ~61.0 in first round
- Expect similar thresholds for 2025; competition remains high.
🚍 Getting There
Getting to Tor Vergata can be tricky without a car.
- From Termini ➡️ Metro A to Anagnina ➡️ Bus 20 or 20L to “Heidelberg”
- From Metro C ➡️ Buses 500/544/548 to Policlinico Tor Vergata
🅿️ Free parking is available for students with cars.
📚 Study Spaces & Resources
- Biomedical Library (Building D) – Open 9am–10pm on weekdays, 10am–8pm weekends
- Quiet study rooms throughout the faculty buildings
- Digital access to PubMed, scientific journals, and e-learning portals
🛏️ Housing Options
- 🏢 CampusX – Private dorm-style housing 5 minutes from campus
- 🏡 University accommodation support via: al*****@******a2.it
🏃♀️ Sports & Health
The CUS Tor Vergata sports center offers:
- Gym, dance, martial arts, football, tennis
- Student-friendly schedules and discounts
✈️ Study Abroad Opportunities
🌍 Erasmus+:
- Not highly recommended due to differing syllabi, but possible
✈️ Overseas Project:
- Short-term exchange programs with extra-European partners
🧑🔬 Final-Year Thesis Abroad:
- You may conduct your thesis research internationally!
✅ Pros & Cons Summary
✅ Pros:
- Early clinical exposure 🩺
- Small class sizes (25–30 students)
- Fully English-taught + Italian support
- Excellent faculty and infrastructure
- Research and exchange opportunities 🌍
❌ Cons:
- Hard-to-reach campus via public transport
- Far from Rome city center
- Occasional administrative delays
📞 Key Contacts
Didactic Office (Years 1–3):
📞 +39 06 7259 6971 – Matteo Valente
Didactic Office (Years 4–6):
📞 +39 06 7259 6923 – Fabrizia De Dominicis
📧 la*************@******a2.it
Students’ Office:
📧 se********************@**********a2.it
🕒 Mon/Wed/Fri: 9:00–12:00
📞 +39 06 7259 6044
🏁 Final Thoughts
Studying at the University of Rome Tor Vergata is not just about lectures — it’s a 6-year journey into one of the world’s oldest professions, with hands-on training, lifelong friendships, and a global perspective. 🌍
So, if you dream of healing people, enjoy problem-solving, and want to study medicine in the heart of Europe — Tor Vergata might just be the place for you.
