Thinking about studying medicine in Italy in English? The University of Pavia is one of the top choices — not just in Italy, but across Europe. With a rich history, modern facilities, and a vibrant student life, it’s no surprise that thousands of students apply to its Harvey Medical Program every year.
Here’s everything you need to know about studying medicine at Pavia in 2025, from courses and scholarships to campus life and housing.
📍 About the University of Pavia
Pavia is a small, student-friendly city near Milan — full of historic charm, beautiful architecture, and a strong academic vibe. The University of Pavia is one of the oldest universities in the world, dating back to 1361. Over the years, it’s been home to legendary scientists like Alessandro Volta and Camillo Golgi.
Today, it has around 25,000 students, including many from around the world.
🩺 The Harvey Medicine and Surgery Program
The Harvey course is a 6-year medical degree taught entirely in English. It’s named after William Harvey, the British physician who discovered blood circulation.
Quick facts:
- 📚 Language: 100% in English
- ⏳ Duration: 6 years
- 🌍 International seats in 2025:
- 103 seats for EU students
- 40 seats for non-EU students
- 🏥 Clinical practice starts in Year 3
- ✅ Recognized across Europe (and elsewhere, depending on your country’s rules)
🏫 A Brand-New Medical Campus
In 2023, Pavia opened its new Campus della Salute — a modern medical training hub in Viale Golgi. It used to be part of the San Matteo Hospital and is now fully renovated for students.
What’s inside:
- 16 lecture halls (2,100+ seats)
- Study rooms, computer labs, and chill-out areas
- Massive 200,000-book library
- Cutting-edge simulation labs
- Super close to hospitals and city center
🏥 Hospitals & Clinical Training
Clinical practice is a big deal at Pavia — and starts from the third year. You’ll rotate through:
- San Matteo Hospital (a top-tier hospital in Italy)
- DEA (Emergency Department)
- Maugeri Hospital
- Mondino Neurological Institute
All hospitals are walking distance from the main campus or easy to reach with public transport.
📚 Curriculum
Harvey Curriculum
Year 1
- Chemistry – 5 CFU
- Medical Physics – 5 CFU
- Mathematics – 1 CFU
- Academic Essay Writing – 1 CFU
- Living Molecules (Biochemistry, Biology, Genetics) – 19 CFU
- Scientific Foundations (Epidemiology, Statistics, History of Medicine) – 6 CFU
- Structure of the Body (Anatomy, Cytology, Embryology, Histology) – 20 CFU
- Social Roots of Health (Public Health, Health Economics) – 8 CFU
- Electives: Disability Training (2 CFU), Ultrasound Workshop (1 CFU)
Year 2
- Structure and Function of the Body (continued)
- Biological Regulation (Cell Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics)
- Pathophysiology (Immunology, Microbiology, General Pathology)
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Clinical Reasoning & Early Patient Contact
Year 3
- Systemic Pathology (Cardiovascular, Respiratory, GI, Neurology)
- Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology
- Emergency Medicine & Basic Life Support
- Evidence-Based Medicine & Clinical Epidemiology
- Lab Rotations & Seminars
Year 4
- Pediatrics & Neonatology
- Medical Genetics
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Anesthesiology & Intensive Care
- Dermatology & Plastic Surgery
- Clinical Rotations – Clerkship I
Year 5
- Internal Medicine II
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology & Gastroenterology
- Neurology & Psychiatry
- Rheumatology & Oncology
- Medicine & Surgery Clerkship II
Year 6
- Full-time Clinical Clerkships (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Community Medicine)
- Licensing Internships
- Thesis Preparation
Each subject is worth credits called CFU (like ECTS). You need a minimum number of credits to move to the next year.
🧑🎓 Student Life in Pavia
Libraries
- Botta Library (great for medical students)
- San Matteo Hospital libraries
- Several beautiful historical libraries around town
Food & Canteens
- 5 student canteens with meals from €3.50
- Free daily meal if you have a scholarship
- Free water, microwaves, and vegan options available
Social Life
- 20+ student colleges
- Sports, clubs, parties, and student-run events
- Harvey MedSoc and SISM Pavia host free seminars, workshops, and travel programs
Pavia is small but lively — especially for students.
🌍 International Opportunities
The university has a strong global focus, with:
- 700+ Erasmus+ exchange programs
- 400+ university partnerships worldwide
- EC2U: a European university alliance including Salamanca, Coimbra, Jena, and more
Students can also apply for clinical internships abroad via Erasmus+.
🏡 Accommodation: Living in a College
Pavia uses a unique college system — a bit like Hogwarts (yes, really).
You can choose from:
- Public colleges (EDiSU) — affordable, with scholarships
- Merit-based colleges — focused on academic excellence
- Private colleges — often include meals, activities, and events
Colleges offer housing + a community, including tutoring, cultural events, and sports.
💶 Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition:
- Paid in two parts
- Second part depends on your income (EU) or country of origin (non-EU)
Scholarships:
- Handled by EDiSU Pavia
- Based on family income, grades, and other factors
- Can include:
✅ Free housing
✅ Free meals
✅ Waived tuition fees
📝 How to Apply (International Students)
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Pre-enroll on Universitaly.it
- Take the IMAT exam (usually in September)
- Wait for admission results
- Finalize your registration on Pavia’s portal
- Apply for a visa (non-EU students)
✏️ Note: To transfer to Pavia from another med school, you must already be in a similar English program and have your credits validated — not guaranteed.
🎯 Is the University of Pavia Right for You?
Pros:
✅ High-quality education
✅ Affordable city
✅ Active student life
✅ Great for international students
✅ Easy access to Milan (30 min train)
Cons:
❌ Not every professor is super fluent in English
❌ Mosquitoes in summer (seriously — bring repellent)
❌ Pavia is quiet — nightlife is low-key
Final Thoughts
Studying medicine at the University of Pavia is a smart move if you’re looking for quality education in English, a friendly student city, and real clinical experience. It’s a perfect mix of academic prestige and modern student life — all at a much lower cost than many other European medical schools.
Frequently Asked Questions – Pavia Harvey Medical Program
Is the University of Pavia’s medical program taught entirely in English?
Yes. The Harvey Medicine and Surgery course at the University of Pavia is taught entirely in English, from the first year to the final thesis.
How long is the Medicine program at Pavia?
The medical program lasts 6 years and consists of 360 ECTS credits, following the EU standard for medical education.
What degree do I receive after completing the Harvey course?
You receive an MD (Medicina e Chirurgia) degree, which qualifies you to apply for a license to practice in Italy and across the EU, and is recognized internationally.
Does the program include clinical rotations?
Yes. Starting in year 3, students participate in clinical rotations and clerkships at affiliated hospitals in Pavia and beyond. Clinical training intensifies during the final years.
Can international students apply for the Harvey course?
Yes. The program is open to EU and non-EU international applicants. Admissions are based on the IMAT entrance exam.
What is the IMAT exam?
The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is a standardized entrance exam required for all applicants to English-language medical programs in Italy, including Pavia.
Is the Pavia MD degree recognized in the US, UK, or Canada?
Yes. The degree is internationally recognized. However, graduates must pass licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or MCCQE (Canada) to practice in those countries.
