The University of Turin is one of the best choices — not only because of its rich history but also because of the modern, international, and student-friendly vibe. In this guide, we’re going deep into what makes the University of Turin’s Medicine and Surgery program stand out, what life is like there, and how to get in through the IMAT. Let’s dive in 🌊
🏢 About the University of Turin
Founded in 1404, the University of Turin is one of Italy’s oldest and most respected institutions. With around 80,000 students and a massive network of 159 degree programs, it’s literally a mini city in the heart of Turin.
Some seriously legendary people studied here, like:
- Erasmus of Rotterdam
- Rita Levi Montalcini (Nobel Prize winner)
- Salvatore Luria (another Nobel laureate!)
- Giuseppe Saragat (President of Italy)
- Primo Levi
🚀 The MD Program in English
The Medicine and Surgery degree taught in English launched in 2017. It’s held at San Luigi Hospital in Orbassano, just outside Turin. Before that, medicine courses were only available in Italian.
How Many Students Get In?
- ✅ 70 spots for EU citizens
- ✅ 32 spots for non-EU citizens
Total: 102 new students per year
🎓 Tuition Fees at University of Turin
One of the best things about studying in Italy is that university tuition is super affordable — especially compared to other countries.
At the University of Turin, tuition fees for the Medicine and Surgery course depend on your family income (ISEE) and your citizenship status.
- EU & Non-EU with EU-equivalent status:
Fees range from €156 to about €3,000/year
You’ll need to submit your ISEE or equivalent income documentation to determine the exact amount. - Non-EU students residing abroad:
Flat-rate tuition of around €1,000 – €2,500/year, depending on your country of origin and economic background.
💡 Pro Tip: Early applications often get tuition discounts, and UniTo offers fee waivers or reductions for students with financial difficulties. Check out UniTo’s official site each year for updates.
🏡 Cost of Living in Turin
Turin is cheaper than Milan or Rome, but still offers that vibrant city life.
Here’s what you can expect monthly 💰:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (per month) |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Rent (shared apartment) | €300 – €500 |
| 🍝 Food & groceries | €150 – €250 |
| 🚇 Transport (bus, metro) | €25 – €35 (student rate) |
| 📱 Phone & Internet | €20 – €30 |
| 🎉 Entertainment | €50 – €100 |
| 📚 Study materials | €30 – €50 |
🧠 Total estimated monthly cost: €600 – €950/month
🛏️ Where to Live?
Since San Luigi Hospital (your campus) is in Orbassano, most students prefer living in Turin city for a better social life.
Top areas for students:
- San Salvario – lively and central, close to nightlife
- Santa Rita – quiet and affordable
- Cit Turin – upscale but walkable to many key areas
Commuting is easy with bus 43, and carpooling apps like JojobRT are super popular among students.
Study spaces? Covered.
- Library + microwaves in Aule Treno and Aule Genetica
- On-campus canteen (price depends on family income)
- Two cafeterias
🏥 Hospitals for Clerkships
From 3rd year onwards, you’ll start hands-on experience in hospitals. Here are some you might work in:
- San Luigi
- Pinerolo Hospital
- Rivoli Hospital
- Mauriziano
- Asti Hospital
- Maria Vittoria
- Cuneo Hospital
- Verduno Hospital
- San Giovanni Bosco
- Molinette
Morning = clerkships Afternoon = lectures
✏️ How the Curriculum Works
During the first two years, it’s mostly pre-clinical studies. The program is designed to prevent you from repeating the same topics later.
You start experiencing real hospital settings from first year, and actual clerkships start in year 3.
There’s an English course in year 1 and year 3, with a special focus on academic writing. A B2 certificate is recommended, but not mandatory. If you don’t have it, you’ll take a placement-style English test instead.
Attendance is mandatory: 67% minimum, and it is checked! Otherwise, you’ll need to retake the course next year.
📚 Medicine Curriculum at University of Turin (Years 1–6)
Year 1
- Cell Biology and Genetics (11 CFU)
- Introduction to Medicine (4 CFU)
- Medical Language (4 CFU)
- Preparatory Biochemistry (7 CFU)
- Basis of Human Morphology 1 (8 CFU)
- Biochemical and Molecular Basis of Metabolism (11 CFU)
- Physics (3 CFU)
Year 2
- Basis of Human Morphology 2
- Physiology
- Biochemistry II
- Pathology I
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
- Medical Psychology
Year 3
- Pathology II
- Clinical Methodology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Semiology
- Advanced English and Scientific Writing
- Radiology
- Clerkships Begin (Internal Medicine, General Surgery)
Year 4
- Pediatrics
- Gynecology & Obstetrics
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine II
- Clerkships Continue
Year 5
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Emergency Medicine
- Clerkships in Specialized Areas
Year 6
- Full-time Clinical Clerkships
- Geriatrics
- Palliative Care
- Thesis Preparation
- Licensing Internships
📝 Pros and Cons of Studying Medicine in Turin
Pros:
- 🌎 International atmosphere
- 🚪 Small class size = personalized experience
- ⚕️ Early start to clinics and clerkships
- 🏥 Study + work in the same hospital
- 🌐 Bilingual training (English + Italian)
- ✉️ ERASMUS+ exchange opportunities
Cons:
- 🚗 San Luigi is a bit isolated
- 🌐 Some professors struggle with English
🌺 Life on Campus
The San Luigi campus is compact but has all you need:
- Library
- Study rooms
- Canteen
- Microwaves
In addition, Turin has:
- Molinette Library (Corso Dogliotti 14)
- CTO Library (Via Zuretti 29)
- Dental School Library (Via Nizza 230)
- Biology Library (Corso Raffaello 30)
There’s also a mall nearby, around 10 minutes by car, with restaurants and fast food.
🎓 How to Get In: The IMAT Exam
To enroll in the MD program at Turin, you MUST take the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test).
Enrollment Steps:
- Register on MyUniTo using SPID or Create a account.
- Go to Enrollments > Admission Tests > Medicine and Surgery
- Pre-enroll on Universitaly.it if required
- Enroll for the IMAT
- After IMAT results: Enroll fast if you get “Assigned”
- Pay the first installment
- Upload documents
📄 Bureaucracy & Transfers
Transfers
- Only allowed from English programs
- IMAT still required
- Exam validation depends on CFUs + subject match + professor decision
Dropouts
- Fill out form
- Make sure no outstanding payments
📖 Conclusion
Choosing the University of Turin for medicine is more than just a study choice — it’s a lifestyle. From the buzzing student life in Turin to the calm clinical focus in Orbassano, you get a bit of everything.
Whether you’re drawn in by the early clinical experience, the English-taught curriculum, or the chance to meet students from across the globe, Turin offers a solid foundation for any future doctor — and the IMAT is your ticket in.
So start prepping, stay focused, and maybe we’ll see you in white coats soon 🩼 Good luck!
