MBBS in Italy

MBBS in Italy for Indian Students 2026-27

If you have started looking at MBBS in Italy, chances are you have already seen the same three things everywhere: low tuition fees, English-taught medical courses and scholarships. Sounds attractive. And yes, for some students, it genuinely is.

But when Indian students come to us asking about MBBS in Italy for Indian students, the conversation usually becomes a little longer than they expected. Because getting into an Italian medical university is not just about finding a university with a reasonable fee. You have to look at eligibility, the admission route, entrance requirements, living costs, language, clinical training and, eventually, what you plan to do after the degree.

And this is where students sometimes make a mistake. They compare only the tuition fees of Italy with the fees of private medical colleges in India and think, “Okay, Italy is cheaper, so Italy is better.” Not necessarily.

You are choosing a six-year medical education and, for most students, a completely different country and education system. So the question is not simply “How much does MBBS in Italy cost?” It is also, “Does this route actually make sense for me?”

That is what we will help you understand here.

We will look at the medical universities in Italy, fees, eligibility, admission process, entrance examination, scholarships, living costs, student visa, NMC considerations and what you should realistically expect as an Indian student.

Key facts:

• 6 years course duration
• 20+ English-taught medical programmes
• 6,000+ Indian students in Italy
• €900–€4,000 public-university tuition range
• €700–€1,200 estimated monthly living costs
• €20,000+ tuition can apply at private medical universities
• NEET required for Indian students under applicable NMC rules
• IMAT / applicable national admission route for English-taught Medicine

Internal linking map

• Medical Universities in Italy
• MBBS in Italy Fees
• MBBS in Italy Eligibility
• NEET for MBBS in Italy
• IMAT
• MBBS Admission in Italy
• MBBS Scholarships in Italy
• Italy Student Visa
• Cost of Living in Italy
• MBBS in Italy for Indian Students / NMC requirements

MBBS in Italy at a Glance

Before getting into all the details, here is the quick picture.

Why Study MBBS in Italy?

For many Indian students, MBBS in Italy stands out because you can find English-taught Medicine programmes at established Italian universities without paying very high tuition fees. Have a look at some of the top benefits of studying medicine in Italy:

English-taught Medicine programmes: This is probably one of the first things Indian students notice about Italy. You can find Medicine programmes taught in English, so you are not expected to start your medical degree by first becoming fluent in Italian.

Scholarship opportunities: The scholarship part is another big attraction. Italy has regional and university-level funding options, and depending on your profile and eligibility, these can bring down the overall cost quite a bit.

Affordable study options: Compared with some private medical study-abroad destinations, Italy can look financially attractive. But don’t look at tuition alone. Your living costs, travel, accommodation and other expenses all have to be included in the budget.

Established universities: Italy has some very old and well-known universities, and you get to study in a country with a long academic tradition. For many students, that is part of the appeal.

European exposure: You are not only coming to Italy for the degree. You will be living in Europe for years, meeting students from different countries and getting used to a different academic and cultural environment.

Good option for the right student: MBBS in Italy can be a good option, but it isn’t automatically the right one for everyone. Your admission profile, budget, willingness to learn some Italian and plans after graduation all matter.

Is MBBS in Italy Good for Indian Students?

For an Indian student who wants to study Medicine in English and is interested in studying in Europe, Italy is certainly worth exploring. The scholarship options are another reason students look at it, particularly when the overall budget is a concern. But there are practical things you need to be ready for. The admission process is competitive, and getting into an English-taught medical programme is not something we would advise students to treat casually. Your budget also needs to include accommodation and everyday expenses, not just the university fee.

You can study your academic subjects in English, but you will still be living in Italy. Once you reach hospitals and start interacting with patients, knowing the local language becomes much more useful. We would rather have students prepare for that from the beginning.

The other thing to think about is your plan after graduation. If you want to return to India, check the NMC requirements before selecting a university. If you want to practise in Italy or another country, you will need to look at that country’s licensing rules.

So, yes, MBBS in Italy for Indian students can be a good route. Just don’t choose it because you have seen a low fee advertised somewhere. Look at the university, admission process, total cost, language and your plans after graduation together. That gives you a much more realistic picture.

Medical Universities in Italy

When students start shortlisting medical universities in Italy, we would not suggest choosing any option by ranking or by whichever university shows up first on Google.

Look at the programme itself. Is it taught in English? What is the admission route for your intake? What will you actually pay? Which city will you be living in? And, for an Indian student, does the university and programme fit the requirements you will need to meet later in India?

If you are comparing medical universities in Italy, don’t look at rankings alone. Fees, admission route, language, location and scholarship options can make a much bigger difference to your decision.

University of Bologna

• Location: Bologna
• Programme: Medicine and Surgery
• Duration: 6 years
• Language: English
• Admission: National restricted-access programme
• Admission seats: 150
• Entrance test: IMAT
• Clinical training: Clinical clerkships from Year 1

The programme is delivered entirely in English.

University of Milan

• Location: Milan
• Programme: Medicine and Surgery, International Medical School
• Duration: 6 years
• Language: English
• Admission: National admission route
• 2026/27 seats: 616 for EU and equivalent applicants, plus 7 for non-EU students residing abroad
• Admission route: Open semester followed by national ranking for the applicable Medicine and Surgery route
• Additional language: Italian is included in the programme

The university’s 2026/27 admission documentation gives the current seat distribution for Medicine and Surgery.

University of Padua

• Location: Padua
• Programme: Medicine and Surgery
• Duration: 6 years
• Language: English
• Admission: Nationally regulated admission
• 2026/27 seats: 494 EU + 6 non-EU at Padua; 97 EU + 3 non-EU at Treviso
• Important: Padua also launches the new English-taught Medicine and Surgery – MedTech programme in 2026/27 with 80 seats

The university’s current 2026/27 information lists the above provisional places, while the MedTech programme is a separate new course.

University of Milano-Bicocca

• Location: Milan
• Programme: Medicine and Surgery
• Duration: 6 years
• Language: English
• Admission: Nationally regulated admission
• 2026/27 information: Current programme and international-student information is available, with the university’s 2026/27 Medicine catalogue being updated for the new academic year
• Additional opportunity: The Virgilio research programme has 10 places for eligible third-year Medicine students

Milano-Bicocca confirms that its School of Medicine and Surgery includes programmes taught in English.

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University

• Location: Milan
• Type: Private
• Programme: International Medical Doctor Program
• Duration: 6 years
• Language: English
• 2026/27 non-EU seats: 64, subject to confirmation by the Italian Ministry
• 2026/27 tuition: €20,690 per year
• Admission: University admission test with separate EU and non-EU rankings

These are the university’s published 2026/27 figures.

Humanitas University

• Location: Pieve Emanuele, Milan metropolitan area
• Type: Private
• Programme: Medicine and Surgery
• Duration: 6 years
• Language: English
• Admission seats: 200 annually, including 150 EU and 50 non-EU
• Admission: Humanitas University admission test
• Clinical training: Clerkships begin in Year 3
• 2026/27 non-EU tuition: €23,206 per year
• 2026/27 scholarships: Three €18,000 partial scholarships for eligible non-EU students

One thing we would strongly recommend: don’t make your university shortlist from an old ranking table. Medical university fees, admission process, programme availability and requirements can change, so check the current university website before applying.

MBBS in Italy Fees

When students ask us about MBBS in Italy fees, they want one simple number. Unfortunately, Italy doesn’t work that way. Tuition fees for MBBS in Italy can vary quite a bit depending on the university, whether it is public or private. At some public medical universities, fees can be linked to family income or financial documentation, while private medical universities generally have much higher fixed fees.

Tuition Fees for MBBS in Italy

For public universities, the annual tuition can be relatively manageable, particularly where income-based reductions or exemptions apply. For example, the University of Pisa lists a maximum all-inclusive tuition fee of €2,900 for 2026/27, while the University of Udine lists fees ranging from €16 to €2,076, depending on the applicable financial assessment.

Private universities are considerably more expensive. For example, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University lists tuition of €20,690 for 2026/27 for its International Medical Doctor Program.

So when you see a website quoting one fixed figure for MBBS in Italy, don’t assume that amount applies to every university.

Eligibility for MBBS in Italy for Indian Students

Before you start looking at universities, first check whether you actually meet the basic MBBS in Italy eligibility requirements. For most English-taught Medicine programmes, an Indian student will need:

Class 12 / senior secondary qualification: You should have completed your higher secondary education with a qualification recognised as equivalent to the Italian upper-secondary school diploma.

Physics, Chemistry and Biology: A Science background with the relevant subjects is important for medical admission.

English proficiency: Since the programme is taught in English, the university may have its own language requirement. For example, Bologna specifies B2-level English for its English-taught Medicine and Surgery programme.

Entrance requirement: MBBS programmes have an admission/selection process, which varies according to the university and current admission cycle.

NEET: Indian students should also meet the NEET requirement applicable to studying Medicine abroad and check the current NMC rules for their admission year.

NEET for MBBS in Italy

If you are an Indian student planning to study MBBS in Italy, NEET-UG is mandatory. The NMC states that Indian and OCI students intending to obtain a primary medical qualification from a foreign medical institution must qualify NEET.

There is an important distinction, though. NEET does not replace the Italian university’s admission process. It is an Indian eligibility requirement. You may still have to meet the admission and selection requirements of the Italian university you are applying to.

So, think of it as two separate things:

If your plan is to return to India after graduation, don’t treat NEET as just a formality. For 2026/27, students should check the current NMC and university rules rather than relying on older “NEET + IMAT” guides.

IMAT for MBBS in Italy

IMAT, or International Medical Admissions Test, is the entrance test used for English-taught Medicine and Surgery programmes under the relevant Italian admission route.

For Indian students, remember one simple thing: NEET and IMAT serve different purposes. NEET is required under the applicable Indian rules for students planning to study Medicine abroad, while IMAT is part of the Italian admission process for eligible English-taught medical programmes.

The test covers areas such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, logical reasoning and problem-solving.

And no, clearing IMAT doesn’t mean you automatically get a seat. Admission is competitive and depends on your ranking, available seats and the admission rules for the university and academic year you’re applying for.

For 2026/27, check the current admission notice before preparing, because Italy’s medical admission system has been changing and the route can differ between English-taught and Italian-taught programmes.

Documents Required for MBBS in Italy

The exact list can vary by university and admission process, but as an Indian student, we advise you start organising your documents as per the given checklist:

1. Academic Documents

• Class 10 certificate and marksheet
• Class 12 certificate and marksheet
• Physics, Chemistry and Biology records
• Academic transcripts
• Valid passport
• NEET scorecard, where applicable
• Entrance-test result, such as IMAT, where applicable

Italian universities assess foreign qualifications themselves, so additional documents such as legalisation, apostille, Declaration of Value or CIMEA documentation may be required.

2. Language Documents

• English-language certificate, if required by the university
• Italian-language certificate, where required
• Any university-specific language assessment

Check the university’s own language requirement.

3. Admission Documents

• University application form
• Entrance-test registration/result
• Admission or acceptance letter
• Proof of payment of application or enrolment fee, where applicable
• Documents requested for evaluation of your foreign qualification

4. Financial Documents

For the visa stage, you may need:

• Bank statements or other acceptable proof of financial resources
• Sponsor’s financial documents, if your education is being funded by your parents or another eligible sponsor
• Scholarship letter, if applicable
• Proof of payment of tuition/enrolment fees, where applicable

5. Accommodation Documents

• Rental agreement, or
• University accommodation confirmation, or
• Other acceptable proof of accommodation

6. Visa Documents

For the Italian student visa, you will generally need documents such as:

• Valid passport
• Visa application form
• Recent photographs
• University admission/pre-enrolment documentation
• Universitaly pre-enrolment summary, where applicable
• Academic qualification documents
• Financial proof
• Accommodation proof
• Health insurance
• Other documents specified by the Italian Embassy/consular authority

For 2026/27, Universitaly confirms that international students requiring a study visa must complete pre-enrolment through the official Universitaly portal.

Admission Process for MBBS in Italy

The MBBS in Italy admission process depends on the university and the programme you choose, so don’t assume that every medical university follows exactly the same route. For an Indian student, the process looks like this:

• Shortlist the university and English-taught Medicine programme.
• Check the eligibility requirements, including your academic qualification and applicable NEET requirement.
• Check the admission route for your university. For English-taught Medicine, this may include the relevant national admission test such as IMAT.
• Take the required entrance test or complete the applicable selection process and secure a place.
• Complete your university application and enrolment as instructed by the university.
• Complete pre-enrolment through Universitaly if you are a non-EU student applying for a study visa. Universitaly is the official portal used for international student pre-enrolment.
• Apply for your Italian student visa with the required documents.
• Travel to Italy and complete your final enrolment and residence formalities. Non-EU students entering Italy on a study visa must apply for their residence permit within eight working days of arrival.

Note: The Italian medical admission system has changed, and the route for English-taught Medicine is not necessarily the same as the route for Italian-taught Medicine.

For support and guidance, connect with our counsellor right away.

How Hard Is It to Get Into MBBS in Italy?

Honestly, MBBS in Italy is not an easy admission route. It is competitive, particularly for English-taught Medicine programmes.

Your Class 12 marks and NEET qualification can make you eligible, but that doesn’t mean you automatically get a seat. You still have to go through the relevant admission process, compete for the available seats and meet the university’s requirements.

So, don’t choose Italy thinking, “At least admission will be easy here.” It doesn’t work that way.

The good part is that if you understand the admission route early and shortlist universities realistically, you can prepare much better instead of applying blindly.

Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students

Your living expenses in Italy will depend heavily on the city. Milan will usually require a bigger budget than a smaller university city, especially for accommodation.

For a safer budget, we would tell an Indian student to plan around €700–€1,200 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle.

Scholarships for MBBS in Italy

This is one of the reasons Italy gets so much attention from Indian students. Scholarships in Italy are not limited to university merit scholarships. Regional financial-aid schemes can also help eligible international students with tuition and living costs.

Regional scholarships are important for international students, but eligibility and documentation vary by region.

For example, the University of Padua offers full tuition-fee waivers to selected international students in eligible English-taught MBBS programmes.

Don’t assume a scholarship is guaranteed. Check the eligibility criteria, required financial documents and application deadline separately from your university application.

Student Visa for MBBS in Italy

Once you receive admission to an Italian medical university, you will need to apply for the appropriate Italian student visa before travelling. For Indian students, the usual route is:

• Get admission to the university.
• Complete the required Universitaly pre-enrolment process.
• Prepare your visa documents.
• Apply for the student visa through the Italian visa application system in India.
• After reaching Italy, complete the required residence formalities.

Documents generally required

• Valid passport
• University admission letter
• Proof of financial means
• Accommodation details
• Health insurance
• Academic documents
• Visa application form and photographs
• Other documents specified by the Italian authorities

Don’t leave the visa process until the last minute. For 2026/27 student visa requirements, always check the current Italian consular requirements.

Career Opportunities After MBBS in Italy

Completing MBBS in Italy does not automatically mean you can start practising medicine in whichever country you choose. What you can do after graduation depends on the country where you want to work and its medical licensing requirements. For Indian students, the main routes to consider are:

If you decide to specialise after your medical degree, common areas include:

• Internal Medicine
• General Surgery
• Paediatrics
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Dermatology
• Radiology
• Orthopaedics
• Psychiatry
• Anaesthesiology
• Gynaecology and Obstetrics

The important thing for students to understand is that these are postgraduate specialisations, not separate MBBS courses. You first complete the six-year Medicine and Surgery degree and then follow the postgraduate route applicable to the country where you want to specialise.

Returning to India After MBBS in Italy

If you plan to return to India after MBBS in Italy, check the NMC requirements before you choose your university. Your medical degree, course duration, clinical training and internship must meet the applicable requirements for foreign medical graduates. You will also need to follow the applicable licensing and registration process in India.

So don’t choose a university only because admission is easier or fees look lower**.** Check the India-return pathway first. For the 2026-27 MBBS intake, always verify the latest NMC requirements before enrolling

Pros and Cons of Studying MBBS in Italy

Before you decide on MBBS in Italy, it helps to look at both sides. The option can work very well for some students, but it comes with its own challenges too.

How Anigdha Can Help?

Choosing MBBS in Italy is not just about finding a university and filling out an application. There are entrance requirements, university-specific rules, documents, fees and visa formalities to get right.

At Anigdha, our expert study abroad counsellors can help you through the process, from shortlisting the right medical universities in Italy to understanding your eligibility, admission route, documentation and application requirements.

We can help you:

• Assess your academic profile and NEET eligibility
• Shortlist suitable MBBS universities in Italy
• Understand the IMAT and admission process
• Comprehensive IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) preparation support
• Compare fees, scholarships and living costs
• Prepare and check your application documents
• Guide you through Universitaly pre-enrolment
• Assist with the student visa process
• Help you make a realistic decision based on your budget and long-term plans

Connect with our expert education counsellor today!

About the Author

Swati Ahuja

Senior Counsellor and Writer

At Anigdha, we understand that choosing to study abroad is rarely difficult because students cannot find information. The real challenge is knowing which information is reliable, relevant and applicable to your situation. Our study abroad guides are written around the questions students and parents regularly ask during counselling — from choosing the right country, university and course to understanding admission requirements, eligibility criteria, tuition fees, scholarships, student visas and application processes. Our Writing & Editing Team researches official university and government sources, admission requirements and current study abroad processes before publishing. Important content is reviewed and updated when university policies, visa rules, application procedures or other requirements change. We do not believe there is one study abroad pathway that works for every student. Our goal is to explain your options clearly, highlight the factors that can affect your decision and help you make an informed choice based on your academic background, career goals, budget and preferred study destination.

Last Updated: October 19, 2026