Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is considered the oldest university in the world.

The huge reputation of the University is ranked internationally in the institutions of high prestige and level of studies, and as a result, the total number of collaborating Universities exceeds 1200 worldwide!

Its undergraduate and postgraduate programs are mostly implemented in Italian and in the last 6 years many departments of the University offer the opportunity to study in English. The English department of the Medical School of the University of Bologna, offers a total of 70 places for students of the European Union and 15 for non-EU students and the courses are in English throughout the 6 years.

The primary objective of University of Bologna medical school is to develop competent doctors, specialists in their respective field and to equip them with all the necessary skills and techniques so as to be their possible best.

Medicine at the University of Bologna is a 6-year programme comprised of 12 semesters and each student is expected to carry out approximately 1020 hours of internship.

The tuition fees for the Medicine and Surgery program at Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna are structured to accommodate a variety of financial situations, ensuring accessibility to medical education regardless of economic background. The fees are determined based on the ISEE (Indicator of Economic Situation) value, a financial assessment tool used in Italy, for the academic year 2023/24. Students with an ISEE value up to a certain threshold are eligible for a full exemption from tuition fees; the exact threshold for the year 2023 will be disclosed by the end of May 2023​1​. The minimum fee to be paid for registering in a degree program is €157.04. This is obligatory even if a student qualifies for full exemption, and a variable amount calculated based on the economic situation of the student's family (ISEE value).

The university provides a tuition fee simulator, where you can input your ISEE value along with the degree program they wish to enroll in, to calculate your prospective tuition fees​2​. Although the simulator could provide specific tuition fee information for the Medicine program, direct access to the simulator was restricted. Moreover, there are exemptions and subsidies available for students in different situations. For instance, students with an ISEE of less than or equal to €27,000 are fully exempt and are required to pay only the fixed amount of €157.04. There are other specific conditions under which students can be fully or partially exempt from paying the variable amount of the tuition fees, such as residing in certain areas, having a disability, or having siblings or parents and/or children enrolled at the University of Bologna​1​. The specific tuition fee amount for the Medicine program might vary, and it's advisable to consult the tuition fee simulator or contact the university directly for precise fee details pertaining to the Medicine program.

For admission into the Medicine and Surgery program at Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, several key documents and prerequisites are required.

• Secondary School Diploma: Applicants must have a secondary school diploma from a five-year secondary school program or an equivalent qualification​​. Additionally, a secondary school diploma or an equivalent educational qualification, which represents 12 years of education, is also highlighted as a requirement​​.
• IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test): Prospective students must register for and clear the IMAT, which is themandatory admission test for the Single-Cycle Degree Programme in Medicine and Surgery​3​.
• English Language Proficiency: A B2 level or higher of English language proficiency is required​​.
• Additional Learning Requirement (ALR): Students might also need to satisfy the ALR, which includes basic knowledge in chemistry and biochemistry, cellular molecular biology and genetics, and medical physics​2​.
• National Regulations Compliance: The number of students admitted, the date of the admission test, test contents and procedures are regulated on a national basis by a decree of the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR)​​.
• Call for Applications: It's crucial to read the Call for Applications document that provides detailed information about the number of available places, test date and contents, procedures, and deadlines​​.

The exact list of documents needed and further details regarding the admission process can be found in the university's official call for applications, as well as on the program's admission page. Therefore, it's advisable for prospective students to thoroughly review these resources and ensure they meet all the stated requirements for a successful application.

Admission to the English-speaking Medical School in Bologna is through the International Medical Admissions Test– IMAT, a 60 multiple-choice test in

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Physics
• General Knowledge
• Logical Reasoning

The IMAT exams are held every year in September. The IMAT can not be sat online but onsite in a test center.

The facilities of the Medical School are located in the city center, a short distance from the historic center. Bologna, with 400,000 inhabitants, is a quiet campus with very nice architecture, welcoming to everyone. It offers all the facilities of a big city and a pleasant stay to both the student world and the visitors of the city.

Maria, 23: “I study on a campus in Bologna. It's got the charm of the old world, but all the modern stuff too. Bologna is full of history, and for art lovers, there are galleries, theaters, and music spots. We students love the green parks here. They're the perfect chill-out spots. The city's buzzing café scene is a bonus. So, whether it's a quiet green corner or a lively café, Bologna has it all. It's the perfect balance for our time at the University of Bologna.”

Maria: “I live in the heart of Bologna. The city beautifully blends its rich history with modern amenities. Bologna, with its historical significance, offers plenty for art enthusiasts, from galleries and theaters to vibrant music venues. As students, we frequently visit the lush green parks, which are ideal for relaxation. The ever-active café culture in Bologna is a delightful addition. When it comes to living costs, Bologna provides a range of options catering to different budgets. From affordable eateries to high-end restaurants and from student accommodations to upscale apartments, the city offers it all. It strikes the perfect balance for our academic journey at the University of Bologna.”

The University of Bologna offers various scholarships, study grants, and accommodations. You can apply for reduced fees or complete exemptions. There are also opportunities for part-time jobs and tutoring roles.

Students can eat in the student clubs - mense universitarie - where the meals are very low priced. As a student you also have access to various types of accommodation such as rooms, apartments, campuses and private accommodation.

Check these facebook groups:

• Affitti a Bologna - con uniaffitti, affitti per studenti