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University of Bologna
A Global Pinnacle for MBBS in Italy: The World's Oldest University, the Alma Mater Studiorum.
Institutional Overview
Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is the world’s oldest university, shaping global academia for over nine centuries. With 11 schools, 33 departments, and a multicampus structure (Bologna, Cesena, Forlì), it remains a beacon of academic and research excellence.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 78
Censis 2024: #3 in Italy for Medicine (98 points).
European Leadership
Member of Coimbra Group, European University Association, and Una Europa alliance.
Key Accreditations
WHO, NMC, GMC, USMLE Eligible
EC Directive 2005/36/EC Aligned
Adheres to Bologna Process & MEDINE
Clinical Training Hub
Partnerships with top hospitals, including Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi.
Medicine and Surgery Program
A six-year, 12-semester (Oct-June) Single Cycle Master’s degree in English, rooted in centuries of medical tradition. It trains scientist-physicians with a focus on evidence-based practice, translational research, and patient-centered care.
- Scientist-Physician Model: Focus on translational research and interprofessional collaboration.
- Extensive Internships: 1,020 mandatory hours of practical training starting in year three.
- Final-Year Thesis: A unique research presentation supervised by a professor, fostering scientific communication.
- Distinguished Faculty: Learn from leading experts in medicine and research at a world-class institution.
Curriculum Overview (360 ECTS)
Semester 1 (Oct–Jan, Year 1)
Courses: Molecular and Cellular Biology (6 CFU): Study cell structure, DNA, and basic life processes. Physics (4 CFU): Learn physics principles (e.g., mechanics, optics) for medical applications. Chemistry (6 CFU): Understand chemical reactions and molecules. Anatomy I (6 CFU): Explore gross anatomy (bones, muscles) via models.
Skills: Lab techniques, anatomical terminology, scientific reasoning.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: None
Semester 2 (Feb–Jun, Year 1)
Courses: Histology (6 CFU): Examine tissue types under microscopes in labs. Biochemistry I (6 CFU): Study chemical processes like enzyme function. Physiology I (6 CFU): Learn how organs (e.g., heart, lungs) function. Human Body Systems (6 CFU): Integrate micro (cells) and macro (organ) perspectives.
Skills: Microscope use, physiological measurements, teamwork.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: None
Additional: Basic Life Support and Defibrillation course with the Italian Red Cross.
Semester 3 (Oct–Jan, Year 2)
Courses: Anatomy II (6 CFU): Dive into regional anatomy (e.g., head, neck) with lab work. Biochemistry II (6 CFU): Explore advanced metabolism (e.g., energy production). Physiology II (6 CFU): Study complex systems like nervous and endocrine. Morphology and Development (8 CFU): Learn embryology and developmental biology.
Skills: Histology slide recognition, critical thinking for exams.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: None
Semester 4 (Feb–Jun, Year 2)
Courses: Signaling Pathways in Health and Disease (14 CFU): Understand molecular signals in diseases. Microbiology (6 CFU): Study bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. Immunology (4 CFU): Learn immune system functions. Medical Genetics (4 CFU): Explore genetic diseases and inheritance.
Skills: Lab-based pathogen analysis, genetic problem-solving.
ECTS Credits: ~28 CFU
Internships: Minimal lab-based work at Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi (not counted).
Semester 5 (Oct–Jan, Year 3)
Courses: Pathology I (6 CFU): Study disease mechanisms (e.g., inflammation, cancer). Pharmacology I (6 CFU): Learn drug actions and therapeutic uses. Clinical Approaches (6 CFU): Practice basic diagnostic skills (e.g., history-taking). Communication Skills (4 CFU): Develop patient interaction techniques.
Skills: Clinical reasoning, patient empathy, Italian for hospital settings.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: 4 CFU (68 hours) at Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi, shadowing doctors.
Semester 6 (Feb–Jun, Year 3)
Courses: Diagnostic Imaging (6 CFU): Learn to interpret X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Pathological Anatomy (6 CFU): Study disease effects on tissues in labs. Organ-Specific Pathologies I (Cardiovascular, Respiratory) (8 CFU): Focus on heart and lung diseases.
Skills: Imaging analysis, pathological diagnosis, improve Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~20 CFU
Internships: 10 CFU (170 hours) at Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi, assisting in clinics.
Semester 7 (Oct–Jan, Year 4)
Courses: Pathology II (6 CFU): Deepen understanding of systemic diseases. Pharmacology II (6 CFU): Study advanced drug therapies and interactions. Organ-Specific Pathologies II (Gastrointestinal, Endocrine) (8 CFU): Explore digestive and hormonal disorders. Biostatistics and Epidemiology (4 CFU): Learn statistical methods and disease trends.
Skills: Statistical analysis, clinical decision-making, B1 Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: ~10 CFU (170 hours) at Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi, engaging in diagnostics.
Semester 8 (Feb–Jun, Year 4)
Courses: Clinical Microbiology (6 CFU): Study infections in clinical settings. Organ-Specific Pathologies III (Renal, Musculoskeletal) (8 CFU): Focus on kidney and bone disorders. Medical Ethics and Professionalism (4 CFU): Explore ethical dilemmas. Introduction to Clinical Research (4 CFU): Learn research design.
Skills: Ethical reasoning, research planning, B1–B2 Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: ~10 CFU (170 hours) at Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi, managing patients.
Semester 9 (Oct–Jan, Year 5)
Courses: Internal Medicine I (8 CFU): Diagnose and manage complex internal diseases. General Surgery I (6 CFU): Learn surgical procedures and care. Obstetrics and Gynecology I (6 CFU): Study women’s reproductive health. Pediatrics I (6 CFU): Focus on child health and development.
Skills: Patient management, surgical observation, enhanced communication.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: 17 CFU (289 hours) at Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi, working in specialty wards.
Semester 10 (Feb–Jun, Year 5)
Courses: Medical Oncology (6 CFU): Study cancer diagnosis and treatment. Psychiatry (6 CFU): Learn mental health assessment and care. Legal Medicine (4 CFU): Understand forensic and legal aspects. Emergency Medicine (6 CFU): Train in urgent care scenarios. Community Medicine (4 CFU): Focus on public health and prevention.
Skills: Emergency response, psychiatric evaluation, legal knowledge.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: 17 CFU (289 hours) at Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi, working in ER and clinics.
Semester 11 (Oct–Jan, Year 6)
Courses: Internal Medicine II (6 CFU): Manage advanced chronic diseases. General Surgery II (6 CFU): Deepen surgical skills. Neurology (6 CFU): Study brain and nervous system disorders. Elective Course (e.g., Cardiology, Dermatology) (4 CFU): Choose a specialty. Thesis Preparation I (4 CFU): Begin research under faculty supervision.
Skills: Specialized diagnostics, research skills, fluent Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: ~14.5 CFU (246.5 hours) at Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi, leading patient care.
Semester 12 (Feb–Jun, Year 6)
Courses: Family Medicine (6 CFU): Learn primary care and patient follow-up. Medical-Surgical Emergencies (6 CFU): Train in critical care scenarios. Public Health and Global Health (4 CFU): Study health policy and global issues. Thesis Preparation II (8 CFU): Complete and present research thesis.
Skills: Practice primary care, emergency management, scientific presentation.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: ~14.5 CFU (246.5 hours) at Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi, preparing for practice.
Notes: Total internship hours ~1,649. Tuition €200–€3,400 (income-based). Affordable student city. WHO/NMC/GMC accredited. B2 Italian recommended.
Life in Bologna & Student Support
Located in Italy’s “student capital,” Bologna offers a vibrant, multicultural hub with its medieval towers and 38 km of porticoes. The city thrives with 90,000 students, offering dynamic nightlife, cultural events like the Bologna Jazz Festival, and rich history.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Range: €200 - €3,400 annually (ISEE-based), one of Europe's most affordable English-taught programs.
Financial Support
Merit- and need-based scholarships available via ER.GO. Details on the university's website. KALINGAEURO guidance provided.
Campus accessible via bus (€15/month pass) or bike (€50/year rental).
Living costs: €700–900/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Wellness supported by gyms (€300-400/year) and libraries like Sala Borsa.
Admissions & Notable Achievements
Admission Requirements
- 12 years of secondary education with a high school diploma.
- Competitive IMAT score (100-minute, 60-question exam).
- Estimated 2024 IMAT cut-offs: Approx. 47.1 (non-EU) & 44.2 (EU).
- Non-EU students need a D-type visa and must register via Universitaly and Studenti Online portal.
- An Italian language test is required upon arrival for the residence permit.
- KALINGAEURO provides tailored IMAT preparation.
Notable Achievements
World's Oldest University
Founded in 1088, shaping global higher education for over 900 years.
Guglielmo Marconi
Alumnus and Nobel Prize laureate in Physics (1909) for radio technology.
Gaspare Tagliacozzi
A 16th-century faculty member considered the father of modern plastic surgery.
The Bologna Process
Influenced the framework for comparable and compatible higher education in Europe.
Why Choose Bologna for Your MBBS?
Bologna offers an unparalleled MBBS experience, blending a 900-year legacy with innovative clinical training. Globally accredited and set in a vibrant, student-centric city, it prepares you for leadership in medicine.
