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University of Cagliari
Located in Sardinia, Cagliari offers a scenic, affordable coastal city with a new English-taught program. Internships: Conducted at AOU Cagliari and regional hospitals.
Institutional Overview
Founded in 1606, the University of Cagliari (UniCa) is a dynamic public institution located in Sardinia. It offers a new English-taught medical program and is known for its research in marine biology and environmental sciences.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 401-450
Censis 2024: Top-tier in Italy for research & training.
International Focus
Growing international student body.
Erasmus+ programs & global partnerships.
Key Accreditations
WHO, NMC, GMC, USMLE Eligible
EC Directive 2005/36/EC Aligned
New English-Taught Program
Advanced Facilities
Training at AOU Cagliari and regional hospitals.
Modern simulation labs.
Medicine and Surgery Program
Launched in 2023, this six-year, 12-semester (Oct-July) Single Cycle Master’s degree in English is designed to train world-class doctors with a strong focus on clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and research.
- Clinical Reasoning Focus: Emphasizes clinical maturation and ethical practice from early years.
- Small Class Sizes: Capped at 60 students (20 Non-EU, 40 EU for 2024/25) for personalized mentorship.
- Problem-Based Learning (PBL): A core pedagogical method that fosters critical thinking and clinical reasoning.
- Elective Activities (8 ECTS): Allows students to tailor a portion of their studies to personal interests.
Curriculum Overview (360 ECTS)
Semester 1 (Oct–Jan, Year 1)
Courses: Molecular Biology (6 CFU): Study cell structure and DNA processes. Physics (4 CFU): Learn physics for medical imaging and diagnostics. Chemistry (6 CFU): Understand biochemical molecules and reactions. Anatomy I (6 CFU): Explore body structures using models.
Skills: Lab skills, anatomical knowledge, scientific reasoning.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: None
Semester 2 (Feb–Jun, Year 1)
Courses: Histology (6 CFU): Analyze tissue types in lab sessions. Biochemistry I (6 CFU): Study metabolic pathways and enzymes. Physiology I (6 CFU): Learn organ functions (e.g., cardiovascular). Organ Systems (6 CFU): Integrate cellular and systemic biology.
Skills: Microscopy, physiological analysis, teamwork.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: None
Additional: Basic Life Support training.
Semester 3 (Oct–Jan, Year 2)
Courses: Anatomy II (6 CFU): Study detailed anatomy with lab work. Biochemistry II (6 CFU): Explore advanced metabolic processes. Physiology II (6 CFU): Study nervous and endocrine systems. Developmental Biology (8 CFU): Learn embryology and development.
Skills: Tissue identification, exam preparation.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: None
Semester 4 (Feb–Jun, Year 2)
Courses: Microbiology (6 CFU): Study pathogens and their effects. Immunology (4 CFU): Understand immune defenses. Genetics (6 CFU): Explore genetic disorders and inheritance. Molecular Pathology (8 CFU): Study disease mechanisms at molecular levels.
Skills: Microbial analysis, genetic diagnostics, clinical preparation.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: Minimal lab-based work at AOU Cagliari (not counted).
Semester 5 (Oct–Jan, Year 3)
Courses: Pathology I (6 CFU): Study disease processes (e.g., inflammation, cancer). Pharmacology I (6 CFU): Learn drug actions and therapeutic principles. Clinical Practice (6 CFU): Practice history-taking and physical exams. Communication (4 CFU): Develop patient interaction skills.
Skills: Diagnostic reasoning, patient rapport, basic Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: 4 CFU (68 hours) at AOU Cagliari, observing care.
Semester 6 (Feb–Jun, Year 3)
Courses: Diagnostic Imaging (6 CFU): Learn to read X-rays and MRIs. Pathological Anatomy (6 CFU): Analyze diseased tissues in labs. Cardiovascular/Respiratory Diseases (8 CFU): Study heart and lung conditions.
Skills: Imaging interpretation, pathological diagnosis, improve Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~20 CFU
Internships: 10 CFU (170 hours) at AOU Cagliari, assisting in clinics.
Semester 7 (Oct–Jan, Year 4)
Courses: Pathology II (6 CFU): Explore systemic diseases (e.g., autoimmune). Pharmacology II (6 CFU): Study advanced therapeutics. Gastrointestinal/Endocrine Diseases (8 CFU): Focus on digestive and hormonal disorders. Biostatistics (4 CFU): Learn statistical methods for research.
Skills: Statistical analysis, clinical diagnostics, B1 Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: ~10 CFU (170 hours) at AOU Cagliari, engaging in diagnostics.
Semester 8 (Feb–Jun, Year 4)
Courses: Clinical Microbiology (6 CFU): Study infections in clinical settings. Renal/Musculoskeletal Diseases (8 CFU): Focus on kidney and bone disorders. Ethics (4 CFU): Explore medical ethics and professionalism. Research Design (4 CFU): Learn clinical study design.
Skills: Ethical reasoning, research planning, B1–B2 Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: ~10 CFU (170 hours) at AOU Cagliari, managing patients.
Semester 9 (Oct–Jan, Year 5)
Courses: Internal Medicine I (8 CFU): Manage complex diseases like diabetes. Surgery I (6 CFU): Learn surgical procedures and care. Obstetrics/Gynecology I (6 CFU): Study women’s reproductive health. Pediatrics I (6 CFU): Focus on child health and development.
Skills: Patient management, surgical assistance, enhanced communication.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: 17 CFU (289 hours) at AOU Cagliari, working in specialty wards.
Semester 10 (Feb–Jun, Year 5)
Courses: 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 Health (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 AOU Cagliari, working in ER and clinics.
Semester 11 (Oct–Jan, Year 6)
Courses: Internal Medicine II (6 CFU): Manage advanced chronic diseases. Surgery II (6 CFU): Deepen surgical skills. Neurology (6 CFU): Study brain and nervous system disorders. Elective (e.g., Cardiology, Dermatology) (4 CFU): Choose a specialty. Thesis I (4 CFU): Begin research project.
Skills: Advanced diagnostics, research skills, fluent Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: ~14.5 CFU (246.5 hours) at AOU Cagliari, leading patient care.
Semester 12 (Feb–Jun, Year 6)
Courses: Family Medicine (6 CFU): Learn primary care and patient follow-up. Emergencies (6 CFU): Train in critical care scenarios. Global Health (4 CFU): Study health policy and global issues. Thesis II (8 CFU): Complete and present research thesis.
Skills: Primary care, emergency management, scientific presentation.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: ~14.5 CFU (246.5 hours) at AOU Cagliari, preparing for practice.
Notes: Total internship hours ~1,649. Affordable coastal living in Cagliari. Tuition €200–€3,000 (income-based). WHO/NMC/GMC accredited. B2 Italian recommended.
Life in Cagliari & Student Support
Located in Cagliari, Sardinia, a city of 150,000, students enjoy a vibrant, affordable coastal lifestyle. The city offers historic sites like the Castello district, beautiful beaches, and a lively cultural scene with festivals and events. The university provides strong student support services.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Range: €150 - €2,800 annually (ISEE-based). No-tax area for ISEE < €23,000. Payable in 3 installments.
Financial Support (ERSU)
ERSU scholarships (€2,000–€5,000/year) and merit-based grants (€500–€1,000). KALINGAEURO guidance available.
Campus accessible by bus (€1.30/ticket) or bike (€20/month).
Living costs: €300–500/month for shared rooms.
Enjoy subsidized canteens (€2-4/meal) and local festivals.
Admissions & Notable Features
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. 40.5 (non-EU) & 42.0 (EU) per AcadIMAT.
- Non-EU: D-type visa, pre-enroll via Universitaly, apply via UniCa portal by July.
- English B2 required; Italian B1 needed by year 3 for clinics.
- KALINGAEURO provides IMAT preparation.
Notable Features
New English Program (2023)
A modern, recently launched curriculum with a global perspective.
AOU Cagliari Integration
Medical faculty and training are fully integrated within a state-of-the-art university hospital.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
Emphasizes critical thinking and clinical reasoning through real-world case studies.
Vibrant Sardinian Lifestyle
Affordable living combined with the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Sardinia.
Why Choose UniCa for Your MBBS?
UniCa offers a world-class MBBS experience, blending its historic legacy with cutting-edge training at AOU Cagliari. Globally accredited and set in Cagliari’s affordable, sunlit coastal city, it prepares you for a distinguished medical career.
