University of Cagliari
A Coastal Gem for MBBS in Italy: Holistic Medical Training
At a Glance
Founded in 1606, the University of Cagliari is one of Italy’s oldest universities, located in the capital of Sardinia, renowned for its research, clinical facilities, and strong international focus.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 301-350
Top in Southern Italy for research (Censis).
Internationalization
7% international students.
100+ Erasmus+ agreements, Globus programs.
Key Accreditations
WHO Listed
NMC (India) Recognized
UK GMC & USMLE Eligible
Facilities & Campus
Health Sciences Campus in Monserrato.
Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Cagliari (AOU Cagliari), advanced labs, ‘Beniamino Orrù’ library.
Medicine & Surgery Program
Launched in 2024, this English-taught Single Cycle Master’s degree trains doctors with a holistic, patient-centered approach, emphasizing early clinical exposure and health technology integration.
- Holistic Approach: Focus on patient-centered care and preventive medicine.
- Small Class Sizes: Capped at 60 students for personalized mentorship.
- Practical Training: 60 ECTS for professional skills, clinical training at AOU Cagliari.
- Unique Courses: First-year Medical Humanities, Practical Evaluative Traineeships (TPVES) in year six.
Curriculum Overview (360 ECTS)
Semester 2 (Typical): Physiology I, Histology, Molecular Biology, First Aid
Focus: Basic sciences, organ organization, and early clinical skills via first aid training.
Semester 6 (Typical): Pathological Anatomy, Medical-Surgical Specialties, Diagnostic Imaging
Clerkships: 4–10 CFU (80–200 hours) at AOU Cagliari, focusing on diagnostics and therapy. Italian B1 required by Year 3.
Semester 10 (Typical): General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Thesis, TPVES (300 hours)
Clerkships: 18–28 CFU (360–560 hours), including rotations in General Surgery, Internal Medicine, and General Medicine. Italian B2 proficiency progression.
Life in Cagliari & Student Support
Located in Cagliari, a coastal city of 150,000 on Sardinia’s southern shore, UNICA’s Health Sciences Campus in Monserrato is accessible by bus or bike. Students enjoy affordable living and Sardinia’s pristine beaches. 7% international students.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Range: €150 - €2,500 annually (based on ISEE). No-tax area for ISEE < €23,000. Payable in 3 installments.
Financial Support (ERSU)
Scholarships (€2,000–€5,000/year) and merit-based grants (€500–€1,000). KALINGAEURO guidance.
Accessible by bus (€1/ticket) or bike (€20/month).
Living costs: €250–400/month (shared), €500–700 (private apt via Subito.it).
Free Italian courses at the University Language Center.
Admissions & Notable Features
Admission Requirements
- 12 years of secondary education, high school diploma.
- Competitive IMAT score (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Logic, General Knowledge).
- 2024 IMAT cut-offs: Approx. 42.0 (non-EU), 44.0 (EU). Held Sept 17, 2024.
- Non-EU: D-type visa, pre-enroll via Universitaly, UNICA portal by July.
- English proficiency (B2 CEFR) required. Italian (B1) by year three.
- KALINGAEURO provides IMAT preparation.
Notable Features
Health Promotion Focus
Emphasis on preventive medicine and holistic patient care.
Medical Humanities Course
Unique first-year course integrating arts and ethics.
Simulation & Study Rooms
Advanced practical skills training at AOU Cagliari.
Globus & Erasmus+
International study and thesis programs available.
Why Choose UNICA for Your MBBS?
UNICA offers a cutting-edge MBBS experience, blending holistic training with clinical excellence. Globally accredited and set in Cagliari’s affordable, breathtaking Sardinian city, it prepares you for a pioneering medical career.