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University of Catania
A Technological Vanguard for MBBS in Italy: Integrating Medicine and Health Technology
At a Glance
Founded in 1434, the University of Catania is Sicily’s oldest university, renowned for its research, clinical training, and a unique technological focus in its medical program.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 201-250
Leader in Southern Italy for research.
Internationalization
8% international students.
100+ Erasmus+ agreements across 50 countries.
Key Accreditations
WHO Listed
NMC (India) Recognized
UK GMC & USMLE Eligible
Facilities & Campus
Medical campus at Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital.
State-of-the-art labs, 30 libraries, simulation facilities.
Medicine & Surgery Program (Tech Focus)
Launched in 2017, this English-taught Single Cycle Master’s degree trains scientist-physicians adept at integrating medical practice with health technology, offering small class sizes and early clinical exposure.
- Technological Focus: Integrating medical informatics and telemedicine.
- Small Class Sizes: Capped at 60 students for personalized mentorship.
- Practical Training: 60 ECTS (professional skills) with internships at Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele.
- Unique Courses: Elective venipuncture and suturing courses. Facultative Italian language program.
Curriculum Overview (360 ECTS)
Semester 2 (Typical): Biochemistry, Physiology I, Histology, Health Technology Basics
Focus: Basic sciences, technology applications, and early clinical observation.
Semester 6 (Typical): Pathological Anatomy, Pharmacology I, Medical-Surgical Specialties, Telemedicine
Clerkships: 4–10 CFU (80–200 hours) at Policlinico, including venipuncture/suturing practice. Italian B1 required by Year 3.
Semester 10 (Typical): General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Thesis, Clinical Reasoning
Clerkships: 18–28 CFU (360–560 hours), including elective international rotations. Italian B2 proficiency progression.
Life in Catania & Student Support
Located in Catania, a coastal city of 310,000 on Sicily’s eastern coast, UNICT’s medical campus is accessible by bus or bike. Students enjoy affordable living and Catania’s vibrant culture, from Piazza del Duomo to Mount Etna. 8% 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 (ARSUM)
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/Idealista.it).
Free, non-mandatory Italian courses by School of Italian Language and Culture.
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. 41.0 (non-EU), 43.0 (EU). Held Sept 17, 2024.
- Non-EU: D-type visa, pre-enroll via Universitaly, UNICT portal by July.
- English proficiency (B2 CEFR) required. Transfers require CFU & exam equivalence.
- KALINGAEURO provides IMAT preparation.
Notable Features
Technological Focus
Integrates medical informatics and telemedicine.
Small Class Sizes (60)
Ensures personalized mentorship and focused learning.
Elective Practical Skills
Courses like venipuncture and suturing.
Medical Simulation Center
Hands-on training at Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele.
Why Choose UNICT for Your MBBS?
UNICT offers a cutting-edge MBBS experience, blending technological innovation with clinical training. Globally accredited and set in Catania’s affordable, culturally rich Sicilian city, it prepares you for a pioneering medical career.
