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University of Catania
A Technological Vanguard for MBBS in Italy: Technology-Driven Medical Excellence in Sicily.
Institutional Overview
Founded in 1434 by King Alfonso V, the University of Catania (UNICT) is Sicily’s oldest university. Supported by 1,800 staff, it spans 17 departments, enrolling ~40,000 students (8% international), with its medical campus at the Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 201-250
Censis 2024: Leader in Southern Italy for research & training.
International Focus
8% international students.
100+ Erasmus+ agreements across 50 countries.
Key Accreditations
WHO, NMC, GMC, USMLE Eligible
EC Directive 2005/36/EC Aligned
Technology-Focused Curriculum
Advanced Facilities
Training at Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 30 libraries, & advanced simulation labs.
Medicine and Surgery Program
Launched in 2017, this six-year, 12-semester (Oct-July) Single Cycle Master’s degree in English is designed to train scientist-physicians adept at integrating medical practice with health technology, such as medical informatics and telemedicine.
- Technological Focus: Unique emphasis on health technology, medical informatics, and telemedicine.
- Equal EU/Non-EU Intake: Capped at 60 students, with an equal allocation of 30 seats each for EU and non-EU candidates.
- Enhanced Practical Skills: Offers unique elective courses in venipuncture and suturing.
- Holistic Health Approach: Focuses on health promotion tailored to Mediterranean contexts.
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 Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele (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 Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 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 Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 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 Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 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 Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 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 Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 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 Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 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 Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 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 Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, preparing for practice.
Notes: Total internship hours ~1,649. Affordable coastal living in Catania. Tuition €200–€3,000 (income-based). WHO/NMC/GMC accredited. B2 Italian recommended.
Life in Catania & Student Support
Located in Catania, a coastal city of 310,000 at the foot of Mount Etna, students enjoy Sicily's vibrant culture, from the Baroque Piazza del Duomo to the Feast of Sant’Agata. Integration is supported via the Smart_Edu portal and student groups.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Range: €150 - €2,500 annually (ISEE-based). No-tax area for ISEE < €23,000. Payable in 3 installments.
Financial Support (ARSUM)
ARSUM scholarships (€2,000–€5,000/year) and merit-based grants (€500–€1,000). KALINGAEURO guidance available.
Campus accessible by bus (€1/ticket) or bike (€20/month).
Living costs: €250–400/month (shared), rentals via Subito.it/Idealista.it.
Enjoy subsidized canteens (€2-4/meal) and vibrant 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. 41.0 (non-EU) & 43.0 (EU) per AcadIMAT.
- Non-EU: D-type visa, pre-enroll via Universitaly, apply via UNICT portal by July.
- English B2 required; Italian B1 needed by year 3 for clinics.
- KALINGAEURO provides IMAT preparation.
Notable Features
Technological Integration
A core focus on medical informatics, health technology, and telemedicine.
Elective Practical Skills
Optional courses in venipuncture and suturing to enhance clinical readiness.
Facultative Italian Program
Free, non-mandatory Italian courses offered by the university's language school.
Vibrant Sicilian Lifestyle
Affordable living combined with the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Sicily.
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.
