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University of Messina
A Sicilian Pinnacle for MBBS in Italy: Blending 475 Years of Tradition with Modern Clinical Training.
Institutional Overview
Founded in 1548, the University of Messina (UniME) is one of Italy’s oldest public institutions. Supported by 1,300 academic staff, it enrolls ~24,000 students (10% international from 27 countries) across four main departments, with its medical campus at the G. Martino University Hospital.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 201-250
Censis 2024: Leader in Southern Italy for research & training.
International Focus
10% international students from 27 countries.
400+ Erasmus+ agreements & visiting professor programs.
Key Accreditations
WHO, NMC, USMLE Eligible
UK GMC (>60 grads registered by 2023)
EC Directive 2005/36/EC Aligned
Advanced Facilities
Training at G. Martino University Hospital, 20 libraries, & cutting-edge simulation labs.
Medicine and Surgery Program
Launched in 2012, 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 55 students (20 Non-EU, 35 EU for 2024/25) for personalized mentorship.
- Thesis Discussion Groups: A unique feature designed to enhance clinical maturation and scientific dialogue.
- 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 Policlinico G. Martino (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 G. Martino, 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 G. Martino, 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 G. Martino, 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 G. Martino, 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 G. Martino, 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 G. Martino, 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 G. Martino, 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 G. Martino, preparing for practice.
Notes: Total internship hours ~1,649. Low-cost living in Messina. Tuition €200–€3,000 (income-based). WHO/NMC/GMC accredited. B2 Italian recommended.
Life in Messina & Student Support
Located in Messina, a city of 230,000 on Sicily's northeastern tip, students enjoy affordable living and rich culture, from the Messina Cathedral to nearby Taormina. UniME fosters a vibrant community with sports, festivals, and strong international support.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Range: €156 - €2,200 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 (€1.20/ticket) or bike (€20/month).
Living costs: €250–400/month for shared rooms.
Enjoy subsidized canteens (€2-4/meal) and events like the Messina Film Festival.
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. 41.5 (non-EU) & 43.5 (EU) per AcadIMAT.
- Non-EU: D-type visa, pre-enroll via Universitaly, apply via UniME portal by July.
- English B2 required; Italian B1 needed by year 3 for clinics.
- KALINGAEURO provides IMAT preparation.
Notable Features
Thesis Discussion Groups
A unique feature to enhance clinical maturation and scientific dialogue.
Strong GMC Recognition
Over 60 graduates registered to practice in the UK by 2023.
Free Italian Courses (DICAM)
Coordinated by the Dept. of Ancient and Modern Civilizations.
Elective Activities (8 ECTS)
Allows students to tailor their learning path to personal interests.
Why Choose UniME for Your MBBS?
UniME offers a world-class MBBS experience, blending 475 years of tradition with cutting-edge training at G. Martino University Hospital. Globally accredited and set in Messina’s affordable, culturally rich city, it prepares you for a transformative career.
