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University of Milan
A Global Hub for MBBS in Italy: "Scientia Illuminans Dignos" (Knowledge Enlightening the Worthy).
Institutional Overview
Founded in 1924, the University of Milan is a leading research institution with 8 faculties and ~60,000 students. Renowned for its contributions to medical research, it drives cutting-edge projects in oncology and neurology through over 50 research centers and global partnerships.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 72
Censis 2024: #4 in Italy for Medicine (84 points).
European Leadership
A member of the prestigious League of European Research Universities (LERU) and 4EU+ Alliance.
Key Accreditations
WHO, NMC, GMC, USMLE Eligible
EC Directive 2005/36/EC Aligned
International Medical School (IMS)
Research Hubs
State-of-the-art facilities like the LITA campus and partnerships with Harvard and Humanitas Research Hospital.
International Medical School (IMS)
Established in 2012, the IMS offers a six-year, 12-semester (Oct-July) Single Cycle Master’s degree in English. It trains scientist-physicians using innovative methods like Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and small-group case analysis.
- Problem-Based Learning (PBL): A core pedagogical method that emphasizes self-directed learning and clinical reasoning.
- Dual Campus Structure: Preclinical years at LITA campus (Segrate) and clinical training at Luigi Sacco Hospital.
- Extensive Internships: 1,000 mandatory hours of practical training starting from year three.
- Top Research Opportunities: Partnerships with the European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM) and other leading centers.
Curriculum Overview (360 ECTS)
Semester 1 (Oct–Jan, Year 1)
Courses: Cellular Biology (6 CFU): Study cell functions, including DNA replication. Physics (4 CFU): Learn physics concepts (e.g., fluid dynamics) for medical applications. Chemistry (6 CFU): Understand organic molecules and biochemical foundations. Anatomy I (6 CFU): Explore body structures (e.g., skeletal system) using models.
Skills: Develop lab skills, anatomical terms, analytical thinking.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: None
Semester 2 (Feb–Jun, Year 1)
Courses: Histology (6 CFU): Analyze tissue types in lab sessions with microscopes. Biochemistry I (6 CFU): Study metabolic pathways like glycolysis. Physiology I (6 CFU): Learn functions of major organs (e.g., cardiovascular). Organ Systems (6 CFU): Integrate cellular and organ-level perspectives.
Skills: Master microscopy, physiological experiments, collaborative lab work.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: None
Additional: Basic Life Support training with local health organizations.
Semester 3 (Oct–Jan, Year 2)
Courses: Anatomy II (6 CFU): Study detailed anatomy (e.g., thorax, abdomen) with lab practice. Biochemistry II (6 CFU): Explore advanced metabolism (e.g., lipid pathways). Physiology II (6 CFU): Study complex systems like nervous and endocrine. Developmental Biology (8 CFU): Learn embryology and fetal development.
Skills: Enhance tissue identification, prepare for advanced exams.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: None
Semester 4 (Feb–Jun, Year 2)
Courses: Microbiology (6 CFU): Study pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi). Immunology (4 CFU): Understand immune defenses and antibody production. Genetics (6 CFU): Explore inheritance patterns and genetic disorders. Molecular Medicine (8 CFU): Study molecular mechanisms of diseases.
Skills: Conduct microbial cultures, analyze genetic data, prepare for clinical work.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: Minimal lab-based work at San Paolo/Sacco Hospitals (not counted).
Semester 5 (Oct–Jan, Year 3)
Courses: Pathology I (6 CFU): Study disease processes (e.g., tumors, infections). Pharmacology I (6 CFU): Learn drug mechanisms, dosages, and effects. Clinical Practice (6 CFU): Practice history-taking and physical exams. Communication (4 CFU): Develop skills for patient and team communication.
Skills: Build diagnostic reasoning, patient rapport, basic Italian proficiency.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: 4 CFU (68 hours) at San Paolo/Sacco Hospitals, observing clinical workflows.
Semester 6 (Feb–Jun, Year 3)
Courses: Diagnostic Imaging (6 CFU): Learn to read X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Pathological Anatomy (6 CFU): Analyze diseased tissues in lab settings. Cardiovascular/Respiratory Diseases (8 CFU): Study heart (e.g., angina) and lung (e.g., COPD) conditions.
Skills: Interpret imaging, diagnose tissue abnormalities, improve Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~20 CFU
Internships: 10 CFU (170 hours) at San Paolo/Sacco Hospitals, assisting in patient care.
Semester 7 (Oct–Jan, Year 4)
Courses: Pathology II (6 CFU): Explore systemic diseases (e.g., autoimmune conditions). Pharmacology II (6 CFU): Study advanced therapeutics and drug interactions. Gastrointestinal/Endocrine Diseases (8 CFU): Focus on digestive (e.g., IBS) and hormonal disorders. Biostatistics (4 CFU): Learn statistical tools for medical research.
Skills: Apply statistics, refine diagnostics, strengthen Italian (B1 required).
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: ~10 CFU (170 hours) at San Paolo/Sacco Hospitals, engaging in diagnostics.
Semester 8 (Feb–Jun, Year 4)
Courses: Clinical Microbiology (6 CFU): Study infections in clinical settings (e.g., sepsis). Renal/Musculoskeletal Diseases (8 CFU): Focus on kidney (e.g., nephritis) and bone disorders. Medical Ethics (4 CFU): Explore ethical issues like patient consent. Research Design (4 CFU): Learn to design clinical studies.
Skills: Ethical decision-making, research planning, achieve B1–B2 Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: ~10 CFU (170 hours) at San Paolo/Sacco Hospitals, managing patients.
Semester 9 (Oct–Jan, Year 5)
Courses: Internal Medicine I (8 CFU): Manage complex diseases like diabetes and heart failure. Surgery I (6 CFU): Learn surgical procedures and perioperative care. Obstetrics/Gynecology I (6 CFU): Study pregnancy and women’s health. Pediatrics I (6 CFU): Focus on pediatric care from infancy to adolescence.
Skills: Manage patients, assist in surgeries, enhance communication.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: 17 CFU (289 hours) at San Paolo/Sacco Hospitals, working in specialty wards.
Semester 10 (Feb–Jun, Year 5)
Courses: Oncology (6 CFU): Study cancer diagnosis and treatments (e.g., chemotherapy). Psychiatry (6 CFU): Learn to assess and manage mental health disorders. Legal Medicine (4 CFU): Understand legal aspects like medical malpractice. Emergency Medicine (6 CFU): Train in trauma and acute care scenarios. Community Health (4 CFU): Focus on preventive medicine and public health.
Skills: Handle emergencies, psychiatric assessments, apply legal principles.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: 17 CFU (289 hours) at San Paolo/Sacco Hospitals, working in ER and clinics.
Semester 11 (Oct–Jan, Year 6)
Courses: Internal Medicine II (6 CFU): Manage advanced internal diseases. Surgery II (6 CFU): Deepen skills in complex surgical procedures. Neurology (6 CFU): Study neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s, seizures). Elective (e.g., Orthopedics, Dermatology) (4 CFU): Focus on a specialty. Thesis I (4 CFU): Start research project with faculty guidance.
Skills: Advanced diagnostics, research skills, fluent Italian for clinical work.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: ~14.5 CFU (246.5 hours) at San Paolo/Sacco Hospitals, 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 medical and surgical emergencies. Public Health (4 CFU): Study global health and epidemiology. Thesis II (8 CFU): Complete and present research thesis.
Skills: Practice primary care, manage emergencies, present research.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: ~14.5 CFU (246.5 hours) at San Paolo/Sacco Hospitals, preparing for practice.
Notes: Total internship hours ~1,649. Reduced fees for non-OECD students. High living costs in Milan. WHO/NMC/GMC accredited.
Life in Milan & Student Support
Located in Milan, Italy’s cosmopolitan economic and cultural capital, students thrive in a dynamic hub famous for fashion, art like La Scala opera, and vibrant nightlife in the Navigli district. The university fosters a diverse international community.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Range: €200 - €4,000 annually (ISEE-based). Payable in 3 installments.
Financial Support (DSU)
Merit- and need-based scholarships available through the university's DSU program. KALINGAEURO guidance provided.
Campuses accessible via metro (€2/ticket) or bike (€30/month).
Living costs: €800–1,200/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Wellness supported by gyms (€350-500/year) and extensive libraries.
Admissions & Notable Alumni
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. 48.5 (non-EU) & 45.3 (EU).
- Non-EU: D-type visa, pre-enroll via Universitaly, apply via Segreteria Online portal.
- An Italian language test is required upon arrival for the residence permit.
- KALINGAEURO provides IMAT preparation.
Notable Alumni
Dr. Roberto Bergamaschi
A pioneer in the field of laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Dr. Carlo La Vecchia
A globally recognized epidemiologist in chronic disease research.
Transformative Leaders
Alumni exemplify a legacy of producing transformative healthcare innovators.
The Milan Project
Faculty contributions to Alzheimer's and cancer therapy research.
Why Choose Milan for Your MBBS?
The IMS offers an elite MBBS experience, blending innovative PBL pedagogy with extensive clinical training. Globally accredited and supported by world-class research hubs, it prepares you for a distinguished medical career in a dynamic, cosmopolitan city.
