Skip to content 
University of Milano-Bicocca
A Global Leader for MBBS in Italy: A Forward-Thinking Approach to Medical Education.
Institutional Overview
Founded in 1998, the University of Milano-Bicocca is a young, research-intensive institution that has rapidly become a leader in Italian higher education. With its Medicine program based in Bergamo, it fosters interdisciplinary innovation and a global outlook through strategic partnerships.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 201-250
Censis 2024: #2 in Italy (100.5 points).
International Collaborations
Coimbra Group member & initiatives like BRIDGE for global health research in Uganda.
Key Accreditations
WHO, NMC, GMC, USMLE Eligible
Italian Ministry of Education Accredited
Top 10 Young University (THE 2025)
Advanced Facilities
Training at the state-of-the-art Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo, a leader in technology.
School of Medicine and Surgery (SMS)
The SMS offers a six-year, 12-semester (Oct-May) Single Cycle Master’s degree in English. It is a trailblazer in MBBS education, using Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to produce scientist-physicians with early clinical exposure from year two.
- Problem-Based Learning (PBL): A core method emphasizing group collaboration, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.
- Early Clinical Exposure: Practical training starts in year two at the modern Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital.
- "Blocking Subjects" System: Ensures a strong foundational knowledge (e.g., passing anatomy before physiology).
- Strong UK Partnership: Strategic collaboration with the University of Surrey enhances curriculum and global standards.
Curriculum Overview (360 ECTS)
Semester 1 (Oct–Jan, Year 1)
Courses: Molecular and Cellular Biology (6 CFU): Study cell structure, DNA replication, and cellular processes. Physics (4 CFU): Learn physics principles (e.g., mechanics, optics) for medical technologies like imaging. Chemistry (6 CFU): Understand organic and inorganic chemistry relevant to biology. Anatomy I (6 CFU): Explore gross anatomy (bones, muscles, organs) using models and lectures.
Skills: Master lab techniques, anatomical terminology, and scientific reasoning.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: None
Semester 2 (Feb–Jun, Year 1)
Courses: Histology (6 CFU): Examine tissue types (e.g., epithelial, connective) through microscope-based labs. Biochemistry I (6 CFU): Study chemical processes like enzyme function and basic metabolism. Physiology I (6 CFU): Learn how major organs (e.g., heart, lungs) function in healthy conditions. Human Body Systems (6 CFU): Integrate cellular and organ-level perspectives.
Skills: Develop microscope skills, physiological measurements, and teamwork in labs.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: None
Additional: Basic Life Support and Defibrillation course with local health organizations.
Semester 3 (Oct–Jan, Year 2)
Courses: Anatomy II (6 CFU): Study detailed regional anatomy (e.g., head, neck) with lab work. Biochemistry II (6 CFU): Explore advanced metabolic pathways (e.g., energy production). Physiology II (6 CFU): Study complex systems like nervous and endocrine systems. Morphology and Development (8 CFU): Learn embryology and developmental biology.
Skills: Enhance histology slide recognition, critical thinking for exams.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: None
Semester 4 (Feb–Jun, Year 2)
Courses: Signaling Pathways in Health and Disease (14 CFU): Understand molecular signaling in normal and disease states. Microbiology (6 CFU): Study bacteria, viruses, fungi, and pathogens. Immunology (4 CFU): Learn immune system functions and responses. Medical Genetics (4 CFU): Explore genetic diseases and molecular diagnostics.
Skills: Perform pathogen analysis, solve genetic problems, prepare for clinical transitions.
ECTS Credits: ~28 CFU
Internships: Minimal lab-based work at San Gerardo Hospital (not counted toward 1,649 hours).
Semester 5 (Oct–Jan, Year 3)
Courses: Pathology I (6 CFU): Study disease mechanisms (e.g., inflammation, neoplasia). Pharmacology I (6 CFU): Learn drug mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutics. Clinical Approaches (6 CFU): Practice history-taking and physical exams. Communication Skills (4 CFU): Develop techniques for patient and staff interactions.
Skills: Build clinical reasoning, patient empathy, and basic Italian for hospital settings.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: 4 CFU (68 hours) at San Gerardo Hospital, shadowing doctors and observing care.
Semester 6 (Feb–Jun, Year 3)
Courses: Diagnostic Imaging (6 CFU): Learn to interpret X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds. Pathological Anatomy (6 CFU): Study disease effects on tissues through microscopy. Organ-Specific Pathologies I (Cardiovascular, Respiratory) (8 CFU): Focus on heart and lung diseases (e.g., heart failure, asthma).
Skills: Analyze imaging, diagnose pathological changes, improve Italian fluency.
ECTS Credits: ~20 CFU
Internships: 10 CFU (170 hours) at San Gerardo Hospital, assisting in clinical settings.
Semester 7 (Oct–Jan, Year 4)
Courses: Pathology II (6 CFU): Deepen understanding of systemic diseases (e.g., autoimmune disorders). Pharmacology II (6 CFU): Study advanced drug therapies and interactions. Organ-Specific Pathologies II (Gastrointestinal, Endocrine) (8 CFU): Explore digestive and hormonal disorders (e.g., diabetes). Biostatistics and Epidemiology (4 CFU): Learn statistical methods and disease patterns.
Skills: Apply statistical analysis, refine clinical decision-making, strengthen Italian (B1 required).
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: ~10 CFU (170 hours) at San Gerardo Hospital, engaging in diagnostics.
Semester 8 (Feb–Jun, Year 4)
Courses: Clinical Microbiology (6 CFU): Study infections in clinical contexts (e.g., hospital-acquired infections). Organ-Specific Pathologies III (Renal, Musculoskeletal) (8 CFU): Focus on kidney and bone/joint diseases (e.g., arthritis). Medical Ethics and Professionalism (4 CFU): Explore ethical dilemmas and professional conduct. Introduction to Clinical Research (4 CFU): Learn research design and clinical trials.
Skills: Develop ethical reasoning, plan research studies, achieve B1–B2 Italian proficiency.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: ~10 CFU (170 hours) at San Gerardo Hospital, participating in patient care.
Semester 9 (Oct–Jan, Year 5)
Courses: Internal Medicine I (8 CFU): Diagnose and manage complex internal diseases (e.g., hypertension). General Surgery I (6 CFU): Learn surgical techniques and perioperative care. Obstetrics and Gynecology I (6 CFU): Study women’s reproductive health, including childbirth. Pediatrics I (6 CFU): Focus on child health from infancy to adolescence.
Skills: Manage complex cases, observe surgeries, enhance patient interaction.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: 17 CFU (289 hours) at San Gerardo Hospital, assisting in wards and clinics.
Semester 10 (Feb–Jun, Year 5)
Courses: Medical Oncology (6 CFU): Study cancer diagnosis, treatment, and chemotherapy. Psychiatry (6 CFU): Learn mental health assessment and disorders (e.g., depression). Legal Medicine (4 CFU): Understand forensic medicine and legal responsibilities. Emergency Medicine (6 CFU): Train in urgent care scenarios (e.g., trauma). Community Medicine (4 CFU): Focus on public health and prevention.
Skills: Handle emergencies, assess mental health, apply legal knowledge.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: 17 CFU (289 hours) at San Gerardo Hospital, working in emergency and specialty wards.
Semester 11 (Oct–Jan, Year 6)
Courses: Internal Medicine II (6 CFU): Manage advanced chronic diseases. General Surgery II (6 CFU): Deepen surgical skills with complex procedures. Neurology (6 CFU): Study brain and nervous system disorders (e.g., stroke). Elective Course (e.g., Orthopedics, Dermatology) (4 CFU): Choose a specialty. Thesis Preparation I (4 CFU): Begin research project under faculty supervision.
Skills: Specialize in diagnostics, conduct research, improve Italian for clinical work.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: ~14.5 CFU (246.5 hours) at San Gerardo Hospital, leading patient care tasks.
Semester 12 (Feb–Jun, Year 6)
Courses: Family Medicine (6 CFU): Learn primary care and long-term patient management. Medical-Surgical Emergencies (6 CFU): Train in critical care across specialties. Public Health and Global Health (4 CFU): Study health policy and global challenges. Thesis Preparation II (8 CFU): Complete and present research thesis.
Skills: Practice primary care, manage emergencies, develop scientific communication.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: ~14.5 CFU (246.5 hours) at San Gerardo Hospital, preparing for independent practice.
Notes: Total internship hours ~1,649. Affordable living in Monza compared to Milan. Tuition €200–€3,000 (income-based). WHO/NMC/GMC accredited. B2 Italian recommended for clerkships.
Life in Monza & Student Support
Located in Monza, near Milan, this modern university emphasizes practical training and research in a suburban setting with lower living costs than central Milan. Students enjoy Monza's historic park, Formula 1 circuit, and easy access to Milan's cultural hub.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Range: €200 - €3,000 annually (ISEE-based). Payable in 3 installments.
Financial Support
Merit- and need-based scholarships are available. KALINGAEURO provides financial guidance.
Campus accessible via metro (€1.50/ticket) or bus (€1.50/ticket).
Living costs: €500–800/month for shared rooms.
Free Italian courses are provided by the university.
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. 46.8 (non-EU) & 43.5 (EU).
- Non-EU: D-type visa, pre-enroll via Universitaly & Segreterie Online portal.
- An Italian language test is required upon arrival for the residence permit.
- KALINGAEURO provides IMAT preparation support.
Notable Features
Early Clinical Rotations
Practical hospital experience starts in the second year at San Gerardo Hospital.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
Emphasizes critical thinking and clinical reasoning through real-world case studies.
University of Surrey Partnership
Enhances curriculum and aligns training with international best practices.
Research Excellence
Strong focus on research in neuroscience, oncology, and cardiovascular diseases.
Why Choose Milano-Bicocca?
Milano-Bicocca redefines MBBS in Italy with its innovative PBL approach and early clinical exposure. Training at San Gerardo Hospital, supported by key partnerships, prepares you for healthcare leadership in an affordable, charming setting.
