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University of Naples Federico II
A Historic Beacon for MBBS in Italy, Founded by Emperor Frederick II.
Institutional Overview
Founded in 1224 by Emperor Frederick II, the University of Naples Federico II (UNINA) is one of the world's oldest public universities. Supported by ~5,000 staff, it enrolls ~78,000 students (5% international) across four schools, with a legacy including alumni like Thomas Aquinas.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 151-200
Censis 2024: Top-tier in Southern Italy for research.
Global Initiatives
Extensive Erasmus+ programs and the GULUNAP initiative to train doctors for local communities.
Key Accreditations
WHO, NMC, GMC, USMLE Eligible
EC Directive 2005/36/EC Aligned
One of the oldest medical schools
Advanced Facilities
Clinical training at AOU Federico II hospital, 108 libraries, and advanced simulation labs.
Medicine and Surgery Program
Launched in 2010, this six-year, 12-semester (Oct-July) Single Cycle Master’s degree in English is designed to train scientist-physicians with a focus on critical thinking, ethical practice, and patient-centered care.
- Competitive Intakes (2024/25): 25 seats for Non-EU and 15 seats for EU candidates, fostering a diverse cohort.
- GULUNAP Initiative: A unique program training doctors with a special focus on community health needs.
- Historic Legacy: Part of a university with an 800-year history and notable alumni like St. Thomas Aquinas.
- Early Clinical Exposure: 1,000 hours of mandatory internship starting from the third year.
Curriculum Overview (360 ECTS)
Semester 1 (Oct–Jan, Year 1)
Courses: Cellular Biology (6 CFU): Study cell functions 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 AOU Federico II (not counted).
Semester 5 (Oct–Jan, Year 3)
Courses: Pathology I (6 CFU): Study disease processes (e.g., inflammation). Pharmacology I (6 CFU): Learn drug mechanisms and therapeutics. 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 AOU Federico II, 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 AOU Federico II, 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 AOU Federico II, 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 Methods (4 CFU): Learn clinical study design.
Skills: Ethical reasoning, research planning, B1–B2 Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: ~10 CFU (170 hours) at AOU Federico II, 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 AOU Federico II, 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 AOU Federico II, 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 AOU Federico II, 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 AOU Federico II, preparing for practice.
Notes: Total internship hours ~1,649. Low tuition, affordable coastal living. WHO/NMC/GMC accredited. B2 Italian recommended.
Life in Naples & Student Support
Located in Naples, a bustling city of 940,000, students experience vibrant culture from the historic Spaccanapoli to nearby Pompeii and Vesuvius. The city offers lively nightlife, famous cuisine like pizza margherita, and numerous festivals.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Fixed Fees: €156 (Non-EU) & €356 (EU) annually. An exceptionally affordable option.
Financial Support (ADISU)
ADISU scholarships (€2,000–€5,200/year) and merit-based grants are available. KALINGAEURO provides guidance.
Campus accessible by metro (€1.20/ticket) or bike (€25/month).
Living costs: €300–500/month for shared rooms.
Free Italian courses, including medical terminology, are provided.
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. 41.4 (non-EU) & 50.5 (EU).
- Non-EU: D-type visa, pre-enroll via Universitaly, apply via UNINA portal by July.
- English B2 required; Italian B2 needed by year 3 for clinics.
- KALINGAEURO provides IMAT preparation.
Notable Features
GULUNAP Initiative
A special program that trains doctors specifically for local community health needs.
High Non-EU Seats
Offers 25 highly competitive seats for non-EU students, fostering a diverse environment.
Renowned Research
Cutting-edge research in fields like anesthesiology, oncology, and dermatology.
Free Italian Courses
Includes specialized medical terminology to fully support clinical training.
Why Choose UNINA for Your MBBS?
UNINA offers an elite MBBS experience, blending 800 years of academic tradition with cutting-edge training at AOU Federico II hospital. Globally accredited and set in Naples’ affordable, culturally rich city, it prepares you for a transformative medical career.
