Skip to content 
University of Padova
A Legacy of Freedom and Excellence for MBBS in Italy, embodying "Universa Universis Patavina Libertas".
Institutional Overview
Founded in 1222, the University of Padova is Italy’s second-oldest university, established by scholars seeking academic freedom. Home to Europe's first botanical garden and oldest anatomical theatre, it has shaped global knowledge for over 800 years across its 32 departments and 8 schools.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 125
Censis 2024: #4 in Italy for Medicine (91 points).
Innovation & Research
43 research centers driving innovation in oncology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine.
Key Accreditations
WHO, NMC, GMC, USMLE Eligible
EC Directive 2005/36/EC Aligned
Member of Coimbra Group & EUA
Historic Medical Venues
Training at Padova University Hospital and, from 2025, a new Venice campus.
Medicine and Surgery Program
Launched in 2019, this six-year, 12-semester (Oct-July) Single Cycle Master’s degree in English is designed to train globally competent physicians with a holistic approach, emphasizing Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and early, extensive clinical training.
- Earliest Clinical Exposure: Internships (1,020 hours) begin in the very first year, a unique feature in Italy.
- Problem-Based Learning (PBL): A core pedagogical method that fosters critical thinking and clinical reasoning from day one.
- Unique Exam Format: Employs written computer-based exams, setting it apart from other Italian medical schools.
- New Venice Campus: The program is expanding to include a new, modern campus in Venice starting in 2025.
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 biomechanics. Chemistry (6 CFU): Understand chemical foundations of biology. Anatomy I (6 CFU): Explore gross anatomy using models and lectures.
Skills: Lab techniques, anatomical knowledge, scientific analysis.
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 processes like enzyme activity. Physiology I (6 CFU): Learn functions of organs (e.g., heart, lungs). Human Systems (6 CFU): Integrate cellular and systemic biology.
Skills: Microscopy, physiological experiments, 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 (e.g., head, limbs) with lab work. Biochemistry II (6 CFU): Explore advanced metabolism (e.g., energy pathways). Physiology II (6 CFU): Study nervous and endocrine system functions. Embryology (8 CFU): Learn developmental biology and organ formation.
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. Signaling Pathways (8 CFU): Study molecular signals in health and disease.
Skills: Microbial analysis, genetic diagnostics, clinical preparation.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: Minimal lab-based work at Azienda Ospedaliera (not counted).
Semester 5 (Oct–Jan, Year 3)
Courses: Pathology I (6 CFU): Study disease mechanisms (e.g., cancer, inflammation). Pharmacology I (6 CFU): Learn drug actions and therapeutic principles. Clinical Skills (6 CFU): Practice history-taking and physical exams. Communication (4 CFU): Develop patient and team interaction skills.
Skills: Diagnostic reasoning, patient communication, basic Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: 4 CFU (68 hours) at Azienda Ospedaliera, observing patient care.
Semester 6 (Feb–Jun, Year 3)
Courses: Diagnostic Imaging (6 CFU): Learn to interpret X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Pathological Anatomy (6 CFU): Analyze diseased tissues in labs. Cardiovascular/Respiratory Pathologies (8 CFU): Study heart and lung disorders.
Skills: Imaging analysis, pathological diagnosis, Italian fluency.
ECTS Credits: ~20 CFU
Internships: 10 CFU (170 hours) at Azienda Ospedaliera, 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 drug therapies. Gastrointestinal/Endocrine Pathologies (8 CFU): Focus on digestive and hormonal disorders. Epidemiology (4 CFU): Learn disease patterns and statistical methods.
Skills: Statistical analysis, clinical decision-making, B1 Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: ~10 CFU (170 hours) at Azienda Ospedaliera, engaging in diagnostics.
Semester 8 (Feb–Jun, Year 4)
Courses: Clinical Microbiology (6 CFU): Study infections in clinical settings. Renal/Musculoskeletal Pathologies (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 Azienda Ospedaliera, managing patients.
Semester 9 (Oct–Jan, Year 5)
Courses: Internal Medicine I (8 CFU): Manage complex internal diseases. Surgery I (6 CFU): Learn surgical techniques 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 Azienda Ospedaliera, 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. Public Health (4 CFU): Focus on community health and prevention.
Skills: Emergency response, psychiatric evaluation, legal knowledge.
ECTS Credits: ~26 CFU
Internships: 17 CFU (289 hours) at Azienda Ospedaliera, 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 Azienda Ospedaliera, leading patient care.
Semester 12 (Feb–Jun, Year 6)
Courses: Family Medicine (6 CFU): Learn primary care practices. 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 Azienda Ospedaliera, preparing for practice.
Notes: Total internship hours ~1,649. Affordable living, bike-friendly city. Tuition €200–€3,000 (income-based). WHO/NMC/GMC accredited.
Life in Padova & Student Support
Located in Padova, a vibrant university city where one-third of residents are students, the atmosphere is youthful and international (over 60% of med students). Students enjoy the famous "University Wednesday" nightlife, festivals, and easy access to Venice.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Range: €200 - €2,623 annually + €188 first-year fee. Payable in 3 installments.
Scholarship Opportunities
Padua International Excellence Scholarship and a special award for the top IMAT scorer.
Campus accessible via tram (€1.50/ticket) or bike (€25/month).
Living costs: €300–500/month for shared rooms.
Subsidized canteens are free for scholarship holders.
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. 49.2 (non-EU) & 40.1 (EU).
- Non-EU: D-type visa, register via Universitaly & unipd.it portal (with €30 fee).
- An Italian language test is required upon arrival for non-Italian speakers.
- KALINGAEURO provides IMAT preparation.
Notable Alumni
Andreas Vesalius
Revolutionized the study of human anatomy with his 1543 work.
William Harvey
Discovered the circulation of blood, a cornerstone of physiology.
Elena Lucrezia Piscopia
Became the world’s first woman to receive a university degree in 1678.
G. B. Morgagni
Considered the father of modern pathological anatomy.
Why Choose Padova for Your MBBS?
Padova offers an elite MBBS experience, blending 800 years of medical tradition with innovative PBL and early clinical training. Globally accredited and set in a student-centric city, it prepares you for a distinguished medical career.
