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University of Pavia
Excellence in MBBS Education: Home to Italy’s Pioneering English-Taught Medical Curriculum.
Institutional Overview
Established in 1361, the University of Pavia is one of the world’s oldest academic institutions. Encompassing nine faculties and ~26,000 students, its campus is seamlessly integrated across Pavia’s historic cityscape, blending medieval architecture with modern facilities like Europe's first botanical garden.
Global & National Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 201-250
Censis 2024: #1 in Italy (109.5 points).
International Collaborations
Coimbra Group member, with initiatives like CICOPS for research with developing nations.
Key Accreditations
WHO, NMC, GMC, USMLE Eligible
Italian Ministry of Education Accredited
Pioneering English-Taught Program
Advanced Clinical Training
Clinical training is conducted at the San Matteo Polyclinic, a leading national research hospital.
Harvey Medicine and Surgery Program
The Harvey Course is Italy’s pioneering English-taught medical curriculum, rooted in 500+ years of tradition. It trains students not only as professional physicians but as "scientists and physicians of the future," with a faculty including distinguished international academics.
- Earliest Clinical Exposure: Internships (1,020 hours) begin in the very first year, a unique feature in Italy.
- Distinguished Faculty: Includes academics like Professor Gherardi, a former Cambridge immunologist with 20 years of experience.
- Immersive Final Year: The sixth year focuses on hands-on rotations and thesis research with minimal exams.
- Structured Clerkships: Rotations begin in year three (1 month) and escalate to 3-6 months in years four and five.
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 diagnostics and imaging. 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 San Matteo Hospital (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 San Matteo Hospital, observing care.
Semester 6 (Feb–Jun, Year 3)
Courses: Diagnostic Imaging (6 CFU): Learn to read X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. 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 San Matteo Hospital, 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 San Matteo Hospital, 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 San Matteo Hospital, 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 San Matteo Hospital, 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 San Matteo Hospital, 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 San Matteo Hospital, 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 San Matteo Hospital, preparing for practice.
Notes: Total internship hours ~1,649. Affordable living, small-group teaching. Tuition €200–€3,000 (income-based). WHO/NMC/GMC accredited.
Life in Pavia & Student Support
Located in Pavia, a picturesque city of 72,000 just 35 km from Milan, students enjoy an affordable, student-centric environment. Its 11 historic colleges host renowned festivals, fostering a vibrant international community where English is widely spoken.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Range: €200 - €4,500 annually + €188 first-year fee. Payable in 4 installments.
Financial Support (EDISU)
EDISU provides bursaries up to €5,000, complimentary dining, and occasional free housing for eligible students.
An annual city bus pass costs only €25.
Fitness facilities offer memberships at €350-400 annually.
Free A1-level Italian courses are provided by the university.
Admissions & Distinguished Alumni
Admission Requirements
- 12 years of secondary education with a high school diploma.
- Competitive IMAT score is the sole admission criterion.
- 2024 Seats: 40 (Non-EU) & 103 (EU).
- Estimated 2024 IMAT cut-offs: Approx. 44.2 (Non-EU) & 46.5 (EU).
- Non-EU students require a D-type visa and must pre-enroll via Universitaly.
- KALINGAEURO provides tailored IMAT preparation.
Distinguished Alumni
Camillo Golgi
Won the 1906 Nobel Prize for his discovery of the Golgi Apparatus.
Alessandro Volta
Inventor of the voltaic pile, the first electrical battery.
Pioneering Legacy
Alumni exemplify Pavia's lasting contributions to medicine and science.
Transformative Careers
Inspiring future physicians to pursue excellence in a historic setting.
Why Choose Pavia for Your MBBS?
Pavia offers an unmatched MBBS experience, merging a storied medical heritage with cutting-edge clinical training. The Harvey Course, bolstered by global accreditations and San Matteo Polyclinic’s facilities, prepares students for leadership in medicine.
