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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 2: Human Anatomy, Ultrasound Imaging Laboratory, Disability Medicine
Focus: Building a strong foundation in basic sciences and anatomy.
Semester 2: Pathophysiology, Laboratory Medicine, Medical Microbiology
Focus: Understanding the function and dysfunction of the human body.
Semester 2: Infectious Disease Control, Hematology, Endócrinology
Clerkships: 1-month clinical rotations begin. B2 Italian proficiency is recommended.
Semester 2: Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, Urology, Clinical Case Studies
Clerkships: Immersive 3-6 month placements in various specialties.
Semester 2: Advanced Clinical Cases, General Surgery II, Medical Genetics
Clerkships: Continued 3-6 month placements to deepen clinical experience.
Semester 2: Thesis Research, Scientific Presentations, General Practice Traineeship
Focus: Immersive rotations with minimal exams, focusing on thesis and practical readiness.
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.
