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University of Rome La Sapienza
A Global Beacon for MBBS in Italy, Embodying Education as the "Soul of Society."
Institutional Overview
Founded in 1303, Sapienza is a top-ranked university in Rome, known for research excellence and a multicultural environment. Its Medicine and Surgery program is rigorous, with compulsory attendance and a high IMAT cut-off (~47.1 for non-EU students). Internships are conducted at Policlinico Umberto I, a leading teaching hospital in Rome.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 86
Censis 2024: #2 in Italy (101 points).
International Community
30% international medical students. Member of European University Association & Alliance4Universities.
Key Accreditations
WHO, NMC, GMC, USMLE Eligible
EC Directive 75/363/EEC Aligned
"F" Degree Course (English Program)
Advanced Clinical Training
Training at Policlinico Umberto I and Sant’Andrea Hospital, featuring a dedicated Skills Lab.
Medicine and Surgery Program
The "F" Degree Course, launched in 2011, is a six-year, 12-semester (Oct-July) English-taught program. It trains scientist-physicians with a holistic approach, emphasizing early clinical exposure, transversal skills, and personalized mentorship in small classes.
- Holistic Approach: Focuses on psycho-somatic complexities and socio-cultural contexts.
- Early Clinical Exposure: Internships (1,000 hours) begin in the second semester of the second year.
- Small Class Sizes (45): 35 Non-EU & 10 EU seats, fostering personalized mentorship and shadowing opportunities.
- Unique Medical Italian Course: A free, specialized module to support clinical communication.
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 Policlinico Umberto I (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 Policlinico Umberto I, 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 Policlinico Umberto I, 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 Policlinico Umberto I, 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 Policlinico Umberto I, 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 Policlinico Umberto I, 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 Policlinico Umberto I, working in emergency and specialty wards.
Semester 11 (Oct–Jan, Year 6)
Courses: Internal Medicine II (6 CFU): Manage advanced chronic and acute 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 Policlinico Umberto I, 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 Policlinico Umberto I, preparing for independent practice.
Notes: Total internship hours ~1,649. High living costs in Rome. Tuition €200–€6,000 (income-based). WHO/NMC/GMC accredited. B2 Italian recommended for clerkships.
Life in Rome & Student Support
Located in Rome, Italy’s historic 2.8M-resident capital, the medical campus is in the San Lorenzo district. Students enjoy vibrant culture from the Colosseum to Testaccio nightlife, supported by a diverse community with 30% international medical students.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Range: €350 - €2,924 annually (ISEE-based), with discounts for top performers. Payable in 3 installments.
Financial Support
Merit- and need-based scholarships available via uniroma1.it. KALINGAEURO provides guidance.
Campus accessible via metro (€1.50/ticket) or bike (€30/month).
Living costs: €400–600/month for shared rooms.
Enjoy subsidized canteens (€2-4/meal) and events like the Sapienza Summer School.
Admissions & Notable Features
Admission Requirements
- 12 years of secondary education & English proficiency certificate.
- Competitive IMAT score (100-minute, 60-question exam).
- Estimated 2024 IMAT cut-offs: Approx. 47.1 (non-EU).
- Non-EU: D-type visa, register via Universitaly & Studenti Online portal.
- An Italian language test is required upon arrival for non-Italian speakers.
- KALINGAEURO provides IMAT preparation.
Notable Features
Early Clinical Training
Begins in the second semester of the second year for immediate practical application.
Small Class Size (45)
Fosters personalized mentorship, office hours, and valuable shadowing opportunities.
Dedicated Skills Lab
Provides hands-on training for practical techniques like catheter insertion.
Sapienza Neuroscience Center
Highlights a key area of research excellence and opportunity for students.
Why Choose Sapienza for Your MBBS?
Sapienza offers an elite MBBS experience, blending 700 years of academic tradition with early clinical training at Policlinico Umberto I. Globally accredited and set in Rome’s vibrant heart, it prepares you for a distinguished medical career.
