University of Rome Tor Vergata
A Modern Leader for MBBS in Italy, Modeled on Anglo-Saxon Campuses for Interdisciplinary Excellence.
Institutional Overview
Established in 1982, Tor Vergata (Uniroma2) is a modern public university on a 600-hectare campus in Rome. With 6 schools, 18 departments, and ~35,000 students (10% international), it is renowned for medical innovation, gene therapy, and artificial intelligence research.
Global Stature
QS 2025 (Medicine): 201-250
Censis 2024: Top-tier in Italy for research.
International Network
700+ international partnerships and a member of the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN).
Key Accreditations
WHO, NMC, GMC, USMLE Eligible
EC Directive 2005/36/EC Aligned
A Leader in Medical Innovation
Advanced Facilities
Clinical training at the state-of-the-art Policlinico Tor Vergata, a leading teaching hospital.
Medicine and Surgery Program
Launched in 2011, this six-year, 12-semester (Oct-July) English-taught program trains scientist-physicians for global leadership. It is defined by its very early clinical exposure, with internships beginning in the first year.
- Earliest Clinical Exposure: Internships (1,000 hours) begin in the second semester of the first year.
- Small Class Sizes (50): With 15 Non-EU and 35 EU seats, the program ensures personalized mentorship.
- Saharawi-Tor Vergata Initiative: A unique opportunity for humanitarian medical experience in Algerian refugee camps.
- State-of-the-Art Skills Lab: Provides hands-on training for practical techniques like suturing.
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 applications (e.g., imaging). Chemistry (6 CFU): Understand biochemical foundations. Anatomy I (6 CFU): Explore gross anatomy using models.
Skills: Lab techniques, 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). Human 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. 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 Policlinico Tor Vergata (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 Skills (6 CFU): Practice history-taking and physical exams. Communication (4 CFU): Develop patient and team interaction skills.
Skills: Diagnostic reasoning, patient rapport, basic Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~22 CFU
Internships: 4 CFU (68 hours) at Policlinico Tor Vergata, observing 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 Diseases (8 CFU): Study heart and lung disorders.
Skills: Imaging interpretation, pathological diagnosis, improve Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~20 CFU
Internships: 10 CFU (170 hours) at Policlinico Tor Vergata, 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. Epidemiology (4 CFU): Learn disease patterns and statistical methods.
Skills: Statistical analysis, clinical diagnostics, B1 Italian.
ECTS Credits: ~24 CFU
Internships: ~10 CFU (170 hours) at Policlinico Tor Vergata, 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 Policlinico Tor Vergata, 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 Policlinico Tor Vergata, 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 Policlinico Tor Vergata, 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 Policlinico Tor Vergata, 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 Policlinico Tor Vergata, preparing for practice.
Notes: Total internship hours ~1,649. Cheaper rent than Sapienza. Tuition €200–€5,200 (income-based). WHO/NMC/GMC accredited.
Life in Rome & Student Support
Located in Rome’s Tor Vergata district, 15 km from the city center, students live in an affordable area with easy access to historic landmarks. The community is supported by Campus X residences, student groups like ALET, and events like the Tor Vergata Sports Festival.
Tuition Fees (2024/25)
Range: €150 - €2,924 annually (ISEE-based). Payable in 3 installments.
Financial Support (ARDSU)
Merit- and need-based scholarships are available via ARDSU. KALINGAEURO provides guidance.
Campus accessible via metro (€1.50/ticket) or bike (€30/month).
Living costs: €300–500/month for shared rooms.
Enjoy subsidized canteens (€2-4/meal) and free Italian courses.
Admissions & Notable Features
Admission Requirements
- 12 years of secondary education & English B2 certificate.
- Competitive IMAT score (100-minute, 60-question exam).
- Estimated 2024 IMAT cut-offs: Approx. 47.3 (non-EU) & 44.5 (EU).
- Non-EU: D-type visa, register via Universitaly & Uniroma2 portal by July.
- Italian B1 proficiency is required by the third year.
- KALINGAEURO provides IMAT preparation.
Notable Features
Earliest Clinical Rotations
Begins in the first year, offering immediate exposure to the hospital system.
Saharawi Initiative
An unparalleled humanitarian experience in Algerian refugee camps.
Advanced Research
Opportunities in gene therapy, stem cells, and cardiovascular genetics.
Specialized Medical Italian
Free courses include a dedicated medical terminology module for clinical readiness.
Why Choose Tor Vergata?
Tor Vergata offers a cutting-edge MBBS experience, blending modern infrastructure with pioneering clinical training. Globally accredited and set in Rome’s vibrant suburbs, it prepares you for a transformative medical career.