Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia

Bologna - Italy
Abroad

General Information

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is the oldest university in the Western world, and its School of Medicine is one of the most prestigious in Europe. The Bologna campus is the flagship seat of the faculty, officially recognized by the WFME and ECFMG. It offers two primary medical tracks: a traditional Italian-taught MD and an English-taught International MD (Medicine and Surgery). Known for pioneering mandatory anatomy lessons in the Middle Ages, the school today is a global leader in Biomedical Research, Robotic Surgery, and Oncology, providing students with an elite clinical education within the massive Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic network.


General Info

  • Established: 1088 (Medicine Faculty integrated shortly after).
  • Primary Location: > Polo Murri, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy (Main medical hub).
  • Academic Tracks:
  • Single-Cycle MD (Italian): "Medicina e Chirurgia" – 6 years.
  • Single-Cycle MD (English): "Medicine and Surgery" – 6 years (Entry via IMAT).
  • Structure: A 6-year integrated program (360 ECTS):
  • Years 1-2: Basic Sciences (Molecular Biology, Anatomy, Physiology) and early patient contact.
  • Years 3-6: Clinical Clerkships and pathology, integrated with hospital rotations.
  • Instruction: English (for the International track) or Italian. The English track is specifically designed to facilitate global mobility and research.
  • Research Focus: National and global excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences, Hematology, Organ Transplantation, and Genomic Medicine.
  • Admission: Entry is via the National Test (Italian) or the IMAT (English). The Bologna campus consistently has the highest "minimum entry score" in Italy, reflecting its extreme competitiveness.

Campus Facilities

The medical school is primarily housed within the "Polo Murri" area of the Sant'Orsola Hospital complex, blending historic legacy with cutting-edge labs.

  • Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hub: A "city within a city" where most lectures and labs take place alongside clinical care.
  • Advanced Surgical Simulation Center: One of Italy’s most modern facilities for training in laparoscopy and robotic surgery.
  • Anatomy Hall (Historic & Modern): Students have access to both the historic 17th-century Anatomical Theatre (for history) and modern dissection/3D imaging labs.
  • CRBA (Center for Applied Biomedical Research): An interdepartmental hub for translational research and molecular diagnostics.
  • Biomedical and Neurological Science Labs: Dedicated units for studying neurodegenerative diseases and brain mapping.
  • "Polo Murri" Library: A massive specialized medical library with 24/7 digital access to global research databases.
  • Medical Informatics Hub: Facilities dedicated to the study of digital health, AI in diagnostics, and telemedicine.
  • Cardiology Labs: State-of-the-art facilities recently renovated for 1st and 2nd-year practical training.
  • Student Administration (Segreteria Studenti): Located in the heart of the medical district for easy access to career and internship services.
  • CUSB Sports Facilities: Includes access to Olympic pools, gyms, and sports clubs across the city of Bologna.

Hospital & Medical Facilities

Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

The Bologna campus is anchored by some of the most advanced teaching hospitals in Europe:

  • IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna (Sant'Orsola-Malpighi): One of the largest hospitals in Italy and a national leader in almost every medical specialty.
  • Ospedale Maggiore: A major secondary site for clinical rotations, especially in emergency medicine and trauma.
  • IOR - Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli: A world-renowned IRCCS (Institute for Research and Care) and a global leader in Orthopedics and Bone Pathology.
  • ISNB - Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche: A specialized center for neurology and neurosurgery rotations.
  • Bellaria Hospital: Focuses on neurology and pulmonary sciences.

Fee Structure

State University Affordability

As a public university, UNIBO uses a "Right to Study" model where fees are predominantly based on family income (ISEE).

Fee Category

Amount in EUR (Approx.)

Notes

Annual Tuition

€157 – €3,500

Calculated via the ISEE-U; many pay significantly less than the max.

Accommodation

€450 – €800/mo

Bologna center is high-demand; costs are higher than in Forlì/Ravenna.

Living Budget

€300 – €500/mo

Bologna is a foodie capital but offers many student-priced options.

Regional Tax

€157

Mandatory annual contribution for all students.

Scholarship

  • ER.GO Scholarships: Needs-based grants that can provide full tuition waivers, free meals, and annual stipends up to €6,500.
  • Unibo Action 1 & 2: Merit-based awards for international students (SAT/GRE/IMAT scores used for ranking).
  • International Talents @Unibo: New initiative offering significant grants for high-achieving non-EU students.
  • 150-Hour Collaboration: Students can earn extra income by working part-time in university libraries or offices.

City Details

  • The Vibe: Known as "La Dotta" (The Learned), Bologna is a UNESCO City of Music and a world-renowned culinary hub. It is famous for its nearly 40km of medieval porticos.
  • Connectivity:
  • Train: Italy’s most important rail hub; Tel Aviv-style high-speed links to Milan (1h), Florence (35m), and Rome (2h).
  • Air: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is a major international gateway.
  • Safety: High. It is a bustling, safe metropolitan area with a very high quality of life.

Hostel & Mess

  • Accommodation: Provided via ER.GO residences (like the Galvani or Morgagni residences) and a very active (though competitive) private rental market.
  • Dining: Numerous MENSA (university canteens) around the hospital and campus offer full Italian meals at very low student prices.
  • Vibe: Intellectual, vibrant, and intense. Bologna is the quintessential "University City," where student life defines the culture, nightlife, and social fabric.

Miscellaneous

  • Intakes: September/October (Annual intake only).
  • Application Step: Non-EU students must complete pre-enrollment on the Universitaly portal by the summer deadline.
  • Global Ranking: Consistently ranked as the #1 or #2 medical school in Italy by Censis and other international rankings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.

The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.

The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.

Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.

While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.

Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.

Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.

We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.

Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.

Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.

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