Università degli Studi di Catania Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia
Catania -
Italy
Abroad
General Information
Founded in 1434, the University of Catania (UniCt) is the oldest university in Sicily and one of the largest in Italy. Its Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is a premier institution in the Mediterranean, known for its extensive clinical network and its role in pioneering advanced surgical techniques. The medical school is primarily based in the Cittadella Universitaria, a dedicated scientific hub on the slopes of Mount Etna. It offers a robust academic environment that blends historic prestige with modern medical innovation, serving as a vital referral center for the entire southern Italian region.
General Info
- Established: Founded in 1434 by Alfonso V of Aragon; the medical faculty is one of the pillars of the historic "Studium Generale."
- Primary Location: > Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania (CT), Italy (Cittadella Area).
- Academic Tracks:
- Medicine and Surgery (6 years): Taught in Italian (LM-41).
- Medicine and Surgery (6 years): Taught in English (International MD Program).
- Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics (6 years): Taught in Italian.
- Health Professions: Includes 18 specialized programs like Nursing, Midwifery, and Speech Therapy.
- Admission Process:
- English Track: Admission is determined by the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test).
- Italian Track: Access is via the National Medical Admission Test (or the merit-ranking based on first-semester exams for the current cycle).
- Instruction: Both English and Italian programs are available. English-track students must reach B2-level Italian by the third year to begin hospital clerkships.
- Research Focus: Global expertise in Endocrinology, Oncology, Neurosciences, and Volcanology-related Public Health.
Campus Facilities
The medical faculty is located within the Cittadella Universitaria (University City) in the northern part of Catania.
- Torre Biologica (Biological Tower): A modern high-rise facility housing the most advanced research laboratories and first-year lecture halls.
- Building 13 (Policlinico): The historic and functional heart of the medical school, used for major lectures and graduation ceremonies.
- Center for Advanced Simulation (CeSi): Provides cutting-edge simulation rooms with robotic patient manikins for surgical and emergency training.
- Molecular Medicine Labs: Specialized hubs for genetics, clinical biochemistry, and immunology research.
- Biomedical Library: Located within the Policlinico, providing physical study space and 24/7 digital access to international medical journals and PubMed.
- Human Anatomy Sector: Features traditional anatomical collections alongside modern virtual dissection tables.
- Computer and Bioinformatics Lab: Used for statistical analysis in clinical research and genomic mapping.
- University Language Center (CLA): Provides free Italian courses for international medical students and specialized English for the health professions.
- Student Office for Internationalization: Dedicated help desk for non-EU students regarding visas, residency permits, and IMAT enrollment.
- CUS Catania: The university sports center located within the Citadel, featuring tracks, gyms, and swimming pools.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical rotations are conducted across a vast network of excellence:
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "G. Rodolico – San Marco": The primary teaching hospital, a massive complex featuring the new "San Marco" wing with ultra-modern emergency and diagnostic services.
- Azienda Ospedaliera per l'Emergenza "Cannizzaro": A key partner hospital specializing in trauma, neurosurgery, and the regional burn center.
- IOM (Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo): A specialized cancer research and treatment center where students engage in clinical oncology rotations.
- Regional Reference Center for Rare Diseases: Catania serves as a major hub for the MetabERN network (metabolic diseases).
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
Catania is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable cities for students in Italy.
Scholarship
- ERSU Catania Grants: The regional agency provides scholarships covering full tuition, free meals (one or two per day), and a cash stipend of up to €6,500+.
- University Merit Awards: Specific scholarships for top-ranking students entering the English-taught MD program.
- International Mobility Grants: Funding for Erasmus+ and "Extra-Erasmus" periods to study or train in foreign medical institutions.
- Student Collaborations: Paid "150-hour" part-time positions available in university libraries, computer labs, and offices.
City Details
- The Vibe: A Baroque gem at the foot of Mount Etna. Known for its nightlife, outdoor markets, and the spectacular Saint Agatha festival.
- Connectivity:
- Metro: The modern "Milo" station connects the city center directly to the medical campus.
- Bus: BRT1 (Rapid Bus) links the city center to the Cittadella in minutes.
- Airport: Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA) is the largest airport in the region, with direct flights to major European capitals.
- Safety: The university districts are generally safe and busy, requiring the standard awareness of a large Mediterranean city.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: Managed via ERSU Residences and a very active private market. Many medical students choose to live in the "Zona Policlinico" or "Milo" districts for easy campus access.
- Dining: Subsidized canteens (Mensa) are available at the "Cittadella" and in the city center (Via Santa Sofia), offering full meals for as little as €2 for scholarship holders.
- Vibe: Vibrant and warm. Catania offers a unique lifestyle where you can study between the sea and the volcano, with a massive student population that brings the historic city center to life.
Miscellaneous
- Intakes: September/October.
- Pre-enrollment: Non-EU students must pre-enroll via Universitaly.
- IMAT Requirements: The English track at UniCt is highly competitive; international seats often require scores in the top percentiles.
- Degree Status: The degree is "abilitante," meaning it confers the license to practice medicine in Italy and the EU upon graduation.
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
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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