University of BolognaAlma Mater Studiorum - Medicine and Surgery
Walk the halls of history and study medicine at the world's oldest university, where centuries of academic legacy meet the forefront of medical innovation in Italy's vibrant intellectual heartland.
Bologna at a Glance
The single-cycle Master's Degree in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Bologna is more than a degree; it's an inheritance of nearly a millennium of medical knowledge. As the "Mother of Universities," Bologna offers a program steeped in history yet fully modernized to meet 21st-century healthcare challenges. The English-taught course provides a comprehensive medical education that emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach, preparing graduates to be compassionate and skilled clinicians ready for practice across the globe.
Educational Philosophy
Bologna's teaching philosophy integrates its profound historical legacy with contemporary educational strategies. The curriculum is structured to build a strong scientific foundation in the first biennium, followed by an increasingly clinical focus. The approach is holistic, incorporating medical humanities, bioethics, and communication skills alongside rigorous scientific and clinical training, aiming to develop doctors who treat patients, not just diseases.
Key Competencies Developed
- Historical Perspective: A unique understanding of the evolution of medical thought.
- Holistic Patient Care: Expertise in managing complex clinical cases with a humanistic touch.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Strong skills in appraising and applying the latest medical research.
- Interprofessional Collaboration: Experience working in diverse healthcare teams within a large hospital system.
- Ethical and Legal Acumen: Deep knowledge of medical ethics and legal responsibilities in healthcare.
Year 1: Scientific Foundations
Laying the groundwork with fundamental sciences and introducing the human body's basic structure and the doctor-patient relationship.
- • Chemistry & Biochemistry
- • Physics, Statistics & IT
- • Biology & Genetics
- • Human Anatomy I
- • Histology & Embryology
- • Medical Humanities
Year 2: Structure, Function, and Defense
Exploring the intricate functions of the human body and understanding the basics of pathology and the immune system.
- • Human Anatomy II
- • Physiology
- • Microbiology & Immunology
- • General Pathology
- • Molecular Medicine
- • First Aid Clerkships
Year 3: From Lab to Bedside
This pivotal year connects lab sciences with clinical practice, focusing on diagnostics, pharmacology, and systematic pathology.
- • Pathological Anatomy
- • Pharmacology
- • Laboratory Medicine
- • Clinical Semeiotics & Methodology
- • Systemic Pathology I
- • Introduction to Clinical Rotations
Year 4: Clinical Systems and Specialties
A system-based study of diseases, covering internal medicine, surgery, and key specialties with integrated clinical training.
- • Internal Medicine I
- • General Surgery I
- • Cardiovascular & Respiratory Diseases
- • Hematology & Oncology
- • Endocrinology & Rheumatology
- • Diagnostic Imaging
Year 5: Advanced Clinical Care
Intensive, full-time clerkships in major clinical areas, focusing on patient management, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
- • Pediatrics & Neonatology
- • OB/GYN
- • Neurology & Neurosurgery
- • Psychiatry
- • Orthopedics & Traumatology
- • Sensory Organ Diseases (ENT/Ophtho)
Year 6: Public Health and Professional Practice
The final year focuses on the physician's role in society, public health, emergency care, and the final thesis, leading to professional qualification.
- • Public Health & Hygiene
- • Forensic & Occupational Medicine
- • Emergency Medicine & Surgery
- • Clinical Governance
- • Elective Clerkships (Internato)
- • Final Thesis & State Exam
The Clinical & Academic Environment
Training takes place within historic academic settings and one of Italy's most important teaching hospitals.
The primary clinical training site is the IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, a massive university hospital complex that is a national leader in research and specialized care. It provides an incredibly diverse clinical experience for students.
- Over 1,400 beds and 40 operating rooms.
- National reference center for rare diseases, oncology, and transplants.
- Strong focus on translational research, with labs integrated into clinical departments.
- Students are fully integrated into ward teams during their clerkships.
Lectures and lab work take place in the university's historic buildings scattered throughout Bologna's city center, including the famous Palazzo Poggi. This creates a unique atmosphere where students learn modern medicine surrounded by centuries of history.
- The Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio, a historic site of early dissections.
- Vast network of over 50 libraries, including the ancient University Library.
- University Museum Network with collections on anatomy, pathology, and natural history.
- Modern labs and simulation facilities integrated within historic structures.
A Medical Student's Life in Bologna
Live and learn in "La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa" – The Learned, The Fat, The Red – Italy's quintessential university city.
Bologna's city center is dominated by the university. Students typically live in shared apartments within or just outside the city walls, easily reachable on foot or by bike. The demand is high, so starting the search early is key.
Cost: €400 - €600/month
Bologna is the culinary capital of Italy. Students enjoy affordable, world-class food, from fresh pasta to mortadella. The city is famous for its lively student atmosphere, with countless cafes, bars, and cultural events centered around the university district.
Cost: €300 - €450/month
As a major railway hub in northern Italy, Bologna is perfectly connected. Florence, Venice, Milan, and Rome are all just a short high-speed train ride away, making it an ideal base for exploring the country on weekends.
Transport: Highly walkable/bikeable city
The Application Journey
Your step-by-step guide and key contacts to apply to the University of Bologna.
Admission is highly competitive, based on the IMAT score. Bologna has a large number of EU seats, making it a popular choice.
Step 1: Pre-enrollment on Universitaly (April-July)
Mandatory for all non-EU candidates. You must select the University of Bologna as your first choice.
Step 2: Register for IMAT (August-September)
Register for the exam via the official testing portal. The exam is typically held in mid-September.
Step 3: Check Rankings & Enroll (October)
Successful candidates in the national ranking must follow Bologna's specific enrollment procedures promptly.
Step 4 (Non-EU): Apply for Student Visa
Use the admission letter to apply for a Type D student visa at your local Italian consulate.
Contact Details
internationaldesk@unibo.it
corsi.unibo.it/singlecycle/MedicineAndSurgery