Studying abroad allows students to expand their horizons and have a holistic learning experience that goes beyond the knowledge they derive from their textbooks. Therefore, it is important to choose a country that can provide students with an experience that will help them grow personally and professionally.
Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe that is popular for its fashion, food, and recreational activities. Every corner of this country has something interesting and mesmerizing to explore. Whether it is culture, people, food, or landscape, Italy never fails to amaze people. The country is home to some of the most renowned world heritage sites including Rock Drawings, Historic Centre of Rome, Historic Centre of Florence, Piazza del Duomo, etc.
However, that is not all; Italy is an excellent place for education as well. Universities in Italy date back to the 12th century, ranking them amongst the oldest in the Western world. Italy is home to the oldest university in the world, University of Bologna, which has been open for the last 930 years. From a strong historical prominence, blend of cultures, and diverse and breathtaking landscape, Italy certainly provides students with an enriching cultural experience.
The education system of Italy is diverse that enables students to take a wide range of degree programs or certificate courses. Moreover, a majority of universities provide students with options to learn via distance learning and classroom learning across the nation. Education costs are skyrocketing with every passing year, making it difficult for students to gain the education that offers them a complete learning experience. However, education in Italy is quite affordable as opposed to other countries in Europe.
When opting to study abroad, language seems to be the primary barrier. However, in Italy, you will find a ton of courses that are taught in English. It is just a matter of putting some research to find those universities. From art and science to architecture and business management, you will find a plethora of English-taught courses. Moreover, many universities offer summer language camps for international students before the course begins. It will give students a head start in adapting to the new culture.
An MBBS is an undergraduate degree for an aspirant who wishes to pursue a career in the medical field. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is a highly-regarded professional degree in the field of medical science. An individual with an MBBS degree is deemed as a certified medical practitioner. Evidently, this degree program is well-recognized in all parts of the world. And when students acquire an MBBS degree from recognized institutions, it can help reinforce their academic profile. And Italy is one of those international locations that allow students to study MBBS program in a practical and holistic environment.
Colleges in Italy are ranked amongst the top colleges in the world. When you choose Italy to study medicine, it is not merely an opportunity to learn medicine from globally reckoned institutions, but it also brings a chance to experience the rich culture and history of one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. And, international students no longer have to worry about language barriers.
Since the year 2009, various Italian Public Universities have been providing students with English-language MD programs. These programs are amongst the most diverse, inexpensive, and academically-rigorous medical programs in the world. Moreover, they are excellent if you are preparing research, residency, and clinical work in Europe or in any other country. The tuition fees of MBBS courses in Italy are also quite affordable compared to other European countries like the UK, making it easier for students across the globe to acquire Western-European level medical education.
If you are planning to pursue MBBS in Italy, you will not be disappointed. Italy has some top universities in Europe that offer a wide range of the MBBS course with a multitude of specializations, which makes it hardly surprising that over 32,000 international students come here to study. With such a diverse cultural background, versatility in the education system, affordable living, and education cost, MBBS in Italy would provide students with a holistic learning experience.
Italy is home to some of the well-known MBBS universities in the world. These universities provide students with English-taught programs in order to offer them a flexible and comfortable learning experience. It is important that you choose the best MBBS institute for your studies. Following are the best medical schools in Italy–
The eligibility criteria to enroll in an MBBS program in Italy are quite straightforward. In order to get admission into a medical school in Italy, you must adhere to the following eligibility criteria –
Following are the documents you need to submit while applying for a student’s visa for Italy,
Admissions for the general public in Italy’s international public medical schools open once a year. The application process is executed on a central website for all public universities. And the window of the application is generally open for a short time span, which varies every year. While there is no requirement to pass GMAT and other exams to avail admission in a medical college in Italy, you must take an IMAT Italy exam.
Step 1 – Pre-enroll for IMAT
Step 2 – IMAT Exam
Step 3 – University Enrollment
Prior to IMAT Italy Test –
Before you take the IMAT test, you have to prove your efficiency in English by taking an IELTS or TOEFL exam. Following is the procedure to take the IELTS exam in Italy –
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign language
TOEFL is another exam that you can take in order to prove your English skills to the universities in Italy.
Living expense is one of the primary factors that students consider when looking for a foreign country to study. Italy is considered quite affordable for students to study, live, and explore. It basically depends on the lifestyle you choose once you settle in.
Tuition Fees
The average fees for pursuing MBBS in Italy would come around 19,000 Euros to 30,000 Euros (INR 15,00,000 to 25,00,000). The tuition fees of some universities can come up to 48,000 Euros. So, based on your financial capabilities, you can research and find a good medical college in Italy that falls well with your budget.
Along with tuition fees, students have to deal with various other costs while living in a foreign country. Below we have broken down the costs that students have to incur while studying MBBS in Italy.
Visa Processing Fees
The visa processing fees to obtain a student visa would come around 116 Euros (INR 7,832.41). This fee doesn’t include taxes and additional documentation fees. Overall, you can expect to spend around INR 10,000-20,000 in this process.
Living Costs
Typically, living costs for students in Italy would come around 700 to 1000 Euros per month, including food, accommodation, transportation, etc. Cities like Milan and Rome are a little more expensive as opposed to other cities in Italy. As mentioned above, it entirely depends on the kind of lifestyle you have.
Accommodation
35% of the overall living expenses are spent on accommodation, 12% on tuition fees, and 9% on transportation. Accommodation cost in Italy varies from 250 to 350 Euros per month if you are living in a shared accommodation. If you are living alone, then the living costs would come around 400 Euros per month. Standard accommodation in a good locality comes with a two-bedroom, a hall, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a balcony. You can get rooms at a cheaper rate or choose an expensive accommodation based on your preference.
Food Costs
Italy is known for its scrumptious food and is often on the top list to explore. And thankfully, the food here is quite affordable. You can buy a wide variety of food from supermarkets at reasonable rates. On an average you are likely to spend 200 Euros per month. Lidl or Esselunga are popular markets here that offer products at the cheapest rates. If you are a pure vegetarian, then you might have some difficulty as most of the food items here have meat in some form or the other. However, if you know how to cook, then you can get the ingredients at cheap rates and cook at home.
Transportation Costs
Monthly bus, train, or metro tickets for students varies between 25 to 35 Euros depending on the city you are living in. Furthermore, intercity train rides are quite affordable. In fact, with an amount of 20 Euros, you can take a train ride to another city over the weekend and explore.
Additional Costs
Monthly utility expenses can total up to 140 Euros, that include –
Tuition fees, along with accommodation, travel, food, and other expenses in Italy, can add up to a significant amount. This cost may intimidate some students and make it difficult to avail quality medical education in their preferred university in Italy. Students who are planning to pursue their MBBS in Italy should look into scholarship options in order to obtain financial assistance.
In Italy, scholarships are funded by the government and centrally provided by offices that are spawned across the country. In different regions, these offices are named differently. For instance, they are called EDiSU in Pavia, whereas in Milan they are referred to as DSU. There are various scholarships available for students in every university, and they are provided to them based on their academic achievements as well as family income. The scholarship amount can total up to 4800 Euros per student and might additionally cover meals at school, dormitory expenses, and tuition fees.
Following are the top scholarships in Italy that students can avail to pursue MBBS –
Advantages –
Disadvantages –
MBBS in Italy brings you many prolific career opportunities. Whether you decide to stay in the country or wish to expand your horizons to other regions, an MBBS degree from Italy can facilitate that.
Italy presently lacks skills in various industries, and medicine is one of them. Therefore you have plenty of opportunities to start your medicine career in Italy itself. Once you have completed your MBBS from a well-known institute and obtained your medical license, you can start your practice in the country. You can get a job in both public as well as private medical institutes paving the way for further studies.
Post completing your MBBS Italy; you can easily apply for further studies in the country. Stay in the country and pursue a specialized study that would help you strengthen your academic profile.
Italy has some globally reckoned colleges to pursue your education further. And you can easily apply for a visa extension.
Students who have completed their MBBS from Italy have plenty of job opportunities in India too. Prior to starting their career here, students must pass the licensing examination in order to start their practice. Once they have passed their exam, students are eligible to start their medical practice with leading hospitals and clinics in India at increased pay.
Q- What is the threshold passing mark one needs to get in IMAT?
Ans- In order to clear the IMAT exam, you must obtain 20 points out of 90. And if you score 90 points, then you are eligible to get a scholarship.
Q- Is it mandatory to clear TOEFL or IELT exam to get admission in MBBS in Italy?
Ans- If you are enrolling in the English-taught MBBS program in Italy; then you must clear the TOEFL or IELT exam to prove your fluency in English.
Q- Where is the IMAT center in India?
Ans- IMAT exams are held in Gurgaon in India. You can also apply for a short stay visa if you wish to visit Italy and give the exam at the Italy center.
Q- What if I had an adequate score but not listed in the national ranking?
Ans- Not all who hold national ranking are enrolled in the universities, so you might have a chance to get into a university. However, if you don’t, then you will have to give the exam again next year.
Q- How is the five-year MBBS program in India different from the 6-year MBBS program in Italy?
Ans- Post completing the medical course, the degree offered in India is known as MBBS, whereas in Italy it is recognized as MD. MBBS courses in India are more focused on providing students with theoretical knowledge and examinations. Italian universities, on the other hand, are more centered on imparting practical knowledge and have less focus on course content and examinations.
Q- What is the financial assistance provided by foreign students who wish to pursue MBBS in Italy?
Ans- Offers many government funded scholarship programs for foreign students. These scholarship programs are offered based on the student’s academic performance and family economic condition. Along with the scholarship, students with good academic background can easily avail an education loan to continue their studies.
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