ENQUIRE NOW
Located in: Italy
The University of Naples Federico II (UNINA) was founded in 1224 by the Holy Roman Emperor Federico II in Naples, Italy. It is the oldest state-funded university in the world and 1 of the 10 oldest universities in continuous operation. The university offers a wide range of programmes in science, engineering, medicine, and the humanities.
It currently hosts 38 programmes taught in English, 1 of which is its medicine and surgery programme, which began in 2015.
The University of Naples Federico II offers a 6-year (12 semesters) programme in medicine and surgery, taught entirely in English.
It’s a public university, so for EU students, fees are per year, plus a compulsory regional tax and a legal stamp.Â
On the other hand, non-EU students only pay the compulsory regional tax and legal stamp per year.
The entry requirements to study medicine at Federico II are as follows:
The minimum test score for the IMAT differs from 1 year to another. For example, in 2021, the EU's minimum score for acceptance was 42.1, while the non-EU's was 31.7.
Getting into the University of Naples Federico II isn’t easy. It’s a state-funded school, and there are only a handful of spots for an extremely high number of applications. Not just that, but the application process can get confusing, and you need to make sure all your documents are correctly translated, notarised, and legalised, or they might get rejected. On top of that, you have to do well on the IMAT to compete with everyone else. Even the smallest mistakes can cost you your place. That’s where we, Medlink students, step in. We will make sure your documents are ready and submitted correctly, give you all the application support you need, and offer you the best chance of getting accepted without all the stress of applying to a foreign school on your own.
Federico II is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and is accredited by the Agenzia Nazionale di Valutazione del Sistema Universitario e della Ricerca (ANVUR), which is an accreditation agency recognised by the WFME.
The University of Naples Federico II offers a single-cycle 6-year degree (Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico), meaning you go straight from high school to a master’s level qualification.
Over the 6 years, the programme covers 360 ECTS credits and is designed to be student-centred. This means that the professors don't just teach the basic sciences (like anatomy and biochemistry) separately from clinical knowledge (how to treat patients). Instead, the curriculum uses a translational medical approach, quickly showing you how the foundational knowledge you learn in the lab applies directly to patient care.
In the final years, the programme includes an extensive, mandatory 18-month thesis preparation (degree internship) carried out in a School of Medicine structure under a Tutor's supervision. This period is dedicated to designing a research project with scientific methodology and provides access to international postgraduate training, such as Residency and PhD programs.
UNINA’s Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies (DMMBM) focuses strongly on research in human health and biotechnology. These topics include:
While Federico II has a strong and respected Medicine and Surgery programme, it’s important to weigh all your options before making a decision.
Here is a comparison of the University of Naples’s programme against Humanitas University, a popular choice for international students studying medicine in Italy:
| Feature | University of Naples Federico II | Humanitas University |
| Location | Naples, a historical city in southern Italy | Milan, Italy's wealthiest city and a global centre for innovation |
| Clinical Training | Clinical training is provided at the vast Policlinico di Napoli hospital and integrated within an extensive, traditional public university system | Training is conducted within the Humanitas Research Hospital, a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility co-located with the university. |
| Recognition & Accreditation | Accredited by ANVUR | Accredited by the MUR and ANVUR, the qualifications also meet the standards of the general medical councils of the UK (GMC), the US, Canada, and Australia |
| Student Life & Support | Supports students in finding subsidised housing off campus. A large, traditional public campus and the warmth of Southern Italian culture define student life | Features a strong, centralised international community with specialised support services, on-campus accommodation, and facilities tailored specifically for foreign students |
| Application Process | Based on passing the public IMAT exam, B2 English proficiency, and having a high school diploma | Admission includes passing the HUMAT, a simpler version of the IMAT, as well as English proficiency and a high school diploma |
UNINA does not offer its own student accommodation. Instead, the International Welcome Desk helps you secure housing through ADISURC, the regional student housing agency that manages more than 1,400 beds across Naples, Pozzuoli, Salerno, and Benevento.
Through this system, you can apply for subsidised student residences, usually ranging from to per month, depending on the services provided. The fees include basic utilities such as electricity, heating, water, Wi-Fi, and communal facilities.
For private accommodation, expect to pay ~ for a single-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre.
Naples is on Italy’s southwest coast in the Campania Region. It’s a beautiful historical city with rich Roman roots, stunning coastal views, and 3 volcanoes: Vesuvius, Ischia, and Campi Flegrei, providing an excellent overall student experience.
As for the living costs, altogether you’re looking at roughly - per month, depending on your lifestyle, and whether you choose private accommodation or subsidised student housing:
The University of Naples medical department is located in Naples, Italy, specifically about a 30-minute metro ride from the city centre.
Tuition for EU students is per year, plus a compulsory regional tax and a legal stamp. Non-EU students pay only the compulsory regional tax and legal stamp per year.
Yes, transferring to the University of Naples Federico II is possible. However, this depends on seat availability and whether the medical school recognises your previous academic credits.
Yes. The university offers a 6-year Medicine and Surgery programme taught entirely in English.
The university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and accredited by ANVUR, which is recognised by the WFME. This means students from UNINA can pursue postgraduate training and medical licensing worldwide, subject to local requirements.
Yes. Applicants have to pass the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test).
Yes, you can apply with a high school diploma or equivalent, as medicine is a direct 6-year programme.
Clinical training takes place at the Policlinico di Napoli hospital and other facilities within the university’s School of Medicine system.
