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Located in: Italy
Founded in 1982, Rome Tor Vergata is a public research university located in a southeastern suburb of Rome. It’s one of the largest universities in Italy, with a 600-hectare campus.
The university is known for its focus on research and international programmes taught entirely in English. Today, it hosts more than 30,000 students across 6 faculties, creating a diverse academic community in the heart of Rome.
The university is affiliated with 2 hospitals - the Policlinico Tor Vergata Hospital and the University of Tor Vergata General Hospital.
The University of Rome Tor Vergata offers a 6-year (12 semesters) medicine and surgery degree in English.
It also offers a 5-year pharmacy programme that provides the theoretical and practical skills needed for the profession.
Tuition fees vary depending on the programme and whether students submit their family income through the ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) or the ISEE Parificato. The latter is a financial declaration for international students that helps determine how high your tuition needs to be.
For both medicine and surgery, and pharmacy, in English:
The entry requirements of the University of Rome Tor Vergata are as follows:
Earning a B1 Italian certificate during the third year is also required, mainly for clinical interactions. The IMAT exam takes place typically in September, and classes usually begin in October or November each year.
To get into the medical programme at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, you'll have to fight for a few spots, follow strict rules for paperwork, get a passing grade on the IMAT entrance exam, and meet very strict deadlines. It can be very hard to keep track of all of this while also studying, and even a small mistake could jeopardise starting your medical studies. That's where we come in. For many years, our team at Medlink Students has helped aspiring doctors with every step of the Italian medical school application process. We'll check that your papers are in order, that you meet all of your deadlines, and that you study for the IMAT correctly. This will give you the best chance of getting into 1 of Italy's top universities.
The University of Rome Tor Vergata is accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research (MIUR). Its Medicine and Surgery programme is accredited by the Agenzia Nazionale di Valutazione del Sistema Universitario e della Ricerca (ANVUR), an accrediting body recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
The university also supports student and staff mobility across Europe through the Tor Vergata Erasmus+ programs, which are accredited by the European Commission.
The Medical programme at the University of Rome Tor Vergata is a 6-year course taught entirely in English. It follows Italian and EU university standards and includes 360 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits.
During the first 2 years, students study intro biochemistry, physics, statistics, biology, genetics, anatomy, and histology. You’ll also get early experience with clinical work and learn how to write and communicate scientifically.
Starting from the 3rd year, students move on to more advanced medical topics such as pathology, human diseases, and lab medicine. They also begin regular clinical training at the university hospital and other medical centres. Since hospital work involves speaking with Italian patients, you’re required to complete a B1 Italian certificate at this stage.
Tor Vergata offers a 5-year English taught pharmacy programme that offers theoretical knowledge in foundational courses during the first years, including bio-inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, drug analysis, microbiology, and immunlogy.
As the students progress, the curriculum shifts to include workshops, labs, and the possibility of international internships or clinical placements, preparing students for modern pharmacy practice.
Research at the University of Rome Tor Vergata focuses on molecular discoveries, understanding how genetic, cellular, and systemic mechanisms interact to cause disease, and how this knowledge can lead to better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Students in the Medicine and Surgery course are directly involved in research from early years, working alongside clinical and laboratory teams in areas such as:
While the University of Rome Tor Vergata is a recognised medical university, it’s important to consider other options before making the decision about which university to attend in Italy.
For reference, here’s a comparison between the University of Rome Tor Vergata and Humanitas University, a top choice for international students pursuing medicine in Italy:
| University of Rome Tor Vergata | Humanitas University | |
| University Focus | A large public university with a variety of faculties | A medical school entirely dedicated to Life Sciences with concentrated resources for medical training. |
| Accreditation & International Recognition | Accredited by MIUR and ANVUR | Explicitly recognised and accredited by the medical councils of the UK (GMC), the US, Canada, and Australia, as well as MIUR and ANVUR |
| Post-Graduate Success Rate | The degree allows you to pursue a medical career in various countries after fulfilling specific registration requirements | Demonstrated track record of over 40 recent graduates registering with the UK General Medical Council. |
| Students Accommodation | The university offers a Welcome Office Housing Service to help students find accommodation. The campus is large (640 hectares) and located in the southeastern suburb of Rome. | Fully serviced on-campus accommodation (240 beds in single/double rooms) is available, with access to study halls, a gym, laundry, and weekly cleaning services. |
| Location | Rome, the historical capital of the world. | Milan, the country's wealthiest and most economically developed city. |
| Research Environment | A variety of research initiatives across different faculties | Research is focused within the dedicated life science campus, ensuring student access to specialists. |
The University of Rome Tor Vergata campus is on Rome’s south-eastern outskirts, next to Policlinico Tor Vergata, so living close to it saves hours of commuting and maximises study and clinical time.
The university offers a Welcome Office Housing Service to help students find accommodation and offers them 20-25% discounts.
After discount, private residences' rent will vary, but generally, estimates include:
Single room studio: ~
Double room for single use: ~
Single room in a 3-bedroom apartment: ~
Fees include private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, electricity, heating, and communal facilities.
With a population of 4.2 million people, Rome is the biggest city in Italy, 1 that blends history with modernity. Between classes, you’ll be able to walk through ancient streets, admire iconic landmarks, and study in beautifully designed cafes.
It’s also an affordable city, but living costs depend on your lifestyle. On average, medical students in Rome spend between and per month on living expenses. Rent varies from for student housing up to for private accommodations around the city centre.
For admission to Tor Vergata university, applicants must pass the IMATs exam, submit a high school diploma, and prove their English proficiency.
International students pay subject to discounts per ISEE. National students and international students with familial income based in Italy pay between 0 and per year.
Options include university-affiliated private housing and independent rentals. Prices range roughly from per month, depending on type and location.
Applications for the English-taught Medicine and Surgery programme open in November of every year.
