Medicine & Surgery in English at the University of Cagliari

The University of Cagliari is one of the newest entrants to Italy's English-taught medical education, having launched its Medicine & Surgery (MD) programme in English from 2024 — the first such course in Sardinia. It offers prospective international students a full, English-language medical degree with clinical training integrated into the university hospital, set in the relaxed, sun-filled capital of one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful islands.

Quick facts


City	Cagliari (capital of Sardinia)
Language of instruction	English
Degree	Single-cycle Medicine & Surgery (MD)
Length	6 years
Admission test	IMAT (merit ranking)
Programme launched	2024

Why students choose Cagliari

Cagliari is a coastal city of roughly 150,000 people, often nicknamed "the city of the sun." Students are drawn to its mild year-round climate, the long Poetto beach a short bus ride from the centre, a lively student and Erasmus community, and a noticeably lower cost of living than mainland hubs like Milan or Rome. It is a calmer, more affordable place to spend six years than a big metropolis, without sacrificing a genuine university-city atmosphere.

Admission: the IMAT

Like every public English-taught medical course in Italy, entry to Cagliari is through the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). Admission is purely merit-based: candidates are ranked by IMAT score, and seats are filled top-down. Cagliari, as a smaller and newer programme, can be competitive in its own way — cut-off scores shift every year and even move during the scrolling process as candidates accept or decline offers, so do not rely on a fixed number. If you're new to the exam, start with our complete IMAT guide and learn how the scoring and ranking actually work.

EU and equivalent candidates compete in a single national ranking across all universities.
Non-EU candidates residing abroad compete for a separate, smaller per-university quota.

For your first attempt, try a free IMAT mini-mock to gauge where you stand, then check your raw answers against the IMAT score calculator. When you're ready for serious preparation, our realistic IMAT practice mirrors the real exam — see pricing for plans.

How to apply

Register on Universitaly and select the University of Cagliari as a preference.
Sit the IMAT at an approved test centre on the official date.
Wait for the national merit ranking and respond to offers during scrolling.

English proficiency (typically B2) is expected, and a B2 level of Italian is generally required before the clinical internships, around the third year. For exact seat numbers, fees, and current deadlines, always confirm on the university's official admissions page.

FAQ

Is Medicine taught in English at the University of Cagliari?

Yes. Cagliari runs a full 6-year Medicine & Surgery (MD) programme taught in English, launched from 2024 — the first of its kind in Sardinia. English proficiency is expected, and Italian (around B2) is typically required before the clinical internships.

How do I get into University of Cagliari Medicine?

Admission is via the IMAT. Register on Universitaly, sit the IMAT, and you'll be placed in a merit ranking by score. Higher scores are admitted first, so strong IMAT preparation is essential.

How competitive is Cagliari Medicine?

It can be competitive, but cut-off scores vary every year and shift during scrolling, so there's no fixed target. Aim to maximise your IMAT score and track your progress with a free IMAT mini-mock.