Messina, Italy
Study Medicine in English at University of Messina (IMAT)
Medicine & Surgery in English at the University of Messina
The University of Messina (Università degli Studi di Messina) runs a six-year, English-taught Single-Cycle Degree in Medicine and Surgery — a full MD programme aimed at international students who want to train as doctors in Italy without first learning Italian. Launched as an international medical school (UniMe International Medical School) in 2018/2019, it follows the standard Italian structure of 360 ECTS spread across six years, blending pre-clinical science with hands-on clinical rotations in Messina's teaching hospitals.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| City | Messina, Sicily |
| Language | English |
| Degree | Medicine & Surgery (single-cycle MD) |
| Length | 6 years (360 ECTS) |
| Admission test | IMAT |
Why students choose Messina
Messina sits on the northeastern tip of Sicily, overlooking the Strait that separates the island from mainland Calabria. The setting is a big part of the appeal: mild Mediterranean weather, sea views, and a compact, walkable student city. Crucially, the cost of living is among the lowest of any Italian medical city — rent and day-to-day expenses are noticeably cheaper than in Milan, Rome, or Bologna, which matters over a six-year degree. The atmosphere is relaxed and genuinely student-friendly, with an active social scene around the university.
Admission is via the IMAT
Like every English-taught Medicine programme at a public Italian university, entry to Messina is decided by the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) and a national merit ranking — not by interviews or essays. Your IMAT score determines your place in the queue for the limited seats. If you're new to the exam, start with our complete IMAT guide and learn exactly how places are allocated in IMAT scoring and ranking.
How competitive is it? Honestly, it varies. Cut-off scores shift every year and even move during the scrolling process as higher-ranked candidates accept or decline offers, so be wary of any source quoting a fixed number. As a smaller, lower-cost programme, Messina is often more attainable than the big northern universities — but you should still aim well above a "pass." The smartest preparation is realistic practice: try a free IMAT mini-mock to benchmark yourself, then estimate your standing with our IMAT score calculator.
EU vs non-EU applicants
Seats are split into two pools. EU (and EU-equated) candidates compete in a single national ranking, while non-EU candidates living abroad compete for a separate per-university quota tied to Messina specifically. Choosing your university preference order on Universitaly is therefore strategically important for non-EU applicants.
How to apply
- Register on Universitaly and select University of Messina among your preferences within the official application window.
- Complete pre-evaluation if required — Messina reviews international candidates' academic documents before the exam.
- Sit the IMAT on the official test date and await the merit ranking.
Because exact seat numbers, fees, and pre-evaluation rules can change yearly, always confirm the current cycle on the university's admissions page. To go beyond a single mock with realistic IMAT practice and full-length simulations, see our pricing.
FAQ
Is Medicine taught in English at the University of Messina?
Yes. Messina offers a complete six-year Medicine and Surgery degree delivered entirely in English. The course expects a B2 level of English, but a separate language certificate is generally not mandatory — the IMAT is sat in English and serves as the main language gate.
How do I get into University of Messina Medicine?
Register on Universitaly, list Messina among your preferences, complete any pre-evaluation step, and sit the IMAT. Admission is purely merit-based on your IMAT score and the resulting national or per-university ranking.
Is Messina easier to get into than other Italian medical schools?
It's often considered more accessible than the largest northern universities, partly due to its location and low costs, but cut-offs change every year. Treat any specific score you see as a rough guide, not a guarantee.