Medicine & Surgery in English at the University of Milan – Bicocca

The University of Milan – Bicocca runs one of Italy's most respected English-taught Medicine and Surgery degrees. It is a six-year, single-cycle programme (LM-41, 360 ECTS) that leads to an MD qualifying you to practise as a physician-surgeon across the EU. Admission is by merit ranking through the IMAT — there is no separate interview or portfolio.

Quick facts


Language	English (entirely taught)
Degree	Medicine & Surgery (MD), single cycle
Length	6 years
Admission test	IMAT (merit ranking)
Main location	Milan-based university; teaching centred at Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo
English level	B2 certificate typically required

A distinctive curriculum

Bicocca's English Medicine course is delivered in partnership with the University of Surrey (UK) and the University of Bergamo. Its hallmark is Problem-Based Learning (PBL) with early clinical exposure — students start case-based, clinical work from the second year, rather than waiting until later. Some early-year labs (anatomy, biochemistry) are held on the Monza campus, while lectures and clinical placements are centred on the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo, a large teaching hospital.

Why students choose Bicocca

The programme sits within easy reach of Milan, Italy's financial and design capital, with excellent rail links to Bergamo and the rest of Lombardy. Students value the small cohort size, hands-on teaching style, and the international, English-speaking academic environment. After enrolment you'll generally need to submit a B2 English certificate by a set deadline.

How competitive is it?

Bicocca offers a limited number of seats each year, split between an EU/equivalent quota and a smaller non-EU (residing abroad) quota. Cut-off scores change every admissions cycle — and even shift during the "scrolling" process as ranked candidates accept or decline offers — so treat any single number with caution and check the university's admissions page for the current intake. To understand the ranking mechanics, read our guide to IMAT scoring and ranking.

EU vs non-EU, in brief

EU and equivalent candidates compete in a national merit ranking that lets you list university preferences; non-EU applicants residing abroad compete within each university's dedicated non-EU quota. The seat split at Bicocca reflects this — confirm exact numbers on the official page before applying.

How to apply

Register on Universitaly and select Milan – Bicocca among your preferences.
Non-EU applicants also complete pre-enrolment and any visa steps.
Sit the IMAT, then watch the published ranking and scrolling.

Start with our full IMAT complete guide, then build exam stamina with a free IMAT mini-mock and check your performance using the IMAT score calculator. When you're ready for full-length, realistic IMAT practice, see our pricing.

FAQ

Is Medicine taught in English at the University of Milan – Bicocca?

Yes. Bicocca's Medicine & Surgery degree is taught entirely in English, with teaching centred at the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo. A B2-level English certificate is typically required after admission.

How do I get into Bicocca Medicine?

You apply by sitting the IMAT and ranking highly enough for one of the available seats. Register on Universitaly, list Bicocca among your preferences, take the IMAT, and follow the published ranking and scrolling.

How long is the degree and what does it qualify me for?

It is a six-year, single-cycle MD (360 ECTS) qualifying you as a physician-surgeon, with your degree recognised across the EU.