International Medical School (IMS)
University of Milan State University Campus, Italy
International Medical School (IMS) – Medicine and Surgery
University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano – La Statale)
Medicine and Surgery
Program Overview: International Medical School (IMS)
The International Medical School (IMS) at the University of Milan is a six-year, English-taught Medicine and Surgery degree program that has been active since 2010. Open to both EU and non-EU students, IMS combines Italy's longstanding tradition of medical excellence with innovative teaching methods, including problem-based learning and early clinical exposure.
Located in Milan, one of Europe's leading healthcare and biomedical research hubs, IMS students benefit from clinical training at major hospitals across the metropolitan area, including Policlinico, Niguarda, and San Paolo. The program is recognized on the World Directory of Medical Schools and by medical councils in the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, and across the European Union.
The University of Milan (La Statale) is the largest university in Lombardy with approximately 64,000 students and is the only Italian university belonging to the League of European Research Universities (LERU). Graduates of IMS are eligible to enter medical residency programs, general medicine schools, and PhD programs in Italy and internationally.
Key Program Highlights
- Entirely taught in English with a block-based, integrated curriculum modeled on leading North American and European medical schools
- Problem-based learning (PBL), clinical case discussions, journal clubs, and Medical Humanities laboratories from the first year
- Clinical rotations at major Milan hospitals starting from the third year, with access to over 60 hospitals in the Milan area
- Internationally recognized degree listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, enabling practice in the EU, UK, US, Canada, and Australia
Curriculum and Modules
The IMS curriculum spans six years and is divided into preclinical and clinical phases. The first two years focus on foundational biomedical sciences, while years three through six progressively integrate clinical practice in hospital settings. The program totals 360 ECTS credits, with at least 60 credits dedicated to professional clinical training.
Cells, Molecules and Genes
Integrated module – Year 1Covers the molecular and cellular foundations of life, including cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. This module provides the scientific basis for understanding human physiology and disease.
Human Anatomy and Histology
Integrated module – Year 1Provides a comprehensive study of human body structure from the cellular level to complex organ systems. Includes hands-on work with anatomical models and histological specimens.
Human Physiology and Biochemistry
Integrated module – Year 2Explores the functional mechanisms of the human body at molecular, cellular, and organ-system levels. Students learn how the body maintains homeostasis and responds to physiological challenges.
General Pathology and Microbiology
Integrated module – Year 2-3Introduces the mechanisms of disease, immunology, and infectious agents. Students study how pathogens interact with the human body and the body's defense mechanisms.
Integrated Medical Clinics (IMC)
Integrated module – Years 3-6A longitudinal clinical module integrating internal medicine, surgery, and specialty rotations. Students undertake clerkships in hospital wards under the supervision of qualified university and hospital professionals.
Final Track and Thesis
Integrated module – Year 5-6In the fifth year, students choose a specialized track from ten available options. They complete focused clerkships and write and defend a final thesis in English to demonstrate research and clinical competence.
Elective Activities and Optional Clerkships
Admission Requirements
Admission to the IMS program is highly competitive and regulated by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR). The number of available seats is defined annually by ministerial decree, with a portion of seats reserved for non-EU students. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on the application process and to maximize your chances of admission.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent qualification obtained after at least 12 years of schooling, recognized for university admission in the country where it was earned
- Admission TestNational admission test consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions covering general knowledge, logical reasoning, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics
- Subject PrerequisitesStrong academic background in Biology, Chemistry, and at least one additional science subject at upper-secondary level
- Additional Educational ObligationsStudents admitted with a total score below 45/90 and less than 13.5/27 in Biology may be assigned additional educational obligations (OFAs) with remedial activities
- Non-EU ApplicantsNon-EU candidates are included in local university rankings; limited seats are reserved specifically for non-EU applicants. Contact Uni4Edu for specific seat allocations.
Language Requirements
- English ProficiencyAssessed through the admission test; no separate English certificate is mandatory for admission
- Italian LanguageStudents are required to achieve B2-level proficiency in Italian by the end of the second year; Italian language courses are provided
- Thesis LanguageThe final thesis must be written and defended in English
Required Documents
Key Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Milan offers several financial support options for international students, including regional scholarships, merit-based awards, and income-based fee exemptions. Contact Uni4Edu to explore which funding options best suit your profile and to receive assistance with scholarship applications.
DSU Regional Scholarship (Diritto allo Studio Universitario)
A need-and-merit-based scholarship funded by the Lombardy Region, open to Italian and international students. Benefits include tuition fee exemption, free meals at university canteens, and subsidized accommodation in student residences.
MAECI Scholarships for Foreign Students
Scholarships offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) to international students wishing to study in Italy. These awards support students from selected countries and cover living expenses.
University of Milan Merit-Based Fee Reductions
Partial to full tuition fee exemption based on merit and incomeThe University of Milan provides fee exemptions and reductions based on academic merit and family income. A no-tax area is available for students meeting specific ISEE thresholds, and high-merit concessions are offered to top-performing students.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the IMS program are fully qualified to practice medicine and can register with the Italian medical register (Ordine dei Medici) upon completing the Evaluation Training Internship. The IMS degree is internationally recognized, enabling graduates to pursue residency programs and medical careers across the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and beyond.
Potential Career Paths
Affiliated Teaching Hospitals and Research Institutions
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Milan is consistently ranked among the top universities in Italy and globally, with particular strength in medical and health sciences. It is the only Italian university that is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and is part of the 4EU+ European University Alliance.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #65 (1st in Italy) |
| Clinical Medicine | US News & World Report | #54 |
| Gastroenterology and Hepatology | US News & World Report | #15 |
| Oncology | US News & World Report | #43 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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