Medicine and Surgery
University of Naples Federico II Campus, Italy
Medicine and Surgery (Laurea Magistrale)
University of Naples Federico II
Medicine and Surgery
Program Overview: Medicine and Surgery at Federico II
The Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Naples Federico II is a six-year, single-cycle degree (Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico) taught entirely in English, specifically designed for international students. Founded in 1224, Federico II is the oldest public and secular university in the world, offering a rich academic heritage combined with modern medical education standards aligned with Italian and European Union requirements.
The program employs a translational medical approach that integrates basic science research with clinical application from the very first year. Students benefit from early clinical exposure within one of Italy's largest hospital networks, training at Federico II University Hospital (Nuovo Policlinico), where they develop clinical acumen alongside theoretical knowledge through a multidisciplinary, student-centered curriculum.
Upon completion, graduates earn a qualification recognized across the European Union and internationally, preparing them for careers in general medicine, specialized healthcare fields, biomedical research, and postgraduate residency programs. The program's philosophy of learning by doing within a strong scientific framework ensures graduates are both competent clinicians and active contributors to medical advancement.
Key Program Highlights
- Six-year single-cycle degree with 360 ECTS credits, fully taught in English since 2015
- Early clinical exposure from Year 1, integrating bedside learning with foundational sciences
- Clinical rotations at Federico II University Hospital (Nuovo Policlinico), one of the largest teaching hospitals in southern Italy
- EU-recognized Laurea Magistrale degree qualifying graduates for medical practice across Europe and internationally
Curriculum and Modules
The Medicine and Surgery curriculum spans six years and 360 ECTS credits, structured around a translational approach that vertically and horizontally integrates basic sciences with clinical training. The first three years focus on preclinical sciences with early patient contact, while years four through six emphasize advanced clinical rotations and specialized medical training at Federico II University Hospital.
Foundations of Medical Science
60 ECTS (Year 1)Covers Basis of Clinical Medicine, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics in Medicine, Medical Statistics and Informatics, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Human and Medical Genetics, and Human Histology and Embryology. Introduces early clinical exposure alongside foundational sciences.
Human Structure and Function
60 ECTS (Year 2)Continues with Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Human Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology. Students deepen their understanding of the human body while maintaining early clinical contact with patients.
Pathological Sciences and Pharmacology
60 ECTS (Year 3)Focuses on General Pathology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and laboratory-based sciences. Students transition from foundational knowledge to understanding disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.
Clinical Medicine and Surgery
60 ECTS (Year 4)Marks the shift to hands-on clinical training with rotations in Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Cardiology, and Diagnostic Imaging. Students begin working directly with patients at Federico II University Hospital under physician supervision.
Specialized Clinical Rotations
60 ECTS (Year 5)Students rotate through specialized departments including Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oncology, Neurology, Psychiatry, and Orthopedics. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, patient management, and evidence-based practice.
Advanced Clinical Practice and Thesis
60 ECTS (Year 6)Includes rotations in Emergency Medicine, advanced surgical specialties, and an extensive 18-month thesis preparation (degree internship) conducted under a tutor's supervision. Students design and execute a research project using scientific methodology.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Naples Federico II is competitive and based on the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). Both EU and non-EU students are required to take this standardized entrance exam. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on the application process and to ensure your documents are correctly prepared.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationCompleted high school diploma or equivalent qualification recognized for university admission
- Entrance ExamIMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) — a 60-question multiple-choice exam covering biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and logical reasoning
- Prerequisite SubjectsStrong background in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics at secondary school level
- Available SeatsLimited seats available for EU and non-EU students — contact Uni4Edu for current allocations
- Age RequirementNo specific age requirement; open to all high school graduates meeting academic criteria
Language Requirements
- Language of InstructionEnglish — the program is taught entirely in English
- English ProficiencyDemonstrated through the IMAT exam (conducted in English); additional English certificates may be requested — contact Uni4Edu for details
- Italian LanguageNot required for admission; however, basic Italian is recommended for clinical interactions in later years
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Naples Federico II is a public institution with income-based tuition fees, making it one of the most affordable options for studying medicine in Europe. Several scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available for both EU and non-EU students. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding options.
ADISURC Regional Scholarship
Varies based on ISEE income assessmentRegional scholarships administered by ADISURC (Campania region) provide financial support including fee waivers, meal subsidies, and subsidized student housing for eligible students based on family income and academic merit.
Study in Naples International Scholarship
Up to EUR 5,530 per year (gross)Funded through the Internationalisation of Study Courses project co-financed by Compagnia di San Paolo, these scholarships support incoming international students enrolled in English-taught programs at Federico II.
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 Medicine and Surgery program at the University of Naples Federico II earn an internationally recognized medical degree (Laurea Magistrale) that qualifies them to practice medicine across the European Union and pursue licensure worldwide. The program's combination of rigorous clinical training and biomedical research experience prepares graduates for diverse careers in healthcare, academia, and medical research.
Potential Career Paths
Where Graduates Work
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Naples Federico II is one of the most prestigious and historically significant universities in Italy, consistently ranked among the top institutions globally. Founded in 1224, it is recognized as the oldest public, secular university in the world and maintains a strong reputation in medicine and health sciences research.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Health Sciences | QS World University Rankings | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | QS World University Rankings | #3 in Italy |
| Clinical Medicine | U.S. News Subject Rankings | Top 250 globally — contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Life Sciences and Medicine | ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) | Top 300 globally — contact Uni4Edu for current data |
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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