Medicine and Surgery at the University of Catania

Program Overview

The Medicine and Surgery degree at the University of Catania is a six-year program taught entirely in English, designed for international students. Located in Sicily's vibrant city of Catania, it combines academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience and a global perspective. The program builds strong foundations in basic sciences while progressively introducing clinical practice through modern teaching methods and partnerships with leading regional hospitals.

International Reputation

Founded in 1434, the University of Catania is one of Italy's oldest universities with a strong tradition in medical education. It offers an affordable, supportive academic environment with excellent teacher-student interaction.

• QS University Rankings: Among the top 1,000 globally
• Medicine Faculty: Recognized for educational innovation and active research engagement

EU and Non-EU Seats

Note: Numbers may vary annually based on ministerial regulations.

Admission Test (IMAT Cut-offs)

Curriculum Breakdown

The six-year program (360 ECTS credits) progresses from biomedical foundations to comprehensive clinical training.

Year 1 – Preclinical Foundations

First Semester:

• Principles of the Human Matter (9 CFU) – Applied Physics; Chemistry and Biochemistry
• The Cell: Molecules and Processes I (14 CFU) – Molecular Biology I; Applied Biology I; Medical Genetics I
• Body Architecture I (12 CFU) – Histology, Cytology, Embryology
• Health Informatics (3 CFU)

Second Semester:

• The Cell: Functions and Regulations (9 CFU) – Cellular Physiology; Biochemistry
• The Cell: Molecules and Processes II (14 CFU) – Molecular Biology II; Applied Biology II
• Body Architecture II (12 CFU) – Regional Anatomy; Gross Neuroanatomy
• Health and Climate Change (2 CFU)

Year 2 – Physiology, Pathology, and Bioengineering

First Semester:

• Body Functions I (11 CFU) – Human Physiology; Biochemistry
• Disease Onset I (12 CFU) – General Pathology; Immunology; Microbiology
• Bioengineering (7 CFU) – Tissue Engineering; Bioprinting

Second Semester:

• Body Functions II (12 CFU)
• Disease Onset II (11 CFU)
• Water, Food and Sustainable Diets (3 CFU)

Year 3 – Systemic Pathology and Diagnostics

First Semester:

• Basics of Diagnostics and Pharmacology (6 CFU)
• Diseases of Cardiovascular and Endocrine Systems (14 CFU)
• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Big Data (3 CFU)

Second Semester:

• Diseases of Respiratory and Uro-Nephrological Systems (10 CFU)
• Diseases of Skull and Sense Organs (6 CFU)
• Being a Medical Doctor (6 CFU) – Clinical Psychology; Bioethics

Year 4 – Specialties and Public Health

First Semester:

• Diseases of the Gastroenteric System (9 CFU)
• Diseases of Bones and Joints (4 CFU)
• Lab Works (5 CFU)
• Medical and Surgical Robotics (3 CFU)

Second Semester:

• Rheumatological, Infectious and Skin Diseases (8 CFU)
• Global Health, Public Health and Community Medicine (8 CFU)

Year 5 – Advanced Clinical Practice

First Semester:

• Brain and Nervous System Diseases (14 CFU)
• Patient Management I (8 CFU) – Internal Medicine; General Surgery

Second Semester:

• Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatric Diseases (11 CFU)
• Clinical and Molecular Principles of Cancer Medicine (12 CFU)

Year 6 – Emergency Care and Final Training

First Semester:

• Emergencies (11 CFU) – Emergency Medicine; Anaesthesiology
• Forensic and Occupational Medicine (5 CFU)

Second Semester:

• Elective Activities (8 CFU)
• Professionalizing Activities (Clinical, Surgical, General Medicine)
• Final Exam and Thesis Defense

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Annual tuition: €156 to €2,800 (income-based via ISEE)
• ERSU Scholarships include: full tuition waivers, subsidized housing, free meals, and financial assistance
• Scholarship applications open mid-July: ERSU Catania

Exam Structure

• Primarily oral exams, with written/multiple-choice components for practical subjects
• Two main sessions: February and June/July
• Two additional catch-up sessions: April/May and September

Cost of Living in Catania

Catania offers one of Italy's lowest costs of living:

• Rent (shared room): €200–300/month
• Studio apartments: €350–600/month
• Groceries: Below national average
• Meals out: From €12
• Student public transport: €20/year
• Total monthly expenses: Comfortably economical

Life in Catania

Catania combines Mediterranean lifestyle with academic focus:

• Backdrop of Mount Etna, vibrant markets, and beautiful beaches
• University services: Italian language courses, mental health support, student organizations
• Student discounts: Public transport, housing, cultural events
• Warm climate and welcoming atmosphere ideal for international students

Conclusion

The University of Catania's Medicine and Surgery program is a hidden gem in southern Italy. It offers high-quality English-taught education, exceptionally low tuition fees, and a supportive academic community. With hands-on learning, modern facilities, and Sicily's unbeatable lifestyle, Catania provides a comprehensive pathway to becoming a medical doctor in Europe at an unbeatable value.