Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele
👉 A modern private university that was established in 1996, and has since grown to become one of the best in Italy
👉 Collaborates closely with the San Raffaele Hospital, providing students with exceptional hands-on clinical training and research opportunities
👉 The Medicine course in this prestigious university is entirely in English and offers an innovative curriculum
Location
Milan, Italy
Courses
Medicine
Tuition
≈ €20,690 per academic year
Graduate Entry
No
Entrance Exam
Yes
Living Costs
€1800/month
Introduction
Study medicine at Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milan, Italy’s most prestigious research-integrated medical university established in 1996. San Raffaele represents a unique educational ecosystem where medical school, research institute, and hospital operate as one integrated institution on the same campus, creating unparalleled learning opportunities for international students.
As Italy’s #1 research institute by scientific output volume and profile, San Raffaele offers a 6-year English-taught International Medical Doctor Program that combines world-class academic excellence with cutting-edge biomedical research. Students benefit from early patient contact and ward rounds beginning in their first year, gaining hands-on clinical experience at the renowned San Raffaele Hospital, part of the prestigious San Donato Hospital Group.
Located in Milan’s vibrant metropolitan setting, San Raffaele provides international recognition through WHO, UK GMC, and US ECFMG accreditation, with over 300 graduates currently registered with the UK General Medical Council. The university’s innovative curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, research participation, and personalized education within state-of-the-art facilities. With comprehensive on-campus housing and extensive international partnerships, San Raffaele Milan offers an exceptional foundation for global medical careers through its unique integration of clinical excellence, research innovation, and academic rigor.
Why Choose San Raffaele University Milan for Medical Studies
San Raffaele offers revolutionary advantages that distinguish it as Italy’s premier research-integrated medical institution:
- Italy’s Premier Research Integration: Study at Italy’s #1 research institute by scientific output volume, offering students direct access to groundbreaking biomedical research and innovation opportunities unavailable at traditional medical schools
- Unique Campus Integration: Experience complete hospital-university-research integration on one campus, enabling seamless transition between academic study, clinical training, and research participation in a world-class medical environment
- Early Clinical Excellence: Gain hands-on patient experience and ward rounds from first year, providing exceptional practical training through San Raffaele Hospital’s specialized departments and advanced medical technologies
- Proven International Recognition: Join 300+ graduates registered with UK GMC, demonstrating superior preparation for global medical careers with WHO, GMC, and US ECFMG accreditation ensuring worldwide practice opportunities
- Research Leadership: Participate in European PhD programs and collaborate with international researchers in specializations including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, HIV/AIDS, rare diseases, and neurosciences
- Comprehensive Student Support: Live on campus in two dedicated student dormitories (174 bedrooms total) with “Cascina Melghera” and “Cassinella” residences providing complete university community experience
- Milan Location Advantages: Study in Italy’s fashion and business capital with rich cultural offerings, excellent European connections, and vibrant international student community
- Innovative Curriculum: Benefit from interdisciplinary teaching methods, problem-based learning, and personalized education with close student-faculty relationships
- Advanced Facilities: Access state-of-the-art laboratories, simulation centers, and 1,300-bed hospital with both private and public patient exposure
This unique combination of research excellence, clinical integration, and international recognition creates an unmatched medical education experience.
Program Details
International Medical Doctor Program at San Raffaele Milan
San Raffaele’s 6-year English-taught International Medical Doctor Program represents innovative medical education through complete integration of academic excellence, clinical training, and cutting-edge biomedical research within Italy’s premier medical research institute.
Curriculum Innovation:
- Years 1-2: Foundation medical sciences with early patient contact and ward rounds beginning first year
- Years 3-4: Clinical sciences integration with intensive hospital rotations and research project participation
- Years 5-6: Advanced clinical specializations and thesis research utilizing Italy’s #1 research institute facilities
Unique Educational Features:
- Problem-based learning with group work and creative thinking emphasis
- Early patient contact and ward rounds from first academic year
- Mandatory research participation in internationally recognized laboratories
- Interdisciplinary approach combining medicine, psychology, and philosophy perspectives
- Personalized curricula with close student-faculty dialogue and mentorship
Research Integration Excellence: Students participate directly in San Raffaele Research Institute projects across:
- Cancer research and treatment innovations
- Cardiovascular diseases and cardiac surgery advancement
- HIV/AIDS and rare disease investigations
- Neurosciences and cellular biology breakthroughs
- European PhD program opportunities in collaboration with international universities
Clinical Training Superiority: All clinical training occurs within the integrated 1,300-bed San Raffaele Hospital featuring:
- Both private and public patient populations for comprehensive exposure
- State-of-the-art medical technologies and treatment protocols
- Specialized departments across all medical disciplines
- Direct supervision by faculty who are active clinicians and researchers
International Standards: The program maintains rigorous international accreditation ensuring global medical career preparation.
Admission Requirements
Entry Requirements for San Raffaele University Milan
Academic Prerequisites:
- High school diploma with minimum 12 years education or equivalent
- Strong academic performance across all subjects with emphasis on sciences
- Biology and Chemistry background essential for medical foundation
- Mathematics and Physics recommended for comprehensive preparation
University Entrance Examination:
- Proprietary admission test specific to San Raffaele (administered 1-2 times annually)
- Multiple test locations: Milan (Italy), New York (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
- Assessment covers scientific knowledge, logical reasoning, and medical aptitude
- Interview component evaluating motivation, communication skills, and research interest
Language Requirements:
- English proficiency certificate for non-native speakers (TOEFL iBT accepted by 11,500+ institutions)
- Minimum English level equivalent to academic study requirements
- Italian language skills beneficial but not mandatory for admission
- Italian language support provided during studies for patient communication
Application Process:
- Online application deadline: February 06, 2026
- Registration opens early in calendar year with specific deadlines
- Document submission including translated and legalized academic transcripts
- Medical certificate confirming physical and mental fitness for medical studies
International Applicants:
- Valid passport required for visa processing
- Additional documentation may be required based on country of origin
- Early application strongly recommended due to competitive selection process and limited international seats
Costs & Fees
Investment in Excellence at San Raffaele Milan
Annual Tuition Fees:
- International/Non-EU students: €20,690 per year
- Additional regional enrollment tax: €190 annually
- Payment available in trimester installments for financial flexibility
- Tuition reflects premium research-integrated education and hospital training
Accommodation Costs:
- On-campus housing available in two student dormitories (174 total bedrooms)
- “Cascina Melghera” residence: Adjacent to university campus
- “Cassinella” residence: 20 minutes from campus with transportation
- Single rooms with private bathrooms, furnished accommodations
- Communal facilities include study rooms, gym, laundry, recreation areas
Living Costs in Milan:
- Monthly expenses: €1,200 – €1,800 including accommodation
- Milan public transportation with student discounts available
- Campus dining and nearby amenities reduce daily expenses
- Cultural and entertainment activities abundant in fashion capital
Financial Support:
- Merit-based scholarships may be available for exceptional candidates
- International student financial counseling provided
- Various payment plans and financial assistance options
Total annual investment reflects exceptional value for Italy’s premier research-integrated medical education.
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply via our contact form here:
Career Prospects
Outstanding Career Outcomes for San Raffaele Graduates
San Raffaele graduates achieve exceptional career success globally, with the university’s research excellence, clinical integration, and international accreditation ensuring superior employment outcomes in competitive medical markets worldwide.
Employment Excellence:
- 300+ graduates currently registered with UK General Medical Council
- High placement rates in prestigious medical residencies internationally
- Strong alumni networks in top-tier hospitals and research institutions globally
- Starting salaries competitive with elite medical school graduates
International Recognition:
- WHO, GMC, and US ECFMG accreditation enables global medical practice
- Research experience advantages in academic medicine and pharmaceutical industries
- European PhD program participation enhances research career prospects
- Strong success rates with international licensing examinations
Specialization Success:
- Research institute connection provides advantages in competitive specializations
- High match rates for desired medical residency programs
- Alumni representation in cancer research, cardiovascular surgery, neurosciences
- Strong foundation for medical technology and biotech innovation careers
Innovation Leadership:
- Graduates well-prepared for healthcare technology and medical device development
- Research experience enables careers in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors
- Alumni success in medical entrepreneurship and healthcare administration
- International opportunities through university’s global research partnerships
The combination of Italy’s #1 research institute training, clinical excellence, and international recognition creates exceptional foundations for diverse global medical careers.
FAQ
San Raffaele is unique as Italy's #1 research institute by scientific output, offering complete hospital-university-research integration on one campus. Students have early patient contact from first year, access to cutting-edge research, and 300+ graduates registered with UK GMC, demonstrating exceptional international recognition.
Yes, research participation is mandatory. Students work directly in San Raffaele Research Institute laboratories on projects including cancer research, cardiovascular diseases, HIV/AIDS, rare diseases, and neurosciences. European PhD programs are also available for advanced research opportunities.
All clinical training occurs at the integrated 1,300-bed San Raffaele Hospital with both private and public patients. Students begin ward rounds and patient contact from first year, gaining comprehensive experience across medical specializations with state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.
Highly competitive with selective admission through proprietary entrance exam. Tests are held in Milan, New York, and Kuala Lumpur with 1-2 sessions annually. The program attracts top international students seeking research-integrated medical education at Italy's premier medical institution.
Tuition is €20,140/year for international students plus €140 regional tax. On-campus housing available in two dormitories (174 bedrooms) - "Cascina Melghera" adjacent to campus and "Cassinella" 20 minutes away. Single rooms with private bathrooms and comprehensive facilities.
Yes, with WHO, UK GMC, and US ECFMG recognition. Over 300 graduates are registered with UK GMC. The degree qualifies for medical licensing worldwide and the research training provides advantages in competitive international residency programs.
Vibrant campus community with students from diverse countries. Located in Milan's dynamic environment with cultural activities, clubs, sports teams, and social events. The integrated campus provides close-knit community with medical, psychology, and philosophy students sharing facilities and activities.
Students begin ward rounds and patient interactions from first year under faculty supervision. This early clinical exposure is integrated with theoretical learning, providing practical experience that enhances understanding and prepares students for advanced clinical rotations.
San Raffaele Research Institute specializes in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, HIV/AIDS, rare diseases, neurosciences, and cellular biology. Students can participate in European PhD programs and collaborate with international researchers in these cutting-edge fields.
Yes, through European PhD programs, research collaborations with international institutions, and the university's global partnerships. The international recognition facilitates study abroad opportunities and research exchanges with leading medical institutions worldwide.
Latest News
