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Inside the university — on video
Hear it from students like you
"How much will it cost me — in total?"
| Programme | Duration | Tuition / year | Tuition — full course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine (MD) | 6 years | €22,000/yr | €132,000 |
"What documents do I prepare?"
"When do applications open — and close?"
Translations and legalisation take 6–8 weeks; exam preparation runs in parallel. Begin 6–9 months before your target intake.
IMAT exam held in September at test centres worldwide. We submit well before the deadline and track confirmation.
Visa (for non-EU), accommodation and airport pickup are all arranged before you land.
"Is there an exam — and where do I sit it?"
What admission involves
Yes — a written exam in Biology & Chemistry at high-school level. We provide original past papers and coach you weekly until you consistently pass. We confirm the current year's exact dates and whether remote sittings are offered.
"Fully in English? Do I need Italian?"
English degree, local language for patients
The entire programme — lectures, textbooks, exams — is in English. You take basic Italian courses during the early years so that from your clinical years you can take patient histories on the wards. Students consistently report this is manageable — and it becomes a professional asset.
"When do rotations start — and where?"
From classroom to hospital
The first years are pre-clinical (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry — labs and lecture halls). Around year 3 you transition to the wards: clinical rotations run at the university's affiliated teaching hospitals in Rome, covering internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics and the other core specialties, with final state examinations at the end of the course.
"What if I fail an exam? Am I kicked out?"
No — one fail does not end your studies
No. Like most EU universities, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore uses the ECTS credit system: exams typically allow resit attempts (commonly two resits), and failing a single exam does not expel you. The exact retake and year-repeat rules are set by the faculty — we walk you through the current official regulations before you apply, so there are no surprises.
"Can I specialise in Italy?"
Residency options
Italian specialisation (SSM) is open to graduates who pass the national SSM exam in Italian; many international graduates instead match into UK, German or US residencies.
"Where is the degree recognised?"
Worldwide career doors
Yes — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is EU-recognised (automatic recognition in all 27 member states under Directive 2005/36/EC), listed in the relevant WHO/ECFMG directories for medicine, with established routes to the UK (GMC / UKMLA-PLAB) and USA (USMLE). We verify your specific home country's rules before you commit.
Quick answers — all ten questions
How much does Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore cost in total?
Tuition is €22,000/yr for Medicine (MD). Over the full 6 years that is roughly €132,000 in tuition, plus living costs in Rome of about €750–1100/month (€45,000–€66,000 across the course). Realistic all-in total: €178,500–€201,000. Our placement service adds €0.
What documents do I need?
High-school diploma and transcript (with Biology and Chemistry), certified translation, notarisation/apostille as required for your country, application form, passport copy, and for some intakes a CV and motivation letter. We prepare and submit the entire file for you, free.
When is the application deadline?
For the October / November intake the key deadline is July (IMAT registration); IMAT exam held in September at test centres worldwide. We build your timeline backwards from your target intake — contact us early.
Is there an entrance exam?
Yes — a written exam in Biology & Chemistry at high-school level. We provide original past papers and coach you weekly until you consistently pass. We confirm the current year's exact dates and whether remote sittings are offered.
Is the programme fully in English?
Yes — lectures, seminars and exams are 100% in English. You also take basic Italian courses so you can communicate with patients during clinical training; the university teaches you exactly the clinical vocabulary you need.
When do clinical rotations start and where?
The first years are pre-clinical (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry); clinical rotations begin around year 3 and run through the university's affiliated teaching hospitals in Rome. We connect you with current students so you hear first-hand how rotations are organised.
What if I fail an exam — am I expelled?
No. Like most EU universities, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore uses the ECTS credit system: exams typically allow resit attempts (commonly two resits), and failing a single exam does not expel you. The exact retake and year-repeat rules are set by the faculty — we walk you through the current official regulations before you apply, so there are no surprises.
Can I do my specialisation in the same country afterwards?
Italian specialisation (SSM) is open to graduates who pass the national SSM exam in Italian; many international graduates instead match into UK, German or US residencies.
Is the degree internationally recognised?
Yes — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is EU-recognised (automatic recognition in all 27 member states under Directive 2005/36/EC), listed in the relevant WHO/ECFMG directories for medicine, with established routes to the UK (GMC / UKMLA-PLAB) and USA (USMLE). We verify your specific home country's rules before you commit.
What does BecomeADoctor.eu charge?
Nothing — €0, ever. The university pays us a commission when you enrol. You receive free: eligibility assessment, exam preparation, complete application handling, visa support, accommodation arrangement and support throughout your studies.