How to Study Medicine in Italy: Complete Guide for Bahrain Students (2026)

Studying medicine in Italy has been a popular option for overseas students, particularly with the increased availability of English-taught programs at top public universities. The country not only delivers high-quality medical education at reasonable tuition fees, but it also allows students to live in a culturally rich environment. The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is a standardized test for both Italian and non-Italian students that decides who gets into these universities. Understanding the requirements, eligibility, costs, and structure of medical studies in Italy is the first step for anyone planning to pursue an MBBS or MD degree here. 

Why study medicine in Italy? 

Italy offers 6-year “single cycle” MD programs taught in English in many public universities. 

Step 1 — Choose your medical path & universities 

You have mainly two paths: 

1. When planning your medical studies in Italy, you essentially have two main paths to consider. The first option is public universities that offer medicine programs taught in English, which typically require clearing the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). These programs are often more affordable and provide access to well-established institutions with strong clinical and research opportunities. 

2. The second route involves private medical schools or international programs, which may require different entrance exams and higher tuition fees. While more expensive, these programs often feature smaller class sizes, closer faculty interaction, and sometimes more flexible admission criteria, making them ideal for students seeking a tailored learning experience. 

Some top public options (English MD + IMAT) are the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Milan, University of Padua, and University of Pavia. You can find more on Career Gyan’s “Study in Italy” page. 

Step 2 — Learn about IMAT 

• What IMAT is: Entrance exam for most English-taught public medical programmes in Italy. It tests logical reasoning, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and general knowledge. 

• Number of questions/duration: 60 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 100 minutes. 

• Cost of registration: Approximately €130 (may vary slightly depending on the test centre or region). 

• Registration period: Applications usually open a few weeks before the exam, giving candidates limited time to register. 

• Exam date: The test is held once a year, typically in early autumn (September). 

Step 3 — Eligibility & application 

• You need a high-school diploma (or equivalent), with a background in biology, chemistry, physics/mathematics. Some universities may accept final year high school students if an official certificate is later submitted. 

• Non-EU students (like from Bahrain) compete in separate quotas. Public universities follow the University portal for pre-enrolment, application, and ranking. 

• Make sure your transcripts are attested, translated into Italian or English if required, and you have passport, any required language certificates. 

Step 4 — Costs, financing & scholarships 

Want help identifying which universities offer good scholarships for Bahraini students? Contact Career Gyan experts for personalized university + financial aid matching. 

Step 5 — Visa, permit & official document requirements for Bahrain students 

After receiving acceptance from your preferred Italian university, apply for student visa (Type D) at Italian Embassy in Manama. Detailed information about the application process is available on the embassy’s visa section. 

The documents typically required for the visa application include: 

• Official university acceptance letter 

• Proof of tuition fee payment or deposit 

• Proof of accommodation in Italy 

• Valid passport 

• Travel and health insurance 

• Financial evidence 

• If your program is taught in Italian, some universities may also require a basic Italian language certificate 

After arriving in Italy, you must apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 days at the local post office and police station (Questura). Additionally, registering at the local municipality (Ufficio Anagrafe) is necessary to complete your official residency formalities. 

Step 6 — Timeline example (Bahrain student aiming for 2026 intake) 

If you want a personalized timeline/calendar for Medical School in Italy tailored to your profile, book a consultation via Career Gyan. 

Step 7 — Top universities & their fees (English MD programs) 

Here are sample universities with approx. fees and features: 

Conclusion 

Pursuing medicine in Italy can be a life-changing experience for Bahrain students, providing world-class education, hands-on clinical experience, and internationally recognized degrees. Understanding how to study medicine in Italy necessitates careful planning, which includes preparing for the IMAT, selecting the right universities, managing tuition and living expenses, and obtaining visas and residency permits. At Career Gyan, we help students with every step, from choosing the right university to applying for scholarships, evaluating paperwork, and giving specialized visa and pre-departure support. With the help of experts, Bahraini students can confidently go through the whole process and focus on building a successful medical career in Italy. 

For tailored counselling and expert support, connect with Career Gyan and take the first step toward your dream medical journey.