When planning to study medicine in Italy, a common question among families is:
Does my child need to know Italian from the start? And how should they learn it along the way?
Let’s go through everything step by step, so you know what’s actually required—and what’s just helpful to have in advance.
Is Italian Needed to Apply for English-Taught Medical Programs?
No.
To apply to English-taught medical programs in Italy, like those at the University of Milan, Pavia, Bologna, Padova, or Humanitas, Italian is not required at all.
Students are selected based solely on their IMAT exam score and academic background. No certificate of Italian proficiency (like B2 or A2) is needed to register for or sit the IMAT.
In some cases, universities might ask for proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL), but many accept the IMAT score alone as proof of language readiness.
So, to be clear:
Your child can apply, take the IMAT, and get admitted into an English-taught medical program without knowing a single word of Italian.
Will Italian Be Needed Later?
Yes—especially from the fourth year onwards, when clinical rotations begin in hospitals.
Even though classes remain in English, medical interactions with patients, nurses, and hospital staff are conducted in Italian.
This isn’t just a suggestion—it becomes essential for participating in clinical practice.
For example, at the International Medical School in Milan, lectures are in English, but all patient-facing clerkships require a functional level of Italian.
To help with this, most universities offer free or low-cost Italian language courses specifically for international students. These courses typically start in the first or second year, and students are encouraged to reach at least B1 level before clinicals begin.
What About Life Outside University?
Outside the classroom, Italian plays a major role in making life easier:
- Groceries, public transport, rentals, and health appointments are mostly handled in Italian.
- For non-EU students, applying for a Type D student visa and later a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) may require basic language proficiency (A2–B1), depending on the region.
- If your child wants to work part-time or remain in Italy post-graduation, fluency in Italian is a legal and practical necessity.
What Should You Do Now?
- Focus first on IMAT preparation, since that’s the only way in. Stick to the IMAT subjects: biology, chemistry, physics, math, general knowledge, and logic, all in English.
- Start learning Italian early—even a basic A2 or B1 course (online or at a local school) will help them build a foundation.
- Check each university’s language support—schools like Humanitas, UniMi, and Pavia typically include Italian classes as part of their international student programs.
- Clarify visa language requirements with your local Italian consulate, especially for the residence permit or long-term stay.
How TestBuddy Helps With Language Too
At TestBuddy, we’ve made it easier for students to get familiar with both medical English and everyday Italian.
Our platform offers bilingual support in both English and Italian directly in the app, so users can gradually get used to Italian terminology, navigation, and question phrasing—without stress.
It’s an ideal way to prepare for the IMAT while passively picking up Italian from day one.
And with prices starting at just €6.99/month, TestBuddy is the most accessible, complete, and flexible IMAT prep tool out there—covering simulations, digital manuals, AI support, and language-friendly content, all in one place.
Whether your child is at the very beginning or already getting ready for clinical years, TestBuddy helps them stay one step ahead—academically and linguistically.