ITALY
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
private · Founded 1996 · Languages: en, it
In short
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (UniSR) is a private research university in Milan offering focused programmes in Medicine, Psychology, and Philosophy. Its English-taught International Medical Doctor programme is recognized across the EU and attracts a diverse student body.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1996
- Students
- 4,000
- International students
- 600
- Acceptance rate
- 20%
- Tuition (intl)
- €8–25k/yr
- Languages
- EN, IT
- Location
- Italy
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (UniSR) is a private research university in Milan, Italy, founded in 1996 within the San Raffaele Hospital complex. Focused on Medicine, Psychology, and Philosophy, UniSR offers a unique tripartite academic identity that connects science, mind, and ethics. Its English-taught International Medical Doctor programme attracts students from across Europe. UniSR is QS-ranked in the global top 500.
Why study here
- Study medicine within one of Italy's top research hospitals, gaining direct clinical exposure from year one
- Choose from an English-taught International Medical Doctor programme fully recognised across the EU
- Benefit from a focused academic environment with small cohorts and close faculty mentorship
- Engage in world-class biomedical research at IRCCS San Raffaele, one of Europe's leading clinical research centres
- Experience Milan, a global hub for fashion, design, and culture, with excellent transport connections across Italy and Europe
Student life
UniSR campus life combines academic intensity with the full experience of living in Milan. Students can join UniSR Sport teams (football, rugby, volleyball, athletics, chess), participate in the university drama programme, and engage with arts and cultural student groups. The university maintains student residences and has agreements with affiliated accommodation providers. Health and wellbeing services, career counselling, and cultural conventions round out the support offering.
Fees
InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition (Medicine/International MD): approximately EUR 8,000–16,000 per year depending on income bracket and programme. Psychology and Philosophy programmes range from EUR 5,000–12,000 per year.
HomeItalian domestic tuition is income-related and typically EUR 1,500–8,000 per year for Medicine; other faculties are lower
LivingMilan is an expensive city; students should budget EUR 1,000–1,600/month for accommodation, food, and transport
UniSR operates an income-based tuition-band system for Italian/EU students. International (non-EU) students pay fixed programme fees. Merit-based fee reductions are available.
Admissions
Medicine (Italian programme)Italian Matura or equivalent; competitive national TOLC-MED entrance test
International Medical Doctor Programme (English)Equivalent to Italian Matura (13 years schooling); competitive IMAT or UniSR entrance examination; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics background required
PsychologyItalian Matura or equivalent; TOLC-PSI entrance test
PhilosophyItalian Matura or equivalent; motivation interview and written test
IELTS Academic6.5 for English-medium programmes
TOEFL iBT90 for English-medium programmes
Cambridge B2 FirstGrade C or above
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025461
QS Subject Rankings – Medicine 2025251
University scholarships
UniSR Merit ScholarshipPartial tuition reduction based on academic excellence
DSU Lombardia Regional GrantUp to EUR 5,500 per year for eligible low-income students
Accreditation
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University is accredited by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR). The Medical faculty is affiliated with IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, and the International Medical Doctor degree is recognised throughout the European Union.
Programs
a selectionScholarships
for Italy
full fundingHarvard University - Villa I Tatti, Center for Italian Renaissance Studies
Harvard University I Tatti Fellowships in Italy
Open to postdoctoral scholars and researchers who hold a PhD or equivalent terminal degree by the time of application. Research projects must align with the Italian Renaissance, art history, and cultural-exchange themes supported by Villa I Tatti. Open to international and domestic scholars from all countries; some fellowships target early-career or mid-career researchers depending on the programme.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Urbino Carlo Bo
University of Urbino Carlo Bo PhD Scholarships
Open to international and domestic applicants from all countries holding (or about to hold) a qualifying master's-level degree for PhD admission. Selection is based on academic merit and the quality of the research project proposal; all academic fields offered in the doctoral call are welcome.
full
Funding
€24k
Max
Jun 10, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCarlo Cattaneo University (LIUC)
PhD Scholarships at Carlo Cattaneo University (LIUC)
Open to candidates of all nationalities who hold, or expect to hold by 31 October 2026, a Master's degree in economics, finance, engineering management, communication, or public administration (or an internationally equivalent qualification) with a minimum final grade of 95/110 or equivalent. Other backgrounds may be considered where academic and professional experience aligns with the programme's research themes.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Jun 3, 2027
Deadline
full fundingSapienza University of Rome
Sapienza University of Rome PhD Scholarships
Open to international students from any country who hold (or will hold) a Master's degree or equivalent by the stated qualification date around 31 October 2026, and who demonstrate strong motivation and commitment to advanced research. Applications are made to the relevant doctoral programme within the new PhD cycle, with positions spread across the university's doctoral programmes.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Jun 19, 2027
Deadline
full fundingPolitecnico di Milano
PhD Scholarships at Politecnico di Milano
Open to all international candidates (EU and non-EU) who hold, or will hold by enrolment, a Master's degree (or equivalent) recognised internationally. Applicants choose between Open Subject scholarships (research topic finalised after admission) and Thematic scholarships (pre-defined research themes selected before the deadline). All application documents must be submitted in English or Italian.
full
Funding
€19k
Max
May 29, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE)
UNIMORE PhD Scholarships
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, can read and write in English, and are 40 years old or younger at the time of application.
full
Funding
€19k
Max
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What programmes does Vita-Salute San Raffaele University offer?
+
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University focuses on Medicine, Psychology, and Philosophy. They offer an English-taught International Medical Doctor programme and Italian-taught programmes in Medicine, Psychology, and Philosophy.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
International undergraduate tuition for the Medicine/International MD programme is approximately EUR 8,000–16,000 per year. Psychology and Philosophy programmes range from EUR 5,000–12,000 per year, depending on the programme.
What are the English language requirements?
+
For English-medium programmes, applicants typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5, a TOEFL iBT score of 90, or a Cambridge B2 First with a Grade C or above.
What is the university's ranking?
+
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University is QS-ranked in the global top 500. Specifically, it is ranked 251 in QS Subject Rankings for Medicine.
Are there scholarship opportunities for international students?
+
Yes, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University offers a UniSR Merit Scholarship for academic excellence, providing a partial tuition reduction. Eligible low-income students may also apply for the DSU Lombardia Regional Grant.
Last updated