Study Veterinary Medicine in Italy through the brand-new English-taught Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Naples Federico II. Starting from the 2026/2027 academic year, this prestigious university is launching a new 5-year veterinary degree entirely in English, becoming only the second public university in Italy to offer this opportunity to international students.
If you’re looking to build a veterinary career in Europe, this guide covers everything you need to know—from IMAT 2026 admission requirements, eligibility, curriculum, accreditation, clinical training, and career opportunities to student life in Naples.
Course Details: An Exclusive Veterinary Program
The new program (classified as LM-42R) is a 5-year, single-cycle Master’s Degree (MDVetMed). Because the university emphasizes high-quality, hands-on mentorship, admission is highly exclusive: there are only 20 seats available each year. This guarantees an exceptional student-to-teacher ratio and direct interaction with the academic staff from day one.
- Duration: 5 Years (60 months)
- Language: 100% English
- Start Date: Annually in September
- Entry Requirement: High school diploma (minimum 12 years of education), English B2 level, and passing the national admission test.
Admissions and the IMAT 2026 Exam
To secure one of the 20 spots in this competitive English-taught veterinary program, passing the International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is mandatory.
The IMAT 2026 is officially scheduled for September 30, 2026. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering Biology (23 questions), Chemistry (15 questions), Physics & Mathematics (13 questions), Logical Reasoning (5 questions), and General Knowledge (4 questions). International non-EU students must also complete a mandatory pre-enrollment process through the official Italian government Universitaly portal before applying for their Type D study visa.
Where Will You Study Veterinary Medicine at Federico II?
Studying at Federico II means becoming part of history. Founded in 1224, it is the oldest state-funded university in the world. But your education won’t just be confined to historic classrooms.
The English-taught Veterinary Medicine program is based at the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production of the University of Naples Federico II. Most lectures and practical teaching will take place at the university’s new Frullone Veterinary Campus in Naples, which features modern lecture halls, teaching laboratories, and a state-of-the-art Veterinary Teaching Hospital (OVUD).
Throughout the five-year degree, students will also complete practical training at the Improsta Regional Experimental Farm in Eboli for livestock and food animal medicine, as well as at affiliated equine hospitals for equine clinical rotations. This multi-campus approach provides hands-on experience with companion animals, farm animals, and horses in real clinical environments.
Beyond academics, Naples offers an affordable cost of living, rich cultural heritage, excellent cuisine, and easy access to the Amalfi Coast, making it one of Italy’s most attractive cities for international students.
EAEVE Accreditation: Your Global Veterinary Passport
One of the most crucial factors when choosing a veterinary school is accreditation, and Federico II delivers. The program is designed to be fully accredited by both the Italian National Agency (ANVUR) and the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE).
What does this mean for you? EAEVE is the gold standard for European veterinary schools. Thanks to recent Italian legislative reforms (Legislative Decree no. 652/2022), graduating from an EAEVE-accredited program like this directly qualifies you to practice as a veterinarian across Europe without needing to pass a separate state licensing exam.
The 5-Year Curriculum: From Theory to Clinical Practice
The curriculum is built around the modern “One Health” concept, recognizing the deep connection between animal health, public health, and the environment. The 5-year journey progressively shifts from classroom theory to intensive clinical practice:
- Years 1 & 2: You will build a rock-solid foundation in biomedical sciences, animal biology, anatomy, genetics, and physiology. You’ll also learn the basics of veterinary practice and animal handling.
- Year 3: The transition to clinical work begins. You will study pathology, pharmacology, and propaedeutics (how to physically examine and diagnose animals).
- Years 4 & 5: These years are heavily focused on clinical rotations, surgery, anesthesiology, and public health. In your final year alone, you will complete an incredible 575 hours of clinical rotations.
The program culminates in a massive 750-hour Professional Practical Training (PPT) period, where you will work in real-world settings—from companion animal clinics and equine hospitals to public health food safety inspections at slaughterhouses and border control posts. Finally, students must defend an original experimental or review thesis in English to graduate.
Link to the course site:- Veterinary Medicine. | Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali
Get Ready with ITMedAcademy
Securing one of the 20 highly coveted seats at the University of Naples Federico II requires passing the competitive IMAT entrance exam. That’s where ITMedAcademy comes in. With our expert-designed courses, extensive video lectures, and highly accurate simulations, we are here to turn you into a top candidate. Start your preparation journey with us today and make your dream of studying veterinary medicine in Italy a reality!