Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - May 15, 2026
Romania and Italy are two of the most distinct MBBS abroad options in Europe for Indian students. Romania offers straightforward admission — no separate entrance exam, NEET qualifying score sufficient — with annual tuition of EUR 7,000–10,000 (Rs. 7.72–Rs. 11.03 lakh). Italy offers one of the lowest tuition fees in Europe at EUR 1,500–3,000/year (Rs. 1.67–Rs. 3.34 lakh/year), but admission requires clearing the IMAT — a highly competitive entrance exam with only ~531 non-EU seats across all 17 universities. Both degrees are NMC-compliant, EU-recognised, and FMGE-eligible.
Conversions used: 1 EUR = Rs. 110.35.
Also Read: MBBS Abroad for Indian Students 2026
- Quick Comparison: Romania vs Italy
- MBBS in Romania vs Italy Top Universities
- MBBS in Romania vs Italy Fees and Total Cost
- MBBS in Romania vs Italy Admission Process
- MBBS in Romania vs Italy Eligibility Criteria
- MBBS in Romania vs Italy Language of Instruction
- MBBS in Romania vs Italy NMC Compliance and FMGE
- MBBS in Romania vs Italy: Who Should Choose What
- FAQs
Quick Comparison: Romania vs Italy
| Parameter | Romania | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Degree name | Doctor of Medicine (MD) | Laurea Magistrale LM-41 (Medicine & Surgery) |
| Equivalent to | MBBS | MBBS + MD |
| Duration | 6 years | 6 years |
| Annual tuition | EUR 7,000–10,000 (Rs. 7.72–Rs. 11.03 lakh) | EUR 1,500–3,000 (Rs. 1.67–Rs. 3.34 lakh) |
| Total 6-year tuition | Rs. 46–Rs. 66 lakh | Rs. 10–Rs. 20 lakh |
| Monthly living cost | EUR 475–990 (Rs. 52,416–Rs. 1.09 lakh) | EUR 700–1,200 (Rs. 77,938–Rs. 1.32 lakh) |
| Total 6-year all-inclusive | Rs. 55–Rs. 80 lakh | Rs. 59.79 lakh–Rs. 1.10 crore |
| Admission exam | No separate exam (NEET qualifying sufficient) | IMAT mandatory |
| Non-EU seats | Unlimited | ~531 total across 17 universities |
| Admission difficulty | Low–Moderate | Very High |
| Language (clinical years) | Romanian from Year 3 | English throughout |
| IELTS required | Yes (6.0–7.0) or MOI certificate | No |
| NMC compliant | Yes | Yes |
| EU recognition | Yes | Yes (27 EU states) |
| FMGE eligible | Yes | Yes |
| Part-time work | Up to 30 hrs/week | Up to 20 hrs/week |
| Conversion | 1 EUR = Rs. 110.35 | 1 EUR = Rs. 110.35 |
MBBS in Romania vs Italy Top Universities
Romania
Romania has 5 major public medical universities, all NMC-approved and EU-recognised.
| University | City | Annual Tuition (EUR) | Annual Tuition (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy | Bucharest | EUR 10,000 | Rs. 11.03 lakh |
| Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy | Cluj-Napoca | EUR 7,000–10,000 | Rs. 7.72–Rs. 11.03 lakh |
| Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy | Iași | EUR 9,000 | Rs. 9.93 lakh |
| Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy | Timișoara | EUR 9,000 | Rs. 9.93 lakh |
| University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova | Craiova | EUR 8,500 | Rs. 9.38 lakh |
Also Read: MBBS in Romania 2026
Italy
Italy has 17 public universities offering English-medium medicine via IMAT. Only 531 non-EU seats are available across all universities combined.
| University | City | QS Medicine 2026 | Non-EU Seats | Annual Tuition (EUR) | Annual Tuition (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Milan | Milan | #65 | 15 | EUR 3,000–4,100 | Rs. 3.31–Rs. 4.52 lakh |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Rome | #72 | 13 | EUR 1,500 | Rs. 1.65 lakh |
| University of Bologna | Bologna | #76 | 20 | EUR 2,500–3,315 | Rs. 2.76–Rs. 3.66 lakh |
| University of Padua | Padua | #104 | 25 | EUR 2,900 | Rs. 3.20 lakh |
| University of Naples Federico II | Naples | #201–250 | 45 | EUR 2,500 | Rs. 2.76 lakh |
| University of Messina | Messina | — | 56 | EUR 2,650 | Rs. 2.92 lakh |
| University of Catania | Catania | — | 60 | EUR 2,306 | Rs. 2.54 lakh |
| Marche Polytechnic University | Ancona | — | 60 | EUR 2,315 | Rs. 2.55 lakh |
MBBS in Romania vs Italy Fees and Total Cost
Annual Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Romania (Annual) | Romania (INR) | Italy (Annual) | Italy (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | EUR 7,000–10,000 | Rs. 7.72–Rs. 11.03 lakh | EUR 1,500–3,000 | Rs. 1.65–Rs. 3.31 lakh |
| Accommodation | EUR 200–400/month | Rs. 22,070–Rs. 44,140/month | EUR 300–600/month | Rs. 33,105–Rs. 66,210/month |
| Food | EUR 150–300/month | Rs. 16,552–Rs. 33,105/month | EUR 200–300/month | Rs. 22,070–Rs. 33,105/month |
| Transport + utilities | EUR 65–160/month | Rs. 7,173–Rs. 17,656/month | EUR 50–100/month | Rs. 5,518–Rs. 11,035/month |
| Health insurance | EUR 10–30/month | Rs. 1,104–Rs. 3,311/month | EUR 13–25/month | Rs. 1,435–Rs. 2,759/month |
| Total monthly living | EUR 475–990 | Rs. 52,416–Rs. 1.09 lakh | EUR 700–1,200 | Rs. 77,245–Rs. 1.32 lakh |
Total 6-Year Cost
| Tier | Romania | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition only (6 years) | Rs. 46–Rs. 66 lakh | Rs. 10–Rs. 20 lakh |
| Living only (6 years) | Rs. 37–Rs. 79 lakh | Rs. 56–Rs. 95 lakh |
| Total all-inclusive | Rs. 55–Rs. 80 lakh | Rs. 59.79 lakh–Rs. 1.10 crore |
Italy's tuition is significantly cheaper, but higher European living costs — especially in Milan, Rome, and Bologna — push the total all-inclusive cost above Romania's in most scenarios.
MBBS in Romania vs Italy Admission Process
Romania
No separate entrance exam. Admission is based on Class 12 PCB marks and NEET qualifying score.
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qualify NEET; prepare academic documents | May–June 2026 |
| 2 | Apply directly to Romanian university | June–July 2026 |
| 3 | Receive offer letter | July 2026 |
| 4 | Pay first-year tuition | July–August 2026 |
| 5 | Apply for Type D/SD student visa | August 2026 |
| 6 | Arrive and enrol | September–October 2026 |
Italy
IMAT is mandatory. Only ~531 non-EU seats are available. Preparation of 3–6 months minimum is recommended.
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obtain NMC Eligibility Certificate; qualify NEET | Before applying |
| 2 | Begin IMAT preparation (Biology, Chemistry, Maths/Physics, Logical Reasoning) | March–August 2026 |
| 3 | Register on Universitaly portal; pay IMAT fee EUR 130 (Rs. 14,345) | July–August 2026 |
| 4 | Appear for IMAT exam | Mid-September 2026 |
| 5 | Results published; university offers issued | October 2026 |
| 6 | Apply for Type D student visa | October–November 2026 |
| 7 | Arrive in Italy; complete registration | November 2026 |
MBBS in Romania vs Italy Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Romania | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Class 12 | PCB minimum 50% (General); 40% (SC/ST/OBC) | PCB minimum 50% (General); 40% (SC/ST/OBC) |
| NEET | Qualifying score mandatory | Qualifying score mandatory |
| Entrance exam | None | IMAT mandatory |
| IELTS / TOEFL | IELTS 6.0–7.0 or MOI certificate | Not required |
| Age | Minimum 17 years | Minimum 17 years |
| NMC Eligibility Certificate | Required | Required |
MBBS in Romania vs Italy Language of Instruction
| Year | Romania | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Years 1–2 | English | English |
| Year 3 onwards | Romanian required for clinical rotations | English throughout all 6 years |
Italy is fully English-medium for all 6 years. Romania switches to Romanian from Year 3 for patient interaction and clinical training — similar to the language challenge in Russia.
MBBS in Romania vs Italy NMC Compliance and FMGE
Both countries are NMC-compliant and FMGE-eligible. Italy's degree (LM-41) is equivalent to both MBBS and MD — a combined single-cycle degree.
| Parameter | Romania | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| NMC compliant | Yes | Yes |
| WHO WDOMS listed | Yes | Yes (all 17 public universities) |
| FMGE eligible | Yes | Yes |
| EU recognition | Yes | Yes (27 EU states) |
| Degree equivalent | MBBS | MBBS + MD |
| Internship included | Year 6 | Year 6 clinical rotations |
| Post-study work in EU | Yes | Yes (EU Blue Card eligible) |
MBBS in Romania vs Italy: Who Should Choose What
| Choose Romania if | Choose Italy if |
|---|---|
| You want straightforward admission without a competitive entrance exam | You are prepared to invest 3–6 months in IMAT preparation |
| Your NEET score is qualifying but not high | You have strong Biology and Chemistry fundamentals |
| Your total budget is Rs. 55–Rs. 80 lakh | You want the lowest tuition in Europe (Rs. 10–Rs. 20 lakh total) |
| You are comfortable learning Romanian from Year 3 | You want a fully English-medium 6-year programme |
| You want more seat availability | You want an EU-ranked degree (University of Milan #65, Bologna #76) |
| You want to work up to 30 hrs/week during studies | You want MBBS + MD equivalent in a single degree |
Romania is the practical choice for students who want EU-recognised MBBS without a competitive entrance exam and are comfortable learning Romanian for clinical years. Italy is the right choice for students who want the lowest tuition in Europe, a fully English-medium programme, and globally ranked universities — but only if they are willing to compete for ~531 non-EU seats through the IMAT. The total all-inclusive cost is comparable for both countries (Rs. 55–Rs. 80 lakh for Romania vs Rs. 59.79 lakh–Rs. 1.10 crore for Italy), with Italy's higher living costs offsetting its tuition advantage. For students returning to India to practise, both are FMGE-eligible — the decision comes down to admission readiness and language preference.
FAQs
Ques: Which is better for Indian students — MBBS in Romania or Italy?
Ans: Romania is better for students who want straightforward admission without a competitive entrance exam and a total cost of Rs. 55–Rs. 80 lakh. Italy is better for students who want the lowest tuition in Europe (Rs. 10–Rs. 20 lakh total tuition), a fully English-medium programme, and globally ranked universities — but requires clearing the IMAT with only ~531 non-EU seats available.
Ques: What is the total cost of MBBS in Romania for Indian students?
Ans: The total 6-year all-inclusive cost of MBBS in Romania is approximately Rs. 55–Rs. 80 lakh, including annual tuition of EUR 7,000–10,000 (Rs. 7.72–Rs. 11.03 lakh) and monthly living costs of EUR 475–990 (Rs. 52,416–Rs. 1.09 lakh). Carol Davila University in Bucharest charges the highest tuition at EUR 10,000/year (Rs. 11.03 lakh/year).
Ques: What is the total cost of MBBS in Italy for Indian students?
Ans: Total 6-year tuition in Italy is Rs. 10–Rs. 20 lakh (EUR 1,500–3,000/year for most Indian students). However, the total all-inclusive cost including living expenses is Rs. 59.79 lakh–Rs. 1.10 crore due to higher European living costs. Southern Italian cities like Messina and Catania are the most affordable at EUR 600–900/month (Rs. 66,210–Rs. 99,315/month).
Ques: Is IMAT required for MBBS in Italy?
Ans: Yes. The IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is mandatory for all English-medium medicine programmes at Italian public universities. It covers Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics, and Logical Reasoning — 60 questions in 100 minutes. The registration fee is EUR 130 (Rs. 14,345) and the exam is held in mid-September. Only ~531 non-EU seats are available across all 17 universities.
Ques: Is MBBS in Romania taught in English?
Ans: Years 1–2 are taught in English at all major Romanian medical universities. From Year 3 onwards, clinical rotations require Romanian for patient interaction. Students are expected to learn basic Romanian during the first two years to prepare for clinical training.
Ques: Are MBBS degrees from Romania and Italy valid in India?
Ans: Yes. Both degrees are NMC-compliant and FMGE-eligible, provided the student obtained an NMC Eligibility Certificate before admission and the university is WHO WDOMS-listed. After graduation, Indian students must clear FMGE/NExT and complete a 12-month internship at an NMC-recognised Indian hospital before independent practice.
Ques: How many seats are available for Indian students in Italy?
Ans: Only 531 non-EU seats are available across all 17 public universities in Italy for the 2026 intake. Universities with the most non-EU seats include Catania (60 seats), Marche Polytechnic (60 seats), and Messina (56 seats). Top-ranked universities like University of Milan and Sapienza Rome have only 13–15 non-EU seats each.
Ques: Can Indian students work part-time during MBBS in Romania and Italy?
Ans: Yes. In Romania, international students can work up to 30 hours/week without a work permit. In Italy, students on a Type D Student Visa can work up to 20 hours/week. Italy's minimum wage is EUR 9/hour (Rs. 993/hour), allowing students to earn EUR 700–800/month (Rs. 77,245–Rs. 88,280/month) part-time.
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