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Meta description: University of Messina: English-taught degrees, IMAT medicine with 61 non-EU places, fees of $180–570 a year by country and 2027/28 application windows.
Last modified: 2026-09-30

# University of Messina: English-Taught Degrees, IMAT Medicine and Fees

The University of Messina (Università degli Studi di Messina, UniMe) is a public Sicilian university founded in 1548. Two things set it apart for international applicants. First, a low fixed fee with no income documents: since 2025/26 the annual fee depends only on your country group, so in 2026/27 a Russian citizen pays $570 (€506), a Kazakh citizen $400 (€356) and an Uzbek citizen $290 (€256). Second, 61 non-EU places in English-taught Medicine through IMAT — the largest such quota among public programmes taught in Italy itself. UniMe also teaches seven bachelor's and ten master's degrees in English, and its 2027/28 application season for visa applicants opens on 1 December 2026.

The rectorate building of the University of Messina. Photo: Zancleo.01 / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rettorato_di_Messina.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Status, founded | public, 1548 |
| City | Messina, north-east Sicily, on the Strait of Messina |
| Taught in English | 7 bachelor's, Medicine (single-cycle), 10 master's |
| Fee for international students (since 2025/26) | $180–570 (€156–506) a year by country group, taxes included |
| English-taught Medicine (2026/27) | IMAT; 61 non-EU places and 55 for EU and equivalent applicants |
| Application fee (2027/28) | $45 (€40) for one or two applications |
| Foundation course | UniME Foundation Course: $5,680 (€5,000), housing during the on-campus semester |
| Regional grant | ERSU Messina: up to $9,360 (€8,246.77) a year for off-site students |

## Who Messina suits {#section-1}

Messina appeals to students who put low fees and English-language teaching first, and to future doctors drawn by its large IMAT quota. Living costs are lower than in the north, but the city is small and its job and internship market is limited.

| Strengths | Limitations |
| --- | --- |
| $180–570 a year with no income documents | Small labour market — plan internships early |
| 7 English-taught bachelor's; Genoa and Siena, for comparison, have two each | Rigid application windows that the university may close early |
| 61 non-EU Medicine places through IMAT | A large quota still means a competitive IMAT score |
| Foundation Course with housing during the on-campus part | The Foundation Course costs many times the bachelor's fee |

For a large southern city with English-taught medicine, compare Messina with [University of Naples Federico II](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-napoli-federico-ii).

## English-taught programmes {#section-2}

Bachelor's: Business Management; Civil Engineering; Data Analysis; Heritage Innovation Engineering; Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies; Political Sciences and International Relations; Transnational and European Legal Studies.

Single-cycle: Medicine and Surgery (six years, IMAT).

Master's: Business Consulting and Management (International Management track); Civil Engineering (Sustainable Engineering for Water-related Risks track); Cognitive Science and Theory of Communication; Data Science; Engineering in Computer Science; Geophysical Sciences for Seismic Risk; Global Security Studies; Mechanical Engineering (Mechanical Engineering and Innovation track); Physics: Material Physics and Devices; Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance (Quantitative Methods for Finance track).

Each programme's info sheet on UniMe's international site lists its entry requirements and curriculum. For comparisons across Italy, see [English-taught degrees in Italy](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-english-taught-degrees-italy).

## How to apply {#section-3}

English-taught programmes use the UniME Application Portal; Italian-taught ones the UniME candidates' portal, with one account for both. You may submit two pre-evaluation applications for any two programmes. Documents cannot be added after submission, and incomplete applications or those below the language requirement are rejected.

Windows for visa applicants, 2027/28:

| Window | Who | Dates |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1st, "Early Bird" | only applicants who already hold their final qualification and a Dichiarazione di valore or CIMEA statement of comparability | 1–20 December 2026 |
| 2nd | all visa applicants | 2 February–19 March 2027 |
| 3rd | all visa applicants | 8 April–8 May 2027 |
| Foundation Course | all groups | two windows between late May and late September 2027 (see below) |

The university may close a window early if applications are numerous. The 2027/28 fee is $45 (€40) for up to two applications; after a successful application in one window, the second can be filed in a later window free of charge. For reference, the 2026/27 windows ran 24 November–22 December 2025, 1 February–31 March and 13 April–10 May 2026.

After admission: pre-enrol on Universitaly and choose a consulate; obtain a type D study visa issued for UniMe for the relevant year (enrolment is confirmed only with it); then complete document checks and pay the fee after arrival. Bachelor's entry needs 12 years of schooling. See the [Italian student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-italy) and [admission documents for Italy](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-documents-for-university-admission-italy).

## English-taught Medicine {#section-4}

Medicine and Surgery in English is filled through the national IMAT. Ministerial Decree No. 1005 of 6 August 2026 gave Messina 61 places for non-EU applicants living abroad and 55 for Italian, EU and equivalent applicants in 2026/27; only Tor Vergata's course in Tirana offers more non-EU places among public programmes. Non-EU candidates compete only with others who chose the same university.

Medicine has its own window: in 2026, applicants filed on UniMe's portal and on Universitaly between 20 June and 20 July. The test took place on 29 September 2026; 2027/28 dates will come in a new decree. Format, scoring and test centres are covered in our [IMAT guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-imat-medicine-in-italy).

## Fees {#section-5}

Since 2025/26, an international student's annual fee depends on the country group of citizenship. Amounts include the $180 (€156) regional tax and can be paid at once or in three instalments.

| Group | Examples | Fee per year |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A — least-developed countries (ministerial decree) | — | $180 (€156), regional tax only |
| B — lower-middle income | Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, India, Pakistan, Egypt | $290 (€256) |
| C — upper-middle income | Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Turkmenistan, China, Türkiye | $400 (€356) |
| D — all other countries | Russia and any country not listed in A–C | $570 (€506) |

The fee page makes no exception by programme; for Medicine, check the amount in your year's admission call. Living costs are extra: for a 2026/27 visa the consulate requires proof of at least $11,560 (€10,179.85) a year. If you are paying from Russia, see [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## ERSU Messina grant {#section-6}

ERSU Messina, the regional agency, awards grants and residence places to UniMe students.

| ISEE band, ERSU 2026/27 call | Annual grant for off-site students |
| --- | --- |
| up to $12,770 (€11,250, half the cap) | $9,360 (€8,246.77) |
| $12,770–17,030 (€11,250–15,000) | $8,140 (€7,171.11) |
| $17,030–25,550 (€15,000–22,500) | tapered to a minimum of $4,070 (€3,585.55) |

Caps: ISEE $25,550 (€22,500) and ISPE $60,180 (€53,000). If an off-site winner receives a residence place, the cash is reduced by the housing share.

2026/27 timeline: online application from 1 July to 18 August 2026 (14:00), with international applicants confirming by one-time code by 15:00 that day; the ISEE parificato from a tax assistance centre (CAF) and family income documents issued in your country, translated and legalised, uploaded by 16 September 2026 — documents uploaded later, up to 30 November 2026, are accepted but place the application at the bottom of the ranking. ERSU decides. See [scholarships in Italy](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-in-italy) and [ISEE parificato explained](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-isee-parificato-international-students).

## UniME Foundation Course {#section-7}

| Item | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Entry | a final qualification giving university access at home; GPA of 70%+; English B2 (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, Pearson) |
| Programme | 60 credits: Italian A1–A2, English, critical thinking, then four electives from statistics and law to biology, chemistry and physics |
| Format | first semester online from home; second semester on campus in Messina |
| Housing | a place at the Villa Amalia residence for all enrolled students during the on-campus semester |
| Fee | $5,680 (€5,000): $1,140 (€1,000) within 7 days of the admission letter, then $2,270 (€2,000) twice on the call's dates |
| 2027/28 windows | 20 May–15 July and 31 August–21 September 2027 |

Completion gives direct access to UniMe's open-access bachelor's degrees without entry tests, and the science electives prepare for IMAT. The first two instalments are non-refundable, including after a visa refusal. Families of minors must appoint a guardian in Italy before the visa application.

## Housing {#section-8}

- ERSU Messina residences, allocated through the grant application; the 2026/27 rankings were published on 23 September 2026.
- Private rooms in shared flats. Until the residence result arrives, keep a fallback for at least your first weeks, since the ranking comes out shortly before classes start.

See [student housing in Italy](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-italy).

## Common mistakes {#section-9}

- Using the December window without final documents — it is reserved for applicants who already hold them plus a Dichiarazione di valore or CIMEA statement.
- Submitting an incomplete file: nothing can be added afterwards.
- Waiting for the last day when the window may close early.
- Treating Medicine as a normal programme: it has its own window and a simultaneous Universitaly application.
- Missing ERSU's 16 September document deadline, which drops you to the bottom of the ranking.

## FAQ {#section-10}

### How much does the University of Messina cost for international students?

In 2026/27 it depends on your country group: $180 (€156) for group A, $290 (€256) for group B (e.g. Uzbekistan), $400 (€356) for group C (e.g. Kazakhstan) and $570 (€506) for group D (e.g. Russia) a year, regional tax included. No income documents are needed.

### How many English-taught Medicine places are there?

For 2026/27, 61 for non-EU applicants living abroad and 55 for Italian, EU and equivalent applicants. Admission is through IMAT, with applications filed on both UniMe's portal and Universitaly.

### When do 2027/28 applications open?

For visa applicants, on 1 December 2026 — but that window is only for those who already hold their final qualification and a Dichiarazione di valore or CIMEA statement. Everyone else applies 2 February–19 March or 8 April–8 May 2027.

### How many applications can I submit?

Two, for any two programmes taught in English or Italian. The 2027/28 fee is $45 (€40) for both; after a successful first application, the second can be filed in a later window at no charge.

### Is there a route for students with 11 years of schooling?

Not directly on a bachelor's. The UniME Foundation Course costs $5,680 (€5,000) and requires English B2 and a GPA of at least 70%; it gives direct access to UniMe's open-access bachelor's degrees.

### Is there a regional grant?

Yes, from ERSU Messina. An off-site student with an ISEE up to $12,770 (€11,250) can receive $9,360 (€8,246.77) a year; the ISEE cap is $25,550 (€22,500). The 2026/27 window ran from 1 July to 18 August 2026.

### How can StudyU help?

Programme selection, requirement checks and preparation of the UniMe application, Universitaly, visa and ERSU documents are provided under an agreement with StudyU. The University of Messina decides on admission, the Italian consulate on the visa and ERSU Messina on grants and housing.

## Sources {#section-11}

- [UniMe International](https://international.unime.it/)
- [Application windows 2026/27 and 2027/28](https://international.unime.it/study-us/application-and-admission)
- [Fees by country group](https://international.unime.it/study-us/fees-and-fundings)
- [English-taught programmes](https://international.unime.it/study-us/english-taught-programmes)
- [UniME Foundation Course](https://international.unime.it/study-us/unime-foundation-course)
- [ERSU Messina 2026/27 call (PDF)](https://www.ersumessina.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Bando-di-concorso-2026_2027_signed.pdf)
- [MUR Decree No. 1005 of 06.08.2026, IMAT places](https://www.mur.gov.it/it/atti-e-normativa/decreto-ministeriale-n-1005-del-06-08-2026)

For dollar figures we used the ECB rate of 29 September 2026: €1 = $1.1355. Sources checked: 30 September 2026.

To compare Messina with other universities, start from [study in Italy](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-italy). Programme selection and application planning for Messina are provided under an agreement with StudyU; start with an [application](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [University of Genoa: English-Taught Degrees, Admission and Fees for International Students](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-genova)
- [University of Parma: Admission, English-Taught Degrees, Medicine in Piacenza and Fees](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-parma)
- [Studying in Italy for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-italy)
- [Documents for University Admission in Italy (2026–2027): Checklist, Apostille, CIMEA and Declaration of Value](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-documents-for-university-admission-italy)
- [ISEE Parificato for International Students: Home-Country Documents, CAF, Timing and Tuition](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-isee-parificato-international-students)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)

Updated: September 2026