San Raffaele University, also known as Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, started providing education from 1996 by the opening of Psychology Department. Based on the question “Quid est homo” (What is a human being?), the University provides education by recognizing human beings biologically, spiritually and psychologically unique.

After the establishment of the Psychology Department in 1996, the University started to offer Medical education from 1998 and Philosophy education from 2002.

San Raffaele University general view

The University of San Raffaele, now is the part of the San Donato Hospital Group, is one of the best academic institutions of Italy with 2730 enrolled students, 106 administrative staff and 177 professors. With bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and research programs, the University attracts a lot of international students every year and continues to offer a high quality education to all of them.

The University of San Raffaele (Unisr for short), which offers courses in the areas of Medicine, Psychology and Philosophy, provides the opportunity for students to work with patient simulators, laboratories, practice areas and access to the clinical departments of the University hospital.

Where is San Raffaele University (Unisr) Located?

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University is located in Milan, in the Lombardy Region of Northern Italy.

With its historical and natural beauties such as the Duomo Cathedral, Lake Como and the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie the city attracts many tourists every year and tourists and residents of Milan might experience an open-air museum in this city.

You can also review our article about ” Moving to Italy and Living in Italy “.

World Rankings of San Raffaele University | Vita-Salute San Raffaele University

  • According to THE Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings of the year 2021, it is among the most successful university between 251 and 300 list.
  • It was ranked 21st according to THE Young University Rankings of 2020.
  • It was placed in 392nd position in the QS Global World Ranking of 2021.
  • Data from the CWUR World University Rankings of 2020–21 placed the University in 432nd place.
  • In addition, according to the announcement form San Raffaele University , QS World University Rankings by Subject of 2020 ranked it between 151 and 200 in Medical area and 342nd in Life Sciences and Medicine.

Additionally, you can review our article about “Top 500 Italian Universities” .

Student Life | What is it like living in Milan?

Milan, where San Raffaele University is located, is a city where students from all parts of the world might have a pleasant time and where cultural activities are abundant. Students studying at Unisr can have a very productive and enjoyable time both on and off the campus.

Duomo di Milano

The historical and cultural background, natural beauties, museums and entertainment sites offered by the city improve the quality of social lives of students. On campus student clubs, social and cultural activities, music and sports clubs promise students a pleasant and an educational time as well as socializing chances.

In addition, do not forget to take a look at our article about “Cities to Visit in Italy” where we have listed the cities that may interest you in Italy, which is very comfortable and easy to reach in terms of transportation among cities!

Departments of San Raffaele University 

San Raffaele University (Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele) offers an outstanding education in Italian and in English in the fields of Medicine, Psychology and Philosophy in the levels of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and research-based education.

You can also check our related articles “University Education in Italy (Bachelor’s Degree)” and “Postgraduate Education in Italy” for more detailed information on the subject.

San Raffaele University (UNISR)

Undergraduate Courses taught in Italian

Postgraduate Departments

  • Philosophy of the Contemporary World
  • Theory and History of the Arts and the Image
  • Politics, philosophy and public affairs
  • Biotechnology and Medical Biology
  • Rehabilitation science for healthcare professionals
  • Nursing and Midwifery
  • Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology in Health Communication
  • Dentistry and Dental Implantology – Dental School (in Italian)

Master’s Degrees taught in English

  • International Medical Doctor Program (for 6 years. Single cycle)
  • Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs
  • Biotechnology and Medical Biology
  • Cognitive Psychology in Health Communication

International Medical Doctor Program at San Raffaele University

Unisr – San Raffaele University is one of the best universities of Italy for research and teaching activities. It is well known in Italy and Europe for its success in research on diseases as cancer, urology, cardiovascular diseases, cardiac surgery, HIV/AIDS research, preclinical and human biological sciences and some rare diseases.

International medical doctor program at San Raffaele Vita-Salute University adopts a highly integrated and innovative educational approaches. Inspired by the internationally recognized teaching models, the University curriculum aims to teach students successful and effective medical knowledge and practice.

Aiming to prepare culturally and professionally knowledgeable physicians at the international level, the program considers group works, early patient intervention, proactive learning and creative way of thinking as the most important auxiliary objects, where students are at the center of the teaching process.

Architecture of San Raffaele University DNA Helix

Application Requirements of International Medical Doctor Program at San Raffaele University

San Raffaele University is the University with outstanding medical education where many students wish to study. There are some conditions that should meet by students who want to study medicine at this University. These conditions are:

  • To have completed 12 years of education.
  • C1 level English language certification (must be sent at the time of enrollment in the University)
  • Mandatory entrance exam

Students who wish to apply for medical education must attend the entrance exam organized by the university. Prospective students can take the entrance exam, which consists of 100 questions and is computerized which is possible to attend from home by creating the appropriate exam environment.

For the San Raffaele University entrance exam, you can review our topic ” Studying Medicine at Private Universities in Italy “.

Tuition Fees | Vita-Salute San Raffaele University

Tuition fees at the University of San Raffaele vary for each department. For non-European medical students, the annual tuition fee is €20,140. Students who wish to study in Master’s programs pay an average annual  fee of 7000 euros (different for each department).

Tuition fees might be paid in three installments. The university does not offer scholarships opportunities for foreign students. However, there are scholarships options offered by the Lombardy Region to all students. Students should follow the application process for scholarship opportunities before the start of semester of study.

Tuition fees

Accommodation Opportunities at San Raffaele University

Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele offers accommodation in two different areas for its students. The Cascina Melghera residence is 1 minute away from the University and the Cassinella residence is 20 minutes away from the University. Both residences are newly established and consist of only single rooms.

There are also study and breakfast areas, common rooms and gyms for students to spend their free time productively. Students are not allowed to cook inside these residences, but there are facilities to heat their meals in the breakfast areas.

Apart from University dormitories, there are also private dorms and apartments and rental rooms. Students may also benefit from these opportunities if they wish.

For more information, you can also check our article about “Accommodation in Italy” 

What are the Application and Admission Requirements? | Unisr 

In the process of enrolling in any undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral (PhD) program at Unisr (Vita-Salute San Raffaele University), a private university, certain conditions must be met.

Students should meet the following general requirements for admission;

  • After completing 12 years of education, applicants for bachelor’s programs need to pass the university entrance examination.
  • B2 level language proficiency should be provided in English or in Italian, whichever language is to be studied. However, in some programs, the language proficiency may be at a higher level or the language proficiency requirement can be met only through an interview. (Please see our articles about “IELTS Exam“, “TOEFL Exam“).
  •  Undergraduate degree graduation is required for the master’s and doctorate (PhD) programs application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dormitory and scholarship opportunities at San Raffaele University?

There are numerous public and private dormitories in Milan, including private dorms inside the University campus. In addition, education in Italy, which offers a lot of privileges to foreign students in terms of scholarship opportunities is organized in an easy way for students. In Milan, where the cost of living is generally high, students might reduce their costs of living with alternatives such as renting a room or renting a shared apartment.

What are the departments in San Raffaele University?

The predominant departments of the university are medicine, dentistry, psychology and philosophy. The fields of medicine, psychology and philosophy are also the main areas of education in master’s and doctoral programs.

Is it expensive to live in Milan, how much does it cost to stay?

Milan is one of the most expensive cities in terms of living costs of Italy. The average monthly cost of living in Milan is between 1.000 and 1.300 Euros, including accommodation expenses. However, the cost of living can be higher or lower depending on personal preferences of students.

How much does it cost to study at San Raffaele University?

Tuition fee of the University is 20,140 euros per year for medical students, while fees for master’s programs start at 7,000 euros. Tuition fees may vary considerably depending on chosen program.

What is the language of instruction at San Raffaele University?

Unisr, or Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Italian, offers education in English and in Italian language. Despite Italian programs are predominant, Unisr, which has a global vision, has a large number of programs taught in English and many international students graduate from this programs.

Is University of San Raffaele (Unisr) public or private?

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University is a private university. This private university located in Milan, one of the most important and touristic cities of Italy, offers its students a very prestigious education. The University accepts many international students from all over the world every year and the percentage of foreign students is quite high.