Studying Pharmacy in Italy can be considered as a combination of a single-cycle undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The aim of this 5-year degree program is to involve pharmacists in this rapidly growing structure in the fields of pharmacy, industrial pharmacy and biotechnology such as clinical pathologies, medical diagnostics, medical devices, cosmetics, food supplements, the effects of new medicinal products, safety concerns of new pills and drugs and pharmacovigilance. The young generation of pharmacists is asked to investigate how to cope with this structure and to interpret the necessary needs.

In addition, many young pharmacists aim to work for international companies called National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and National Control Laboratories (NCLs). Their job is to check that pharmaceuticals and biological products, such as vaccines, meet international standards by properly examining quality and safety criteria before they are distributed to the public.

You can also take a look at our article about ” Education in Italy “.

Universities Offering Education in Pharmacy in Italy

Studying Pharmacy in Italy, University of Bologna

University of Bologna

Number of  universities in Italy provide 5-year Pharmacy education. Among these universities, only the University of Bologna and University of Rome Tor Vergata offer Pharmacy education taught in English. In addition, Pharmacy education in Italian is given in all universities except University of Rome Tor Vergata.

You can also check our articles about “Bachelor’s Education in Italy” and “Master’s Education in Italy“.

The Best Universities in Italy providing  Education in Pharmacy

These rankings are based on The QS World University Rankings by Subject Pharmacy & Pharmacology 2021 data.

  • The University of Milan has been ranked as the world’s 51st the best university in the Department of Pharmacy.
  • The University of Padua has been shown as the 79th the best university in the Department of Pharmacy.
  • La Sapienza University of Rome has been ranked as the 82nd the best university.
  • The University of Bologna is ranked as the 99th the best University providing education in Pharmacy.
  • The University of Naples Federico II has been ranked among the top 150 universities.
  • The University of Pavia has been ranked among the top 200 universities in the world.
  • The University of Turin has been ranked among the top 150-200 universities in the world.
  • The University of Pisa has been ranked among the top 150-200 universities in the world.
  • The University of Florence has been ranked among the top 250 universities in the world.
  • The University of Perugia has been ranked among the top 250 universities in the world.
  • The University of Rome Tor Vergata has been ranked among the top 250 universities in the world.
  • The University of Bari Aldo Moro has been ranked among the top 250 universities in the world.
  • The University of Parma has been listed among the top 250 universities.
  • The University of Siena has been ranked among the top 300 universities.
  • The University of Ferrara has been ranked among the top 350 universities in the world.
  • The University of Modena has been ranked among the top 350 universities in the world.
  • The University of Trieste has been ranked among the top 350 universities.

Pharmacy Education at the University of Bologna

The University of Bologna has Pharmacy Departments taught in both English and in Italian; it is one of the oldest universities in the West and the oldest in the world. The Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Bologna accept a maximum of 100 students. There are some entry requirements and conditions as in every educational institution. Candidates who want to study Pharmacy in Italy are required to fulfill these requirements.

Admission Requirements of the Department of Pharmacy

These are the entry requirements of the University of Bologna’s Department of Pharmacy:

  • Having a High school diploma
  • B2 level language proficiency certificate
  • Getting enough score from the TOLC-F Exam

Especially if you want to study in a department taught in Italian or just want to go to Italy before going to university, you can learn Italian or improve your Italian language level thanks to the “Language Schools in Italy” offered by the University of Bologna.

Pharmacy Education at the University of Rome Tor Vergata

Studying Pharmacy in Italy

University of Rome Tor Vergata

Although it was founded in 1982, The University of Rome Tor Vergata, which is among the best universities in the world, has a Department of Pharmacy taught in English only. It also collaborates with the University of Nottingham, which ranks 5th in Pharmacy & Pharmacology according to The QS World University Rankings of 2021 by Division. Accordingly, within the scope of joint projects and research, students from two universities with different cultures get the chance to work together. They are likely to find jobs quickly in pharmaceutical companies in pharmacies and universities, as well as in European and national medical agencies. The English Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Rome Tor Vergata accepts a limited number of students (80 per year). Thus, there will be a better interaction between students and professors. In addition, teachers can spend more time with students and offer ongoing guidance.

You will take courses taught by highly qualified scientists in their fields in the sections; Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacogenomics, Nanotechnologies, Stem Cell and Gene Therapy, Advanced therapies, Orphan Drugs and etc.

These are the entry requirements of University of Rome Tor Vergata’s Department of Pharmacy:

  • High school diploma and transcript
  • B2 level language proficiency certificate
  • Getting 18.0 points in TOLC-F Exam

You can also review our article about “SAT, TOEFL and IELTS Exams“.

What is TOLC-F Exam?

TOLC-F Exam is an extension of TOLC exams and is organized for those who want to study Pharmacy in Italy . You have the opportunity to take the exam in both Italian and English. The exam fee is 30 €. The test consists of 50 multiple choice questions and has five options. Each university has its own candidate recruitment criteria, but the evaluation of the given points is the same. The evaluation and score of the test is as follows:

  • 1 point for each correct answer
  • -0.25 point penalty for each wrong answer
  • 0 points for each question not answered

72 minutes are given for a total of 50 questions. These questions and the minutes given are as follows:

  • Biology : 15 questions, 20 minutes
  • Chemistry : 15 questions, 20 minutes
  • Mathematics : 7 questions, 12 minutes
  • Physics : 7 questions, 12 minutes
  • Logic : 6 questions, 8 minutes

You can take the exam even if you have not finished high school yet. For more detailed information about exam dates, application processes and studying pharmacy in Italy, you can contact us by filling out our application form.

Studying Pharmacy in Italy – Tuition Expenses

Tuition fees at state universities in Italy, which has a social state understanding, vary between 156 € and 3500 € per year. While determining the fee range, students’ family income statements are taken into account. Students with an annual family income of less than 23,000 € pay tuition fees of 156 € per year. If the student has been living separately from his/her family for at least 2 years, the student’s own income is taken into consideration. Students who do not submit a family income statement are deemed to have agreed to pay an annual tuition fee of 3500 €. The fees of private universities in Italy may vary. Private university fees, which vary between 15,000 € and 20,140 € per year, are also preferred by students.

Studying Pharmacy in Italy

Studying Pharmacy in Italy – Scholarships and Accommodation Opportunities

Studying Pharmacy in Italy has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, especially since international students are provided with dormitory and scholarship opportunities by Italian Government. The most accessible scholarship that international students can benefit from is the ‘need based scholarship’, which is given based on the annual family income. The family income statement requested from the student while determining the university fees is an important scale also used in the scholarship process. For the continuation of the scholarship, the student’s success and family income are taken into account. In order to avoid a scholarship cut, the student must have successfully passed the number of course credits requested by the school and there should be no major differences in family income. Students enrolled in state universities with an annual family income of less than €23.000 may have the opportunity to receive scholarships. The scholarship includes:

  • Paying the tuition fee of 156 € per year
  • Receiving an annual gratuitous scholarships of 5000 €
  • Free meal card to use at lunch
  • Benefit from school accommodation

Recommended: You can review our article about “ Accommodation in Italy ”.

To study pharmacy in Italy and develop your skills at some of the most prestigious universities in the world, please fill out our application form. Our education consultants in Italy will contact you as soon as possible.