For Pippa Crombie from the UK, the decision to study medicine at Humanitas University in Milan, Italy, was driven by a desire for hands-on clinical experience and exposure to the realities of patient care early in her education. From her first interactions with patients and physicians as a student, she knew she made the right decision.
“The clinical experiences in the hospital stood out to me the most,” she says. “The doctors are welcoming and eager to teach. Clinical professors also integrate practical care into academic lectures, which is incredibly helpful.”
That’s what a Humanitas education is all about. Recognised by the World Health Organisation and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, the university is known for providing a real-world education that thoroughly prepares graduates for their next step.
This explains why it is accredited by medical councils in countries such as the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, and Australia. In a milestone achievement, Humanitas even debuted in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, entering as the best new addition and placing within the world’s top 250 universities — a distinction that highlights its growing prestige in the medical field.
Humanitas University aims to train doctors to apply their knowledge in various social and cultural contexts while respecting different approaches to health and disease. Source: Humanitas University
Among the university’s lineup of qualifications, the six-year MD course in Medicine and Surgery is a popular choice. It is taught entirely in English, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in clinical practice and research in any part of the world. The programme draws on Italy’s medical standards and extends worldwide.
This explains why, annually, the course welcomes 150 students from the EU and 50 from outside — to ensure learners are surrounded by diverse perspectives. Meanwhile, Humanitas as a whole is home to over 2,000 students — 40% representing 20 nationalities, ensuring students can learn from both top-tier professors and each other.
“There are many international students who are involved in student-led cultural groups on campus, and I feel that they promote cultural understanding,” Crombie says. “Many alumni who have moved abroad give talks on their experiences.”
A mentoring programme also supports students throughout their six-year journey. Each junior student is paired with a senior who can guide them through all academic and personal matters. “My friends are my day-to-day support network,” shares Crombie. “I was fortunate to have friends years ahead of me who advise me, and there are also excellent mentors in the hospital.”
A hands-on, practical learning approach
Humanitas University stands out for its commitment to active learning. The university’s Mario Luzzatto Simulation Centre — the first in Italy — allows them to acquire essential skills through simulated experiences in a realistic hospital environment. From their first year, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through a combination of hands-on training and multidisciplinary modules. Esteemed professors and researchers, including Nobel laureates, guide them through each lesson and opportunity, while 150 experienced doctors serve as tutors.
Starting in their third year, students transition to clinical training at Humanitas Research Hospital, ranked 39th among the World’s Best Smart Hospitals in 2024. Here, they can observe real-world medical practice and interact directly with healthcare professionals and researchers at the forefront of medical innovation. This practical exposure has been invaluable for Crombie. “I’ve always enjoyed the clinical case discussion with hospital physicians as it contextualises the academic teaching,” she says.
Humanitas University uses multidisciplinary teaching methods, including active learning, case studies, and simulated patients, to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in future doctors. Source: Humanitas University
For students interested in research, the Virgilio Programme allows them to engage in biomedical research alongside their studies. Humanitas also encourages students to explore medicine beyond campus through study abroad programmes like Erasmus and various travel grants. This focus on experiential learning and global opportunities ensures tomorrow’s medical heroes step into practice with fresh perspectives and enough exposure to stand out.
Getting into Humanitas: The HUMAT admission test
For aspiring medical students who are in their last year of high school, the journey to Humanitas begins with the HUMAT Admission Test, designed to identify students with strong scientific and critical-thinking skills. In 2025, prospective students will have two dates to take the exam: Feb. 5 and Feb. 26.
To prepare for the test, the university offers a list of recommended texts from the student office and sample tests on its website. For those seeking extra support, the “Preparation Week” course provides intensive sessions that nurture the skills and knowledge required to ace the HUMAT.
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