Applicants to the Course of Medicine taught in English are expected to have a strong command of written and spoken English, corresponding to an IELTS score of at least 6.5 (or equivalent), or a B1-B2 level.
While the IMAT, being administered in English, selects candidates with adequate proficiency, meeting the minimum requirement does not necessarily ensure that your English level is sufficient to fully benefit from a demanding medical curriculum.
Studying medicine in English goes well beyond passing exams. Throughout the course, English is essential to:
- understand complex lectures and scientific reasoning,
- participate actively in interactive classes and discussions,
- communicate effectively with professors and tutors,
- read and critically evaluate scientific literature,
- work in international and multicultural teams,
- prepare for clinical reasoning, presentations, and assessments.
Faculty experience shows that limited English proficiency can lead to difficulties in following lectures, participating in discussions, understanding assessment instructions, and ultimately underperforming despite solid scientific knowledge.
In short, English proficiency has a direct impact on learning quality, confidence, and academic success.
Your English does not need to be perfect, but it must be functional, fluent, and adaptable.
Strengthening your English will help you:
- reason more clearly during exams,
- interact more effectively with faculty,
- ask questions, express uncertainty, and discuss ideas confidently,
- prepare for international opportunities in research, electives, and residency.
English should not be seen as an entry hurdle already overcome, but as a core tool of your medical training.
Students are strongly encouraged to:
- reflect honestly on their current level,
- actively improve listening, speaking, and academic vocabulary,
- seek feedback when difficulties arise,
- use available resources early rather than reactively.
Improving your English is an investment in your education and future professional practice, especially if you plan to practice in an anglophone country.
Students are encouraged to:
- engage regularly with English-language medical texts,
- participate actively in class discussions,
- practice spoken English in academic and social settings,
- make use of university language resources when needed.
If you feel that English is limiting your learning experience, addressing it early is a sign of professionalism, not weakness.
- Achievement of a B1 level in English is not required, but strongly suggested.
The University of Pavia Language Centre (https://cla.unipv.it/EN/) offers English courses for students, available at the cost of a small fee.
The Course of Medicine taught in English offers a rich, international, and intellectually demanding environment.
To benefit fully, your English should support your thinking—not slow it down.
Strengthening your English means:
- learning more,
- participating more,
- gaining confidence,
- becoming a better future physician.
We strongly encourage you to take this aspect of your training seriously—for yourself, your studies, and your future patients.