🇮🇹 Public state university · EAEVE Full Accreditation · Campus in Lodi · Founded 1924

Veterinary Medicine at
University of Milan

One of Italy's most prestigious public veterinary programmes. EAEVE fully accredited, fees from €156/year based on ISEE income, and a brand-new open semester admission system since 2025 — no TOLC entrance test required. Teaching hospital and farm on the dedicated Lodi campus, 30 minutes from central Milan.

Prepare the filter semester → See admission process
🏅 EAEVE Full Accreditation (2019) · Public fees from €156/yr · No entrance test since 2025 · Hospital in Lodi
~€156–2.5k
Fees/year (ISEE)
~100
Places/year
Semestre filtro
Admission system
5 years
300 CFU
EAEVE ✓
Full Accreditation

🏛️ Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS)

The Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale) is Italy's largest public research university, founded in 1924 and home to over 60,000 students. Its Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico in Medicina Veterinaria (LM-42, 5 years, 300 CFU) is delivered by the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), based on a dedicated campus in Lodi — 35 km southeast of Milan city centre, ~25 minutes by regional train.

The programme holds EAEVE Full Accreditation (European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education) since 2019 — the gold standard in European veterinary education. Tuition is entirely income-based (ISEE): students with a family ISEE below €30,000 pay just €156/year (the fixed regional tax + stamp duty). Even at maximum, fees rarely exceed €2,500/year — a fraction of any private alternative.

💶 Public fees based on ISEE — from €156 to ~€2,500 per year

Unlike private Italian universities (€10,000–20,000/year), UniMi fees are calculated on your family's ISEE income. Students with ISEE ≤ €30,000 pay only €156/year (regional tax + stamp duty). Even at the maximum ISEE bracket, fees stay below ~€2,500/year. This makes UniMi one of the most accessible full-accreditation veterinary schools in Europe.

Lo que hace única a UniMi

🏅 EAEVE Full Accreditation

UniMi's veterinary programme received EAEVE Full Accreditation following the March 2019 site visit — the highest quality recognition in European veterinary education. An interim report was submitted in 2022; the next full evaluation is due around 2026. The EAEVE standard ensures clinical training hours, facilities and curriculum meet European norms for a degree recognised across all EU member states.

🏥 University Veterinary Hospital (OVU) — Lodi

The Ospedale Veterinario Universitario (OVU) is located on the Lodi campus alongside DIVAS. Treats small animals, large animals, horses, exotic species and wildlife. The equine department covers internal medicine, surgery, reproduction, sports medicine, and full diagnostics (cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics). Designed in compliance with EAEVE clinical training requirements.

🐄 Teaching Farm (CZDS) — Same Lodi Campus

The Centro Zootecnico Didattico Sperimentale (CZDS) is an experimental livestock teaching centre on the same Lodi campus. Students work with cattle, swine, small ruminants and poultry from the first years of the degree. One of few Italian vet schools with an integrated teaching farm adjacent to both the department and the hospital.

🎓 New Admission: Open Semester (since 2025)

Since AY 2025/2026, no TOLC entrance test is required. All applicants enrol in a filter semester (Sep–Nov) taking 3 courses: Chemistry, Physics and Biology. After national exams in November/December, a national merit ranking determines who continues to the 2nd semester. Everyone can start — selection happens during the semester itself.

Datos del grado

Official degree titleLaurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico in Medicina Veterinaria
Degree codeLM-42
Duration5 years (300 CFU)
LanguageItalian (primary) + some English-language modules
ModalityIn-person (presenziale)
CampusVia dell'Università, 6 — Lodi (35 km from Milan)
HospitalOVU — Lodi campus (same address as department)
Teaching farmCZDS — Lodi campus (same address)
Places/year~100 (set by Ministry decree annually)
Annual fees€156 (ISEE ≤ €30k) — ~€2,500 (max ISEE)
EAEVEFull Accreditation (2019)

Sources: unimi.it/veterinary-medicine · divas.unimi.it · veterinaria.cdl.unimi.it · ospedaleveterinario.unimi.it

🎙️ Proceso de admisión

📋 New since 2025: Open Semester — no entrance test, selection during the semester

From AY 2025/2026, Italy reformed access to Veterinary Medicine (and Medicine). There is no more TOLC-V admission test. Instead, all applicants enrol in a free first semester (September–November) and take 3 national exams. A national merit ranking then determines who continues to the 2nd semester. Open to all Bachillerato/Baccalauréat/Maturità graduates.

Criterios de valoración

Chemistry & Biochemistry
33%
6 CFU course — national exam Nov/Dec, min 18/30
Physics
33%
6 CFU course — national exam Nov/Dec, min 18/30
Biology
33%
6 CFU course — national exam Nov/Dec, min 18/30

The national merit ranking is calculated from the weighted average of the three exam scores. You must pass all three (≥18/30 each) to appear in the ranking. Ranking is national — Milan positions are allocated from it.

⚠️ Teaching is in Italian — language prep is essential

All lectures, exams and clinical training at UniMi are conducted in Italian. If you are not a native Italian speaker, you should aim for at least B2 level Italian before the filter semester begins. The Chemistry, Physics and Biology exams in November are in Italian — language ability directly affects your performance and ranking position.

Pasos del proceso

  1. Check eligibility and register on Universitaly Non-Italian EU applicants enrol via universitaly.it (the national portal for international students). Italian students enrol directly on studente.unimi.it. Check the official dates: the filter semester typically opens for enrolment in July–August before the September start. July–August
  2. Enrol in the filter semester at UniMi After Universitaly registration, complete enrolment on the UniMi student portal. You will automatically be registered for the 3 filter semester courses: Chemistry and Introductory Biochemistry, Physics, and Biology (6 CFU each). Attendance is strongly recommended — courses run September to November. September
  3. Attend filter semester courses Courses run from September through to mid-November at the Lodi campus (DIVAS). Study hard — your exam results in November/December directly determine your national ranking position and whether you continue to 2nd semester. If your Italian isn't at B2+, this is the stage where it will show. Sep–Nov
  4. Sit the three national exams Two national exam sessions are available: Session 1: 20 November and Session 2: 10 December (dates for 2025/2026 — confirm for future years on unimi.it). You must sit the exams in all three subjects and achieve a minimum of 18/30 in each to be eligible for the ranking. Nov–Dec
  5. National ranking and confirmation The Ministry of University and Research (MUR) publishes the national ranking. If your position falls within the places allocated to UniMi, you are admitted to the 2nd semester. You then formalise your full enrolment, submit your ISEE certificate (to calculate the variable component of your fees), and continue from February. January

Requisitos de acceso

  • Secondary school leaving certificate (Maturità / Bachillerato / Baccalauréat / A-Levels or equivalent)
  • Minimum Italian language level: B2 or above (no official test required for EU students, but essential for academic success)
  • EU students: enrolment via studente.unimi.it — Non-EU students: pre-registration via universitaly.it required
  • Valid identity document / passport
  • ISEE Università certificate (to calculate your tuition fees — submit before the January deadline to avoid the €250 late penalty)

💰 Tasas académicas

Mid-range ISEE — €30,000 to €55,000
€500–€1,500
Second instalment calculated on a sliding scale. Exact amount depends on ISEE bracket and programme. Submit your ISEE by the December deadline.
High ISEE — above €55,000
~€1,500–€2,500
Maximum total fees for on-track students. Still far below any Italian or Spanish private vet school.

Comparativa con otras universidades

UniversidadPlazasTasas/año
UniMi Milan (public) ~100 €156–€2,500/yr
CEU Valencia (private) 300 ~€13,745/yr
UCAM Murcia (private) 60 ~€11,600/yr
RVC London (public UK) ~170 ~£9,535/yr (UK) · £34,000/yr (intl)
UCD Dublin (public IE) ~115 ~€6,000–€22,000/yr

🎓 Becas y ayudas

DSU / No-tax Area — UniMi
Full exemption from 2nd instalment
ISEE ≤ €30,000 — automatic if you submit a valid ISEE certificate on time
The no-tax area is the most impactful aid available. If your family ISEE is below €30,000, your annual fees drop to €156 total. Submit your ISEE Università certificate before the October/November deadline — a late submission (after mid-October) carries a €250 penalty.
Borsa di Studio — Regione Lombardia (DSU)
€4,000–€6,000/year + fee exemption
ISEE ≤ ~€24,000 + merit requirements (minimum CFU per year from year 2 onwards)
Regional scholarship for the right to education (diritto allo studio). Includes cash grant + canteen access + possible housing. Apply through EDiSU (Ente per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario) in Lombardia at the start of each academic year.
Merit Scholarships — UniMi
Variable (€500–€3,000)
Top academic performance — details published at the start of each year
The university offers prizes and scholarships for top-performing students, including in veterinary medicine. Check unimi.it/servicios/becas for annual announcements.
Erasmus+ Grant
€400–€800/month (destination-dependent)
Available from year 2 or 3 onwards — apply through UniMi international office
UniMi has Erasmus agreements with veterinary faculties across Europe. Spending a semester abroad at a partner school (including UK or Spanish vet schools) can count towards your degree requirements.

🏥 Campus e instalaciones

Lodi Veterinary Campus — DIVAS

  • The entire veterinary programme is based at Via dell'Università, 6 — Lodi (26900), not in Milan city centre
  • Lodi is 35 km southeast of Milan — 25–30 minutes by regional train from Milano Centrale or Rogoredo stations
  • The Lodi campus integrates three facilities on the same site: DIVAS (department), OVU (hospital), and CZDS (teaching farm)
  • Modern lecture halls, anatomy rooms, simulation labs, dissection facilities and a virtual dissection room
  • Dedicated student spaces, canteen, and sports facilities on campus
  • Milan city centre offers access to the main UniMi campus facilities, library and student services (Città Studi area)

University Veterinary Hospital (OVU) — Lodi

  • Hospital located at Via dell'Università, 6 — Lodi — on the same campus as DIVAS
  • Multi-species clinical services: small animals (dogs, cats), large animals (cattle, swine, small ruminants), horses and equids, exotic animals and wildlife
  • Diagnostic imaging: CT scan, ultrasound, digital radiography
  • Surgical facilities: dedicated operating theatres for small and large animals
  • Emergency service: 24h / 365 days — separate lines for small animals (+39 02 50334116) and equine emergencies
  • Designed and operated in full compliance with EAEVE clinical training requirements — students integrate into clinical rotations from year 3
  • Streaming cameras in operating theatres for real-time educational observation

Equine Department

  • Full equine internal medicine, surgery, reproduction and sports medicine department
  • Pneumology, cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, urology, endocrinology, haematology, oncology
  • Musculoskeletal pathologies, dermatology and metabolic disorders
  • Sports medicine and competition horse management
  • Equine hospitalization boxes and specialised diagnostic facilities

Teaching Farm (CZDS) — Lodi

  • Centro Zootecnico Didattico Sperimentale — on the same Lodi campus
  • Teaching and experimental livestock facility used from year 1
  • Species: cattle, swine, small ruminants (sheep, goats), poultry
  • Integrated with department research activities in animal science and livestock production
  • One of the key EAEVE-assessed assets of the UniMi programme

🏅 Acreditaciones

EAEVE
Full Accreditation
UniMi received EAEVE Full Accreditation following the ESEVT site visit of 22–26 March 2019. An interim report was submitted and reviewed by ECOVE in December 2022. The next evaluation visit is due around 2026. Full EAEVE accreditation means the degree is fully recognised across all EU member states and in many countries worldwide.
ANVUR (Italy)
Accredited
The programme is fully accredited by Italy's national university quality agency (ANVUR) and verified by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR). The degree qualifies graduates for the Italian Ordine dei Medici Veterinari professional register.
EU Recognition
Fully recognised across EU
As an EAEVE-accredited programme from an EU public university, the UniMi veterinary degree is automatically recognised across all EU/EEA member states under Directive 2005/36/EC on professional qualifications. No equivalency procedures required to practice in Spain, France, Germany, etc.

🏠 Coste de vida

The veterinary campus is in Lodi, not central Milan. Many students live in Lodi (cheaper rent, 5-minute bike ride to campus) while others commute from Milan (25–30 min by train). A small number of students share flats across both cities. Monthly living costs range from €700 to €1,200 depending on your arrangement.

Room in shared flat — Lodi
€300–€500/month
Lodi is significantly cheaper than Milan — recommended for most students
Room in shared flat — Milan
€600–€900/month
Città Studi / Rogoredo area — 25 min commute to Lodi by train
University accommodation (EDiSU)
€250–€450/month
Regional DSU housing for eligible students (income-based) — apply early, competition is high
Food and groceries
€200–€350/month
University canteen ~€4–7/meal with student discount
Transport
€30–€80/month
Lodi–Milan regional train pass or Milan/Lodi urban transport
Books, materials
€50–€150/month
Averages out over the year — heavy in year 1 and 2

Resumen de costes

ConceptoCoste estimado
Monthly cost (living in Lodi, shared flat)~€700–€900/month
Monthly cost (commuting from Milan)~€900–€1,200/month
Annual living cost (10 months)~€7,000–€12,000/year

📅 Calendario orientativo

Apr–Jun — Check eligibility and prepare Italian language
Verify you meet the entry requirements (secondary school leaving certificate). If Italian is not your first language, aim for B2 before September — the filter semester exams in November are entirely in Italian.
Jul–Aug — Register on Universitaly / UniMi student portal
Non-Italian EU students register on universitaly.it. Italian students enrol via studente.unimi.it. The enrolment window for the filter semester typically opens in July. Also submit your ISEE Università certificate before the October deadline to avoid the €250 late penalty.
September — Start of the filter semester — Lodi campus
Three courses begin: Chemistry and Introductory Biochemistry, Physics, Biology (6 CFU each). Attend all lectures — performance in November exams determines your national ranking position.
Nov–Dec — National filter semester exams
Two sessions: approximately 20 November and 10 December (confirm dates for your year on unimi.it). You must pass all three (min 18/30 each) and reach a sufficient ranking position to continue to 2nd semester.
January — National ranking published — place confirmation
The Ministry publishes the national ranking. If you are admitted at UniMi, formalise full enrolment, pay the applicable tuition (based on ISEE) and prepare for the second semester starting in February.
February — 2nd semester begins — full degree underway
Clinical and scientific modules begin. From year 3 onwards, clinical rotations at the OVU hospital and CZDS teaching farm become a core part of the timetable.

❓ Preguntas frecuentes

Is there still a TOLC entrance test for veterinary at UniMi?
No. From AY 2025/2026, the TOLC-V admission test has been replaced by a new open semester system for all of Italy. You enrol in a filter semester (September–November), take 3 national exams (Chemistry, Physics, Biology), and a national merit ranking determines whether you continue to the 2nd semester. Anyone with a valid secondary school leaving certificate can start.
Do I need to speak Italian to study at UniMi Vet?
Yes. All lectures, exams, clinical training, and patient interaction at UniMi's veterinary faculty are in Italian. Some research seminars or advanced modules may be available in English, but the degree is fundamentally Italian-language. Non-Italian speakers should aim for B2 level before starting, and ideally C1 by year 3 when clinical rotations begin. The filter semester exams in November are entirely in Italian.
Is the degree recognised outside Italy?
Yes. UniMi holds EAEVE Full Accreditation (since 2019), which means the degree is automatically recognised across all EU/EEA member states under Directive 2005/36/EC. You can register as a veterinarian in Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and other EU countries without an equivalency procedure. For the UK (post-Brexit) or non-EU countries (US, Canada, Australia), check the specific national requirements.
Is the campus in Milan or Lodi?
The veterinary department (DIVAS), the teaching hospital (OVU) and the teaching farm (CZDS) are all on the dedicated campus in Lodi — Via dell'Università, 6. Lodi is 35 km southeast of Milan, about 25–30 minutes by regional train from Milano Centrale. Most vet students either live in Lodi (cheaper rent) or commute from Milan. The main UniMi campus in Milan (Città Studi) has the central library and administration, but your day-to-day classes and practical work will be in Lodi.
How much does it actually cost per year?
It depends entirely on your family's ISEE income. If your ISEE is below €30,000, you pay only €156/year (the fixed regional tax + stamp duty — Italy's 'no-tax area'). Between €30,000 and €55,000, fees slide from roughly €500 to €1,500/year. At the maximum bracket, fees are around €2,000–2,500/year. This makes UniMi one of the cheapest EAEVE-accredited vet programmes in Europe — the key is submitting your ISEE certificate by the October deadline.
Can I get a scholarship as a non-Italian EU student?
Yes. Non-Italian EU students resident in Italy can apply for the regional DSU scholarship (borsa di studio) through EDiSU Lombardia — it includes a cash grant of €4,000–6,000/year plus a canteen card and possible housing, conditional on ISEE and merit requirements. You must be officially resident in Italy and submit an ISEE Università. The no-tax area (ISEE ≤ €30,000) is also accessible to EU students — it applies automatically if you submit a valid ISEE.
What is the EAEVE accreditation and why does it matter?
EAEVE (European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education) is the European body that evaluates and accredits veterinary schools. Full EAEVE accreditation means the school meets all European standards for clinical training, facilities, curriculum and staff. Practically, it means your UniMi degree is automatically recognised across EU countries for veterinary professional practice. UniMi received Full Accreditation in 2019, with the next evaluation due around 2026.