Costs and opportunities after the English Health Professions test

When deciding to take the Health Professions admission test in English, one of the first questions is how much preparation costs, where you can study, and what opportunities await after passing.
In this guide, we’ll explore exactly that: the costs of preparation, the differences between public and private universities, admission fees and tuition, scholarships and financial aid, the universities offering English-taught programmes in Italy, possible alternative plans if you don’t pass, and how to organise a realistic study and financial plan for your journey.

All information here comes from the official ministerial decree governing the 2025 admission test and the documents published by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (Ministerial Decree no. 586 of 6 August 2025) and the official page of national admission dates (MUR official page).

How much it costs to prepare for the Health Professions admission test in English

Preparing for the admission test requires a balance between theoretical study, practical training, and real-exam simulations.
Many students start with textbooks covering biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, but what truly makes the difference is structured, targeted practice that helps track progress and correct mistakes effectively.

This is where TestBuddy comes in — the Italian platform designed to help students study smarter and with less stress.
Within the app, you can take full mock exams, topic-based exercises, and see detailed analyses of your performance to identify weaknesses and improve them. Each study session becomes a concrete step towards success, supported by a personalised study plan that adapts to your pace.

When managed independently with tools like TestBuddy, preparation remains affordable and accessible. You don’t need expensive private courses — what truly matters is consistency, regular practice, and focusing on your own weak spots.

Public vs private universities: differences in costs and services

Public universities in Italy calculate tuition based on the Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator (ISEE), which reflects the student’s family income. Students below a certain threshold fall under the “no-tax area”, meaning they can study without paying any tuition fees. Contributions increase gradually for higher income brackets.

Private universities, instead, set their own fixed fees — generally higher — but often provide smaller class sizes, personalised guidance, courses entirely in English, and clinical training networks with affiliated hospitals.
Among these are universities such as UniCamillus and Campus Bio-Medico, which both offer several Health Professions degrees taught in English.

Choosing between public and private institutions isn’t just about cost; it’s about your learning style, environment, and long-term career goals. Both represent solid investments in your future healthcare career.

Admission fees and annual tuition

Each university requires an admission test fee, which usually ranges between €30 and €60 for public institutions.
For example, the University of Milan set its 2025 test registration fee at €50.

Once admitted, students must pay annual tuition fees.
In public universities, tuition is determined by the ministerial guidelines on student contributions and can be reduced or waived depending on income.

Private universities, however, establish their own fees. UniCamillus, for instance, charges around €3,000 per year for Radiography and up to €5,500 for Physiotherapy, both English-taught programmes. On top of this, students pay a regional study tax, typically between €140 and €160 per year, depending on the region.

Scholarships and financial aid

Each year, the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) and Italian regional authorities publish official calls for student scholarships.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the minimum scholarship amounts have been increased to over €7,000 for off-campus students, about €4,000 for commuters, and around €2,800 for those studying locally.

Scholarships are awarded based on income (ISEE) and academic merit.
Deadlines vary by region but generally fall between June and July.
For example, the LazioDiSCo regional body in Rome set the deadline at 22 July 2025 for applying to scholarships and accommodation.

These grants offer valuable support to cover rent, transport, and study materials, especially for students living away from home.

Where to study Health Professions in English in Italy

Italy offers an increasing number of Health Professions degrees in English, available in both public and private universities.
The national portal Universitaly lists all official degree programmes, allowing you to filter by field of study and language of instruction.

Notable examples include:

• Sapienza University of Rome, with its English-taught Nursing degree open to both Italian and international students.
• UniCamillus, offering undergraduate programmes in Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Radiography, entirely in English and internationally oriented.
• Other Italian universities, both public and private, that open a limited number of places each year for English-taught health courses.

Choosing an English-taught course allows you to develop professional medical English, gain international career opportunities, and work in global healthcare environments from the very start.

Alternative plans if you don’t pass the test

Not passing the test on your first attempt doesn’t mean the end of the journey.
You can retake the exam the following year, building a more structured preparation with digital tools like TestBuddy, which helps you identify which subjects need more focus and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Another route is enrolling in a related course within one of the four Health Professions degree classes (Nursing and Midwifery, Rehabilitation, Technical Professions, or Prevention). Later, you can re-sit the test or request a transfer.

Some students choose to study abroad, where there are more English-taught options. If so, be sure to check entry requirements, language certificates, and tuition costs in advance.

How to plan your budget

Creating a clear and realistic budget can help avoid stress later on.
Besides the admission fee, consider:

• Tuition fees, depending on the university and your ISEE level.
• The regional study tax, set by each region.
• Transport expenses for exams and classes.
• Accommodation costs, especially for students living away from home.
• Study materials, including textbooks and clinical equipment.

With TestBuddy, you can also save on expensive prep courses because the app already includes mock tests, performance tracking, and adaptive study plans — all in one place. This keeps preparation both structured and cost-efficient.

After graduation: career opportunities

Today, most Health Professions degrees in Italy are qualifying, meaning that the degree itself serves as professional certification.
Thanks to the reform of qualifying degrees, graduates can start working immediately without taking an additional state exam.

Career opportunities are broad: public and private hospitals, rehabilitation centres, research institutes, and even international placements. Graduates of English-taught programmes often enjoy stronger language skills and global career mobility right from the start.

Official references

• Ministerial Decree no. 586 of 6 August 2025
• Official MUR page – national test dates
• Universitaly – degree catalogue