Vita-Salute San Raffaele University is a private research university in Milan wholly integrated with the IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital — one of Europe's most prominent biomedical research hospitals. The six-year English-taught International MD Programme attracts top-tier international students and maintains extremely competitive entry standards. The San Raffaele Scientific Institute is globally renowned for gene therapy (home to pioneering work by Luigi Naldini on lentiviral vectors), diabetes research (the Diabetes Research Institute), neuroscience, and regenerative medicine.

Clinical training in one of Italy's most advanced private hospitals ensures students work alongside internationally recognised clinicians and researchers. The hospital performs over 50,000 surgeries annually and maintains Italy's largest stem cell transplant programme. For UK students, San Raffaele represents Italy's most research-intensive medical school option, offering English-taught instruction, integration with a world-class hospital, and Milan's cultural and professional advantages.

Tuition is approximately €17,000-20,000/year (private), but the degree carries exceptional prestige and is EU-recognised with GMC registration eligibility.