The Best Universities for Pharmacy in Italy

Author: Mattia Marrone

Introduction to the Pharmacy Degree in Italy

The Pharmacy degree in Italy is a single-cycle program that combines three years of foundational studies with specialized education. The university course prepares graduates to face challenges in various sectors, such as pharmacy, industrial pharmacy, and biotechnology. Graduates acquire skills in areas like clinical pathology, medical diagnostics, medical devices, drug safety, and pharmacovigilance. The new generation of pharmacists will need to meet the ongoing demands in both public and private healthcare sectors.

Top Italian Universities for a Pharmacy Degree

In Italy, some universities are among the best in Europe and the world. According to the EduRank 2025 ranking, the University of Bologna is ranked 69th globally, followed by the University of Milan and the University of Florence, ranked 106th and 167th, respectively. In 171st place is Sapienza University of Rome, while the University of Pisa, the University of Padua, the University of Pavia, and the University of Parma are ranked between 200th and 300th. The universities in this field in Italy have excellent international recognition and are of high quality.

Admission Requirements for the Pharmacy Degree Program

The universities offering this degree program are limited-access, meaning that a high school diploma and a B2-level English language certification are required. The TOLC-F test is essential for evaluating knowledge in chemistry, biology, and physics. Each university sets a minimum score for passing the test, which, combined with the limited number of available spots, creates high competition among candidates.

Postgraduate Opportunities for Pharmacy Graduates

Postgraduate opportunities are many and are divided into professional and academic options. Pharmacy grads can keep learning by doing a master's, taking some specialty courses, or even going for a PhD in stuff like research, healthcare management, pharmacovigilance, or even cosmetology.

Professional Qualification and Specialized Training

To practice as a pharmacist, it is necessary to obtain professional qualification. This is achieved by passing the state exam, which allows registration with the professional register. For those wishing to specialize further, various specialization courses are available, such as hospital pharmacy or pharmacovigilance. Another option is to pursue a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences for those interested in research.

Professional Sectors for Pharmacists

The job market for pharmacists in Italy is vast, offering numerous opportunities. Many pharmacists work in private or public pharmacies, where they provide medications, consultations, and promote health. The pharmaceutical industry is another highly sought-after sector, where pharmacists can work in research, development, and marketing. Hospital pharmacists manage medications in hospitals, collaborating with doctors to ensure treatment safety.

Job Opportunities in the Public Sector and the regulatory agencies

Pharmacists can also work in the public sector, in organizations such as the Ministry of Health or local health authorities (ASLs), participating in public competitions and contributing to the management of health policies. Regulatory agencies, like the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), offer opportunities for those interested in controlling drug quality and monitoring pharmacovigilance. These roles allow pharmacists to have a significant impact on public health.

Opportunities in Academic Research and Teaching

Those interested in scientific research may choose to pursue an academic career as a university professor or researcher, thanks to the presence of advanced research programs in pharmaceutical sciences at universities. The academic field is ideal for those who want to contribute to the innovation and development of pharmaceutical sciences.

The Importance of Consulting and Professional Services for Pharmacists

Some pharmacists choose to work in the professional consulting sector, offering support to companies and public organizations in the healthcare and regulatory sectors. Others specialize in pharmacovigilance and managing drug-related risks. Consulting can also extend to the medical devices and cosmetics industries, where pharmacists are responsible for product regulation and safety.

The Future of the Pharmacy Profession

Italian pharmacy universities are some of the bests in the world, offering diverse and high-quality professional opportunities. Graduates have the opportunity to specialize in various fields through comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Professional opportunities range from the public to the private sector, from research to consulting. A career in Italy as a pharmacist is a solid choice, as it offers a chance to enter a dynamic and ever-evolving field while contributing to the improvement of the healthcare system and the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences. To address the challenges of modern healthcare, it is essential to have both theoretical and practical preparation in this field.