Medicine in Italy: the IMAT exam explained
Format, subjects, scoring, places reserved for non-EU candidates, choice of university, test centres and a preparation method to succeed at the IMAT.
By Worldwide Studies team, Worldwide Studies teamPublished 4 min read
Studying medicine in Italy, in English, at a public university with moderate fees: this is the plan of many Tunisian baccalaureate holders. The way in is the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test), a national exam organised every year by the Italian Ministry of University. Here is how it works, what it assesses and how to prepare for it.
The IMAT format, the number of places and the timetable are set each year by decree. The information below describes the recent rules; our advisers check the rules for your year.
What is the IMAT?
The IMAT is the common admission test for medicine and surgery programmes taught in English at Italian public universities (for example in Milan, Pavia, Bologna, Padua, Rome, Naples, Turin, Bari, Messina…). The same test is also used for dentistry in English, and veterinary medicine now has its own ranking.
The medicine programme lasts 6 years (laurea magistrale a ciclo unico) and leads to a European medical degree.
The test format
Recent editions follow this format:
60 multiple-choice questions (5 possible answers);
100 minutes;
a scoring system with positive points for correct answers, a penalty for wrong answers and zero for unanswered questions.
Indicative breakdown of questions:
| Subject | Weight |
|---|---|
| Biology | The largest |
| Chemistry | Significant |
| Mathematics and physics | Significant |
| Logical reasoning and problem solving | Low |
| Reading and general knowledge | Low |
The latest editions have increased the weight of the sciences (biology and chemistry) at the expense of general knowledge.
Places for non-EU students
Each year, a quota of places is reserved for non-EU candidates living outside Italy, such as Tunisian baccalaureate holders. This quota is set per university and has risen significantly recently, but it remains limited compared with the number of candidates.
Key point: non-EU candidates living abroad in practice choose a single university, and are ranked within that university, in a separate ranking. The choice of university is therefore strategic: a highly sought-after university requires a higher score.
The usual timetable
Winter – spring: choice of university, preparation, document procedures.
End of summer: registration for the test on Universitaly and payment of the fees.
Early autumn: sitting the test.
Autumn: rankings, confirmation of place, enrolment, visa.
As the test takes place late in the year, the actual start of studies may be later than for other programmes. Prepare the Universitaly pre-enrolment and the equivalence documents in parallel: see Universitaly: pre-enrolment in Italy.
Where can you take the IMAT?
The test is taken in Italy or at centres abroad in many countries. A session was recently offered in Tunisia, which avoids travelling: check the list of centres every year. In Italy, candidates usually take the test at the university of their first choice.
Requirements to apply
Hold the baccalaureate (or obtain it before enrolment), with the required years of schooling.
Register for the test on Universitaly within the deadlines.
Have the equivalence documents requested by the university.
Meet the visa requirements.
There is no separate English test required for the IMAT at most universities: the test itself is in English. A good level is nevertheless essential to succeed in the programme.
How to prepare
Start early: ideally from the final year of secondary school, with 6 to 12 months of preparation.
Revise the official syllabus for biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, published with the decree.
Practise on past papers from previous years, under timed conditions.
Manage the penalty: learn not to answer when you are not sure.
Work on your scientific English: biology and chemistry vocabulary.
Choose your university realistically by looking at the scores from previous years.
How much does medicine in Italy cost?
At public universities, fees are calculated according to family income (ISEE file), and the regional DSU scholarship can cover part of housing and meals. See Studying in Italy: public universities, DSU scholarships and cost of living. Private universities also offer medicine in English, with their own tests and higher fees.
An essential plan B
The IMAT is selective. Plan an alternative: medicine in Romania, in Hungary, in Poland, in Belgium, or a science programme in Italy with the option of retaking the IMAT the following year.
A six-month preparation plan
Months 1 and 2: full revision of biology (the cell, genetics, physiology) and chemistry (general and organic), in English.
Month 3: mathematics and physics, with practice exercises.
Month 4: first past papers under timed conditions, error analysis.
Month 5: intensive practice, logical reasoning, general scientific knowledge.
Month 6: full test simulations, answering strategy for the penalty, targeted revision.
Work regularly rather than intensively at the last minute: consistency makes the difference on test day.
On test day, arrive early with the identity document used for registration, and keep a few minutes at the end to check your answers.
Key takeaway: the IMAT takes several months of preparation, in English, with past papers and a strategy for the penalty. The choice of university matters as much as the score.
Our support
Worldwide Studies helps you choose the university best suited to your profile, organise your preparation, handle the test registration, pre-enrolment and visa, and build a plan B. See our page Study in Italy.
👉 The timetable and places change every year: talk to an adviser to prepare your IMAT application.