The IMAT 2026 Complete Resource Hub
Everything international students need to understand, prepare for, and succeed in the International Medical Admissions Test — from first registration to your first day of medical school in Italy. 100% free, 100% independent.
Section A
What is IMAT?
As of March 2026, the Italian Ministry (MUR) has not yet published the official IMAT 2026 decree. Based on all previous cycles, the decree and registration window are expected around July–August 2026 and the exam in September 2026. This page uses verified IMAT 2025 data as the closest reference. Always confirm at universitaly.it and mur.gov.it.
The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is Italy's official national entrance examination for admission to English-language undergraduate Medicine & Surgery, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine programs at Italian public universities. MUR Official
The IMAT was established in 2011. Until 2022, it was co-administered with Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing. From 2023 onward, it is written and administered solely by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), marking a significant shift in question style and difficulty calibration.
The test is taken once per year, in September, at physical exam centers in Italy and select international locations. Your score directly determines your ranking and placement at Italian public medical universities — there is no interview, personal statement, or extracurricular evaluation.
Purpose
Ranks applicants for strictly limited seats in English-language Italian public medical schools. One score = one ranking.
Administered by
Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) — solely from 2023 onward. Portal: Universitaly.it
Frequency
Once per year, typically the third Wednesday of September. Score valid for that year only.
Who takes it
EU and non-EU students worldwide. 13,495 candidates in 2025 — a record high since 2011.
IMAT vs Other Medical Entry Tests
| Test | Country/Use | Language | Frequency | Key difference from IMAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMAT | Italy (English programs) | English | Once/year | — |
| TOLC-MED | Italy (Italian programs) | Italian | Multiple/year | Tests same sciences but in Italian |
| UCAT | UK, AUS, NZ, SG | English | June–September | No science content; situational judgment |
| BMAT | UK (discontinued 2024) | English | Discontinued | Contained essay; discontinued in 2024 |
| NEET-UG | India | English/regional | Once/year | India only; 200 questions required |
| MCAT | USA / Canada | English | Multiple/year | Graduate-level; after bachelor's degree |
Unlike UK or US systems, the IMAT requires no personal statement, reference letters, or work experience. Your score is everything. The maximum possible score is 90 points. In 2025, the highest individual score recorded was 87 points.
Section B
Eligibility Requirements
Almost anyone in the world can sit the IMAT — there is no nationality restriction, no minimum or maximum age limit, and no minimum grade requirement to register. The key requirements relate to your educational background and status at the time of enrollment (not registration).
Core Academic Prerequisites
- ✓You must have completed (or be in the final year of) a secondary education lasting at least 12 years. This is the universal minimum.
- ✓If you have only completed 11 years of secondary school, you may top up with 1 year of university study to qualify.
- ✓Your diploma must be recognized as equivalent to Italy's Diploma di Maturità. This is assessed during university enrollment, not registration.
- ✓There is no required minimum grade to sit the IMAT or to receive a seat. However, strong performance in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics is essential to score competitively.
- ✓No English language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL) is required to register for or take the IMAT. However, some universities require it at enrollment.
Your IMAT score is valid only for the current academic year cycle. It cannot be used in future years. You may retake the IMAT as many times as you wish with no limit.
Eligibility by Country / Region
| Country / Region | Category | Quota | Visa Required? | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | EU | EU quota | No | Must register Codice Fiscale on Universitaly |
| EU/EEA (France, Germany, etc.) | EU | EU quota | No | Full freedom of movement; EHIC covers basic health |
| United Kingdom | Non-EU | Non-EU quota | Yes (Type D) | Classified as non-EU since 2021 |
| Pakistan | Non-EU | Non-EU quota | Yes | Very high applicant volume; Dichiarazione di valore required |
| India | Non-EU | Non-EU quota | Yes | CBSE/ISC accepted; Italian degrees recognized by NMC |
| USA / Canada | Non-EU | Non-EU quota | Yes | High school diploma accepted; fully valid pathway |
| China | Non-EU | Non-EU + Marco Polo | Yes | Marco Polo Program seats reserved for Chinese citizens |
Section C
IMAT Registration: Complete Process
Registration opened 26 August 2025 and closed 9 September 2025 at 15:00 CET. The exam was held 17 September 2025. Rankings published 13 October 2025. The 2026 cycle is expected to follow a similar structure.
Expected 2026 Timeline
MUR Official Decree Published
The ministerial bando sets all official dates, fees, rules, seat numbers, and test center countries for the cycle. Available at mur.gov.it.
Non-EU Pre-Enrollment on Universitaly
Non-EU students who need a student visa must complete pre-enrollment on universitaly.it BEFORE the main registration opens.
IMAT Registration Opens
Create or log into your Universitaly account immediately — test center seats fill very fast, especially international locations.
Registration Closes
No exceptions for missed deadlines. Payment must be confirmed. No late entries permitted.
IMAT Exam Day
Held at Italian universities and approved international centers. Italian centers start at 12:00 noon CET.
Results & National Ranking Published
EU rankings on Universitaly portal. Non-EU rankings on individual university websites.
University Enrollment
Assigned candidates must enroll within 4 business days of the round publication. Missing this deadline means permanent loss of the seat.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- 1
Read the Official MUR Decree (Bando)
Contains exact dates, fees, rules, seat numbers per university, and list of eligible test centers.
- 2
Create / Log in to Universitaly.it
This is the only official IMAT registration portal. Create your account early.
- 3
Complete Your Personal Profile
Enter identity document details exactly as they appear. Errors can cause disqualification.
- 4
Select Your University Preferences
Rank Italian universities in order of preference. For non-EU, only first choice is considered.
- 5
Select a Test Center
International center seats fill extremely quickly. Check availability the moment registration opens.
- 6
Pay the Registration Fee
Approximately €130 in recent cycles (exact 2026 fee will be in the decree).
- 7
Download Admission Ticket
A few days before the exam, download your personal admission ticket from Universitaly.
- • The registration deadline is absolute — not extendable for any reason.
- • You must bring the exact same ID document used during registration on exam day.
- • Enrollment after results must be done within 4 business days or you lose your place permanently.
- • The IMAT score is valid only for the same academic year.
Section D
IMAT Test Format & Syllabus
Test Overview
| Duration | 100 minutes |
| Total questions | 60 multiple-choice questions |
| Answer options | 5 choices (A–E), exactly one correct |
| Format | Paper-based, pencil on answer sheet |
| Language | English only |
| Scoring: Correct | +1.5 points |
| Scoring: Incorrect | −0.4 points |
| Scoring: Blank | 0 points |
| Maximum score | 90 points (60 × 1.5) |
| Minimum for EU ranking | More than 20 points |
| Minimum for Non-EU ranking | More than 0 points |
Answers must be marked on the dedicated official answer sheet. Students who mark answers only on the question paper receive zero.
Section Breakdown (2025 / Expected 2026)
| Section | Questions | Topics | Max points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Skills & General Knowledge | 4 | Reading comprehension, general cultural knowledge, current events | 6 |
| Logical Reasoning & Problem Solving | 5 | Deductive and inductive reasoning, completing logical arguments, pattern recognition | 7.5 |
| Biology | 23 | Cell biology, genetics, evolution, human anatomy & physiology, ecology, biochemistry | 34.5 |
| Chemistry | 15 | Atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, acids & bases | 22.5 |
| Physics & Mathematics | 13 | Mechanics, fluids, waves, thermodynamics, electricity & magnetism; algebra, functions, geometry | 19.5 |
| TOTAL | 60 | — | 90.0 |
Section Weight (% of total score)
Section E — Verified Data
University Cutoff Scores: 2023, 2024 & 2025
EU cutoffs below are final after scrolling. Non-EU cutoffs are typically after the first round. In 2025, a record 13,495 students sat the exam for 1,742 total seats (~13% admission rate).
EU Cutoff Scores — 2025 (Final after scrolling)
| University | City | EU Seats | 2024 Cutoff | 2025 Cutoff | Trend | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Univ. of Milan (Statale) | Milan | 55 | 67.8 | 65.8 | ↓ ~2.0 | Very High |
| Univ. Milan-Bicocca | Bergamo | 45 | 65.1 | 65.8 | ↑ ~0.7 | Very High |
| Sapienza (Rome) | Rome | 45 | 64.8 | 60.8 | ↓ ~4.0 | Very High |
| Univ. of Bologna | Bologna | 130 | 59.2 | 60.1 | ↑ ~0.9 | High |
| Univ. of Pavia | Pavia | 70 | 59.5 | 59.1 | ↓ ~0.4 | High |
| Univ. of Turin | Turin | 75 | 63.2 | 58.6 | ↓ ~4.6 | High |
| Univ. of Padua | Padua | 60 | 59.5 | 57.9 | ↓ ~1.6 | High |
| Tor Vergata (Rome) | Rome | 60 | 61.4 | 58.3 | ↓ ~3.1 | Moderate-High |
| Federico II Naples | Naples | 25 | 57.8 | 55.9 | ↓ ~1.9 | Moderate-High |
| Univ. of Bari | Bari | 69 | 57.3 | 54.2 | ↓ ~1.5 | Moderate |
| Univ. of Messina | Messina | 55 | 55.7 | 58.2 | ↑ ~2.5 | Lower |
| Catania (Dentistry) | Catania | 33 | 58 | 54.1 | ↓ ~3.9 | Lower |
Key 2025 Insight for 2026 Preparation
The 2024 exam was unusually easy (highest cutoffs in IMAT history). The 2025 paper was harder and more balanced — cutoffs dropped 2–5 points at most universities. For 2026, prepare for difficulty similar to 2025. For EU: aim for 60+ to be safe at most universities. For Non-EU: aim for 55+ to have realistic chances. Scores above 65 are competitive for top choices.
Section G
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Italy has several legitimate scholarship programs that can dramatically reduce or eliminate tuition and living costs.
No scholarship is guaranteed by your IMAT score alone. Most require both academic merit and demonstrated financial need. Always apply to DSU scholarships in addition to any home-country support.
Regional DSU Scholarships (Borsa di Studio)
Every Italian region has a public student welfare authority that distributes merit-need scholarships.
| Region / Body | University | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| ER.GO (Emilia-Romagna) | Bologna | Up to €6,600/year + housing | Aug–Oct |
| EDiSU (Lombardy) | Pavia, Milan | Up to €6,000/year + housing | Aug–Sep |
| DiSCo (Lazio) | Sapienza, Tor Vergata | Up to €6,000/year | Aug–Oct |
| EDISU Piemonte | Turin | Up to €5,800/year + housing | Aug–Sep |
| ADISU (Campania) | Naples | Up to €5,200/year | Sep–Oct |
| ERSU (Sicily) | Catania, Palermo | Up to €4,800/year | Sep–Oct |
Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships — Non-EU Only
- ✓ Full or partial tuition + monthly stipend of €900–1,100/month
- ✓ Typically covers first 3 years; renewable subject to academic performance
- ✓ Application window: Usually January–March
- ✓ Apply through Italian embassy or consulate in your home country
There is no scholarship automatically awarded based on your IMAT score. A high score improves admission chances, not scholarship eligibility.
Section H
Cost of Study & Living Expenses
Tuition Fees
Italian public universities calculate fees using the ISEEU formula based on family income.
| University | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Milan Statale | €0 | ~€3,200 |
| Bologna | €0 | ~€2,900 |
| Sapienza Rome | €150 | ~€3,500 |
| Pavia | €0 | ~€3,100 |
| Turin | €0 | ~€2,800 |
| Padua | €0 | ~€2,900 |
| Federico II Naples | €200 | ~€2,500 |
| Catania | €200 | ~€1,900 |
Monthly Living Costs
| City | Rent | Food | Total/month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | €500–750 | €200–280 | €840–1,220 |
| Rome | €450–700 | €190–270 | €765–1,145 |
| Bologna | €400–600 | €170–250 | €685–1,015 |
| Naples | €280–480 | €140–210 | €510–820 |
| Catania | €180–340 | €120–190 | €370–630 |
Total Annual Budget
Milan (no scholarship): ~€12,000–16,000/year. Catania with DSU: ~€5,000–7,000/year. Compare to UK: ~€35,000+/year tuition alone.
Section K
How to Prepare for IMAT 2026
Study Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 6–12 months | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math basics |
| Structured Review | 3–6 months | Full syllabus + past papers from 2020+ |
| Practice | 6–12 weeks | Timed mocks, review mistakes |
| Peak | 2–4 weeks | Daily mini-tests, flashcards |
| Final week | 7 days | Light review, logistics confirmed |
Best Resources
Past Papers
2011–2025. 2023–2025 most relevant.
Textbooks
Campbell Biology, Oxford Chemistry, Physics
Anki
Spaced repetition for definitions
Khan Academy
Free foundation in sciences
TOLC-MED
Same body writes IMAT
Community
Reddit r/IMAT, Telegram groups
Common Mistakes
- ✗Doing theory without past papers
- ✗Ignoring Logical Reasoning (7.5 points!)
- ✗Underestimating Physics & Math
- ✗Cramming organic chemistry last minute
- ✗Not filling answer sheet as you go
- ✗Missing registration deadline
- ✗Not confirming interest after results
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Italy's national entrance exam for English-language Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary programs. Administered by MUR since 2023.
Entirely in English. No Italian required for the test.
No limit. Each year's score is independent.
EU: 20+ to rank. Non-EU: 0+. Competitive: 60+ EU, 55+ non-EU.
No. Paper-based, no calculators.
Yes, classified as non-EU, need visa.
Passport used in registration + admission ticket.
6 years, 360 ECTS credits.
No. Score is everything.
Yes, select up to 4 preferences.
India: NMC screening. Pakistan: PMC exam. Research before enrolling.
Not for test, but needed for clinical years. Universities offer free courses.
Non-EU: 20 hrs/week max. EU: no limit.
Yes, Humanitas, Cattolica, San Raffaele have separate admissions. €15k–35k/year.
EU: 60+ safe mid-tier, 65+ top. Non-EU: 50+ mid, 60+ top.
Official Sources & Further Reading
Official Links & Resources
The most important information always comes from official Italian government sources.
Italian Government — Official
MUR — Ministry of University & Research
Registration Portal — Official
Universitaly.it — IMAT Registration & Rankings
Italian Government — Scholarships
MAECI — Italian Government Scholarships
IMAT Community Resource
AcadIMAT — Rankings, Cutoffs & Study Guides
IMAT Preparation
IMAT Buddy — 2026 Guide & Study Resources
IMAT Community Resource
Locomotive Group — Deadlines & Syllabus
Rankings & Analysis
Testbusters / MedSchool.it — Cutoffs
Student Community
Reddit r/IMAT — Q&A & Past Papers
Free Study Tool
Khan Academy — Biology, Chemistry & Physics
Free Study Tool
Anki — Spaced Repetition Flashcards
Rankings & Prep
WAU IMAT — Rankings & Practice
Official Document — MUR
MUR Decree DM 599/2025
Disclaimer: This is an independent, free informational resource compiled from publicly available official government and university sources. Information is current as of March 2026 based on the 2025 IMAT cycle. All official fees, dates, quotas, and rules are set annually by the Italian MUR. Always verify current information on official government sources before making any decisions. This page is not affiliated with the Italian government, any Italian university, or MUR.