Complete 7-Step Guide
This guide covers the full IMAT 2026 journey in 7 steps and 29 Q&A, addressing everything from eligibility to life after results.
- Step 1: Understanding IMAT and Eligibility
- Step 2: Pre-enrollment and Universitaly
- Step 3: IMAT Registration Process
- Step 4: IMAT Exam Structure and Scoring
- Step 5: After the Exam – Results, Rankings, and Placement
- Step 6: Enrollment and Visa
- Step 7: Financial Support and Housing Options
What is the IMAT exam?
IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is an international examination applied for admission to medical, dentistry, and veterinary programs taught in English in Italy.
The language of the exam is English.
Who can take the IMAT exam?
Any student who holds a valid high school diploma (or an equivalent qualification) that grants access to university education in their home country may take the IMAT exam.
Can international students apply for IMAT?
The following candidates may apply for the IMAT exam:
- Candidates who are citizens of EU (European Union) countries
- Non-EU candidates residing in Italy
- Non-EU candidates residing outside Italy
Which universities accept IMAT scores?
IMAT scores are accepted by public universities in Italy that offer medical, dentistry, and veterinary programs taught in English.
Is IMAT valid for private medical schools?
No.
Private universities in Italy that offer education in English use their own entrance exams and application systems for student admissions; IMAT is not valid for these universities.
What is Universitaly and what is it used for?
Universitaly is the official online application platform through which university application processes in Italy are conducted: Universitaly
Within the IMAT process, it is used for:
- the pre-enrollment procedure, which is mandatory for non-EU candidates for visa applications,
- allowing all candidates to make their university preferences before the exam, and
- tracking rankings and placement results after the exam.
What is pre-enrollment and who is it mandatory for?
Pre-enrollment is the preliminary registration process through which non-EU candidates residing outside Italy (international students) officially declare their intention to apply to a university in Italy and which is mandatory in order to obtain a student visa.
The pre-enrollment process is completed through the Universitaly platform (Universitaly).
Candidates must create an account on this platform in order to complete all procedures.
Pre-enrollment dates and details are additionally explained on the admission page of each university’s academic program.
Is pre-enrollment the same as IMAT exam registration?
No.
Pre-enrollment is related to declaring the intention to apply to a university; IMAT exam registration is a separate procedure carried out in order to participate in the exam.
These two processes are independent from each other and must be completed as separate steps.
Where and how is IMAT registration completed?
IMAT exam registration is completed through the official online application system, the Universitaly platform ( Universitaly).
During registration, candidates specify their personal information, exam center, and other required preferences through the system.
When does IMAT registration open?
IMAT registrations usually open during the summer months and remain open for a limited period of time.
If the application deadline is missed, there is no late registration option, and the candidate cannot participate in the IMAT exam for that year.
Information regarding the IMAT exam is published on the official website of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
Students are advised to regularly follow announcements on this website during the summer months.
Is the IMAT application process different for EU and non-EU candidates?
Yes.
The IMAT application and preference process is conducted differently for EU citizens and non-EU candidates.
These differences mainly arise in terms of pre-enrollment requirements, number of preferences, and quota systems.
How are university preferences made during IMAT registration?
During IMAT exam registration, candidates indicate their university preferences.
EU candidates may include all public universities that accept IMAT scores in their preference list.
Non-EU candidates may select only one university.
Placement is carried out based on the candidate’s score, preference order, and available quotas.
How is the IMAT exam center selected?
IMAT exam centers are selected during the application process.
The exam is held at university exam centers in Italy and at designated centers worldwide for international students.
Exam centers are re-determined and announced each year; therefore, candidates may only choose among the centers announced for the relevant year.
What is the IMAT exam fee and how is it paid?
The IMAT exam is subject to a fee.
The exam fee is paid online during the application process, and the amount may vary by year.
How many questions does the IMAT exam consist of?
The IMAT exam consists of a total of 60 multiple-choice questions.
Which subjects are included in the IMAT exam?
The IMAT exam covers the following subjects:
- Reading skills and knowledge acquired during studies (4 questions)
- Logical Reasoning & Problem-Solving (5 questions)
- Biology (23 questions)
- Chemistry (15 questions)
- Physics and Mathematics (13 questions)
(The number of questions per subject may vary by year.)
The questions aim to assess analytical thinking and fundamental science knowledge required for medical education.
How long does the IMAT exam last?
The duration of the IMAT exam is 100 minutes.
How are correct, incorrect, and unanswered questions scored?
The scoring system for the IMAT exam is as follows:
- Correct answer: +1.5 points
- Incorrect answer: −0.4 points
- Unanswered question: 0 points
The maximum score that can be obtained from the IMAT exam is 90.
In which format is the IMAT exam administered?
The IMAT exam is administered in paper-based format.
Candidates mark their answers on the official answer sheet provided to them.
When and where are IMAT results announced?
IMAT exam results are generally announced 2 to 3 weeks after the exam via the Universitaly platform. At this stage, candidates can only see their exam score.
Placement results are published approximately 1 month after the exam, separately for EU and non-EU candidates.
All results are tracked through candidates’ personal Universitaly accounts.
Are EU and non-EU candidates evaluated in the same ranking?
No.
EU and non-EU candidates are evaluated under different rankings and different quota systems.
What do placement results mean for non-EU candidates?
For non-EU candidates, announced placement results are final and binding.
Once a non-EU candidate is placed at a university, they must complete enrollment procedures within the timeframe specified by the university.
If enrollment is not completed within the specified period, the placement right is lost.
What does the national ranking mean for EU candidates?
The national ranking (graduatoria nazionale) is the placement system applied for EU candidates.
In this system, candidates are evaluated together with their preference order within a single nationwide ranking list created based on IMAT scores.
Placement is carried out based on the candidate’s position in this national ranking.
How does the placement system work for EU candidates?
Placement results announced for EU candidates are not final.
Until the quotas allocated to EU candidates are filled, the “scorrimento delle graduatorie” (sliding system) is applied. At each sliding stage, candidates’ statuses are re-evaluated.
How is university enrollment completed after placement?
Placed candidates follow their placement results through the Universitaly platform; university enrollment is completed in accordance with the relevant university’s own procedures and specified dates.
Enrollment is generally completed through:
- the university’s own online system,
- uploading required documents, and
- paying the first semester tuition/contribution fee.
Which documents are required for university enrollment?
Required enrollment documents may vary from one university to another.
Documents commonly requested include:
- Passport or identity card
- High school diploma, academic records, and Italian translations of documents
- English Language Proficiency Certificate (may be required by some universities)
- Acceptance Letter
- IMAT placement result
- Declaration of Value (DoV)
(This document is an official document issued by the Italian Consulate or Embassy that indicates the equivalence of the academic qualification obtained abroad by non-EU candidates — high school diploma and related academic documents — within the Italian education system.
The DoV may be mandatory for some universities and/or for the student visa application process.
Some universities may accept a Statement of Comparability or a Statement of Verification issued by CIMEA instead of a DoV.)
📌 Binding and final information is provided in the “Call for Admission” or “Enrollment” documents published on each university’s own website. Candidates must base their actions on the official page of the university they will enroll in.
Who is required to obtain a student visa?
A student visa is mandatory for non-EU candidates residing outside Italy.
Student visas are not required for EU citizens.
When should an Italian student visa application be made?
The student visa application should be made as soon as possible after the candidate has been placed at a university and has received acceptance.
Required documents for a student visa:
- may vary from country to country,
- may differ depending on the Italian consulate in the country of application.
📌 For this reason, candidates must directly contact the Italian Consulate or Embassy in their country to obtain up-to-date information regarding required documents and the application process.
Can scholarship and dormitory (accommodation) applications be made?
Yes.
In Italy, scholarships and accommodation opportunities may be provided through different sources:
Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships offered by universities
- Regional scholarships provided by the regions universities are affiliated with (DSU / regional scholarships)
Official source for regional scholarships: dsu.miur.gov.it
Dormitories and Accommodation
- University dormitories
- Regional accommodation opportunities
📌 Scholarship and dormitory applications usually open during the summer months and are completed before the academic year begins.
For this reason, candidates must:
- follow their universities’ official websites,
- monitor regional scholarship and dormitory announcements
early and on a regular basis.
Complete 7-Step Guide
This guide covers the full IMAT 2026 journey in 7 steps and 29 Q&A, addressing everything from eligibility to life after results.
Step 1 — Understanding IMAT and Eligibility
What is the IMAT exam?
IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is an international examination applied for admission to medical, dentistry, and veterinary programs taught in English in Italy.
The language of the exam is English.
Who can take the IMAT exam?
Any student who holds a valid high school diploma (or an equivalent qualification) that grants access to university education in their home country may take the IMAT exam.
Can international students apply for IMAT?
The following candidates may apply for the IMAT exam:
- Candidates who are citizens of EU (European Union) countries
- Non-EU candidates residing in Italy
- Non-EU candidates residing outside Italy
Which universities accept IMAT scores?
IMAT scores are accepted by public universities in Italy that offer medical, dentistry, and veterinary programs taught in English.
Is IMAT valid for private medical schools?
No.
Private universities in Italy that offer education in English use their own entrance exams and application systems for student admissions; IMAT is not valid for these universities.
Step 2 — Pre-enrollment and Universitaly
What is Universitaly and what is it used for?
Universitaly is the official online application platform through which university application processes in Italy are conducted: Universitaly
Within the IMAT process, it is used for:
- the pre-enrollment procedure, which is mandatory for non-EU candidates for visa applications,
- allowing all candidates to make their university preferences before the exam, and
- tracking rankings and placement results after the exam.
What is pre-enrollment and who is it mandatory for?
Pre-enrollment is the preliminary registration process through which non-EU candidates residing outside Italy (international students) officially declare their intention to apply to a university in Italy and which is mandatory in order to obtain a student visa.
The pre-enrollment process is completed through the Universitaly platform (Universitaly).
Candidates must create an account on this platform in order to complete all procedures.
Pre-enrollment dates and details are additionally explained on the admission page of each university’s academic program.
Is pre-enrollment the same as IMAT exam registration?
No.
Pre-enrollment is related to declaring the intention to apply to a university; IMAT exam registration is a separate procedure carried out in order to participate in the exam.
These two processes are independent from each other and must be completed as separate steps.
Step 3 — IMAT Registration Process
Where and how is IMAT registration completed?
IMAT exam registration is completed through the official online application system, the Universitaly platform ( Universitaly).
During registration, candidates specify their personal information, exam center, and other required preferences through the system.
When does IMAT registration open?
IMAT registrations usually open during the summer months and remain open for a limited period of time.
If the application deadline is missed, there is no late registration option, and the candidate cannot participate in the IMAT exam for that year.
Information regarding the IMAT exam is published on the official website of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
Students are advised to regularly follow announcements on this website during the summer months.
Is the IMAT application process different for EU and non-EU candidates?
Yes.
The IMAT application and preference process is conducted differently for EU citizens and non-EU candidates.
These differences mainly arise in terms of pre-enrollment requirements, number of preferences, and quota systems.
How are university preferences made during IMAT registration?
During IMAT exam registration, candidates indicate their university preferences.
EU candidates may include all public universities that accept IMAT scores in their preference list.
Non-EU candidates may select only one university.
Placement is carried out based on the candidate’s score, preference order, and available quotas.
How is the IMAT exam center selected?
IMAT exam centers are selected during the application process.
The exam is held at university exam centers in Italy and at designated centers worldwide for international students.
Exam centers are re-determined and announced each year; therefore, candidates may only choose among the centers announced for the relevant year.
What is the IMAT exam fee and how is it paid?
The IMAT exam is subject to a fee.
The exam fee is paid online during the application process, and the amount may vary by year.
Step 4 — IMAT Exam Structure and Scoring
How many questions does the IMAT exam consist of?
The IMAT exam consists of a total of 60 multiple-choice questions.
Which subjects are included in the IMAT exam?
The IMAT exam covers the following subjects:
- Reading skills and knowledge acquired during studies (4 questions)
- Logical Reasoning & Problem-Solving (5 questions)
- Biology (23 questions)
- Chemistry (15 questions)
- Physics and Mathematics (13 questions)
(The number of questions per subject may vary by year.)
The questions aim to assess analytical thinking and fundamental science knowledge required for medical education.
How long does the IMAT exam last?
The duration of the IMAT exam is 100 minutes.
How are correct, incorrect, and unanswered questions scored?
The scoring system for the IMAT exam is as follows:
- Correct answer: +1.5 points
- Incorrect answer: −0.4 points
- Unanswered question: 0 points
The maximum score that can be obtained from the IMAT exam is 90.
In which format is the IMAT exam administered?
The IMAT exam is administered in paper-based format.
Candidates mark their answers on the official answer sheet provided to them.
Step 5 — After the Exam – Results, Rankings, and Placement
When and where are IMAT results announced?
IMAT exam results are generally announced 2 to 3 weeks after the exam via the Universitaly platform. At this stage, candidates can only see their exam score.
Placement results are published approximately 1 month after the exam, separately for EU and non-EU candidates.
All results are tracked through candidates’ personal Universitaly accounts.
Are EU and non-EU candidates evaluated in the same ranking?
No.
EU and non-EU candidates are evaluated under different rankings and different quota systems.
What do placement results mean for non-EU candidates?
For non-EU candidates, announced placement results are final and binding.
Once a non-EU candidate is placed at a university, they must complete enrollment procedures within the timeframe specified by the university.
If enrollment is not completed within the specified period, the placement right is lost.
What does the national ranking mean for EU candidates?
The national ranking (graduatoria nazionale) is the placement system applied for EU candidates.
In this system, candidates are evaluated together with their preference order within a single nationwide ranking list created based on IMAT scores.
Placement is carried out based on the candidate’s position in this national ranking.
How does the placement system work for EU candidates?
Placement results announced for EU candidates are not final.
Until the quotas allocated to EU candidates are filled, the “scorrimento delle graduatorie” (sliding system) is applied. At each sliding stage, candidates’ statuses are re-evaluated.
Step 6 — Enrollment and Visa
How is university enrollment completed after placement?
Placed candidates follow their placement results through the Universitaly platform; university enrollment is completed in accordance with the relevant university’s own procedures and specified dates.
Enrollment is generally completed through:
- the university’s own online system,
- uploading required documents, and
- paying the first semester tuition/contribution fee.
Which documents are required for university enrollment?
Required enrollment documents may vary from one university to another.
Documents commonly requested include:
- Passport or identity card
- High school diploma, academic records, and Italian translations of documents
- English Language Proficiency Certificate (may be required by some universities)
- Acceptance Letter
- IMAT placement result
- Declaration of Value (DoV)
(This document is an official document issued by the Italian Consulate or Embassy that indicates the equivalence of the academic qualification obtained abroad by non-EU candidates — high school diploma and related academic documents — within the Italian education system.
The DoV may be mandatory for some universities and/or for the student visa application process.
Some universities may accept a Statement of Comparability or a Statement of Verification issued by CIMEA instead of a DoV.)
📌 Binding and final information is provided in the “Call for Admission” or “Enrollment” documents published on each university’s own website. Candidates must base their actions on the official page of the university they will enroll in.
Who is required to obtain a student visa?
A student visa is mandatory for non-EU candidates residing outside Italy.
Student visas are not required for EU citizens.
When should an Italian student visa application be made?
The student visa application should be made as soon as possible after the candidate has been placed at a university and has received acceptance.
Required documents for a student visa:
- may vary from country to country,
- may differ depending on the Italian consulate in the country of application.
📌 For this reason, candidates must directly contact the Italian Consulate or Embassy in their country to obtain up-to-date information regarding required documents and the application process.
Step 7 — Financial Support and Housing Options
Can scholarship and dormitory (accommodation) applications be made?
Yes.
In Italy, scholarships and accommodation opportunities may be provided through different sources:
Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships offered by universities
- Regional scholarships provided by the regions universities are affiliated with (DSU / regional scholarships)
Official source for regional scholarships: dsu.miur.gov.it
Dormitories and Accommodation
- University dormitories
- Regional accommodation opportunities
📌 Scholarship and dormitory applications usually open during the summer months and are completed before the academic year begins.
For this reason, candidates must:
- follow their universities’ official websites,
- monitor regional scholarship and dormitory announcements
early and on a regular basis.
Disclaimer
“This guide has been prepared for general informational purposes regarding the IMAT process and university applications in Italy and does not replace official sources. Although all information is based on reliable sources, all legal responsibility for any actions taken by candidates based on this guide rests entirely with the candidates themselves.”