The Ultimate Roadmap (Dates, Deadlines & Hidden Traps)
Planning to study Medicine in Italy in 2026? You might think your journey starts with the IMAT exam in September. Big mistake.
The reality is that by the time exam registration opens, some of the most critical doors for international students may have already closed. We have analyzed the official decrees from the previous cycle to build a complete IMAT 2026 Guide for you.
Here is the “No-Nonsense” guide to surviving the 2026 application season without missing a single deadline.
The “Hidden” Deadlines: Do This BEFORE The Exam!
Important for EU vs. Non-EU Students: The steps below regarding “Pre-enrollment” and Visas are mandatory only for Non-EU students residing abroad. If you hold an EU passport (or are already a resident in Italy), you can skip the pre-enrollment step on Universitaly.
1. Pre-Enrollment (The Visa Step – Non-EU Only)
Typical Deadline: Late June – July If you need a study visa, you cannot just show up. You must complete a “Pre-enrollment” procedure on the official Universitaly portal to inform the Italian authorities of your intent.
- The Trap: Most universities close this step in July, long before IMAT registration even begins. In most cases, missing this window means you cannot obtain a visa, making enrollment impossible — even with a perfect IMAT score.
- Action: Check the university’s specific deadline on Universitaly.
Life Saver Info: The “No-Deadline” Trap Some universities may not state a specific deadline for pre-enrollment on their websites. Do not let this fool you. Even if the university technically accepts late applications, you still need to process your visa before the Italian Embassy in your country stops accepting applications (usually by November).
- Rule of Thumb: Always cross-check the dates on both the university’s official page and your local Italian Consulate’s website. If the Embassy closes its doors, a late acceptance from the university won’t save you!
2. Scholarships & Dorms (DSU)
Typical Deadline: July – August. Here is a shocker: You apply for scholarships (like the regional “DSU” scholarship) and dorm rooms before you are admitted.
- The Trap: Many students wait until they pass the IMAT to apply for financial aid. By then, the deadlines are often closed.
- Action: You must identify and check the official DSU website of the region where your chosen university is located (e.g., LazioDisco for Rome, EDISU for Pavia/Turin) and submit your documents in the summer. Don’t wait for your acceptance letter!
The IMAT Timeline: Mark Your Calendars
Based on last year’s official Decree n. 599, here is the projected timeline for 2026:
- June/July: Pre-enrollment on Universitaly (Mandatory for Non-EU Visa applicants).
- July/August: Scholarship Applications (Deadlines vary by region).
- Late August: IMAT Registration Opens (Last year: Aug 26 – Sept 9).
- Warning: The registration window is very short (about 2 weeks).
- Mid-September: IMAT Exam Day (Last year: Sept 17).
Exam Centers: The “Fast-Finger” Rule
You don’t have to fly to Italy to take the test. The IMAT is held in over 20 countries worldwide, including centers in the USA (New York), UK (London), UAE (Dubai), India, Brazil, China, and more.
- Pro Tip: Seats in popular hubs like Dubai and Türkiye can run out in minutes. Be ready to register the second the portal opens.
Seats & Quotas: Top Schools for International Students
For Non-EU students, the competition is strictly for the reserved “Non-EU residenti all’estero” seats. If you are looking for detailed info on specific universities, check out our Italian Medical Schools page.
Based on last year’s official data (Tabella B) and QS Rankings, here are the quotas for some top choices:
- University of Milan (Statale): EU 55, non-EU 15 Seats.
- Sapienza University of Rome: EU 45, non-EU 13 Seats.
- University of Padua (Venice Campus): EU 75, non-EU 25 Seats.
- Insider Info: Padua’s English medical school is now located in the historic city of Venice!
- University of Bologna: EU 130, non-EU 20 Seats.
- University of Messina: EU 55, non-EU 56 Seats.
- University of Naples Federico II: EU 25, non-EU 45 Seats.
The “Call for Applications” (Bando)
Every university publishes its own specific rulebook, known as the “Call for Applications” (or Bando / Admission Notice).
- This document is your bible. It contains the exact dates for enrollment, specific language requirements, and how to submit your documents.
- Task: Start checking the “International Admissions” page of your target universities starting in February/March.
Final Advice
- Don’t Obsess Over One City: Apply to the scholarship programs for your top choice, but keep your options open.
- Focus on Biology & Chemistry: They make up 38 of the 60 questions. You can start your preparation with our comprehensive IMAT Study Guide.
- Practice is Key: Once you cover the topics, test yourself using our IMAT Question Bank to get used to the exam format.
- Stay Updated: Follow our page. We will alert you the moment the official 2026 decrees and announcements drop.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on the official decrees of the 2025/2026 academic year. Official information for 2026 will be published by the Italian Ministry (MUR) later this year.
References:
- Decreto ministeriale n. 599 del 07-08-2025
- Universitaly Portal Procedures 2025
- QS World University Rankings by Subject (Medicine)