International students seeking high-quality medical education and career opportunities in Europe are often interested in studying medicine in Italy. With centuries of history in medical education and research, Italian universities offer students a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical training, and advanced research. Admission to these universities is conducted through the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test), which is one of the most important international exams for entering the medical field in Italy.
Medical programs in the country are offered in both Italian and English, and students are awarded an internationally recognized degree with global validity. In addition to educational quality, affordable costs, various scholarships, and the experience of living in an attractive culture are among the main advantages of studying medicine in Italy.
Universities such as Sapienza University of Rome, Bologna, Padua, and Milan have created a dynamic and excellent environment for both domestic and foreign students.
With its experience and expertise in conducting training courses and providing specialized consulting for the IMAT exam, Ariana Academy is a reliable partner for students on their path to success.
Studying Medicine in Italy in Italian
Those interested in studying medicine in Italy in Italian must take an exam called TOLC-MED. This exam is conducted in Italian and is suitable for individuals who have sufficient proficiency in the language and wish to continue their studies in Italian after admission. The most significant advantages of taking the TOLC-MED exam are the high admission capacity, the possibility of being accepted into all Italian universities, and a higher chance of admission with a lower score compared to English-language admissions.
Studying Medicine in Italy in English
Those interested in studying medicine in Italy in English must take the IMAT exam for admission to the country’s universities. The number of universities that admit students in English is limited to about 15, compared to those offering studies in Italian. After passing the IMAT exam, students continue their education in English, and an Italian language certificate is not required for them.
What is the IMAT Exam?
The IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is a specialized entrance exam and part of the admission process for some Italian universities. This exam is designed and administered in collaboration with Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing and the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research (MIUR).
The IMAT is a 100-minute exam with questions designed in English and is used for academic admission to medicine, surgery, and dentistry courses. All applicants for these fields are required to take this exam. This test is specific to public universities in Italy; private universities have their own independent entrance exams.
IMAT Exam Structure
The IMAT is a paper-based exam consisting of 60 questions, divided into five main sections. The details of each section are as follows:
Logical Reasoning & General Knowledge
This section has 9 multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate’s problem-solving skills, argument comprehension, data analysis, inference, and general knowledge.
Biology
The biology section includes 23 multiple-choice questions and evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge of biology. Topics in this section include:
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- The cell and its life
- The chemistry of living things
- Reproduction and heredity
- Bioenergetics
- Anatomy and physiology of humans and animals
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Chemistry
This section consists of 15 multiple-choice questions and tests the candidate’s high school chemistry knowledge. Topics in this section include:
- The periodic table
- The composition of matter
- Chemical bonding
- Fundamentals of inorganic and organic chemistry
- Atomic structure
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Math/Physics
- This section includes 13 multiple-choice questions and assesses the candidate’s ability to apply their high school math and physics knowledge. Physics topics include:
- Thermodynamics
- Electrodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Electrostatics Mathematics topics include:
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Probability and statistics
The total IMAT exam score is determined using the following formula:
- 1.5 points for each correct answer
- -0.4 points (negative marking) for each incorrect answer
- 0 points for each unanswered question
At the end of the exam, in addition to the overall score, the score for each section is reported. The maximum possible score on the exam is 90.
Which Universities Require the IMAT?
An IMAT certificate is mandatory for studying medicine at public universities in Italy. Reputable universities that accept the IMAT include:
- University of Bari
- University of Bologna
- University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli
- University of Messina
- University of Milan
- University of Milan-Bicocca
- University of Naples Federico II
- University of Pavia
- University of Rome “Sapienza”
- University of Rome “Tor Vergata”
- University of Siena
- University of Turin
- University of Padova
- University of Parma
- University of Ancona (Polytechnic University of Marche)
Some of these universities have high acceptance rates, and with an IMAT certificate, the chances of admission increase.
IMAT Time and Place
Unlike many other exams, the IMAT has a limited opportunity for participation, with registration held annually. The registration period for this exam starts each year from July 3rd to July 25th, and the exam is held in September.
IMAT Exam Fee
The fee for the IMAT exam is £114, €130, or $164, and the currency of payment depends on the country where the exam is held.
IMAT Registration Process
Non-EU candidates are required to complete a pre-registration. This step takes place from April to the end of June through an Italian embassy or consulate. The necessary documents for pre-registration include:
- Completed and signed Form A
- High school diploma and pre-university certificate with official translation into Italian
- One photograph
- Copy of passport
After submitting the documents, the embassy issues a Declaration of Value (DoV), which confirms that the candidate has completed 12 years of education and is eligible to study at Italian universities. The universities of Turin, Pavia, and Messina have a separate pre-registration program for the IMAT, which is announced before the official process and communicated through their websites.
Official IMAT Registration
Official registration for the exam is done through the Universitaly website. The steps are as follows:
- Create an account on the Universitaly website.
- Select the university and the country where you will take the exam.
- View the test centers and choose your preferred one.
- Enter the necessary information and accept the terms and conditions.
- Pay the exam fee.
- Receive two confirmation emails: one for payment and another with the time and location of the exam.
A printed version of these emails must be brought by the candidate on the day of the exam.
Comparison of IMAT and Iran’s National University Entrance Exam (Konkur)
Both the IMAT and Iran’s Konkur are entrance exams for medical school in their respective countries, but they differ in structure, content, admission process, and participation requirements. Both exams use multiple-choice questions and apply negative marking for incorrect answers. In the IMAT, a quarter of the points for a correct answer is deducted for each wrong answer, and the same rule applies in Iran’s Konkur.
Universities Offering Medicine in Italian
- Sapienza University of Rome: Founded in 1303, it is one of Europe’s largest universities. The six-year medical program offers access to teaching hospitals like Policlinico Umberto I.
- University of Bologna: The oldest university in the Western world, offering a six-year medical program with limited admission. Training takes place at facilities like Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi.
- University of Padua: One of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious medical universities. The program includes 360 credits, with about 60 dedicated to practical internships.
- University of Naples Federico II: Located in southern Italy, it is one of Europe’s oldest universities, offering modern facilities and a strong focus on clinical experience.
- University of Turin: Known for its excellent medical faculty and collaborations with specialized hospitals in northern Italy.
- University of Genoa: A reputable center for medicine and health in Italy, offering a curriculum that combines theoretical and clinical training.
- University of Florence: Located in a historic and cultural center, it emphasizes practical and clinical training from the early years.
- University of Messina: Situated on the island of Sicily, it provides a unique cultural and educational environment for medical studies.
- University of Udine: A younger university offering a modern medical program with strong ties to local hospitals and health centers.
- University of Catania: One of Sicily’s most reputable universities with a long history in medical education.
- University of Perugia: A historic Italian university known for its medical science program, which emphasizes close interaction between students and faculty.
- University of Bari: A major center for medical education in southern Italy, known for modern facilities and a supportive cultural environment.
- University of Pisa: One of Italy’s most prestigious universities for medicine and scientific research, holding a high position in global rankings.
- University of Ferrara: Offers a medical program in Italian and collaborates with research centers and hospitals in northern Italy.
- University of Pescara: A younger university that has quickly established its place in medical education, offering a supportive and innovative learning environment.
Universities Offering Medicine in English
Several prestigious public universities in Italy offer medicine in English via the IMAT exam. The most important ones are:
- Sapienza University of Rome: Offers a 6-year English medical program with practical training at Policlinico Umberto I. Admission is limited to 13 non-EU students.
- University of Milan: Its International Medical School (IMS) is a 6-year program designed on the American/Canadian model. Admission for non-EU students is highly competitive, with only 15 spots.
- University of Pavia: The first university in Italy to launch a full medical degree in English, known as the Harvey Course. It has a higher admission capacity with 40 spots for non-EU students.
- University of Bologna: The oldest university in Europe offers its medical degree in English with an admission capacity of 20 for non-EU students.
- University of Turin: This prestigious university in northern Italy offers a 6-year English medical program with 32 spots for non-EU students.
- University of Naples Federico II: A top scientific center in southern Italy offering medicine in English with 25 spots for non-EU students.
- University of Bari: Located in southern Italy, it offers a medical program in English with only 11 spots for non-EU students.
- University of Messina: Located in Sicily, it has a high admission capacity of 56 non-EU students, making it a significant opportunity.
- University of Verona: Offers a medical program in English, located in one of Italy’s most historic and attractive cities.
Provincial Scholarship for Medical Studies in Italy (DSU)
A major benefit of passing the IMAT is the opportunity to receive the Italian provincial scholarship (DSU Scholarship). This scholarship provides up to €7,000 annually and covers a large portion of tuition and living expenses. With this scholarship, you can benefit from:
- Completely free university tuition.
- Free student accommodation.
- A cash stipend to cover daily expenses.
Conditions and Advantages of Studying Medicine in Italy
Conditions for Studying Medicine in Italy
- Course Duration: 6 years
- GPA Requirement: A GPA above 16/20 is recommended (though some universities have no specific requirement).
- Age Requirement: The best age range for admission and visa approval is 18 to 25.
- Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79 for English programs; B1 level Italian for Italian programs.
- Tuition Fees:
- Public Universities: €500 to €1,500 annually.
- Private Universities: €15,000 to €30,000 annually.
- Living Costs: Approximately €600 to €900 per month for one person.
- Free Education: Possible through regional scholarships or part-time student work.
- Post-Graduation Work: Graduates can work in Italy or other EU countries.
Advantages of Studying Medicine in Italy
- Globally Reputable Universities: Italy is home to some of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
- Affordable Tuition Costs: Public university fees are significantly lower than in countries like the US, Canada, or the UK.
- Focus on Research and Innovation: Italian medical universities are active in fields like pharmacology, oncology, genetics, and neuroscience.
- Combination of Theoretical and Practical Training: Students engage in practical work in hospitals and clinics from the early years.
- English-Taught Programs: Many reputable universities offer medical courses in English.
- Opportunity to Enter the European Job Market: A degree from an Italian medical university qualifies graduates to work throughout the European Union.
University Rankings (QS 2024-2025)
- Sapienza University of Rome: 134
- University of Bologna: 133
- University of Padua: 236
- University of Milan: 276
- University of Naples Federico II: 335
- University of Pisa: 349
- University of Turin: 364
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart: 442
- University of Pavia: 469
- University of Milan-Bicocca: 481
- University of Rome “Tor Vergata”: 489
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the medical program in Italy? The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program in Italy lasts for 6 years.
- Is it possible to receive a scholarship? Yes, various scholarships are available, such as the regional DSU scholarship, university-specific scholarships, and scholarships for outstanding students.
- How is an Italian medical degree recognized globally? A medical degree from a reputable Italian university is recognized throughout the European Union and many other countries. To work in other countries, you must comply with their specific degree equivalency regulations.
- What are the entry requirements for medicine in Italy? Candidates must pass an entrance exam (IMAT for public universities or a specific test for private ones) and have a valid high school diploma (equivalent to 12 years of schooling).
- Is it possible to study medicine in Italy in English? Yes, many public and private universities in Italy offer the medical program in English.
