IMAT ( International Medical Admissions Test )

IMAT is a standardized test used for admission to Italian medical schools in English Language. It is essential for international students who wish to study Medicine in Italy. The IMAT test assesses a candidate’s aptitude and knowledge necessary for successful participation in the Italian Medical Universities’ English taught medical programs. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions with 5 options each, to be answered in 100 minutes. It evaluates the candidate’s knowledge in logical reasoning, general knowledge, biology, chemistry and physics and mathematics. It is a pen-and-paper exam, usually once a year, around September and October. The MUR (Ministry of University and Research in Italy) defines the procedures and content of the decree usually by the summer. A high school diploma is everything you need to take the IMAT test.

Is there any age limit for taking the IMAT?

No, there is no age limit to apply for medical school in Italy. Student of all ages can apply. It is common for international students to apply at ages 25-35, some even after pursuing a different degree in another field. Even more so, mature candidates tend to manage the test better, having already obtained the necessary knowledge. The only requirement is finishing 12 years of school and possessing a high-school diploma before applying to study medicine in Italy.

Is IMAT essential for getting into Medicine in Italy?

Yes. The IMAT score is the only factor on which candidate selection is based. Candidates order their university preferences and then take the IMAT test. According to the score they reach, they are placed in a ranking together with the other candidates. Those ranked higher have a higher chance of getting accepted. Other factors, such as high school diploma grades or precious degrees, are completely irrelevant to the selection process.

Is IMAT only in Italy?

The IMAT is exclusively paper-based and can not be sat online. The test centers might change slightly each year according to previous years’ demand. The definite test centers for the current year are announced in an official decree by the MUR each year. The precise classroom addresses where the test will be held are normally announced several days before the test day.

IMAT test centers (updated 2024) :

In Italy:

Bari, Universita degli Studi di Bari

Milan, Universita degli Sudi di Milano

Milan, Universita degli Studi di Milano-Biccoca

Rome, Universita degli Studi di Roma, “La Sapienza”

Rome, Universita degli Studi di Roma, “Tor Vergata”

Naples, Universita degli Studi della Campania, “Luigi Vanvitelli”

Naples, Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

Bologna, Universita di Bologna

Turin, Universita degli Studi di Torino

Pavia, Universita degli Studi di Pavia

Parma, Universita degli Studi di Parma

Siena, Universita degli Studi di Siena

Messina, Universita degli Studi di Messina

Padova, Universita degli Studi di Padova

Ancona, Universita Politecnica delle Marche

Cagliari, Universita degli Studi di Cagliari

Outside Italy:

Albania

Azerbaijan

Brazil

Canada

China

Cyprus

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

India

Ireland

Pakistan

Poland

Portugal

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

Spain

Switzerland

Turkey

Dubai

UK

USA

A candidate may choose any test center, regardless of nationality. Of course, picking a venue that does not require obtaining a visa would be appropriate. Please note that if you choose an Italian IMAT test center, you must sit the exam at the University you selected as your first choice in your preference list upon the IMAT registration.

Exam Structure and Content

IMAT consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, with 5 options each, to be answered in 100 minutes.

These are divided into:

4 of reading skills and general knowledge

5 of logical reasoning and problem-solving

23 of biology

15 of chemistry

13 of physiscs and mathematics

Syllabus:

Logical Reasoning:

  • Relevant Selection
  • Finding Procedures
  • Visual Reasoning
  • Percentages

Biology:

  • Cytology
  • Biomolecules
  • The central dogma of molecular biology
  • Bioenergetics
  • Genetics
  • Anatomy and Physiology

Chemistry

  • Stoichiometry
  • Bonds and molecular geometry
  • Periodic Table
  • Solutions
  • Organic Chemistry

Mathematics and Physics

  • Equations and disequations
  • Geometry
  • Probability
  • Kinematics
  • Dynamics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Electromagnetic field

Scoring and Evaluation

The IMAT score is the only factor determining candidate selection

In the IMAT, all sections are marked the same, and each question carries equal weight. As such, your IMAT total score will be calculated using the following method:

  • 1,5 points for a correct answer
  • -0,4 points for a wrong answer
  • 0 points for an unanswered question

So, candidates must be careful when answering: knowing when to shoot randomly and when it is best to leave it blank will help you boost your total score! All candidates are then ranked by their individual score!

How much does IMAT cost?

The IMAT participation fee is 130,00 euros.