ACCESS TO THE ITALIAN MEDICINE COURSE 2026: all you need to know about the reform and the “filter semester”

The Reform to Access Medicine in Italy: how will it work in 2026?

From the 2025-2026 academic year, Italy has introduced a significant change in the way students gain access to medical, dental, and veterinary degree programs. The traditional entrance test has been replaced by the introduction of the “Filter Semester”,  followed by a national merit ranking.

This system was designed to assess students through a more gradual and fair process, although the previous year raised many concerns and challenges for future aspiring doctors.

This system will also apply to the 2026/2027 academic year, as far as we know. Anyone will be able to enroll in the Filter Semester,  without a preliminary evaluation.  During the first semester, students will attend three basic courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) for a total of 18 CFU (university credits). At the end of the semester, students will take three national exams, identical at all locations and held simultaneously across Italy. The results of these exams will form a national merit ranking, and those who place in a useful position will proceed to the second semester of their chosen program.

For students who do not gain admission to Medicine, they can continue their studies in a previously chosen related degree program (such as Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Pharmacy, etc.), with the recognition of the CFUs earned during the Filter Semester. 

How dual enrollment and university choice work

One of the notable aspects of this reform is the requirement for dual enrollment. Students will need to be enrolled not only in the Filter Semester but also in a second degree program in a related field, such as biomedical sciences, health sciences, or veterinary sciences. This second enrollment is free of charge and is designed to offer students a backup option if they do not gain access to the medical school after the Filter Semester.

At the time of university enrollment, students will be required to indicate a list of at least five universities in order of preference. Allocation will be based on ranking and available places. Universities will also be required to accommodate supernumerary students and ensure educational delivery, including through supplementary modes. Universities will have the flexibility to choose whether to deliver the courses in-person or online.

This dual enrollment model will help students maintain their academic progress, even if they don’t immediately gain a spot in the medicine program. Additionally, the courses taken during the Filter Semester may be recognized for university credits (CFUs) towards the second degree, making the transition smoother.

What if you do not pass the ranking?

If a student does not make it into the Medicine program after the Filter Semester, they will still be able to continue in their second-choice degree program. The university credits (CFUs) earned during the Filter Semester can be transferred to this related program, so students don’t lose valuable progress. It is also possible to re-enroll in the Filter Semester in a future year to try again for a spot in the Medicine program for a maximum of three times in a lifetime.

This new system is designed to reduce the pressure that students felt under the previous test-based system, allowing them to continue with their studies while they work towards their goal of entering Medicine.

What happens to English-language medical courses and private universities?

It's important to note that the Filter Semester does not apply to English-language medical programs (referred as IMAT) nor to private universities such as Humanitas, San Raffaele, Campus Biomedico and Cattolica university, which will continue to use their traditional entrance exams with tests consisting of multiple choice questions regarding different subjects.

How to tackle preparation for Medicine in Italian 2026

Even though the new system is still evolving, it's important to start preparing for the Filter Semester exams as soon as possible. Key subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, and Physics will form the foundation of the exams, and starting your studies early will give you the best chance of success, regardless of the exact format of the assessment.

As Italy's higher education system continues to adapt, it’s crucial to stay updated on the changes and be ready to respond to new developments. We are closely monitoring the latest updates from the Ministry of Education and Universities so that we can provide the most current and effective preparation courses.

Our formative offer

We know that navigating these changes can be challenging, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the exact details of the new system. But our preparation courses are designed to adapt quickly to these changes, ensuring that you have the support you need to succeed in the new Filter Semester and gain entry to Italian medical schools.

Our courses are taught by individuals who, before you, have already passed the Italian medical entrance exam and understand firsthand what it takes to face this challenging journey. This not only means having someone by your side with the right knowledge and experience to help you succeed, but also provides you with a mentor who truly understands the psychological demands of preparing for such a competitive and stressful process.

Each course also provides all the necessary materials, starting from the most basic fundamentals. This ensures that even if you have not studied the required subjects before, you will have no problem catching up and fully understanding the material. We are committed to guiding you through every step of the preparation, from the basics to the most advanced topics, in order to make sure you’re well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

FAQ – Italian Medicine Access 2026

What is the “Filter Semester” for Medicine in Italy? The Filter Semester is the new access system for Italian-taught degree programs in Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine. Instead of taking a traditional entrance test before enrollment, students will attend a first semester with core subjects and then sit national exams to compete for admission.

Which subjects are studied during the Filter Semester? Students will study three main subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, for a total of 18 CFU.

How are students selected for Medicine after the first semester? At the end of the semester, students will take three national exams. These exams will be identical across Italy and held at the same time. The results will determine a national merit ranking. Students who rank high enough will continue into the second semester of their chosen degree program in Medicine, Dentistry, or Veterinary Medicine.

What if a student does not obtain a place in Medicine? Students who do not secure admission can continue their studies in a previously selected related degree course, such as Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or Pharmacy, with recognition of the credits earned during the Filter Semester.

What is dual enrollment? Dual enrollment means that students must enroll both in the Filter Semester and in a second related degree program. This gives them an academic backup option in case they do not gain admission to Medicine.

Can the credits earned during the Filter Semester be used elsewhere? Yes. The CFUs earned during the Filter Semester may be recognized and transferred to the student’s second-choice degree program.

Can students try again if they do not pass? Yes. Students may re-enroll in the Filter Semester in future years, up to a maximum of three attempts in their lifetime.

Does the Filter Semester apply to English-taught medical courses? No. English-language medical programs, usually accessed through the IMAT, are not included in this reform and continue to follow their own admission procedures.

Does the reform apply to private universities? No. Private universities such as Humanitas, San Raffaele, Campus Bio-Medico, and Cattolica continue to use their own traditional entrance exams.

How should students prepare for Medicine in Italian in 2026? Students should start building a strong foundation in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as early as possible. It can be very useful to enrol in extra-curricular courses, such as those offered by Testbusters, for additional lessons and practice exercises that can give you that extra edge to help you climb higher in the rankings.