IMAT Test 2026 Decree: Application, Test Structure, Reserved Seats, Test Locations

The Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) has finally released the official rules, regulations, and dates for the IMAT 2026 test (International Medical Admissions Test). This decree contains all the essential updates for this year's admission cycle, including exam dates, test structure, enrollment windows, and all the essential information for studying Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine in English in Italy!

If you are planning to sit the IMAT this year and get into medical school, this decree is the most fundamental document you need to know about. Here is the complete breakdown.

Reserved seats for EU and non-EU Students

[Warning]: The number of available places stated in the initial decree is usually provisional. Slight changes may occur, and a subsequent decree is often released confirming the final available places for each university. So far we know that for the 2026 academic year:

• Medicine and Surgery: 2430 places (+ 60.1% compared to 2025), plus 1362 places reserved for non-EU students (+44.6% compared to 2025)
• EU Dentistry: 49 places (+7 spots compared to 2025)
• Non-EU Dentistry: 11 places (- 7 spots compared to 2025)
• EU Veterinary medicine: 63 spots
• Non-EU Veterinary medicine: 7 spots

BIG CHANGE FROM 2026

THE TEST IS NO LONGER VALID FOR ALL THREE COURSES!

Starting this year, at registration you'll need to choose whether you're applying for Medicine and Surgery (LM-41) and Dentistry (LM-46) - which stay grouped together - or for Veterinary Medicine (LM-42), which now has its own separate ranking. That said, the test content is identical.

Generally, the trend shows a stable or slightly increasing number of seats across Italian public universities offering the English-taught medical curriculum. It is always highly recommended to check the specific seat allocation for your top-choice university once the final breakdown is published on the Universitaly portal, as competition varies significantly between EU and Non-EU cohorts.

The ranking system functions differently depending on the candidate's status. EU students and non-EU residents in Italy participate in a single national ranking list, which "scrolls" each week as places become available due to withdrawals or non-enrollments. Conversely, non-EU candidates living abroad apply to a single university and compete in a separate, dedicated ranking managed directly by their school of choice. This specific ranking does not scroll, meaning these applicants must secure a spot immediately or retake the exam the following year.

IMAT Test Centers Worldwide

You can sit the IMAT either in Italy or in various countries worldwide. The list of exam locations remains quite rich, typically including countries like the US, the UK, India, Israel, Brazil, China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. For European candidates, several EU countries like Germany, France, Spain, and Poland offer one or more test centers, meaning it’s going to be relatively easy to sit the IMAT close to you.

IMAT TEST CENTERS In ITALY:

• Bari: Università degli Studi di Bari Italy
• Milan: Università degli Studi di Milano
• Milan: Università degli Studi Milano – Bicocca
• Rome: Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”
• Rome: Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”
• Naples: Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”
• Naples: Università di Napoli Federico II
• Bologna: Università di Bologna
• Turin: Università degli Studi di Torino
• Pavia: Università degli Studi di Pavia
• Parma: Università degli Studi di PARMA
• Siena: Università degli Studi di Siena
• Messina: Università degli Studi di Messina
• Padova: Università degli Studi di Padova (Venezia)
• Ancona: Università Politecnica delle Marche
• Cagliari: Università degli Studi di Cagliari
• Catania: Università degli studi di Catania

IMAT TEST CENTERS Outside Italy:

• Albania
• Azerbaijan
• Brazil
• Canada
• China
• Cyprus
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• India
• Ireland
• Kenya (2026 NEW!)
• Pakistan
• Poland
• Portugal
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Tunisia (2026 NEW!)
• Turkey,
• UAE 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 preferable.

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 subscription.

You must pick your test center wisely since it’s known specific venues get filled up incredibly fast. In 2021, the test centers in Turkey, India, UAE, and Brazil were completed within hours of opening the IMAT registration!

IMAT test structure

As for previous years, the test will be a multiple-choice quiz with 5 options per question, lasting 100 minutes for 60 questions in total (that is roughly 1.6 minutes per question!).

The scoring system remains the same:

• +1.5 points for each correct answer
• -0.4 points for each incorrect answer
• 0 points for skipped questions

According to the latest IMAT test decree format, the number of questions is distributed as follows:

• Reading skills and general knowledge – 4 questions
• Logical reasoning and problem solving – 5 questions
• Biology – 23 questions
• Chemistry – 15 questions
• Mathematics and Physics – 13 questions

General Knowledge and Logical Reasoning have been significantly scaled down compared to older test formats (pre-2023), placing a massive emphasis on scientific subjects. Biology and Chemistry now make up the absolute core of the exam. If you want to maximize your chances of ranking highly on the IMAT 2026, you need a solid scientific foundation.

IMAT Exam dates and enrollment deadlines

The MUR has officially confirmed the test date! The IMAT 2026 will be held on Wednesday, September 29th, 2026.

Enrollment procedures take place via the Universitaly portal. Based on the decree timelines, the registration window strictly opens on August 26th, 2026 and will officially close on September 9th, 2026 (at 15:00 Italian time).

Other key dates to keep in mind:

• October 8th 2026: IMAT anonymous ranking (scores attached to label code, no names)
• October 19th 2026: IMAT score available in your personal area of Universitaly
• October 26th: IMAT national ranking (showing your status in the ranking)
• November 3rd 2026: second ranking scroll-through

Minimum entry score

This hasn't changed in the last few years, but it's still worth noticing. There is a minimum entry score of 20 points for EU candidates and Non-EU candidates residing in Italy. This means that if you score less than 20 points, there is no possibility of being accepted, irrespective of the national ranking.

For non-EU candidates living abroad you pass with any score > 0.

Language certifications: when are they useful?

Just like in previous years, English language certifications are not required to enroll in the IMAT.

They only come into play in the rare case of a tie-breaker. According to the IMAT decree, if two candidates score the exact same total score, the single scores for the different test sections will be calculated in this order of priority:

1. Reading skills and Logical reasoning
2. Biology
3. Chemistry
4. Mathematics and Physics

If all the scores for every single section are absolutely identical, then the candidate with the higher official English language certification will prevail. As you can see, this possibility is highly unlikely! Still, if you have an English language certificate, you can attach it to your application in the Universitaly website during the registration process.

How to Apply for IMAT

For 2026, all applications must be submitted through the Universitaly website. When you subscribe to this website and send in your IMAT application, you will also have to point out your University choices, from the first to the last.

A few golden rules you definitely should keep in mind:

• For Non-EU candidates: ONLY your first choice matters. Because of the separate ranking system and pre-enrollment procedures (which are done directly with your first-choice university), you compete exclusively for the seats at that specific institution.
• Test Location: During this step, you must also indicate your test location.
• Testing in Italy: If you wish to sit the IMAT in Italy, you will necessarily have to take the exam at your first-choice university.
• Payment: This is the stage where you must pay the entrance fee (which generally costs around €130 / £114 / $164) to finalize your registration.

What Happens After the Test? Understanding Rankings and "Scrolls"

Once the test results are released, the admissions process moves to the official ranking phase. Understanding how the national ranking list works is essential for EU candidates:

• Score Publication: Individual scores are usually published on Universitaly anonymously a couple of weeks after the exam.
• National Ranking Release: A few weeks later, the official national ranking list is published, assigning candidates one of two statuses:
• Assegnato (Assigned): You have secured a seat in your top-choice university. You must enroll within strictly 4 business days, or you will forfeit your place.
• Prenotato (Booked): You have been offered a seat at one of your lower-choice universities. You can choose to enroll there within 4 days or wait for the national ranking to "scroll" (scorrimento) in the following weeks to see if a spot opens up in a higher-preference university.

If you are confused about which university should be your first choice, take your time to research the different cities, living costs, and available seats to find out which Italian medical school suits you best!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the IMAT test difficult?

The IMAT is highly competitive due to the limited number of seats relative to the high volume of international applicants. While the high school-level science content is straightforward, the tight time management (100 minutes for 60 questions) and the negative marking scheme make it challenging.

Do I need to speak Italian to study Medicine in English in Italy?

No prior Italian language knowledge is required for the application process or the initial academic years, as all lectures and exams are entirely in English. However, learning basic conversational Italian is strongly recommended by the third year, as clinical rotations in local hospitals require communicating with patients.

Can Non-EU candidates apply to more than one Italian medical school?

No. Non-EU candidates residing abroad can only select one medical school choice during registration. They compete exclusively for the allocated Non-EU quota at that specific university, and their ranking does not scroll nationally.

Are English language certificates compulsory for the IMAT application?

No. An English certificate (such as IELTS or TOEFL) is not required to register for or sit the IMAT. It is only used as an ultimate tie-breaker if two candidates achieve identical scores across every single test section.

How much does it cost to take the IMAT exam?

The IMAT registration fee is approximately €130 / £114 / $164 (exact currency conversion depends on the test center location selected during Universitaly registration).

Can I change my university preferences after the application deadline?

No. Once the registration deadline on Universitaly passes, your list of university choices is strictly final and cannot be modified under any circumstances. Make sure to carefully rank your preferences before submitting your application.

Can I bring a calculator, dictionary, or rough paper to the exam?

No. Calculators, dictionaries (even language translation dictionaries), smartwatches, and external paper are strictly forbidden in the examination room. You will be provided with official answer sheets and draft paper by the test center staff.However, an exception is made for candidates with proven special needs or learning disabilities (DSA/SEN). If you have a certified disability or a specific learning disorder (such as dyscalculia), you can formally request compensatory tools—such as a basic non-scientific calculator or additional time—during the Universitaly registration process by submitting valid medical documentation before the deadline.

How much time do I have per question during the IMAT?

The test consists of 60 questions to be completed in 100 minutes. This gives you roughly 1 minute and 36 seconds (1.6 minutes) per question. Effective time management and pacing are essential to ensure you complete all sections without rushing.

What documents do I need to bring on test day?

You must bring a valid photo ID or passport (the exact same document you used during Universitaly registration), your official IMAT registration payment receipt, and your confirmation email.

If I am a Non-EU candidate, can I take the test in Italy?

Yes. Non-EU candidates can choose to sit the IMAT in Italy or at an international test center abroad. However, if you choose to take the test in Italy, you are required to sit the exam directly at the university you selected as your first choice.