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beige concrete building under blue sky during daytimeIMAT

IMAT 2025 Registration: A Complete Guide

Today, we're diving into a crucial topic for anyone dreaming of attending medical school in Italy: the IMAT registration process. We know that figuring out how to apply can feel overwhelming. What are the deadlines? How does the online application work? How much does it cost? Do I need an English language certificate? What if I need accommodations for a disability or learning difference? In this guide, we'll answer all these questions clearly and directly, walking you step-by-step through everything you need to know to register without the stress. Our goal is to give you a precise roadmap for navigating the logistics so you can focus on what truly matters: your preparation. IMAT 2025 Registration Timeline One of the most common questions is about the key dates and deadlines for the IMAT. While the official announcement for 2025 has not yet been released by the Italian Ministry of University and Research, we can get a very good idea by looking at last year's schedule. The IMAT 2025 test date has already been set for September 17th. As for the registration window, the 2024 official decree was published on August 6th, and applicants could register from September 2nd until 3:00 PM (Italian time) on September 12th. It is highly likely that the 2025 timeline will be very similar. We recommend keeping a close eye on the official government web page for 2025 admission test announcements (known as bandi), which is where the final dates will be published. The Online Registration Process: A Step-by-Step Guide The application process for the English-language medicine and veterinary medicine programs is entirely digital and managed through the Universitaly portal. Barring any unlikely changes, the steps are the same each year. Let's walk through them together. Your first step is to go to the IMAT 2025 page on Universitaly and register for an account. This portal will be your main hub for the entire application process. Once you've created your account, you'll need to review the privacy policy and consent to the processing of your personal data. Next, you will be asked to enter a series of personal details: Last and first name Birth details (country, province, city, and date) Gender and citizenship Your Codice Fiscale (an Italian tax identification number; if you don't have one, the system will guide you) A valid email address (this is critical for all communications) Details from a valid ID, such as your passport (type, number, issuing authority, and expiration date) Your residency information (country, state/province, city, zip code, address) A phone number Indication of any language certifications you may have. The next step is crucial: selecting your university preferences. You will be able to list the universities where you would like to study, in order of preference. You can change this list until a final deadline, which will be specified in the official announcement. Finally, to complete your registration, you must pay the IMAT participation fee. Instructions for payment will be provided directly on the Universitaly portal. It is extremely important to remember that a payment receipt alone, without a completed online registration, is not sufficient to be admitted to the test. How Much Does the IMAT Cost? The cost to take the IMAT will be confirmed when the official registration opens, but if there are no changes from last year, the fees are as follows: $164.00 USD €130.00 EUR £114.00 GBP Language Certifications: Are They Really Necessary? This is a question that often causes confusion. To register for the IMAT and apply for English-language medical degrees at public Italian universities, you are not required to have an English language certificate. However, having one can give you an edge. An official certificate proving your English proficiency serves as a tie-breaker if you have the same score as another candidate on the ranking list. So, if you have one, our advice is to include it in your application. This is done via self-certification, but be aware that the university reserves the right to verify the authenticity of your claim at any time. It's also worth noting that anyone who has completed at least one academic year at a school where English was the language of instruction is automatically considered to have met the language proficiency standard. As for Italian, no prior knowledge is required for enrollment. The universities themselves organize Italian language courses for international students during the first year. This is because a basic understanding of Italian becomes essential for communicating effectively with patients during clinical rotations, which begin in the second year. List of Recognized English Language Certifications If you hold one of the following certifications, you can list it during registration. Here is the complete list by testing organization: Cambridge English Language Assessment: C2 Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) C1 Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) & Business Higher (BEC Higher) B2 Cambridge English: First (FCE) & Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) City and Guilds (Pitman): C2 Mastery C2 (Level 3) C1 Expert C1 (Level 2) B2 Communicator B2 (Level 1) Edexcel / Pearson Ltd: C2 PTE General Level 5 Proficient C1 PTE General Level 4 Advanced B2 PTE General Level 3 Upper Intermediate EDI (LCCIEB): C1 JETSET Level 6 or English for Business Level 4 B2 JETSET Level 5 or English for Business/Commerce Level 3 IELTS: C2 with a score of 8.5 – 9.0 C1 with a score of 7.0 – 8.0 B2 with a score of 5.5 – 6.5 TCL Trinity College London: C2 Integrated Skills in English (ISE) IV C1 Integrated Skills in English (ISE) III B2 Integrated Skills in English (ISE) II TOEFL ETS: C1 with a score of 110 – 120 B2 with a score of 87 – 109 Support for Candidates with Disabilities and SLDs The system provides accommodations to ensure all candidates can take the test under the best possible conditions. Students with a certified disability or a diagnosis of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) are entitled to specific support. To receive these accommodations, you must submit the relevant documentation to the university, either the original or a certified copy, issued by a competent medical authority. Candidates with a disability can request additional time, up to 50% more than the standard test time. For candidates with an SLD diagnosis, 30% extra time is granted. In cases of a particularly severe, certified SLD, the university may authorize the use of compensatory tools, such as a non-scientific calculator, a video magnifier, or the assistance of a reader provided by the university. To qualify for these measures, the SLD diagnosis must have been issued within the last three years or after the candidate turned 18. These accommodations are also available to candidates residing abroad. You must submit certification of your status issued in your country of residence. This document must be accompanied by a sworn translation into Italian or English, certified by an Italian consulate. Understanding every detail of the registration process is the first step to facing the test with confidence. Conclusion Now that you have all the information, the next step is preparation. Having a place where you can simulate the test, understand your strengths, and identify areas for improvement is fundamental to arriving prepared and anxiety-free. That's exactly why, born from a shared need among university friends, we created TestBuddy: a platform that lets you practice with realistic simulations and track your progress, so you can walk into the test center with total confidence and pass on your first try.

Leo Fulvio Bacchilega
a building with a glass roofIMAT

Guida Completa Iscrizione IMAT 2025: Date, Costi e Procedura

Oggi affronteremo un argomento fondamentale per chiunque aspiri a entrare a medicina studiando in inglese: l'iscrizione al test IMAT. Sappiamo che il processo può sembrare complesso e generare un po' di confusione. Quali sono le scadenze? Come funziona la procedura online? Quanto costa? Serve una certificazione di inglese? E se ho bisogno di supporto per disabilità o DSA? In questo articolo, risponderemo a tutte queste domande in modo chiaro e diretto, guidandovi passo dopo passo attraverso tutto ciò che c'è da sapere per completare la vostra iscrizione senza stress. Il nostro obiettivo è fornirvi una mappa precisa per navigare la burocrazia e concentrarvi su ciò che conta davvero: la vostra preparazione. Le Tempistiche per l'Iscrizione all'IMAT 2025 Una delle domande più frequenti riguarda le scadenze per l'iscrizione all'IMAT. Sebbene il bando ufficiale per il 2025 non sia stato ancora pubblicato, possiamo farci un'idea abbastanza precisa analizzando le tempistiche degli anni passati. La data del test IMAT 2025 è già stata fissata per il 17 settembre. Per quanto riguarda il periodo di iscrizione, nel 2024 il decreto ministeriale è stato reso pubblico il 6 agosto, e la finestra per potersi registrare andava dal 2 settembre fino alle ore 15:00 del 12 settembre. È molto probabile che anche per il 2025 le tempistiche saranno simili. Consigliamo di tenere monitorata la pagina ufficiale del Ministero dedicata ai bandi per i test di ammissione 2025, dove verrà pubblicato il decreto con tutte le date definitive. La Procedura di Iscrizione Online: Passo Dopo Passo La procedura per iscriversi al test per medicina e veterinaria in inglese è interamente digitale e si svolge sul portale Universitaly. Salvo cambiamenti, che sono comunque poco probabili, i passaggi da seguire sono sempre gli stessi. Vediamoli insieme. Il primo passo è accedere alla pagina dedicata all'IMAT 2025 su Universitaly e procedere con la registrazione al portale. Questo sarà il vostro punto di riferimento per tutta la procedura. Una volta creato l'account, dovrete prendere visione dell'informativa sulla privacy e accettare il trattamento dei vostri dati personali. Successivamente, vi verrà richiesto di inserire una serie di informazioni anagrafiche: Cognome e nome Dettagli di nascita (Paese, provincia, città e data) Sesso e cittadinanza Il vostro codice fiscale Un indirizzo e-mail valido (fondamentale per tutte le comunicazioni) Dati di un documento di identità in corso di validità (tipo, numero, ente di rilascio e data di scadenza) Informazioni sulla vostra residenza (Paese, provincia, località, CAP, indirizzo) Un recapito telefonico L'eventuale possesso di una certificazione linguistica. Il passaggio successivo è cruciale: l'indicazione delle preferenze delle sedi universitarie. Potrete inserire in ordine di preferenza le università in cui desiderate studiare. Questa scelta potrà essere modificata fino a una data di scadenza che verrà specificata nel bando. Infine, per completare l'iscrizione, dovrete effettuare il pagamento del contributo di partecipazione. Le istruzioni per il pagamento saranno fornite direttamente sul portale Universitaly. È di fondamentale importanza ricordare che la sola ricevuta del pagamento, senza aver completato la registrazione online, non sarà sufficiente per essere ammessi al test. Costo della Prova di Ammissione Il costo per sostenere il test IMAT verrà confermato con la pubblicazione del bando, ma se non ci saranno variazioni rispetto all'anno precedente, le cifre di riferimento sono le seguenti: 130,00 EUR 114,00 GBP 164,00 USD Certificazioni Linguistiche: Servono Davvero? Una domanda che genera spesso dubbi è quella relativa alle certificazioni linguistiche. Per l'iscrizione all'IMAT, finalizzata all'accesso ai corsi di laurea in medicina e chirurgia in lingua inglese presso le università statali, non è obbligatorio possedere una certificazione di lingua inglese. Tuttavia, averne una può rappresentare un vantaggio. Una certificazione che attesti la conoscenza della lingua inglese, infatti, costituisce titolo preferenziale in caso di parità di punteggio in graduatoria. Quindi, se ne siete in possesso, il nostro consiglio è di inserirla durante la procedura di iscrizione. Questo avviene tramite un'autocertificazione, ma tenete presente che l'ateneo si riserva il diritto di verificare la veridicità di quanto dichiarato in qualsiasi momento. È importante notare che viene riconosciuto automaticamente il possesso di una certificazione linguistica a chiunque abbia frequentato almeno un anno scolastico in un istituto dove l'insegnamento si è svolto in lingua inglese. Per quanto riguarda la lingua italiana, non è richiesta alcuna conoscenza pregressa per l'immatricolazione. Gli atenei stessi organizzano corsi di italiano per gli studenti internazionali durante il primo anno accademico. Questo perché, per affrontare al meglio il percorso di studi e soprattutto i tirocini clinici a partire dal secondo anno, una conoscenza base dell'italiano diventa essenziale per poter comunicare efficacemente con i pazienti. Elenco delle Certificazioni di Lingua Inglese Riconosciute Se possedete una delle seguenti certificazioni, potrete inserirla durante l'iscrizione. Ecco la lista completa divisa per ente certificatore: Cambridge English Language Assessment: C2 Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) C1 Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) e Business Higher (BEC Higher) B2 Cambridge English: First (FCE) e Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) City and Guilds (Pitman): C2 Mastery C2 (livello 3) C1 Expert C1 (livello 2) B2 Communicator B2 (livello 1) Edexcel / Pearson Ltd: C2 PTE General livello 5 Proficient C1 PTE General livello 4 Advanced B2 PTE General livello 3 Upper Intermediate EDI (LCCIEB): C1 JETSET livello 6 o English for Business livello 4 B2 JETSET livello 5 o English for Business/Commerce livello 3 IELTS: C2 con punteggio 8.5 – 9.0 C1 con punteggio 7.0 – 8.0 B2 con punteggio 5.5 – 6.5 TCL Trinity College London: C2 Integrated Skills in English (ISE) IV C1 Integrated Skills in English (ISE) III B2 Integrated Skills in English (ISE) II TOEFL ETS: C1 con punteggio 110 – 120 B2 con punteggio 87 – 109 Supporto per Candidati con Invalidità e DSA Il sistema prevede delle misure compensative per garantire a tutti i candidati di svolgere la prova nelle migliori condizioni possibili. Gli studenti con certificato di invalidità, disabilità o con diagnosi di Disturbo Specifico dell'Apprendimento (DSA) hanno diritto a supporti specifici. Per poterne usufruire, è necessario presentare all'ateneo la relativa documentazione in originale o copia autenticata, rilasciata dalla commissione medica competente. I candidati con invalidità possono richiedere un tempo aggiuntivo per lo svolgimento della prova, fino a un massimo del 50% in più rispetto a quello standard. Per i candidati con diagnosi di DSA, è previsto un tempo aggiuntivo pari al 30% in più. In situazioni di particolare gravità del DSA, debitamente certificata, l'università può consentire l'utilizzo di strumenti compensativi aggiuntivi, come una calcolatrice non scientifica, un videoingranditore o il supporto di un lettore designato dall'ateneo. Per beneficiare di queste misure, la diagnosi di DSA deve essere stata rilasciata da non più di tre anni o in data successiva al compimento dei 18 anni del candidato. Queste misure di supporto sono disponibili anche per i candidati residenti all'estero. Essi dovranno presentare una certificazione che attesti la loro condizione, rilasciata nel Paese di residenza. Tale documento dovrà essere accompagnato da una traduzione giurata in lingua italiana o inglese, certificata dal consolato italiano. Comprendere ogni dettaglio del processo di iscrizione è il primo passo per affrontare il test con la giusta tranquillità. Ora che avete tutte le informazioni, il prossimo step è la preparazione. Avere a disposizione un ambiente dove poter simulare il test, capire i propri punti di forza e le aree da migliorare, è fondamentale per arrivare pronti e senza ansia. È proprio per questo che, da un'esigenza comune tra amici universitari, abbiamo creato TestBuddy: una piattaforma che vi permette di esercitarvi con simulazioni fedeli e di monitorare i vostri progressi, per arrivare al giorno del test con la massima sicurezza e passarlo al primo colpo.

Leo Fulvio Bacchilega
The Colosseum Rome Italy during daytimeIMAT

IMAT: How Can My Child Learn Italian (and Do They Really Need It)?

When planning to study medicine in Italy, a common question among families is: Does my child need to know Italian from the start? And how should they learn it along the way? Let’s go through everything step by step, so you know what’s actually required—and what’s just helpful to have in advance. Is Italian Needed to Apply for English-Taught Medical Programs? No. To apply to English-taught medical programs in Italy, like those at the University of Milan, Pavia, Bologna, Padova, or Humanitas, Italian is not required at all. Students are selected based solely on their IMAT exam score and academic background. No certificate of Italian proficiency (like B2 or A2) is needed to register for or sit the IMAT. In some cases, universities might ask for proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL), but many accept the IMAT score alone as proof of language readiness. So, to be clear: Your child can apply, take the IMAT, and get admitted into an English-taught medical program without knowing a single word of Italian. Will Italian Be Needed Later? Yes—especially from the fourth year onwards, when clinical rotations begin in hospitals. Even though classes remain in English, medical interactions with patients, nurses, and hospital staff are conducted in Italian. This isn’t just a suggestion—it becomes essential for participating in clinical practice. For example, at the International Medical School in Milan, lectures are in English, but all patient-facing clerkships require a functional level of Italian. To help with this, most universities offer free or low-cost Italian language courses specifically for international students. These courses typically start in the first or second year, and students are encouraged to reach at least B1 level before clinicals begin. What About Life Outside University? Outside the classroom, Italian plays a major role in making life easier: Groceries, public transport, rentals, and health appointments are mostly handled in Italian. For non-EU students, applying for a Type D student visa and later a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) may require basic language proficiency (A2–B1), depending on the region. If your child wants to work part-time or remain in Italy post-graduation, fluency in Italian is a legal and practical necessity. What Should You Do Now? Focus first on IMAT preparation, since that’s the only way in. Stick to the IMAT subjects: biology, chemistry, physics, math, general knowledge, and logic, all in English. Start learning Italian early—even a basic A2 or B1 course (online or at a local school) will help them build a foundation. Check each university’s language support—schools like Humanitas, UniMi, and Pavia typically include Italian classes as part of their international student programs. Clarify visa language requirements with your local Italian consulate, especially for the residence permit or long-term stay. How TestBuddy Helps With Language Too At TestBuddy, we’ve made it easier for students to get familiar with both medical English and everyday Italian. Our platform offers bilingual support in both English and Italian directly in the app, so users can gradually get used to Italian terminology, navigation, and question phrasing—without stress. It’s an ideal way to prepare for the IMAT while passively picking up Italian from day one. And with prices starting at just €6.99/month, TestBuddy is the most accessible, complete, and flexible IMAT prep tool out there—covering simulations, digital manuals, AI support, and language-friendly content, all in one place. Whether your child is at the very beginning or already getting ready for clinical years, TestBuddy helps them stay one step ahead—academically and linguistically.

Leo Fulvio Bacchilega
Rialto Bridge, Venice Italy

Is It Safe in Italy? A Parent’s Guide for Medical Students

When a child decides to study medicine abroad, one of the first concerns for many families is: “Is it safe to live in Italy?” Today we’ll go over this question in detail, especially for parents and students preparing to move for their university journey. We’ll break down what safety really looks like in Italy, which areas are best for students, and what to realistically expect when living there. Overall Safety in Italy Italy is considered a safe country, especially when compared to other popular destinations for international students. Violent crime is rare, and public spaces in most cities are well-patrolled and monitored. In fact, many Italian cities rank high in terms of public safety, healthcare access, and general quality of life. The most frequent incidents students may encounter are petty crimes like pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas, train stations, and major tourist zones. These are not unusual in big cities anywhere in the world and are largely avoidable with common-sense precautions. Best Areas to Live: Safer Cities and Zones For those concerned about security, northern Italian cities and Rome are often regarded as the most reliable in terms of safety. Cities that are generally safe for students: Milan Bologna Padova Rome Pavia Verona Trieste In these places, university neighborhoods are typically well-developed, monitored, and full of other students. Living in these central zones adds an extra level of security, with good lighting, access to public transportation, and nearby services like pharmacies, hospitals, and 24-hour markets. What About Naples? Napoli (Naples) is a city that often comes up in discussions around safety. While the city has had a historical reputation for petty theft and some organized crime issues in specific districts, it’s important to be precise. Naples has safe, modern areas, especially around the university and historic center, which are heavily visited by tourists and monitored by local authorities. Many students live in Naples without issues. However, for those who prioritize safety above all, northern cities may offer more peace of mind, especially during the adjustment period in the first year. Safety Tips for Students Living in Italy Live in central, well-lit neighborhoods: These are not only safer but also closer to your university and classmates. Avoid isolated or poorly connected districts, especially late at night. Use official transport options: Buses, metros, and taxis in large cities are safe and well-regulated. Keep personal belongings secure in public spaces like train stations or busy squares. Stay connected: Having a local SIM card, GPS access, and emergency numbers saved in your phone adds an extra layer of security. Support for International Students Universities in Italy usually have dedicated international student offices and safety guidelines, including: Emergency hotlines Support staff who speak English Connections with local authorities and hospitals Mental health and medical services Students also often choose to live with other international students or in shared housing, where peer support helps with safety and adaptation. Italy is a safe and welcoming place for students, especially those who choose to live in well-connected and active areas. Like in any country, it’s important to be informed and cautious—but families can feel confident that with the right preparation, students can enjoy a secure and enriching experience while studying medicine in Italy. How to ace the test If your child is planning to study medicine in Italy, staying safe starts with feeling prepared and confident. That’s why we built TestBuddy—to offer a clear, stress-free way to get ready for the IMAT with all the tools needed in one place, from realistic simulations to theory lessons and our 24/7 AI assistant. It’s not just effective—it’s also incredibly affordable compared to traditional prep courses. With plans starting at just €6.99, TestBuddy helps students focus on what matters: studying smart, passing the IMAT, and starting this new chapter with the peace of mind they deserve.

Leo Fulvio Bacchilega
blue and red striped textileIMAT

Medicine in Italy: Parent Guide

Today we’re going to talk about something that many parents find themselves asking: What does it actually mean if our child wants to study medicine in Italy? What is the admission process like? How much will it cost? Is it a good idea? We’re going to walk through all the essential points—from how the education system works to the real challenges, from application logistics to everyday student life in Italy. The goal is to give families a clear and grounded overview of what this journey involves, so you can support your child with practical understanding and calm clarity. Understanding the Italian Medical Education System Studying medicine in Italy has its own distinct structure. Unlike systems that rely heavily on written exams, Italian universities focus on oral examinations. These aren’t short tests. They often last up to an hour and are conducted by panels of professors. Students are expected to not only recall information but also explain it thoroughly and convincingly in real-time. The curriculum is highly theoretical, especially during the first few years. There’s a lot of memorization, detailed reading, and understanding of historical and methodological foundations in medicine. Practical training comes later—often after graduation or during clinical rotations in the final years. Grading is done on a scale from 18 to 30, where 30 e lode (30 with honors) is the highest mark. An average of 27 or above throughout the degree can lead to graduating "with honors", which is viewed favorably for future opportunities like residency. To graduate, students need to complete 360 credits, usually 60 per academic year. The thesis, written in the final year with a supervising professor, is required but does not impact residency placement as heavily as the final licensing exam score. Importantly, failing exams is not the end. Students have multiple chances to retake exams. If a student falls behind, they may become a "ripetente", meaning they’ll repeat the academic year—but only for the failed courses, not the ones already passed. This system gives students flexibility and time to adapt. Entry Requirements and Application Process Before applying, non-Italian students need a Declaration of Value (DoV)—a document that certifies their home country’s education is valid for entry into higher education in Italy. This process involves document translations, apostilles, and formal verification by the local Italian consulate or embassy. It’s not quick, so it’s essential to start early. The entrance exam is the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). Registration usually opens in July, and the test takes place in September. Application deadlines and fee payments must be managed through the official platform. Even if there are talks of shifting the date to October, it’s best to prepare for September. Also, scholarship applications often open two months before the IMAT, which means families need to have documents translated and submitted before even knowing the test results. This requires planning and trust in the process. Challenges in the Italian System Moving to Italy isn’t just about exams and applications. There are real cultural and systemic adjustments to prepare for. Bureaucracy: Expect delays and administrative inefficiencies in processes like housing, university registration, and visa renewals. Housing: In cities with high student populations, apartments go fast. Many new students rely on Airbnb or temporary rentals before finding something long-term. University dorms, private rooms, and shared flats are options, but it’s important to start looking early. Academic Approach: Theoretical focus and oral exams can feel unfamiliar. Practical exposure must be sought out independently—like volunteering in hospitals or clinics. Learning Italian is essential here, both for daily life and to access more hands-on experiences. Social Dynamics: It’s common for international students to feel isolated, especially at first. Engaging in study groups, going to the library, and participating in university activities can help students build a support network. Regional Differences: While every university offers a solid foundation, families should be aware that northern cities tend to have better infrastructure and more reliable systems than those in the south. This isn’t a rule, but it's a pattern worth considering. Studying in Italy: What Are the Costs? Initial Costs In the beginning, families can expect: Deposit for rent: Usually three months upfront. Initial purchases: Mattress, laptop, kitchen items, books, document translations. Agency fees: If using a real estate agent, expect to pay an extra month’s rent. Tuition Fees Tuition is income-based, using the ISEE index. Fees can range from €156 to €4,600 per year. The average for most students is around €2,000 annually, typically paid in 3–4 installments across the academic year. Living Expenses Food: €5 to €10 per day depending on cooking habits. Rent: In small cities, expect around €300–500 per person. In larger cities like Milan or Rome, add €150–200 more. Utilities: Around €150 per month for gas and electricity. Living with more roommates helps reduce costs. Housing Strategy Many students prefer shared apartments with 5–6 roommates. Everyone has a private room, but this setup lowers rent and helps create a built-in social group. It’s a practical and supportive solution for first-time international students. IMAT Preparation: Budgeting and Strategy Preparing for the IMAT is a key part of the journey. There are several paths depending on the student’s background. Paid Courses In-person courses, especially those near Italy, can cost €2,000 to €6,000. These are comprehensive and include guided lessons, materials, and mock exams. Free Resources Many students succeed with self-study, using free resources available online. What’s important here is having a structured study plan and consistent discipline. A study planner helps students track progress and prepare realistically. For those unsure about their commitment, trying self-study first can be a good way to gauge readiness. Who Benefits Most from a Paid Course? Recent high school graduates who need structure and accountability. Collaborative learners who enjoy working in groups and staying motivated through shared goals. Students with gaps in key subjects like chemistry or physics. Students who struggle with self-discipline and need external motivation. Choosing the right path should depend on how your child learns best—not just the price or popularity of a course. What If IMAT Doesn’t Go Well? Alternatives and Plan B Explore Related Fields Some students pursue adjacent fields such as nursing, biomedical sciences, dentistry, or veterinary medicine. These programs still offer meaningful healthcare careers and may have different entry requirements. Retake the IMAT If your child decides to try again, it’s important to understand what went wrong. Maybe they need a different study approach, more time, or a structured prep course. Study Italian and Become EU-Eligible A popular Plan B is enrolling in a 1-year Italian language course in Italy. This grants a student visa and, after a year of continuous residence, allows students to compete for EU spots—which are usually less competitive than non-EU ones. To qualify, the student must reside in Italy from July to July before the next IMAT registration. Consider Studying Medicine in Italian Some students decide to take the TOLC exam and study medicine in Italian. Pros: TOLC is held earlier in the year, giving more time to prepare and apply. Italian-taught programs are often more established, with more resources and history. Cons: Language barrier: Fluency in Italian is a must—not only for coursework but also for passing oral exams and building social connections. Social integration: International students may find it harder to form friendships, especially with the younger average age of Italian classmates. Regret: Some students later wish they had waited a year and tried the IMAT again instead of switching to a different language path. We hope this guide has been truly helpful in giving you a clearer picture of what it means to pursue a medical degree in Italy—both the practical steps and the day-to-day reality. Conclusion If your child is preparing for the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test), we strongly recommend giving TestBuddy a try. It offers everything they need—from a smart simulator and full digital manual to theory lessons and AI support—at an unbeatable price compared to traditional prep courses. Here are the current all-inclusive prices (VAT included, updated as of May 27, 2025): 🧠 TestBuddy – IMAT Plans Monthly: Manual €6.99 · Simulator €13.99 · Complete €20.99 3-Month: Manual €17.99 · Simulator €34.99 · Complete €52.99 6-Month: Manual €28.99 · Simulator €56.99 · Complete €84.99 Annual: Manual €39.99 · Simulator €79.99 · Complete €119.99 With TestBuddy, students get access to: Over 30,000 updated questions (including past and exclusive simulations) Advanced simulator, detailed stats, and personalized training paths Digital manual with theory, mnemonics, and formulas Buddy, our 24/7 AI assistant Theory video lessons and 7-day-a-week support It’s the most complete, accessible, and affordable way to prepare seriously for the IMAT—without the stress.

Leo Fulvio Bacchulega
a man wearing a graduation cap and gownMedicina

Graduatoria Medicina 2025: tutto sul nuovo semestre filtro

La graduatoria di Medicina, Odontoiatria e Veterinaria 2025 non nasce più da un test a crocette: adesso conta il percorso del semestre filtro. Conoscere regole, date e punteggi è decisivo per inserire correttamente le preferenze e non perdere il posto. Chi può entrare in graduatoria Accedono alla graduatoria nazionale solo gli studenti che: concludono tutti i CFU previsti nel semestre filtro; ottengono almeno 18/30 in ciascuno dei tre esami previsti (la lode aggiunge 1 punto); si collocano in posizione utile in base al punteggio totale. Essere in graduatoria significa essere idonei a concorrere ai posti disponibili: non equivale all’ammissione immediata a Medicina, Odontoiatria o Veterinaria. Inoltre, solo chi compare in graduatoria potrà proseguire, se lo desidera, nel corso affine con regole dedicate. Come funziona la graduatoria di merito Esiste una graduatoria per ciascun corso di laurea (Medicina, Odontoiatria, Veterinaria). La lista nazionale è ordinata in base al punteggio ottenuto negli esami del semestre filtro. Gli studenti vengono assegnati e si immatricolano secondo l’ordine di preferenze indicato in fase d’iscrizione o, se restano posti liberi, in un’altra sede disponibile. Chi non si immatricola nei termini perde il diritto al posto; la sede assegnata è indicata accanto al proprio nominativo in graduatoria. Gli studenti che rinunciano o decadono possono comunque iscriversi a un altro corso di studio entro il 6 febbraio 2026. Calendario ufficiale della graduatoria 2025 12 gennaio 2026 – Pubblicazione delle graduatorie di merito (studenti UE e non UE equiparati) su Universitaly. Ogni studente vede la sede a cui può immatricolarsi. 13‑16 gennaio 2026 – Finestra di immatricolazione per gli “assegnati”. Mancata azione = decadenza, con possibilità di iscrizione a un corso affine. 21 gennaio 2026 – Avvio dello scorrimento: gli studenti non assegnati esprimono nuove scelte fra le sedi con posti liberi, entro le ore 17 del 23 gennaio. 26‑29 gennaio 2026 – Immatricolazione sui posti resi disponibili dallo scorrimento. Chi non rispetta la scadenza decade. 3 febbraio 2026 – Graduatoria definitiva. Se sei in posizione non utile o rinunci Puoi immatricolarti al 2° semestre del corso affine secondo l’ordine di graduatoria, con riconoscimento garantito di tutti i CFU. L’ammissione può avvenire anche in sovrannumero, di norma entro il 20 % dei posti disponibili. Il passaggio alla tua prima preferenza nel corso affine non è automatico: esiste una graduatoria specifica anche lì. Il bando prevede, inoltre: Redistribuzione verso altre sedi non scelte se restano posti: dovrai ordinare le sedi rimaste disponibili. Se nessuna sede viene scelta o risulta libera, assegnazione d’ufficio alla sede con posti vacanti più vicina alla residenza; in subordine valgono altri criteri di prossimità. Se le immatricolazioni in un corso delle Professioni sanitarie superano la sostenibilità, potrai optare per un altro corso affine con posti disponibili. Graduatoria dei corsi affini: date da ricordare 3 febbraio 2026 – Pubblicazione graduatoria nominativa corsi affini su Universitaly. 3‑6 febbraio 2026 – Immatricolazione; chi non la conclude decade. 12‑16 febbraio 2026 – Nuova scelta di sedi fra quelle rimaste libere (deadline ore 17 del 16). 17 febbraio 2026 – Immatricolazione dopo la seconda scelta. 26 febbraio 2026 – Assegnazione d’ufficio a sedi con posti vacanti e più vicine alla residenza. 27 febbraio‑4 marzo 2026 – Immatricolazione sull’assegnazione d’ufficio. 9 marzo 2026 – Graduatoria affini definitiva. Candidati non in graduatoria Se non raggiungi 18/30 in ogni esame, o rinunci al voto in almeno una prova, non entri in graduatoria. Potrai comunque iscriverti a un altro corso di laurea, in deroga ai termini dell’ateneo ma solo se esistono posti liberi; il riconoscimento dei CFU sarà a discrezione dell’università. Graduatoria per studenti non UE residenti all’estero 12 gennaio 2026 – Pubblicazione graduatoria su Universitaly (una per corso). 13‑16 gennaio 2026 – Immatricolazione. 21 gennaio 2026 – Graduatoria definitiva. Come indicare le preferenze nel 2025 In fase d’iscrizione dovrai scegliere subito se concorrere per Medicina o Odontoiatria. Le preferenze sono modificabili fino alla chiusura delle iscrizioni. Più preferenze = più chance di ottenere un posto, ma non facilitano il punteggio. Se sei certo di non voler frequentare un ateneo, non inserirlo. Il bando impone un minimo di 10 sedi per Medicina 2025 e 10 per il corso affine. Calcolo del punteggio degli esami Ogni esame è espresso in trentesimi; la lode aggiunge 1 punto. Ai fini della graduatoria, il punteggio deriva dal conteggio delle risposte: +1 punto per ogni risposta esatta; ‑0,25 punti per ogni risposta errata; 0 punti per ogni risposta omessa. Il tetto massimo è 93 punti. Servirà un valore ben più alto di 18/30 per entrare nei posti utili: essendo il primo anno di riforma, non esiste una soglia storica di riferimento. Criteri di parità Prevale lo studente invalido o disabile (invalidità ≥ 66 % o certificazione 104/1992). In ulteriore parità, vince il candidato anagraficamente più giovane.

Leo Fulvio Bacchilega

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