IMAT 2025: Current Plans, Format Details, and Candidate Guidelines

This article addresses questions about changes to medical school admissions in Italy, whether the IMAT will be cancelled, how the exam format might evolve, and what the most recent regulations mean for 2025.

It also covers the types of medical schools available, the differences in candidate categories, and the entry requirements for public universities offering Medicine in English.

Recent Updates for 2025

DateNew information indicates that the Italian-language test for medicine has been replaced with an open-access filter semester. This has led many to question if the English-language medical admission exam (IMAT) will also be affected. It has been clarified that the IMAT is not subject to the same changes, which means the established admissions path remains active for students applying to English-language medical programs.

RumoursSome rumours have speculated that the IMAT might be cancelled in the future. Current indications suggest that a large volume of international candidates and limited available physical seats prevent the feasibility of open access for English programs. The IMAT is therefore expected to continue as usual.

Types of Medical Schools in Italy

There are three main categories for those who want to study medicine:

1. Medical School in English: Public universities offering an international path.
2. Medical School in Italian: Domestic programs conducted in Italian, formerly requiring the TOLC MED or similar admissions test.
3. Private Medical Schools in English: Institutions that conduct their own examinations.

Transformations in Italian-Language Programs

Abolished Entry TestsSeveral Italian-language admissions tests have been removed. Instead, there is now an open-access filter semester with subsequent evaluation to determine final admissions. This approach allows those who do not pass to transfer credits toward other science degrees.

Impact on English-Language ProgramsThese changes do not currently affect the English IMAT admissions process. There are no major reforms planned, ensuring that the IMAT remains a central requirement for international applicants.

IMAT 2025 Updates

Continuity of the ExamThe exam is still set to remain in the same general format used in past years. Past structural changes made to the Italian test were never applied to the IMAT because the two serve different groups of applicants.

Potential Future AdjustmentsThere is no official confirmation of any cancellation for upcoming years such as 2026. Multiple considerations, including visa requirements and university capacity, make it unlikely that open access will extend to foreign-language programs.

IMAT 2025 Format

Previous years suggest the exam will likely include:

• 60 questions in total
• 100 minutes allocated for completion
• Multiple-choice format (5 options each)
• Scoring: +1.5 points per correct answer, -0.4 for incorrect, 0 for unanswered

A common structure is:

• Reading Skills and knowledge-based questions: 4
• Problem Solving and Logical Reasoning: 5
• Biology: 23
• Chemistry: 15
• Math and Physics: 13

These numbers can shift slightly depending on final published guidelines.

EU vs Non-EU Candidates

Application ProcessA crucial division applies to those with EU status versus non-EU status. Each group competes for a distinct set of seats. This may affect cut-off scores, documentation, and registration steps.

Seats and ScoresEvery university allocates separate quotas for EU and non-EU applicants. The cut-off for each group is often different, reflecting the range of scores submitted by that bracket. Some years, a non-EU seat is attainable with a lower or higher threshold, depending on competition, available spots, and the exam’s difficulty.

IMAT 2025 Entry Score Expectations

VariablesSeveral factors influence final cut-offs:

• Number of seats
• Candidate volume
• Exam difficulty

Scores generally shift annually, so prior data can only provide a guide. Historically, an IMAT score in the low 50s or around 60 might suffice, but each exam session and university can vary.

Projected Dates

The IMAT 2025 is commonly anticipated in September. While no official date has been published, historical patterns suggest it will not deviate far from that month. Full exam specifications typically appear 2-3 months before test day, so more precise details will likely arrive by summer 2025.

Language Requirements

Candidates sit a test conducted entirely in English. Proof of English proficiency may be needed by the university at enrollment, but no language certificate is officially required to take the exam.

Syllabus

Syllabus changes are not expected in 2025. Past content areas (biology, chemistry, math, physics, and logical reasoning) remain the foundation. Shifts in test instructions sometimes occur, yet major topic overhauls are rare.

Instructions on Test Day

Test ProcedureStudents often receive a white envelope containing a unique answer sheet and barcodes. Any mismatch in these documents must be reported immediately. Failure to follow instructions can lead to disqualification.

What to BringTypical requirements include ID, proof of fee payment, and any permitted stationery. Centers may require certain forms or check specific documents like proof of registration.

Potential ErrorsMisplacing barcodes, signing in the wrong spot, or making unauthorized marks on the answer sheet have in the past resulted in exam cancellation. Familiarity with the official instructions can help avoid mistakes.

Booking the IMAT 2025

Bookings generally open some weeks prior to test day through an online portal. The fee often remains under 160 euros. Certain international locations are highly sought after and fill up rapidly, so advanced planning is essential.

No Remote OptionIMAT must be taken in person on the specified date at an approved center. Late attempts to sign up or appear on a different date are not possible.

How to practice for IMAT 2025

Want a reliable way to practice for IMAT 2025 while keeping an eye on possible future changes? TestBuddy covers a broad range of core IMAT topics in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and logical reasoning. You can track your progress with detailed statistics and simulate real exam conditions under time pressure. The platform also offers personalized study modes for other tests, so you don’t have to switch solutions if your plans evolve.