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.