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.