IMAT 2026 Registration: complete and clear guide

Taking the International Medical Admission Test starts long before exam day. The first real challenge is understanding how registration works, when to act, where to register, and what mistakes to avoid.
Many students struggle not because of the test itself, but because the administrative process feels confusing and rigid.

In this guide we focus entirely on IMAT registration. We explain how to apply, what deadlines to respect, which platforms are used, how to choose your preferences, what happens after results, and how not to lose your place once admitted.
Everything is based on the most recent official framework available, clearly stating what is already defined for 2026 and what currently follows last year’s structure.

The goal is simple: give students a clear, reliable reference for the bureaucratic side of IMAT, so mental energy can stay where it matters most, on preparation.

How IMAT registration works

IMAT registration is entirely online and follows a centralized process that applies to all candidates, regardless of the university they aim for.
There are no paper applications and no registrations handled directly by universities.

The process starts with personal registration on Universitaly, the official Ministry platform. Each candidate creates an individual account and accesses the area dedicated to admission tests.

During registration, candidates must enter personal and identification details, including full name, date and place of birth, citizenship, tax code where applicable, email address, residence, and identity document information.
All data provided has the value of self-declaration, meaning accuracy is essential.

A key step is the selection of preferences. Candidates must indicate universities and degree programs in order of priority. This order is binding and directly affects placement in the national ranking.

Registration is considered valid only after payment of the participation fee. Completing the form without payment, or paying without completing the online application, results in exclusion.

Registration opening dates and deadlines

For the academic year 2026-2027, official dates have not yet been published.
Until new information is released, the most recent reference remains the previous cycle.

In the last edition, registration opened on 26 August 2025 and closed strictly on 9 September 2025 at 15:00.
The test took place on 17 September 2025, and the national ranking was published on 13 October 2025.

Once the new calendar is released, the structure is expected to remain the same: a short registration window, a single national test date, and a centralized ranking.

Missing a deadline means exclusion, with no exceptions.

Where to register and which platforms are used

Universitaly is the only valid platform for IMAT registration.
All steps are handled there: application, payment, results, ranking status, and confirmation of interest.

The Ministry of University and Research website provides the official regulatory framework, including decrees and notices, while universities become involved only after admission, during enrolment.

Registration fee and payment

The IMAT participation fee is defined each year and published when registration opens directly on Universitaly.
No fixed amount is stated in advance in ministerial documents.

Payment must be completed online following the platform instructions.
Without successful payment, registration is invalid.

At national level, no general exemptions from the IMAT fee are provided unless explicitly stated for the specific year.

Required documents during registration

No files are uploaded during registration, but candidates must correctly enter identity document details, including number, issuing authority, and expiration date.

On test day, candidates must bring the same valid document used during registration and the registration receipt downloaded from Universitaly.

For non-European Union candidates residing abroad, pre-enrolment and visa procedures apply and follow additional official timelines.

Choosing test location and exam date

The exam date is fixed and identical for all candidates. It cannot be chosen or changed.

What candidates choose is the preferred university, which determines the test location.
For candidates taking the exam in Italy, the first preference automatically sets the exam venue.
For candidates abroad, one of the available international locations must be selected.

After the registration deadline, no changes are allowed.

Common mistakes during registration

A frequent mistake is forgetting to complete payment after filling out the application.
Another is assuming that creating a Universitaly account equals registration.

Many students underestimate the importance of preference order, not realizing it is binding throughout the ranking process.

Errors in personal data or identity documents can lead to exclusion.
Failing to regularly check Universitaly notifications often results in missed deadlines.

Modifying or cancelling registration

Before the registration deadline, applications can be edited directly on Universitaly.
After the deadline, all choices become final and irreversible.

Official documents do not provide a general procedure for cancellation or fee refunds once registration closes.

What happens after test results

IMAT uses a single national ranking.
Each candidate is classified as assigned, booked, or waiting.

Assigned candidates must enrol within 4 days, excluding weekends and public holidays. Missing this deadline results in permanent loss of the place.

Booked candidates may enrol immediately or wait for later ranking rounds for higher preferences. Enrolling cancels all other options.

Candidates who do not enrol must still confirm interest in remaining in the ranking within the specified timeframe. Failure to confirm leads to exclusion.

Enrolment and required documents

Enrolment procedures are defined by each university, not nationally.
Each institution publishes its own enrolment rules, required documents, and deadlines.

The most serious mistakes are not documentary, but missing enrolment or confirmation deadlines, which automatically result in loss of admission.

Costs after admission

After admission, university tuition fees apply and vary by institution.
The first installment is usually required during enrolment.

Many universities offer reductions based on economic conditions, assessed through income indicators or equivalent documentation for international students.

Scholarships are managed separately by universities and regional bodies, each with specific timelines.

Preparing while managing registration

Correct registration is essential, but it is only one part of the journey.
At the same time, preparation for the test must continue, because the final score is what truly determines admission.

Using tools that allow realistic simulations, performance tracking, and clear feedback helps reduce anxiety and keep preparation structured. This is where platforms like TestBuddy fit naturally into the process, supporting students while the administrative side is handled with confidence.

Official references

All rules described follow the official ministerial framework and institutional procedures. Updates and confirmations are published on the Ministry of University and Research website and on Universitaly, which remains the single official access point for IMAT registration and rankings.