International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT)

The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is a standardized examination used by a group of Italian universities to select international and Italian students for Englishtaught medical and dentistry programmes. First introduced in 2012, the test has become the primary gateway for thousands of candidates seeking a place at institutions such as Sapienza University of Rome, University of Milan, and University of Bologna.

Who Needs to Take the IMAT?

• Highschool graduates (or equivalents) who wish to study medicine or dentistry in Italy.
• Students applying to any of the participating universities that offer programmes taught in English.
• Both EU and nonEU applicants the test is open to anyone meeting the academic prerequisites.

Participating Universities (2024)

Test Structure

The IMAT lasts 100 minutes and consists of 60 multiplechoice questions divided into three sections:

• Biology (12 questions) cell biology, genetics, physiology, microbiology etc.
• Chemistry (12 questions) general, organic, and biochemistry topics.
• Physics & Mathematics (12 questions) mechanics, optics, basic calculus, statistics.
• General Knowledge & Logical Reasoning (24 questions) reading comprehension, data interpretation, logical puzzles, and current affairs.

Each correct answer awards +1 point, each unanswered question awards 0, and each wrong answer deducts 0.25 points.

Scoring & Ranking

The maximum raw score is 60. After applying the penalty for incorrect answers, the final score is converted to a scaled score ranging roughly from 0 to 90. Universities set their own cutoff scores each year; these vary by programme, campus and the total number of applicants.

Preparation Tips

1. Understand the syllabus use the official IMAT syllabus (available on the CISIA website) as a checklist.
2. Study resources popular books include IMAT Guide by Parcoul, IMAT Prep by Medify, and various free PDFs from university portals.
3. Practice with past papers solving at least three fulllength past exams under timed conditions is essential.
4. Focus on speed the test rewards quick decisionmaking; develop a strategy for educated guessing.
5. Review weak areas after each practice session, analyze mistakes and revisit related concepts.
6. Take care of health adequate sleep, balanced nutrition and short breaks improve concentration on the day of the exam.

Registration Process

Registration is handled centrally by the Centro di Informazione e Studi sul Bilancio (CISIA). The key steps are:

1. Create an account on the CISIA portal.
2. Fill in personal data, upload a passporttype photo and a copy of your ID.
3. Select the university or universities to which you intend to apply (you can choose up to three).
4. Pay the registration fee (100, subject to change).
5. Receive confirmation and the exam centre details via email.

Exam Day Essentials

• Bring a valid ID (passport or national ID card) and the printed admission ticket.
• No calculators, mobile phones or smartwatches are allowed.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• Answer sheets are provided; make sure to fill in the bubble correctly.
• Manage time: allocate roughly 1.5minutes per question, leaving the last 510minutes for review.

After the Test

Results are usually published in June. Candidates receive a personal score sheet and, if selected, an invitation to enroll in the chosen programme. If the score is below the cutoff, the candidate may reapply the following year or consider alternative pathways (e.g., studying in a different country).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IMAT the same as the BMAT or UCAT?

No. While all three are admission tests for medical programmes, the IMAT is specific to Englishtaught courses in Italy and emphasizes a broader mix of biology, chemistry, physics, maths and general knowledge.

Can I take the IMAT more than once?

Yes. Candidates may sit the test in consecutive years; however, each attempt requires a new registration and fee payment.

Do I need to know Italian?

For the English programmes, proficiency in Italian is not a prerequisite. Nevertheless, learning basic Italian is advisable for daily life in Italy.

What is the minimum grade requirement for high school?

Universities typically require a high school diploma equivalent to the Italian Diploma di Maturit with strong marks in science subjects, but exact thresholds vary.

Useful Links

• Official IMAT page (CISIA)
• Sapienza Medicine in English
• University of Milan Medicine
• University of Bologna Medicine

With diligent preparation and a clear understanding of the exam format, the IMAT can open the door to a worldclass medical education in Italys historic universities. Good luck!