What is IMAT?
Your comprehensive guide to understanding the gateway to English-taught medical programs in Italy.
Discover MoreUnderstanding the IMAT
The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is a subject-specific admissions test for applicants to English-taught degree courses in Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry at Italian public universities. It's designed to assess a candidate's scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills essential for success in these demanding fields.
Administered by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), the IMAT has become the sole determinant for admission into these programs for many universities, following MUR's takeover of test development from Cambridge Assessment in 2023.
Test Duration
Candidates have 100 minutes to complete the exam.
Test Language
The IMAT is conducted entirely in English.
Purpose
Entry into English-taught Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry programs in Italy.
Key Dates & Annual Timeline
While exact dates are confirmed annually by MUR, the IMAT follows a general timeline:
| Event | Typical Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Opens | Early to Mid-July | Via Universitaly portal. For IMAT 2025 (taken for 2026 admission). |
| Registration Closes | Late July / Early August | Strict deadlines apply. |
| IMAT Exam Date | Mid-September | E.g., September 17th in 2024. Held once a year. |
| Anonymous Results | ~2 weeks post-exam | Scores linked to candidate codes. |
| Personal Scores & Papers | ~3-4 weeks post-exam | Candidates can view their answer sheets. |
| National Ranking List (EU & equivalent) | ~4-5 weeks post-exam | Published on Universitaly. |
| Non-EU Ranking (University-specific) | Varies by university, often around the same time as EU ranking | Check individual university websites. |
*Always verify official dates on the Universitaly website and the MUR website.*
IMAT Exam Structure & Scoring
The IMAT consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, each with five options. The total time allotted is 100 minutes. Since 2023, with the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) taking over test development, the structure has been updated. The current (as of IMAT 2024) distribution of questions is as follows:
Reading Skills & Knowledge Acquired in Studies
4 Questions
Logical Reasoning & Problem Solving
5 Questions
Biology
23 Questions
Chemistry
15 Questions
Physics & Mathematics
13 Questions
Scoring System
| Response | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1.5 |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.4 |
| Omitted Answer (No Answer) | 0 |
The maximum achievable score is 90 points.
Tie-breaking: In case of a tie in total scores, precedence is given based on scores achieved in individual sections, in the following order: Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & Problem Solving, Reading Skills & Knowledge Acquired in Studies. Further ties may be broken by language certifications and then by the younger age of the candidate.
Minimum Score for Ranking (EU/Equivalent): Typically, a minimum score of 20 points is required to be included in the ranking for EU and equivalent candidates. For non-EU candidates residing abroad, a score greater than 0 is often sufficient, but this can vary.
IMAT Syllabus Highlights
The official IMAT syllabus is provided by MUR. Below are key areas covered in each section. For detailed topics, always refer to the latest official MUR decree (e.g., Allegato A for the relevant year).
Reading Skills & Knowledge Acquired in Studies (4 Questions)
- Understanding various types of written English texts.
- Identifying textual cohesion, coherence, and extracting specific information.
- General knowledge related to historical-cultural phenomena, national/international institutions, law, economics, and citizenship.
- (In 2024, a grammar question was included).
Logical Reasoning & Problem Solving (5 Questions)
- Completing logical arguments based on given premises (verbal or symbolic).
- Solving problems requiring different forms of logical deduction and critical thinking.
- Assessing arguments, identifying assumptions, and drawing conclusions.
Biology (23 Questions)
- The Chemistry of Living Things: Organic molecules, enzymes, weak interactions.
- The Cell: Cell theory, prokaryotic/eukaryotic cells, membrane transport, organelles, cell cycle (mitosis, meiosis).
- Bioenergetics: ATP, cellular respiration (glycolysis, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation), photosynthesis, fermentation.
- Reproduction and Heredity: Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics (DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, gene regulation), human genetics, mutations.
- Evolution: Natural selection, evolutionary theories.
- Anatomy and Physiology of Animals and Humans: Tissues, organs, systems, homeostasis. (Note: This was less emphasized in the 2024 MUR paper).
Chemistry (15 Questions)
- Constitution of Matter: Atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonding.
- Inorganic Chemistry: Nomenclature, properties of compounds.
- Chemical Reactions & Stoichiometry: Balancing equations, mole concept.
- Solutions: Concentration, solvent properties.
- Chemical Kinetics & Equilibrium: Reaction rates, Le Chatelier's principle.
- Acids and Bases: pH, buffers, titrations.
- Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, functional groups, nomenclature, isomerism.
Physics & Mathematics (13 Questions)
- Number Sets & Algebra: Equations, inequalities, functions.
- Geometry: Polygons, circles, Cartesian coordinates, trigonometry.
- Probability & Statistics: Basic concepts.
- Kinematics & Dynamics: Motion, forces, energy, momentum.
- Fluid Mechanics: Pressure, buoyancy.
- Thermodynamics: Heat, temperature, laws of thermodynamics.
- Electricity & Magnetism: Circuits, fields, Ohm's law.
Evolving Landscape: Complexity & Competition
Shift in Exam Style (Post-2022)
Since the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) assumed full responsibility for the IMAT development in 2023, notable changes have occurred compared to the previous Cambridge Assessment era:
- Simplified Science Questions: The 2024 IMAT, in particular, featured more straightforward, factual recall questions in Biology and Chemistry, moving away from complex, multi-statement questions.
- Fewer Diagrams/Tables: There was a significant reduction in the use of diagrams and tables within science questions in the 2024 paper.
- Logical Reasoning & General Knowledge Focus: While still present, the style of Logical Reasoning has evolved, and General Knowledge questions may vary in focus (e.g., less emphasis on Italian-specific history in 2024, inclusion of grammar).
- Emphasis on Core Knowledge: The current trend suggests a greater emphasis on a broad understanding of foundational concepts across the syllabus.
Intense Competition
Admission to English-taught medical programs in Italy is highly competitive, attracting a large pool of international applicants.
- Limited Seats: The number of available seats, especially for non-EU candidates, is limited.
- Rising Cutoff Scores: For non-EU applicants, cutoff scores for some popular universities reached over 60 out of 90 in the 2023 IMAT, indicating the high caliber of applicants. EU cutoffs, while also competitive, have shown more stability.
- Global Interest: The reputation of Italian medical schools and the English-taught programs continues to grow, intensifying competition each year.
Broader Knowledge Base
The "Reading Skills & Knowledge Acquired in Studies" section, in particular, requires a wide general knowledge base covering history (world and Italian), literature, current affairs, international organizations, and cultural understanding. While science sections are now more direct, a comprehensive grasp of the syllabus remains crucial.
Navigating Self-Study Challenges
Preparing for the IMAT independently comes with its own set of hurdles, especially with the recent shifts in exam style under MUR.
Resource Management
Finding comprehensive and, crucially, updated study materials that reflect the current MUR exam style (e.g., fewer complex reasoning questions in sciences, different GK focus) can be difficult. Many resources might still be geared towards the older Cambridge style.
Time Organization
Effectively balancing preparation across diverse subjects – from the broad scope of General Knowledge to the detailed scientific content of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math – requires meticulous planning and discipline.
Progress Tracking
Assessing your preparation level and readiness for the specific MUR exam style can be challenging without extensive official MUR-style practice tests (only 2023 and 2024 papers are purely MUR). Simulating exam conditions accurately is key.
Effective Preparation Strategies & Resources
A structured approach is key to conquering the IMAT.
Key Strategies:
- Start Early: Ideally, begin preparation 6-8 months before the exam.
- Understand the Syllabus & Format: Thoroughly review the official MUR syllabus and the current exam structure (60 questions, 100 minutes, section breakdown).
- Use Past Papers Strategically: Focus on the MUR-style papers (2023, 2024). Older papers can be used for topic practice but be mindful of style differences. Official papers are available on the MUR's `accessoprogrammato.mur.gov.it` portal.
- Identify Weaknesses: Use practice tests to pinpoint areas needing more attention.
- Consistent Study Plan: Allocate time for each section based on your needs and the question weighting.
- Time Management Practice: Simulate exam conditions regularly. Practice answering questions within the average time per question (~1.6 minutes).
- Master English Language Nuances: Especially for non-native speakers, focus on scientific English and comprehension skills.
- Stay Calm & Focused: Develop strategies for managing exam stress.
Recommended Resources:
Official:
- MUR Official Syllabus (Allegato A of the annual decree).
- Official IMAT Past Papers (available on `accessoprogrammato.mur.gov.it`).
Textbooks (Foundation & Practice):
- Biology: Pearson's "Biology: A Global Approach"; A-Level/IB Biology textbooks (e.g., CGP, Oxford).
- Chemistry: Pearson Baccalaureate Chemistry (IB); Cambridge/Oxford A-Level Chemistry textbooks.
- Physics & Math: A-Level/IB Physics and Mathematics textbooks (e.g., CGP for specific syllabi like OCR for Maths, AP Physics books).
- Logical Reasoning: Books like "Thinking Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving" (useful for foundational skills, though IMAT style may vary); BMAT preparation books for practice questions.
Online Platforms & Channels:
- Khan Academy (Maths, Sciences).
- Coursera, edX (University-level introductory courses for deeper understanding).
- YouTube: Amoeba Sisters (Biology), Organic Chemistry Tutor (Chemistry, Physics, Math).
- Dedicated IMAT preparation websites and forums for community support and updated insights.