What is IMAT and Why Does It Matter?

IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is the official entrance exam for English-taught medicine and surgery programs at Italian public universities. In other words, if you want to study medicine in Italy in English, you must take the IMAT – it’s your ticket in. The IMAT is a competitive, standardized test (paper-based, in English) that covers science topics (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math), logical reasoning, and general knowledge. Admissions to these programs are limited and ranked by IMAT score, so the higher you score, the better your chances of getting a seat in your chosen university. Don’t worry – with good preparation and a clear plan, many international students succeed yearly.

For 2025 admissions, the IMAT test date has been officially confirmed: Wednesday, 17 September 2025. Mark your calendar! This is the day you’ll sit for the exam (in one of many global test centers or in Italy itself). The exam is typically held once a year, so the 17 September 2025 session will select students for the 2025/2026 academic year. Missing this date means waiting another year, so staying informed is crucial.

Who can take the IMAT? The program is open to both EU and non-EU international students who have completed secondary school (high school). Nigerian students with A-levels, IB, or equivalent secondary diplomas can apply directly after high school. Italy’s Medicine and Surgery degree in English is a single-cycle Master’s program lasting 6 years, which you enter straight from secondary school (no prior university required). Upon completion, you earn a degree in Medicine akin to an MBBS/MD and can proceed to licensing or specialization. This structure is great because it saves you time – you don’t need a separate undergraduate degree. The entire medical training is integrated into one continuous 6-year curriculum, designed to take you from a fresh secondary graduate to a qualified doctor in one go.

How to Apply: Pre-Enrollments and IMAT Registration

Applying might sound complicated, but let’s break it down step by step. The good news is that Italy has a central online portal for managing applications called Universitaly.

• 1. Create an account on Universitaly: The official site (universitaly.it) is where you register for the IMAT exam and do a “pre-enrollment” application for your student visa process. You must sign up on Universitaly (they usually open IMAT registrations in early July each year). Registration for IMAT 2025 is expected to open by July 2025 and run through the end of the year (exact dates will be announced, so keep an eye out).

• 2. IMAT Registration on Universitaly: Once registration opens, you sign up for the IMAT test on Universitaly. You’ll select the test center where you want to take the exam (IMAT is offered in numerous cities worldwide and across Italy) and list your university preferences. For EU applicants, this is usually the only application needed – you will list up to several public universities in order of preference when registering for IMAT. After the test, a national ranking will determine which university you get into based on your score and preferences.

• 3. Pre-enrollment for non-EU students: There's an extra step if you are a non-EU citizen (for example, a Nigerian student without EU residency). You must fill out a pre-enrollment application on Universitaly (sometimes called a “pre-enrolment” or DOV request) for the specific university you aim for. This essentially notifies the Italian authorities and the university that you intend to apply, and it’s used later at the embassy to support your student visa. Non-EU applicants must complete this online pre-enrollment on Universitaly (choosing the course/university) and register for the IMAT exam on Universitaly – both are needed. Don’t be intimidated: the portal will guide you through entering your details, uploading documents, and choosing your course.

• 4. University-specific applications (if required): Besides the central Universitaly process, some universities ask for a separate application on their portals – especially for non-EU candidates. A prime example is the University of Pavia, famous for its Harvey course. Pavia uses an online portal, apply.unipv.eu, where non-EU students should submit a direct application to the program (usually over the summer) in addition to the IMAT registration. This university application might involve providing your high school documents, passport, etc., and is used to evaluate your eligibility formally. Each university has deadlines; for instance, Pavia’s portal typically opens in June and closes by late August for the Medicine program. Not all universities require this extra step – many rely solely on the IMAT and ranking. Check your chosen university's website to see if you also need to apply there. The IMAT registration and subsequent ranking are usually sufficient for EU applicants for all public universities.

• 5. Sit for the IMAT exam: After completing the above steps, you will take the IMAT on September 17, 2025. You’ll need to bring your ID/passport and registration confirmation. The test is paper-based and lasts 100 minutes. Since it’s a standardized national exam, all candidates worldwide take it on the same day and time. Once the exam is done, you’ll wait for the scores and ranking to be published (usually within a few weeks). Then, depending on your score, you can get admitted to one of the universities you listed.

In summary: Register on Universitaly (and apply on a university portal if needed), prepare well for IMAT, take the exam, and await your result. It might seem like a lot, but thousands of international students navigate this process yearly. If in doubt, Italian university websites often have “International Admissions” pages with guidance, and you can ask questions in student forums. Stay organized with the deadlines (universitaly registration, any university-specific application, and visa appointment timelines).

Where Can You Study Medicine in English in Italy?

One of the exciting parts of applying to Italy is choosing where you might study. Italy now has many public universities nationwide – from big cities to smaller towns – offering Medicine and Surgery degrees taught in English (all of which require the IMAT for entry). Below is an updated list (as of 2025) of Italian public universities that offer the 6-year Medicine program in English via IMAT:

• University of Pavia – (Location: Pavia, northern Italy) – One of the oldest and most popular English med programs (the “Harvey” course). EUR400/semester

• University of Milan (La Statale) – (Milan) – A top-ranked large university offering the International Medical School.

• University of Milan-Bicocca – (Milan/Bergamo)– A public university in Milan with its English medical course taught in Bergamo.

• University of Turin – (Turin) – Offers an English medical program at its Orbassano medical campus.

• University of Bologna – (Bologna) – Italy’s oldest university (Alma Mater) with a renowned English-taught medicine course.

• University of Padua – (Padova)– Another historic university with an English medical degree.

• Sapienza University of Rome – (Rome) – The largest Italian university (“Sapienza”) has an English MD program alongside its Italian courses.

• University of Rome Tor Vergata (Rome) offers a Medicine program in English on its modern campus.

• University of Naples Federico II – (Napoli) – A prestigious university in southern Italy with an English medical program.

• The University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” (Naples/Caserta) is another public university in the Campania region that offers a Medicine course in English.

• University of Bari Aldo Moro – (Bari) – Offers an English-taught Medicine program in Bari (Puglia).

• University of Messina – (Messina, Sicily)– Public university in Sicily with an English medical degree.

• University of Catania – (Catania, Sicily) – Another Sicilian university offering Medicine in English.

• University of Parma (Parma, in Emilia-Romagna; classes in Piacenza) has an English medical program hosted at a campus in Piacenza.

• Marche Polytechnic University (Ancona) offers a Medicine and Surgery program in English (Marche region, central Italy).

• University of Cagliari (Cagliari, Sardinia)—This university has a newly added English medical program (launched in 2024) on the island of Sardinia.

As of 2025, Italy has over 15 public medical schools teaching in English via IMAT (and a few private ones with their tests). This list covers the public universities, all requiring the IMAT exam for entry. You’ll notice they are spread all over Italy, giving you a range of environments to choose from: whether you prefer a big city vibe (Milan, Rome), a historic university town (Bologna, Padova, Pavia), or a coastal city (Bari, Messina, Cagliari). Each school has limited seats for IMAT students (typically ranging from ~30 up to 100+ for EU students, and some reserved spots for non-EU students), but hundreds of spots are collectively available each year.

When you register for IMAT on Universitaly, EU candidates list several of these universities in order of preference (you can be offered a place at any one, depending on your score). Non-EU candidates, on the other hand, usually choose one specific university to compete for (since each university has a set number of non-EU seats). So, research which school fits you best and keep an open mind – many students fall in love with a city they hadn’t considered initially!

Why Italy? Benefits of Studying Medicine in Italy 🌍🎓

You might be wondering, why Italy? What makes it worth choosing over other countries? Here are some compelling reasons that make Italy a great and affordable option for studying medicine abroad:

• High-Quality Education & Globally Recognized Degree: Italian medical schools have a long-standing reputation for excellence. Many universities in Italy are hundreds of years old and highly ranked internationally. For example, the University of Bologna (founded in 1088) is the oldest in the world, and many others like Padua, Pavia, and Sapienza have taught medicine since the Middle Ages. An Italian MD degree is recognized across the EU and well-regarded worldwide – graduates can take exams like USMLE (for the US) or PLAB (for the UK) to practice abroad. The programs maintain rigorous European standards, so you get top-notch training that holds up anywhere.

• Affordable Tuition Fees: Unlike the extremely high tuition of some countries, Italy’s public universities are very inexpensive, even for international students. Tuition fees are means-tested based on family income, and non-EU students often pay similar rates to EU students. For example, at the University of Milan (Statale), annual tuition can range from only about €200 to ~€3,800 per year, depending on your financial situation. Many students from outside Europe are amazed that a world-class medical education can cost a tiny fraction of what it would in the US or UK. Regional scholarships and housing grants are also sometimes available, further reducing costs. Overall, studying in Italy won’t break the bank, making it an attractive option for families concerned about affordability.

• Low Cost of Living (Especially in Smaller Cities): Beyond tuition, living expenses in Italy are relatively reasonable. Cities like Pavia, Parma, or Ancona have lower living costs – rent, food, transport – than major Western cities. Even in bigger cities like Milan or Rome, student life can be managed on a budget (with student dining halls, public transport discounts, etc.). By choosing a medium-sized student city, you can save money while enjoying a European lifestyle. For instance, monthly rent for a student apartment in a smaller city might be a few hundred euros. Plus, the Italian government offers inexpensive student meal plans and accommodations in student residences in some locations. This means you can focus on your studies without a heavy financial burden.

• Cultural Experience and Student Life: Studying in Italy is not just about academics – it’s an unforgettable cultural experience. You’ll live in the heart of Europe, surrounded by rich history, art, and delicious cuisine. Italian universities are very welcoming to international students, and your classes will be filled with people from all over the world (from the EU, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and other African countries). English-taught medical courses form their close-knit community within the universities, so you’ll make friends and study in a truly international environment. You’ll also have the chance to pick up some Italian language skills, which will help you interact with patients during clinical rotations and be an excellent asset for your future. Many students fall in love with the Italian way of life – having gelato after class, exploring Rome’s ancient streets, or enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean weather.

• Modern Training and Clinical Opportunities: The English-language medical programs in Italy are designed to mirror the Italian ones, with a mix of lectures, labs, and hands-on clinical training. By the program's later years, you’ll be doing rotations in hospitals (all major universities have affiliated teaching hospitals). Since Italy needs more doctors, it provides ample clinical exposure. You might find yourself assisting in surgeries or ward rounds in renowned hospitals. The teaching hospitals often have translators or bilingual staff for international students until your Italian improves. This practical experience in an EU hospital system will prepare you well for medical practice anywhere. Furthermore, some universities offer opportunities for exchange programs or internships abroad, given the international nature of the course.

• Pathway to European Medical Career (and Beyond): Completing your medical degree in Italy requires a European Union qualification. If you decide to stay in Europe, having an EU degree can simplify the process of specialization (residency) or practicing in many countries. Italy allows foreign graduates to enter residency (you’d take an exam for specialization). Some international graduates choose to stay in Italy to work or specialize, taking advantage of the fact that they’re already integrated into the system. Others use the degree as a springboard to opportunities in the UK, the US, Canada, etc. The possibilities are vast, and you’ll have formed an international network of colleagues during your studies.

Why do Nigerian students specifically find Italy appealing? First, there’s no need for a pre-med or four-year undergraduate program – you save time by entering the 6-year course directly after your A-levels/WAEC or IB. Second, as described, the cost is relatively low, which is a massive relief for many families compared to private universities abroad. Third, admission is purely based on merit through IMAT; it doesn’t involve subjective interviews or extremely high tuition “buy-ins” – if you prepare well for the exam, you have a fair shot. Finally, Italy’s welcoming stance means you’ll meet other African and Nigerian students in these courses (there’s a growing community!), and Italian cities have diverse international student populations. Some universities even have student associations for Nigerians or English-speaking Africans, providing a support network for newcomers.

Final Thoughts – A World of Opportunity with IMAT

Embarking on the journey to study medicine in Italy is exciting and challenging. The IMAT exam is the hurdle you must clear, but it is also a gateway to an incredible educational experience. With the IMAT scheduled on 17th September 2025, now is the perfect time to start preparing, gathering your documents, and researching your university options. Talk to your parents about this path – this guide is as much for them as you, to show that a top-quality medical education in Europe can be within reach without a fortune.

Italy offers an outstanding medical curriculum in English, a degree recognized worldwide, and a student life that will broaden your horizons. And it does all of this at a fraction of the cost of some other countries. It’s an opportunity for Nigerian students to get a world-class education while gaining international exposure.

Stay motivated and focused: if medicine is your dream, IMAT is a challenge worth tackling. Many students from Nigeria and worldwide have walked this path successfully, and you could be next. So you can grab those study guides, find a study group or online community for IMAT prep, and keep your goal in sight. Italy is waiting with open arms to welcome the next generation of future doctors. Buona fortuna! I wish you good luck with your IMAT and application. I hope to see you achieve your medical dreams in la bella Italia! 🍀🇮🇹

Always... Timi Aluko

Sources: The information above is based on official Italian university guidance and recent updates on IMAT 2025 and the English-taught medical program