The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is a competitive test tailored for students who aspire to study medicine or surgery in English at public universities in Italy. Organized annually by the Italian Ministry of Education in collaboration with Cambridge Assessment, the IMAT serves as a stepping stone for international and EU students pursuing top medical schools in Italy. Its recognition has grown due to affordable tuition and internationally respected degrees.

The IMAT consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, divided into four sections: Logical Reasoning and General Knowledge (20), Biology (15), Chemistry (15),  IMAT preparation course Physics & Math (10). You have 100 minutes to complete the exam. You gain 1.5 points, wrong answers lose 0.4 points, and blanks score 0. This scoring system encourages accuracy over guessing. Different from exams like the UCAT or BMAT, the IMAT prioritizes reasoning skills.

To be able to take the IMAT, students must have a high school diploma that allows university admission in their home country. Registration opens in July through the official Universitaly website, where students select their university choices in order of preference. The test is usually held in September, with exam venues around the world. Applicants must pay a registration fee (around €130–€170), upload necessary paperwork, and finalize their registration before the deadline.

Preparing for the IMAT requires a solid strategy. Most students start several months before the test, using a mix of A-Level or IB textbooks, IMAT prep books, online platforms, and past papers. Popular tools include BMAT practice for logic, video lessons, and student forums. Creating a timetable and doing realistic practice tests is key to success.

The logic and general knowledge section is regarded as the most challenging part of the IMAT. It tests your ability to interpret data, spot assumptions, and solve puzzles. In contrast to Biology or Chemistry, this section isn’t based on a syllabus—it requires practice. Improving this section means doing logic puzzles, reading arguments, and practicing inference-based questions.

The scientific portion of IMAT cover key high school concepts. Biology often includes physiology, Chemistry covers molecular structure, while Physics and Math focus on algebra. These questions aren’t just about definitions—they require application of knowledge. Students are advised to revise all key topics and practice problem-solving.