MBBS in Italy
Study medicine in Italy
Crush the IMAT and study medicine in English at an Italian public university.
Introduction
What is the IMAT?
The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is the standardised test for admission to English-taught medical, dental, and surgery programmes in Italy. These programmes are offered by several prestigious Italian universities and are open to both EU and non-EU students. The IMAT is administered by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) and is held annually, usually in September or October. It is competitive, and students must perform strongly to secure a place.
Exam format
IMAT exam structure
The IMAT is a 60-question multiple-choice exam with five options per question, to be completed in 100 minutes. A correct answer scores 1.5 points; an incorrect answer loses 0.4 points; an unanswered question scores zero.
Question distribution
- Biology23 questions · 38%
- Chemistry15 questions · 25%
- Mathematics & Physics13 questions · 22%
- Logical Reasoning7 questions · 12%
- General Knowledge2 questions · 3%
Subjects assessed
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- General Knowledge
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics & Physics
Syllabus
IMAT subject topics
Mastering these areas is what separates a competitive score from a near miss.
Biology
14 topics
- The chemistry of life
- Biological importance of weak interactions
- Organic molecules in organisms and their functions
- The role of enzymes
- The cell as the basis of life (cell theory, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, viruses)
- Cellular membranes: structure and function
- The cell cycle and cell reproduction (mitosis, meiosis)
- Reproduction and inheritance (Mendelian genetics, chromosomes)
- Molecular genetics (DNA structure, replication, protein synthesis, gene regulation)
- Human genetics (inheritance, genetic disorders)
- Mutations, natural and artificial selection, evolutionary theories
- Biotechnology (recombinant DNA and its applications)
- Anatomy and physiology of animals and humans (tissues, systems, homeostasis)
- Bioenergetics (ATP, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, fermentation)
Chemistry
11 topics
- Composition of matter (states, mixtures, compounds, elements)
- Laws of perfect gases
- Atomic structure (elementary particles, isotopes, atomic number)
- The periodic table and periodic properties
- Chemical bonding and molecular geometry
- Chemical reactions and stoichiometry
- Solutions and concentration
- Chemical equilibrium and reaction kinetics
- Acids, bases and pH
- Oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry
- Organic chemistry: hydrocarbons and functional groups
Mathematics & Physics
9 topics
- Algebra and numerical sets
- Functions, equations and inequalities
- Geometry and trigonometry
- Probability and statistics
- Measurement, scalar and vector quantities
- Kinematics and dynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Electrostatics and electric current
Serious about medicine in Italy?
The IMAT is competitive, and preparation strategy matters as much as the syllabus. Talk to someone who has taken students through it.