Study Medicine in Italy as an International Student

Italy is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for international students who want to study Medicine. Italian universities offer internationally recognised medical degrees, English-taught programmes and different admission routes depending on the student’s profile.

International students can apply to medical school in Italy through three main pathways:

• Medicine in Italian through the Semestre Filtro
• Medicine in English through the IMAT test
• Medicine at private Italian universities

Choosing the right pathway depends on your language level, academic background, test preparation, application deadlines and long-term goals.

Medicor Tutor helps international students understand their options and prepare for medical school admission in Italy.

1. Medicine in Italian: Semestre Filtro

International students with a strong level of Italian can apply to Medicine programmes taught in Italian at public universities in Italy.

From the academic year 2025/2026, access to Medicine in Italian public universities is based on the Semestre Filtro, also known as the open semester.

Students start the first semester and attend common scientific courses. At the end of the semester, they take national exams. The results determine their position in the national ranking and whether they can continue into the Medicine degree programme.

Main subjects

During the Semestre Filtro, students study:

• Biology
• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Physics

This pathway may be suitable if you:

• speak Italian at an academic level;
• want to study Medicine in Italian;
• are interested in Italian public universities;
• are ready for a competitive selection based on national exams in December and January;
• want to build your medical career in Italy or Europe.

The Semestre Filtro is not a simple open-access route.

2. Medicine in English: IMAT test

International students who want to study Medicine in English can apply to English-taught Medicine and Surgery programmes at Italian public universities.

Admission is based on the IMAT, the International Medical Admissions Test. IMAT is the official entrance exam for Medicine in English at public universities in Italy.

What does the IMAT test include?

IMAT is a multiple-choice test in English. It usually covers:

• Logical reasoning
• Critical thinking
• General knowledge
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics

To succeed in the IMAT, students need strong scientific knowledge, good time management and regular practice with test-style questions.

This pathway may be suitable if you:

• want to study Medicine in English;
• are applying to Italian public universities;
• have a solid scientific background;
• are comfortable with multiple-choice exams;
• want an international medical education in Europe.

Competition for English-taught medical programmes in Italy can be high, especially for non-EU students. A structured preparation plan can make a significant difference.

3. Medicine at private universities in Italy

International students can also apply to private medical universities in Italy.

Many private universities offer Medicine programmes in English and organise their own admission tests independently from the public university system.

Private university admission tests may include:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Logic
• Critical reasoning
• Reading comprehension

Some universities may also require an interview or an evaluation of the student’s academic record.

Private universities may offer:

• multiple admission sessions during the year;
• more flexible application timelines;
• independent selection procedures;
• English-taught medical programmes;
• additional opportunities for international applicants.

Private universities can be a valuable option for students who want to apply to more than one admission route and increase their chances of studying Medicine in Italy.

Which medical school admission pathway is right for you?

There is no single best option for every international student.

The right pathway depends on:

• your level of Italian and English;
• your scientific preparation;
• your nationality and visa requirements;
• your preferred language of study;
• your university preferences;
• your application timeline;
• your long-term medical career goals.

For example, students with strong Italian skills may consider the Semestre Filtro. Students who want an English-taught public university programme should prepare for the IMAT. Students looking for more admission opportunities may also consider private universities.