How to enroll in medicine in italy as an international student

Are you an international student whose dream is to study Medicine in Italy? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll break down all the requirements you need to meet in a simple and clear way in order to apply for a Medical degree at an Italian university.

Studying Medicine in Italy is a unique opportunity: top-ranked universities, courses available in English, and an affordable education compared to many other European countries. But how do you get in? Let’s find out together!

1. VALID HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA:

In order to study Medicine in Italy, you must have obtained a high school diploma that is equivalent to the Italian secondary school diploma. You are required to have completed at least 12 years of education in your home country. It is not mandatory to have studied in Italian or English, but the diploma must be officially recognized by the Italian authorities.

In most cases, you will need to obtain a Declaration of Value (DoV) or a CIMEA statement of comparability .

1.1 HOW CAN I GET MY DIPLOMA RECOGNIZED?

1.1.1 Declaration of value (DoV)

The Declaration of Value is an official document issued by the Italian Embassy or Consulate in the country where the diploma was awarded. It certifies the authenticity of your qualification and confirms that it allows access to university-level education in your home country.

To apply for the DoV, students typically need:

• A copy of the original high school diploma
• An official translation of the diploma into Italian
• School transcripts showing the total number of years completed
• A valid passport or ID
• The relevant application form from the embassy or consulate

Keep in mind that the process and required documents may vary slightly depending on the country.

1.1.2 CIMEA Statement of Comparability

As an alternative to the DoV, students can request a Statement of Comparability from CIMEA (Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence), which is recognized by many Italian universities.

This document certifies that your qualification is comparable to the Italian high school diploma and is suitable for university admission.

The process is:

• Fully online
• Often faster and more flexible than the DoV
• Available on the official platform: www.cimea.it

Note: Some universities accept only one of the two options, so it’s important to check with the university of your choice.

2. PASS THE IMAT TEST

The IMAT (International Medical Admission Test) is a standardized entrance exam required for admission to English-taught medical and surgery programs at Italian universities. It is a mandatory and highly competitive test, particularly for international students aiming to study medicine in Italy.

Designed to assess both aptitude and academic knowledge, the IMAT evaluates whether candidates are prepared for the challenges of a medical degree program.

IMAT consists of 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with 5 options each, to be answered in 100 minutes.

These are divided into:

• 4 of reading skills and general knowledge
• 5 of logical reasoning and problem-solving
• 23 of biology
• 15 of chemistry
• 13 of maths and physics

It’s a pen-and-paper exam. Candidates will receive a folder containing the exam paper, answer sheet, and personal data sheet.

Key Information:

• Language: English
• Duration: 100 minutes
• Format: 60 multiple-choice questions
• Date: Usually held in the first weeks of September (the exact date is announced annually on the official Universitaly portal)
• Location: The test is administered simultaneously in various Italian universities and selected international centers

2.1 REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION

To take the IMAT, candidates must register through the official Universitaly portal , usually between June and July . During the registration process, students can:

• Select their preferred test center (in Italy or abroad)
• Indicate the medical schools they wish to apply to
• Pay the registration fee , which is typically around €130 (subject to change)

Admission to Medicine and Surgery programs in English is highly competitive and based on a national ranking . For 2025, places are limited, and only candidates with the highest scores will be admitted.

2.2 AFTER THE TEST: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

IMAT results are typically published a few weeks after the exam . Based on the scores, a national ranking list is created, taking into account:

• The candidate’s total score
• The number of available seats at each university

Students who are placed high enough in the ranking are offered a place in one of their selected universities. To secure admission, they must complete the enrollment process within the specified deadlines . Failing to do so may result in the offer being passed on to the next eligible candidate on the list.

Further details on registration, deadlines, and available test centers can be found here: https://medschool.it/blog/imat-the-ultimate-guide/

3. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: WHAT LEVEL DO YOU NEED?

If you are applying for a Medicine and Surgery program in English , you are expected to have at least a B2 level of English (according to the CEFR). While an official certificate such as IELTS , TOEFL , or Cambridge English is often recommended , it is not always mandatory , some universities may accept proof of prior education in English or conduct their own language assessments.

Important note : Even if the academic courses are in English, basic knowledge of Italian is strongly recommended , as clinical internships and hospital rotations are typically conducted in Italian . Interaction with patients, healthcare staff, and documentation is often in the local language, so having at least a B1–B2 level of Italian will significantly enhance your experience and performance during clinical practice.

4. PRE-ENROLLMENT ON UNIVERSITALY AND STUDENT VISA APPLICATION (for non-EU students)

If you are a non-EU citizen , in addition to passing the entrance exam, you must complete a specific process to legally study in Italy.

The first step is to complete your pre-enrollment online via the official Universitaly portal ( www.universitaly.it ). During this process, you will select your desired degree program and university, and upload the required documents.

Once your application is submitted, the university will evaluate it. If approved, you will receive confirmation that allows you to proceed to the next step: applying for a Type D student visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your home country .

It is strongly recommended to start the process well in advance, as visa approval may take several weeks (3-6 weeks).

4.1 WHAT STUDENT VISA DO YOU NEED TO STUDY MEDICINE IN ITALY AND HOW TO GET IT

If you’re a non-EU citizen and planning to study Medicine in Italy, you’ll need to apply for a Type D study visa (also known as a National Visa for Study Purposes ). This visa allows you to legally reside in Italy for over 90 days while attending a full-time university program.

Here’s everything you need to know about obtaining it.

4.1.1 Step 1: Pre-enroll via Universitaly

Before you can apply for the visa, you must complete the pre-enrollment process on the official Italian portal: www.universitaly.it .

• Choose your desired university and degree course
• Upload the required documents
• Once approved, your application will be forwarded to the university, which will issue a pre-acceptance confirmation

This step is essential and must be completed before you book your visa appointment.

4.1.2 Step 2: Book Your Visa Appointment

After receiving confirmation from the university via Universitaly, you must book an appointment at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

It’s strongly recommended to begin this process at least 2 months before your intended travel date to avoid delays.

4.2 Required Documents for the Study Visa (Type D)

The exact list may vary slightly by country, but typically includes:

• Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages and 6 months’ validity)
• Official acceptance/pre-enrollment letter (from Universitaly)
• High school diploma with official translation and a Declaration of Value (DoV) or CIMEA comparability statement
• Language certificate
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay (bank statements, sponsorship, etc.)
• Health insurance coverage valid for at least one year in Italy
• Proof of accommodation in Italy (university housing, rental agreement, etc.)
• Motivation letter (if required)

Be sure to check the website of the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country for updated and country-specific requirements.

4.3 After Arrival: Residence Permit

Upon arrival in Italy, within 8 working days , you must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) for study purposes. This is done at the local police station (Questura) and is mandatory for staying in Italy legally beyond your visa’s initial validity.

5. ITALIAN TAX CODE (CODICE FISCALE)

If you’re an international student moving to Italy to study Medicine (or any other degree program), one of the first bureaucratic steps you’ll need to take is applying for a Codice Fiscale — the Italian Tax Code.

5.1 WHAT IS THE CODICE FISCALE?

The Codice Fiscale is a personal alphanumeric identification code issued by the Italian government. It works similarly to a Social Security Number in the US or a National Insurance Number in the UK, and it is used to identify individuals when dealing with public institutions, universities, banks, or private companies.

5.2 WHY DO YOU NEED IT?

During your stay in Italy, you’ll be asked for your Codice Fiscale in several situations, such as:

• Enrolling at a university
• Opening a bank account
• Signing a rental contract
• Accessing the national healthcare system
• Receiving scholarships or financial aid

For this reason, it’s essential to apply for it as soon as possible , ideally within your first few days in Italy.

5.3 WHERE CAN YOU GET IT?

There are two main ways to obtain your Codice Fiscale:

1. In Italy , at any office of the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency). No appointment is usually required, but going early in the day is recommended.
2. Abroad , in some countries, you can request it through the Italian Embassy or Consulate when applying for your visa. Check if this service is available in your country.

5.4 WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED?

To apply for the Codice Fiscale, you will need:

• A valid passport (or ID card for EU citizens)
• A study visa (Type D) – for non-EU students only
• The university’s letter of acceptance or pre-enrollment (optional but helpful)
• The application form , which you can complete at the tax office or download online

The process is completely free , and the code is usually issued immediately in printed form. In some regions, a digital version may also be available.

Keep in mind that all official documents issued in your home country — such as your high school diploma, transcripts, language certificates, or university letters — must be translated into Italian , or sometimes English , if the university allows it.

Additionally, depending on your country, these documents may need to be legalized (with an Apostille or through the Italian Embassy ) to be officially recognized in Italy.

📌 Always double-check the specific requirements with your chosen university or the Italian Embassy in your country, as rules may vary depending on your origin.

Studying Medicine in Italy as an international student is a challenging but entirely achievable goal. With proper planning, accurate information, and solid preparation, you can gain access to a high-quality academic path recognized throughout Europe and beyond.

Italy offers not only excellent medical education, but also a unique cultural experience — with historic universities, vibrant cities full of art and tradition, and a welcoming environment for students from all over the world.

Start early, stay informed, and follow each step carefully. Your future as a doctor could begin right here.

If you want to dive deeper into the IMAT, head over to our blog to find detailed information and helpful tips.

If we’ve piqued your interest and you think a dedicated course could help you prepare effectively, visit our store and explore the available training options!