Italian university entrance exams: What You MUST Know (2026 Guide).

If you’re planning to apply to an Italian university, understanding the Italian university entrance exams is one of the most important steps in your journey to study in Italy.

Many international students are confused about how university admission tests in Italy work, which degrees require them, and how to prepare without stress.

In this guide, I’ll break everything down clearly so you know exactly what to expect from the entrance exams in Italian universities, whether you are applying for medicine, engineering, or other competitive programs.

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to navigate the Italian admission system with confidence.

Contents

• TOLC
• CEnT-S
• The important points
• IMAT

Entrance exams for Italian universities are mainly divided into national and local, with each university administering its own.

TOLC

Tests can be selective or evaluative. Many universities use the TOLC (CISIA Online Test) for admission to various degree programs.

Since 2018, there have been different types of TOLCs, each designed for a specific field of study:

Based on the results students obtain in the TOLC English, the university may require them to attend supplementary courses, assign Additional Educational Requirements (OFA), or make them take preliminary exams during their course of study, depending on the course.

For example, to enroll in the design faculty at the Politecnico di Milano, you must pass the TOLD – Design.

CEnT-S

Starting in November 2025, CISIA will launch CEnT-S: the new English test that will replace the previous types of English TOLC (I, E, and F).

So, if you plan to apply for a bachelor’s degree in 2026, note that the usual TOLC-I, TOLC-E, and TOLC-F exams no longer take place.

The authorities have replaced them with a CEnT-S.

This is an entrance exam that is now mandatory for applicants to engineering, biology, pharmaceutical, economics, psychology, and natural science programs.

Here are the most important points for Italian university entrance exams:

When can you take the CEnT‑S:

Score normalization:

CEnT‑S structure:

Some universities may use the test to limit access to certain courses that accept a limited number of students.

Here I wrote the post that talks about limited and open access to Italian universities.

IMAT Italy 2026: how to study medicine in Italy in English.

To access English-taught medical degrees in Italy, Medicine and Surgery, and Dentistry and Dental Prosthodontics, you must pass the IMAT, the official entrance exam required by public universities.

If you are targeting to study medicine in Italy in English, the IMAT is the only admission criterion; your previous grades, diplomas, or other achievements are not considered in the ranking.

What is the IMAT?

The IMAT Italy 2026 is a standardized multiple-choice test composed of 60 questions, covering:

• reading comprehension & general knowledge
• logical reasoning
• biology
• chemistry
• physics and mathematics

Scoring System

• +1.5 points for each correct answer
• −0.4 points for each incorrect answer
• 0 points for unanswered questions
• Maximum score: 90

This structure makes accuracy more important than guessing, a key factor for anyone preparing for medical school in Italy.

When is the IMAT held?

The IMAT takes place once per year, typically in September.

Based on the latest cycle:

• Registration opens on Universitaly in late August
• The deadline is usually early September
• Exam date: mid-September (in person)
• Results: early October
• National ranking: mid-October

For IMAT 2026, expect a very similar timeline, but always verify official dates on Universitaly.

International students: key rules (EU & non-EU)

If your goal is to study medicine in Italy for international students, the application rules differ:

• EU students or non-EU students already living in Italy (with a residence permit)
  → can apply to multiple universities, ranking them by preference
• Non-EU students requiring a student visa
  → must choose only ONE university

This is a critical constraint when planning your IMAT strategy.

Medicine vs Dentistry (same test)

The IMAT is identical for:

• Medicine and Surgery
• Dentistry

After taking the test, you can compete for both programs, depending on your ranking and preferences.

Universities in Italy Offering Medicine in English (IMAT 2026).

Below is an updated list of public universities offering the English-taught Medicine and Surgery, accessible via the IMAT:

• University of Milan
• University of Pavia
• University of Bologna
• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Rome Tor Vergata
• University of Naples Federico II
• University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli
• University of Bari Aldo Moro
• University of Padua
• University of Turin
• University of Parma
• University of Messina
• University of Catania

Registration is completed via Universitaly. Available seats and campuses vary yearly.

Follow the instructions in the announcement or admission notice to complete your enrollment in your degree program. Buona fortuna!