Big Changes for Medical School Admissions in 2025-26

Sofia Conti
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Big Changes for Medical School Admissions in 2025-26

Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, aspiring medical, dentistry, and veterinary students will face a major overhaul in the admissions process. The traditional multiple-choice entrance exam is being replaced by a new system designed to be fairer, more merit-based, and better at guiding students toward the right path.

Key Changes in the New System

  • No More Traditional Entrance Test – The old multiple-choice exam is gone, but admission caps remain.
  • Introductory "Filter Semester" – All students can enroll in the first semester, but progression to the second semester depends on exam results and a national ranking based on earned credits.
  • Alternative Paths – Students who don’t advance can still use their credits for related degree programs.
  • More Doctors in Training – The reform aims to train 30,000 new doctors over the next seven years.

How the New System Works

  1. First Semester (Open to All) – Students take foundational courses.
  2. Mid-Year Exam (Semi-Open Questions) – Around Christmas, a test determines who moves forward.
  3. Ranking & Placement – Admission to the second semester depends on grades and credits earned.

What If You Don’t Pass the First Semester?

  • Credits earned can be transferred to other degree programs (e.g., biology, nursing).
  • The Ministry of Education will define which alternative courses accept these credits.

Private Universities Keep Their Own Exams

While public universities transition to the new system, private institutions (like Unicamillus, Humanitas, and Cattolica) have already announced their 2025 admission test dates.

Possible Delays & Alternative Plans

If the reform isn’t fully implemented by 2025, the government may temporarily reintroduce the 2024 model (two test dates with a public question bank).

New High School Preparation (PCTO)

Students in their last three years of high school can participate in healthcare-focused internships (PCTO), earning credits that count toward their first semester at university.

National Exam Standards

To ensure fairness, the government is considering standardized national exams to prevent grading disparities between universities.

Important Dates for 2025 (Private Universities)

  • Unicamillus: July 3 (Medicine), July 4 (Medicine in English)
  • Humanitas: February 5 & 26
  • Campus Bio-Medico: January 10 & February 21
  • Cattolica: February 28 & April 11
    (More dates may be announced soon.)

Final Thoughts

This reform aims to reduce the "luck factor" of entrance exams and give students more flexibility. However, uncertainties remain—especially regarding implementation timelines. Stay tuned for updates as the government finalizes the details!

Would you like more info on specific universities or alternative degree options? Let us know in the comments! 🚀