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What is the correct process and timeline for IMAT, visa, and scholarship applications for MBBS at a public university in Italy?

11 Aug 2026 · Answered by Syeda Uzma · 2 min read
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Your Italian MBBS timeline runs March through November: legalise your documents and clear NEET first, pre-enroll on Universitaly by July, sit the IMAT exam in September, apply for regional scholarships like DSU by August, then submit your visa file once your October ranking confirms your university seat.

Syeda Uzma
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Your Italian MBBS journey runs on three parallel tracks between March and November: legalising your academic documents and clearing NEET, sitting the September IMAT exam through Universitaly, and applying separately for regional DSU or EDISU scholarships. Managing all three on time is what actually secures your seat, not just a good IMAT score.

Consolidated Timeline

PeriodKey Action
March-JuneLegalise documents (DOV/CIMEA), clear NEET
May-JulyPre-enroll via Universitaly Portal
JulyRegister for IMAT, pay approx. EUR 130 fee
July-AugustApply for regional scholarships
SeptemberSit the offline IMAT exam
OctoberIMAT rankings out, university assigned
October-NovemberSubmit visa file, fly to Italy

Three Things That Trip Up Applicants

  • Scholarship applications close in late August, before your IMAT results, so your ISEE paperwork must be ready well in advance.
  • As an Indian applicant, you must clear NEET regardless of your scholarship status, since the visa officer checks it directly.
  • Even with a scholarship pending, you still need EUR 6,000-10,000 in personal liquid funds to satisfy the visa requirement.

My Advice

Start your document legalisation in March, not after you clear NEET, since HRD and MEA apostille queues move slowly. Treat your scholarship application and IMAT registration as equally urgent tasks running side by side, not as something to handle only after your exam result arrives.

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