Non-EU competition intensified sharply
Meditaliano’s year-on-year estimate indicates roughly 60% growth in the Non-EU applicant pool even as the relevant seat allocation contracted. This made the 2026 Non-EU contest exceptionally severe.
![[COMPLETE APPLICATION GUIDE] From Pre-Med to Doctor in Italy! Skip the Gap Year! 60 ECTS in English (Nov Intake - Urgent)](/images/link-campus-hero-banner-en.jpg)
Oct 23, 2026 Medicine 3rd Call Deadline & Nov 2026 Foundation Intake — Final Urgent Call
[2026–2027 Complete Edition] Break Free from the Non-EU Quota Trap! The Ultimate Guide to the “Next-Year EU Quota Hack” & “2nd-Year Public Medical School Transfer”Link Campus University (Medicine & Surgery 3rd Call + Foundation Year 2.0) Urgent Application Manual
Updated: October 20, 2026
25 min read (Unabridged Master Guide)
Rome, Italy (Casale San Pio V Campus)
By Shion (Meditaliano Founder · Current Public Medical Student)
NEW · COMPLETE 2026/27 EDITION
The Link Campus admissions brochure is now complete
A practical, image-rich guide to the 6-Year Medicine & Surgery degree and the Foundation Year Healthcare pathway is now available online and as an A4 PDF.
EU/equivalent pressure grew more moderately
EU/equivalent places increased by about 26%, while applicant growth appears to have remained at roughly 20% or less. Competition did not intensify at the same rate as the Non-EU route.
Plan before competition rises again
Demand is likely to keep growing in 2027. Candidates who are legally eligible for the EU/equivalent category should strongly consider sitting the public IMAT route while keeping Link Campus as a concrete parallel option.
Current action dates
- • Medicine & Surgery (Rome, 3rd call): apply by 23 October 2026.
- • Admission test: 29 October 2026.
- • Foundation Year Healthcare (November intake): applications are being handled urgently. Submit immediately and confirm the live closing status with the admissions team.
How to apply now
- 1. Read the brochure and compare the 6-Year MD and Foundation routes.
- 2. Complete the priority-screening form so our team can check your route and documents.
- 3. Prepare your passport, diploma, transcripts and language evidence; do not wait for the final day.
- 4. Join the dedicated WhatsApp group for deadline alerts, portal guidance and document-audit support.
Open the visual brochure Download the A4 PDF Apply for priority screening Join the Link Campus WhatsApp group
The percentage comparisons are approximate Meditaliano analyses based on available application and quota data, not a replacement for the university’s official classification, call or final ranking.
Hello, I am Shion from Meditaliano.
I am currently a medical student enrolled in an English-taught MD program at a national public university in northern Italy. In the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test)—Italy's unified national entrance exam for public medical schools—I earned direct admission.
However, having mentored hundreds of students from on the ground in Italy, I can state with certainty: It is no exaggeration to say that half the battle in the IMAT is decided before you even sit for the exam. It is an extraordinarily strategic test governed by institutional rules.
📸 Campus courtyard featuring the Medicine and Surgery program board and medical students.
The 2026 IMAT Shock: Why Top Scorers in the High 60s Were Eliminated by a Single Point
In particular, the “Non-EU Quota”—where international students from outside the EU (including Japan, Turkey, India, Iran, the US, South Korea, and the UK) compete—became an unprecedented, historic bloodbath in 2026.
Due in large part to the introduction of the “Filter Semester (Semestre Filtro / Selection Semester)” in Italy's Italian-taught medical schools, outstanding international students who wanted to avoid the risk of failing out after six months flocked en masse to the English-taught medical programs (IMAT), where a single exam secures a permanent 6-year seat. At overseas test centers worldwide, applicant numbers surged by nearly 50% year-over-year, pushing total IMAT test-takers to an all-time record high.
Non-EU candidates bore the full brunt of this surge. Unlike the EU Quota—where applicants rank multiple universities and wait for weekly national scrolling (Scorrimento)—there is zero safety net in the Non-EU Quota: “You can apply to only 1 university,” and “you fight the world's top minds for just a dozen to a few dozen seats in a single-choice gamble.”
As a result, this year's Non-EU cutoffs at popular universities easily surpassed 70 points (reaching 76–81+ points at top-tier schools), and top contenders scoring in the high 60s—who would have passed comfortably just a short time ago—were rejected one after another by a margin of just 1 point. Blindly solving past papers and vaguely aiming for a high score is no longer enough to survive this brutal game of musical chairs.
Total Candidates (2026)
18,381 (+36.1%)
Up from 13,506 last year · Foreign Centers +48.7% (9,672) / Italian Centers +24.4% (8,709)
Overall Mean & 60+ Surge
5,219 (3.4x Jump)
Candidates scoring 60+ jumped 1,517 → 5,219 (Average spiked +8.7 pts to 49.29)
Scores 70+ Explosion
1,675 (4.0x Jump)
Up from just 426 last year! Chemistry calculations & tricky Logic decided the top tier
2026 Expected Cutoffs
Non-EU: 76–81+
EU Quota: 71–73.5 (Top) / Low 60s (Accessible)
🏛️ Link Campus University — Casale San Pio V: Aerial view of the historic university headquarters (Casale San Pio V), rooftops, courtyard, and surrounding green parkland.
🌙 Nuova Sede Link Campus University: Casale San Pio V beautifully illuminated at night.
SECTION 01 · INSTITUTIONAL ASYMMETRY
1. [System Comparison] The Overwhelming Gap Between the Non-EU Quota vs. EU Quota (Equiparato)
Are you exhausting yourself fighting over just a handful of seats in the “Non-EU Quota”?
For international applicants aiming for Italy's 6-year English-taught public medical schools, the greatest source of despair is the abnormal bottleneck of the Non-EU Quota.
Non-EU Quota (Residing Abroad)
Only 5 to 40 seats per university
Because ultra-competitive candidates from around the globe (India, Iran, Turkey, USA, South Korea, Japan, etc.) fight over a handful of seats, a 0.1-point difference locks you into a full gap year. Even if you score an “A” on mock exams, a single bubble mistake on test day cuts off all escape routes.
EU Quota (Italians · EU Citizens · EU-Equivalent Residents)
60 to 120+ seats per university (1,000+ nationwide!)
Through a 100% legal institutional hack practiced by a select group of insiders, Non-EU citizens can travel to Italy this year, obtain a legal Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno), and sit the 2027 IMAT under the massive, low-cutoff EU Resident Quota (Equiparato).
💡 In this article, we reveal the exact mechanism of the “EU Quota Exam Hack” and the complete step-by-step application guide for “Link Campus University Medicine & Surgery (3rd Call) and Medical Foundation Course (Foundation Year 2.0 – Healthcare)”—your fastest launchpad to making this a reality starting this November!
🔥 Why Does Competing in Next Year's “EU Quota” Skyrocket Your Acceptance Rate?
Italy's Consolidated Immigration Act (Testo Unico sull'Immigrazione) and the Ministerial Decrees of the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) explicitly codify a crucial statutory provision:
[Key Statutory Provision in Italian Law]
Non-EU citizens who hold a valid Study Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno per Studio, etc.) and are legally residing in Italy may apply and compete in university entrance examinations as “EU-Equivalent (Equiparato)” on equal footing with EU citizens.
[The Decisive Difference: Non-EU Quota vs. EU Quota (Equiparato)]
The biggest difference is not merely the number of seats, but the application architecture itself: “gambling everything on 1 university vs. targeting acceptance across multiple universities nationwide.”
🌍 Non-EU Quota (Non-EU Abroad)
- ✕ You can apply to strictly 1 university only.
- ✕ Each university has a small, isolated quota for Non-EU students.
- ✕ If you are rejected by your chosen university, there is no scrolling to other universities.
- ✕ If you misjudge your university choice, you can be rejected even with a very high score.
🇪🇺 EU Quota (EU / Equiparato)
- ✓ Rank multiple universities nationwide in order of preference.
- ✓ Admission is determined by a Unified National Ranking (Graduatoria Nazionale).
- ✓ Even if you miss your 1st choice, you can be admitted to your 2nd, 3rd, or subsequent choices.
- ✓ Weekly Ranking Scrolling (Scorrimento) gives you continuous opportunities to enter your target university later.
Whether it is smarter to “spend a year at home in fear of a few Non-EU seats” or “move to a campus in Rome this November, obtain a residence permit, master science subjects in English, and compete in next year's overwhelmingly advantageous EU Quota” is self-evident.
💡 The “2 Major Legal Institutional Hacks” Practiced by Insiders
📸 Oblique aerial view of the historic Casale San Pio V campus. (Historic Courtyard)
STRATEGY 01
[Hack #1: Next-Year EU Quota (Equiparato) Exam]
Legally reside in Italy this year to obtain a Study Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno), and sit next year's IMAT under the 【EU Quota】—featuring 10x the seats, nationwide multi-university ranking, and weekly rolling admissions (Scorrimenti).
STRATEGY 02
[Hack #2: Private MD Year 1 ➔ Public Medical School “Year 2 Transfer (Trasferimento)”]
Enroll in a private MD program (such as Link Campus) this year and earn ~60 ECTS of Year 1 foundational credits. Next summer, apply to public universities' vacant-seat transfer calls and transfer directly into “Year 2” of a public medical school without wasting a single year.
SECTION 02 · LEGAL & STATUTORY BASIS
2. [Legal Basis] How Do You Become an “EU Quota Candidate (Equiparato)”?
In the annual regulations for international student admissions (Disposizioni per l'iscrizione degli studenti stranieri) promulgated by Italy's Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and Article 39 of Legislative Decree 286/1998, the following category is explicitly defined as “EU-Equivalent (Candidati equiparati)”:
[MUR Regulation: Eligibility Requirement for EU-Equivalent (Equiparato) Status]
Non-EU citizens who hold a valid “Study Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno per motivi di studio)” and are legally enrolled and residing at a higher education institution in Italy (a university degree course, an official university foundation course, etc.) are evaluated under the exact same quota and identical conditions as Italian and EU citizens.
In short, “holding a valid Italian residence permit (or its official renewal/application receipt: Ricevuta) at the time of next year's IMAT registration (typically June–July)” is the single decisive condition.
👥 Casale di San Pio V — Main Portal Gate: Main courtyard of Casale San Pio V where students and alumni gather.
🎓 Main Courtyard with Students: Campus courtyard during the university-hosted Digital Day event.
SECTION 03 · DIRECT 2ND-YEAR TRANSFER (TRASFERIMENTO)
3. [The Second Secret Strategy] Targeting a Public Medical School “2nd-Year Transfer (Trasferimento)” from Private MD Year 1
📸 Modern lecture hall equipped with wooden desks, transparent chairs, and large displays. (Historic Campus — Aerial News Photo)
For students who feel that “retaking the IMAT next year carries too much pressure” or “do not want to delay graduation by even a single year,” an even more powerful pathway is the “2nd-Year Transfer into a Public Medical School from Year 1 of a Private MD Program.”
📊 Direct 2nd-Year Public Medical School Transfer Roadmap (Zero Gap Year)
STEP A · Nov 2026
Immediate Enrollment in Link Campus MD
Pass the Oct 29 online CBT and start Year 1 of Medicine in November.
STEP B · Year 1 Studies
Earn Core Pre-Clinical Credits (~60 ECTS)
Complete Anatomy, Histology, Biochemistry, Medical Physics & Genetics with a high GPA.
STEP C · Summer 2027
Apply to Public 2nd-Year Transfer Calls
Submit applications to public universities' Bando di Trasferimento (July–Sept).
STEP D · Oct 2027
✨ Direct Transfer into Public Medical School “Year 2”!
Slide into Year 2 of a public university (low tuition & DSU scholarship eligible) with zero years lost.
① Why Is a 2nd-Year Transfer from Private to Public Possible?
Italy's medical degree programs (LM-41: 6-Year Single-Cycle Master's Degree) follow strictly unified curriculum standards and subject codes (SSD) enforced by the MUR (Ministry of University and Research). As long as a private university is officially accredited by the MUR (such as Link Campus), the credits (ECTS) earned in Year 1:
- Anatomy (Human Gross Anatomy)
- Histology & Embryology
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Medical Physics & Genetics
are 100% compatible with Year 1 at Italian public universities.
② How Public University “Transfer Calls (Bando di Trasferimento)” Work
In Italian public medical schools, a certain number of students drop out or change paths between Year 1 and Year 2 due to career changes or credit shortages. Consequently, every summer (around July–September), public universities publish official calls for “2nd-Year Vacant Seats (Posti Vacanti per il II anno)”.
Selection Criteria: Number of earned credits (ECTS) and weighted exam average (Media Ponderata) in Year 1.
Advantage: Without retaking the hyper-competitive IMAT—or while taking the IMAT in the EU Quota as a backup—you can slide directly into a public medical school (low tuition & DSU scholarship eligible) as a regular 2nd-year medical student.
👩⚕️ Historic University Library: Students attending an interactive lecture and academic seminar.
🏛️ Computer & Data Laboratory: Students attending a lecture in a large modern tiered lecture theatre.
SECTION 04 · MEDICINE & SURGERY (LM-41) 3RD CALL
4. [Official Latest Schedule] Link Campus University (Rome Campus) Medicine & Surgery — 3rd Call Overview
Link Campus University is currently conducting the “3rd Call for Applications (Bando)” for its 2026/2027 Medicine and Surgery (LM-41) degree program.
Application Deadline
Oct 23, 2026
*Contact Meditaliano first!
Admission Exam (CBT)
Oct 29, 2026
Online from home PC
Ranking Publication
By Nov 4, 2026
Published on portal
Formal Enrollment
Nov 9 (18:00) – Nov 16 (18:00)
Italian Time (CET)
Total Capacity
192 Seats
Rome Campus (LM-41)
💻 Step-by-Step Portal Application Procedure for Medicine & Surgery (LM-41)
- Access the Link Campus Official Medicine Admissions Page .
- Click “SCARICA IL BANDO” to download and verify the latest official call PDF.
- On the admissions portal, select “Register” ➔ “Web Registration” to create your account.
- Enter your personal details (full name, date of birth, address, contact info) to obtain your login credentials.
- After logging in, select “Accesso alla procedura di iscrizione ai test di ammissione e di immatricolazione ai CDS”.
- Navigate via “MENU” ➔ “Segreteria” ➔ “Test di Ammissione” and register for the Medicine and Surgery (Medicina e Chirurgia LM-41) admission test.
- Follow the instructions to upload your passport, English transcripts, and complete the exam fee payment (*Be sure to contact Meditaliano BEFORE completing submission!).
🏢 Casale San Pio V — Aerial View: Modern curved-glass campus building in Rome.
🏛️ Campus at Night — Aerial: Modern brick-and-glass university facility on Via Pietro De Francisci.
SECTION 04B · MEDICINE & SURGERY (LM-41) 6-YEAR MD DEGREE COMPLETE GUIDE
🩺 [Main MD Degree Course (LM-41) Complete Guide] Accreditation, Full 6-Year (360 ECTS) Curriculum, Teaching Hospital, Tuition Installments & Dual-Option Hedging
For candidates who want to enroll directly as a 1st-year medical student (6-year Single-Cycle MD degree · LM-41) this November—either to graduate in Rome with an EU medical license or to transfer into Year 2 of an Italian public medical school next summer—here is the complete master guide to the Medicine and Surgery degree course.
MUR Decree DM n. 1511 Accredited
🏛️ Official ANVUR & MUR Accredited Medical Faculty
Founded in Rome in 1999 as a branch of the University of Malta and recognized in 2011 as an official Italian university by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR). On November 17, 2023, Ministerial Decree DM n. 1511 formally accredited its 6-year Single-Cycle Master's Degree in Medicine and Surgery (LM-41).
EU Directive 2005/36/EC Compliant
🌍 Direct Medical License Upon Graduation (Laurea Abilitante)
The LM-41 MD degree carries 100% identical legal validity to Sapienza, Milan, or Bologna. Graduates receive an automatic Italian & EU medical license (Laurea Abilitante) recognized across all EU/EEA member states, plus full eligibility for the US USMLE/ECFMG, UK GMC, and national licensing exams worldwide.
Ospedale San Pietro Partnership
🏥 Elite Small-Group Clinical Clerkships in Rome
Unlike overcrowded public medical faculties where thousands of students compete for bedside access, Link Campus partners with Rome's prestigious general hospital Ospedale San Pietro Fatebenefratelli and on-campus high-tech simulation suites for hands-on, mentored clinical clerkships.
⚡ Public IMAT Route vs. Link Campus Medicine (LM-41) Comparison Matrix (Zero-Risk Dual-Option Hedging)
Link Campus University's admissions pipeline is 100% independent and non-exclusive from the public IMAT. Securing a seat in the 3rd Call does not affect your public IMAT ranking—if you are admitted to your public university choice, you can freely enroll there.
| Dimension | Public IMAT (Non-EU Single-Choice) | Link Campus Medicine & Surgery (LM-41 English) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format & Timing | Once-a-year paper exam in September (1 university choice only) | Online Home CBT Exam (3rd Call: Oct 23 Deadline · Oct 29 Exam) |
| Safety Net / Backup | Zero scrolling to other schools if rejected (instant 1-year gap) | Non-exclusive dual hedging (keep public seat if admitted, or enroll in Link MD) |
| Year-2 Strategic Options | Retake IMAT next year from scratch | ① Continue to Year 2 at Link ② Transfer to Public Year 2 (Trasferimento) ③ Take IMAT 2027 in EU Quota |
| Clinical Training | Large public hospitals (often observation-heavy due to huge cohorts) | Ospedale San Pietro Fatebenefratelli small-group clerkships & simulation labs |
📚 Full 6-Year (360 ECTS) Medicine & Surgery (LM-41) Year-by-Year Curriculum Guide
Standardized under Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) class LM-41 regulations. In particular, Year 1 (60 ECTS) is 100% credit-compatible with Italian public medical schools, enabling seamless credit recognition for 2nd-year public transfers (Bando di Trasferimento).
Year 1 · Core Preclinical & Transfer Credits60 ECTS
Molecular & Biological Fundamentals & Gross Anatomy I
- • Medical Physics & Computer Science (6 ECTS): Radiation biophysics, bioelectricity, fluid mechanics, biomedical informatics
- • General & Organic Chemistry (8 ECTS): Chemical equilibria, acid-base buffers, organic functional groups & mechanisms
- • Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Dynamics (10 ECTS): Enzyme kinetics, bioenergetics, metabolic pathways, molecular biology
- • Cellular Biology & Genetics (8 ECTS): Membrane transport, cell signaling, cell cycle, Mendelian & molecular genetics
- • Human Gross Anatomy I (10 ECTS): Musculoskeletal anatomy, thorax, heart, mediastinum & respiratory system
- • Histology, Cytology & Embryology (8 ECTS): Microscopic tissue architecture, stem cells, human organogenesis
- • Medical Bioethics, Humanities & First Aid (10 ECTS): Medical ethics, doctor-patient communication, CPR & simulation lab
Year 2 · Preclinical Sciences II60 ECTS
Systemic Physiology, Pathophysiology, Immunology & Microbiology
- • Human Gross Anatomy II (10 ECTS): Neuroanatomy, cranial nerves, CNS pathways, abdominal & pelvic viscera
- • Systemic Human Physiology I & II (15 ECTS): Cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, GI, endocrine & neurophysiology
- • General Pathology & Pathophysiology (10 ECTS): Cell injury, inflammation, hemodynamic disorders, molecular oncology
- • Immunology & Immunopathology (7 ECTS): Innate/adaptive immunity, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity
- • Medical Microbiology & Virology (8 ECTS): Bacteriology, virology, mycology, clinical parasitology
- • Medical Genetics & Biostatistics (5 ECTS): Clinical genetics, epidemiological statistics & study design
Year 3 · Transition to Clinical Medicine60 ECTS
Clinical Semeiotics, Laboratory Medicine, Pharmacology I & Pathology I
- • Medical Semeiotics & Clinical Methodology (12 ECTS): Physical examination, patient history, clinical reasoning & ward rounds
- • Laboratory Medicine & Clinical Pathology (10 ECTS): Clinical biochemistry, hematology, molecular diagnostics
- • Pharmacology & Toxicology I (8 ECTS): Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, autonomic & CNS pharmacology
- • Pathological Anatomy I (8 ECTS): Organ-system histopathology & diagnostic biopsy interpretation
- • Internal Medicine & Surgery Foundations (12 ECTS): Core principles of internal medicine, general surgery & hospital clerkships
Year 4 · Systemic Clinical Rotations I60 ECTS
Cardiology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology & Radiology
- • Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery (9 ECTS): Clinical cardiology, ECG, echocardiography & vascular surgery
- • Pulmonology & Thoracic Surgery (7 ECTS): Respiratory medicine & thoracic surgical clerkship
- • Gastroenterology, Nephrology & Urology (12 ECTS): Hepatology, GI diseases, renal medicine & urology
- • Endocrinology, Metabolism & Rheumatology (8 ECTS): Endocrine disorders, diabetes, clinical rheumatology
- • Diagnostic Imaging, Radiology & Pharmacology II (14 ECTS): CT/MRI/PET imaging, nuclear medicine, clinical therapeutics
Year 5 · Systemic Clinical Rotations II60 ECTS
Neurology, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Specialties & Legal Medicine
- • Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (12 ECTS): Clinical neuroscience, stroke, neurosurgery, clinical psychiatry
- • Pediatrics & Child Neuropsychiatry (9 ECTS): General pediatrics, neonatology & pediatric emergencies
- • Obstetrics & Gynecology (9 ECTS): Maternal-fetal medicine, labor & delivery, gynecological surgery
- • Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology & Dermatology (14 ECTS): Traumatology, head & neck, sensory organs, dermatology
- • Legal Medicine, Occupational & Public Health (10 ECTS): Forensic medicine, health economics, hospital management
Year 6 · Licensing Year (Laurea Abilitante)60 ECTS
Internal Medicine, Emergency Surgery, TPV Licensing Rotation & Thesis
- • Internal Medicine & Emergency Medicine (14 ECTS): Complex inpatient care, ICU/ER critical care medicine
- • General & Emergency Surgery (12 ECTS): Acute surgical care, operating room & trauma rotations
- • Tirocinio Pratico Valutativo — TPV (15 ECTS / 300 Hours): Mandatory Italian Medical Licensing Practical Evaluation across Internal Medicine, Surgery, and General Practice
- • Final Experimental Thesis — Tesi di Laurea (19 ECTS): Original clinical/translational research defense granting immediate MD licensure!
💶 Medicine & Surgery (LM-41) Annual Tuition & 4-Installment Payment Plan
Annual tuition for the 6-year MD program is €19,800–€20,050 / year, payable in 4 staggered installments rather than a single lump sum:
- • 1st Installment (Enrollment · Nov 9–16): ~€5,150 (Seat reservation deposit + 1st installment)
- • 2nd Installment (Mid-January): €4,950
- • 3rd Installment (Mid-March): €4,950
- • 4th Installment (May–June): €4,950
- *Plus CBT exam registration fee (€180–€200), Lazio Regional DSU tax (€140), and stamp duty (€16).
🎓 Attendance Policy (75%) & University Exam Sessions (Esame Orale)
- • Mandatory 75% Attendance: Italian LM-41 regulations require 75% attendance across lectures and clinical labs (*for international students awaiting visa issuance in November, online transitional accommodations are arranged).
- • 3 Annual Exam Sessions (Sessioni d'Esame): Winter (Jan–Feb), Summer (Jun–Jul), and Autumn (September), with multiple exam dates (Appelli) per session.
- • 30-Point Grading Scale & Transfer GPA Coaching: Passing grade is 18/30 (top score 30 e Lode). Meditaliano Premium (100% FREE for Link MD enrollees) provides full past-paper banks and oral exam coaching to help you maintain a 27–30/30 GPA for 2nd-year public transfers!
SECTION 05 · EXAM SYLLABUS & SCORING BREAKDOWN
5. [Exam Breakdown] Link Campus Online CBT Exam vs. National IMAT Exam
Here is the complete breakdown of the exam subjects, question structure, and scoring rules.
🩺 Medical skills training facility equipped with examination beds and anatomical charts. (Interactive Lecture Hall)
📝 Link Campus University Medicine Online CBT Exam Details
Link Campus utilizes an online CBT (Computer-Based Testing) format that you can take from your own PC at home.
Duration & Question Count
60–70 Minutes / 60 Questions (5-option multiple choice)
Scoring & Minimum Passing Threshold
Correct: +1 pt / Incorrect: -0.25 pt / Blank: 0 pt
Max score is 60 points. Minimum threshold to be included in the ranking list is 20 points.
Subjects & Question Breakdown (60 Questions Total)
Biology20 Questions
Cell structure and function, cell division (mitosis & meiosis), bioenergetics (glycolysis & Krebs cycle), Mendelian and molecular genetics (DNA replication, transcription, translation), and anatomy & physiology of major human organ systems (cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, digestive).
Chemistry20 Questions
Atomic structure and periodic table, chemical bonding (covalent, ionic, hydrogen bonds), thermochemistry and reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium and acids/bases (pH calculations & buffers), redox reactions, major organic functional groups and reactivity, and biomolecules (amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids).
Physics & Mathematics15 Questions
Physics: Equations of motion, conservation of mechanical energy, fluid mechanics (Pascal's principle & Bernoulli's theorem), electromagnetism (Ohm's law & electric fields), thermodynamics, waves & optics.
Mathematics: Algebraic calculations, linear & quadratic functions, exponents & logarithms, probability & statistics, trigonometry.
General Knowledge & Logical Reasoning5 Questions
History of science, fundamentals of medical ethics, and logical validity questions based on short English passages.
🏛️ Exterior facade of Link Campus University in Rome. (Historic Garden Entrance)
📝 Comparison with the Public University “IMAT” Exam
The IMAT is an in-person paper test held every September at designated test centers in Italy and worldwide.
- • Duration & Questions: 100 minutes, 60 five-option multiple-choice questions.
- • Scoring & Threshold: +1.5 for correct, -0.4 for incorrect, 0 for blank. Max score is 90 points (minimum threshold 20 points).
- • Subject Breakdown: Biology (23 Qs), Chemistry (15 Qs), Physics & Math (13 Qs), Critical Thinking (5 Qs), General Knowledge (4 Qs). Features lengthy reading passages and multi-step calculations requiring advanced critical thinking.
💡 Key Preparation Takeaway: Link Campus's exam syllabus overlaps 100% with the 4 science subjects of the IMAT (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math). If you have been studying for the IMAT, you will find Link Campus's CBT exam much more straightforward and can readily achieve a top ranking!
SECTION 06 · FOUNDATION YEAR 2.0 – HEALTHCARE (NOV 2026 INTAKE)
6. [Master Science in English] Foundation Year (Healthcare) Application Guide
🏛️ Traditional stone cloister and historic central well. (Casale di San Pio V — Courtyard & Grounds)
If you feel anxious about jumping straight into the MD entrance exam, or if you want to rebuild your Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math foundations in English while securing your Italian Residence Permit, the “Foundation Year – Healthcare (Medicine and Surgery)” starting in November 2026 is the ideal choice.
Official Program Page: Link Foundation Year – Healthcare Portal
Intake Period: November 2026 Intake (60 ECTS)
Language of Instruction: English (plus Italian as needed)
Curriculum: Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, Academic English
Annual Tuition: €5,000–€6,000 (*Subject to specific track and latest call)
Required Documents: High School Graduation Certificate (English), High School Transcripts (English), Passport, English Proficiency Proof (B2 guideline)
Admissions Contact:
admissions@linkinternational.eu⚠️ [Important Note Regarding Residence Status & EU Quota Eligibility]
By officially enrolling in the university's Foundation Year and obtaining a Student Visa, you gain legal eligibility to apply for and hold a “Study Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno per motivi di studio)” in Italy. However, in order to be recognized under the “EU Quota (Equiparato)” on Universitaly during next year's IMAT registration (typically June–July), it is strictly necessary to complete your police headquarters (Questura) procedures and submit a valid Residence Permit (or official application receipt: Ricevuta).
📚 Bright collaborative study room where students study in groups. (Modern Rome Campus Building)
SECTION 07 · ROME CAMPUS LIFE & FAST-TRACK CHECKLIST
🌿 Campus Life at “Casale San Pio V” in Rome
🏛️ Historic Heritage Campus Next to the Vatican
Surrounded by an expansive private park, the 16th-century architecture of “Casale San Pio V” combines classic stone cloisters with state-of-the-art digital lecture halls, IT labs, and historic medical library spaces.
🩺 Advanced Medical Simulation Center
Equipped with high-precision patient simulators, enabling students to repeatedly practice CPR, venipuncture, and physical examination skills from their earliest semesters.
🏥 Comprehensive Partnership with Prestigious Hospitals
In the MD program, Link Campus partners with one of Rome's premier Catholic general hospitals, “Ospedale San Pietro Fatebenefratelli,” delivering intensive small-group bedside clinical education.
💶 Living Environment & Monthly Costs
Located in a safe, quiet residential neighborhood. Partner student dormitories and shared apartments cost around €500–€800/month, and students cooking mainly at home can live comfortably on €400–€600/month for food and daily expenses.
🌿 Historic garden entrance leading to the main campus building. (Villa Carpegna — Campus Surroundings)
📝 [Express Action Plan] Application Requirements & Documents for November Arrival
To arrive in time for the November intake, submitting your application and starting your visa process as early as possible is essential.
[Application Requirements]
• Education: High school graduation diploma (standard, online/correspondence, or international high schools all accepted)
• English Proficiency: CEFR B2 level or above (IELTS 5.5–6.0, TOEFL iBT 72+ guideline)
*Even if you do not have an official score report on hand, you can be evaluated flexibly by demonstrating your enthusiasm and speaking ability in the online interview (Adviser Meeting) right after applying!
[Documents to Scan as PDF Immediately]
- Color copy of your Passport (at least 1 year validity remaining)
- High School Graduation Certificate (Official English version)
- High School Academic Transcripts (Official English version, all years)
- English Proficiency Certificate (if available)
OFFICIAL ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP PRIVILEGE
🎁 [Official Partnership] Meditaliano Exclusive! 50% to 100% Full Fee Waiver Privilege
Through the official academic partnership between Meditaliano and Link Campus University, students who apply through Meditaliano receive the following exclusive benefits:
For Foundation Course (Healthcare) Enrollees
Meditaliano Premium 【50% OFF】 (Half-Price Waiver)!
Covers local Residence Permit application assistance, visa support, Rome housing support, and full access to the Meditaliano IMAT Practice Platform!
For Link Campus Medicine & Surgery (LM-41) Enrollees
Meditaliano Premium 【100% OFF】 (Completely Free!)
Covers 6 years of medical school exam preparation, oral exam (Orale) past-question banks, 2nd-year transfer support, and clinical ward rotation support—100% free!
🎁 [Meditaliano Official Partnership] Key Rule for Discount Activation: Simply State “Referred by Meditaliano”!
- When submitting your Link Campus application form, or during your subsequent online interview / email correspondence, inform the university admissions officer: “I applied and enrolled through Meditaliano's referral (Reference: Meditaliano)” (*already included in the email templates below).
- The university will confirm your referral enrollment with Meditaliano's management team.
- Your special 50%–100% discount and priority admissions review will then be applied immediately!
🚨 [CRITICAL] You MUST Contact Meditaliano BEFORE Submitting Your Application!
To activate the “Meditaliano Premium 50%–100% Discount Privilege” and the “University Admissions Priority Review Pipeline,” you must contact Meditaliano's official desk BEFORE submitting your application to the university.
⚠️ Warning: If you complete your application on the university portal on your own without prior notice, the university system may not link your profile to the “Meditaliano Referral Quota (Academic Partnership Quota),” rendering you ineligible for the retroactive Premium discount or priority review. Always message us first to prevent any issues!
SECTION 08 · OFFICIAL CONTACT & URGENT PUSH EMAIL TEMPLATES
📲 Meditaliano Official Inquiry & Support Desk
For application consultations, mandatory pre-application registration, or document verification, reach out to us anytime via our official channels below. Our medical student mentors and staff will respond promptly.
NEW GROUP ANNOUNCEMENT
📢 Dedicated Link Campus University Group is NOW LIVE! 🇮🇹🩺
Hello everyone! To support those of you expanding your options beyond the IMAT, we have created a brand-new dedicated WhatsApp group for Università degli Studi Link (Rome) applicants! 🏛️✨
If you are applying or considering the 6-Year MD or Foundation Year – Healthcare at Link Campus, join our new group to get targeted support:
📌 WHAT YOU'LL GET IN THE NEW GROUP:
├ 🗓️ Deadline Alerts: Full guidance for the Oct 23 deadline & Oct 29 exam
├ 📝 Exam & Portal Prep: Step-by-step portal help & exam review resources
├ 🛡️ Free Document Audit: 24h pre-audit for high school diplomas & transcripts
└ 🎁 Exclusive Perks: Up to 100% OFF Meditaliano Premium for enrollees!
💬 [A QUICK NOTE ON QUESTIONS & SUPPORT]
If you have any questions, please post them directly in the group rather than sending private DMs whenever possible!
Posting in the group allows our team to respond much faster and helps other members who might have similar questions 🤝✨
*(Note: Private details or personal documents can still be sent via DM!)*
Let's maximize your chances of securing a medical seat in Italy this year! 🇮🇹🩺✨
If you have any questions, please post them directly in the group rather than sending private DMs whenever possible!
Posting in the group allows our team to respond much faster and helps other members who might have similar questions 🤝✨
*(Note: Private details or personal documents can still be sent via DM!)*
Let's maximize your chances of securing a medical seat in Italy this year! 🇮🇹🩺✨
SECURE YOUR MEDICAL CAREER TODAY
Takes only 3 minutes🎯 【Priority Screening & Data Submission Form】
If you get admitted to a public university on October 26, you can simply enroll there. But securing this guaranteed pathway now means your dream of becoming a medical doctor stays alive no matter what.
If you would like to inquire directly or send us your academic details for personalized pre-evaluation, submit your data using the official screening form below. Our team will review your profile and respond promptly!
📖 Deep-Dive Strategic Audit & Guide:https://meditaliano.it/news/link-campus-medicine-foundation-year-guide ↗
WhatsApp Direct Chat (Direct to Mentors & Team)
+39 333 394 7202
Open WhatsApp Chat
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@meditalianoinfo
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📥 Meditaliano Official Free Brochure
View Digital Brochure & PDF
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📧 [Copy & Send Immediately #1] Urgent Fast-Track Push Email for Foundation Year
Immediately after submitting the online form, send this email to the university admissions office (admissions@linkinternational.eu).
Subject: URGENT: Foundation Year Application (November 2026 Intake) - [Your Full Name] (Ref: Meditaliano) Dear Admissions Team at Link International, My name is [Your Full Name], an applicant from [Your Country], applying through your official academic partner, Meditaliano (Reference: Meditaliano). I have just submitted my formal online application for the Foundation Year 2.0 program in Healthcare (Medicine and Surgery) starting this November 2026. I understand that the program start date is rapidly approaching. However, I have all required documentation—including my valid passport copy, official English high school graduation certificate, academic transcripts, and proof of language proficiency—fully prepared and uploaded. As a non-EU citizen residing in [Your Country], I will need to complete the Universitaly pre-enrollment process and obtain my National Student Visa (Type D) at the Italian Embassy/Consulate as soon as possible to ensure my timely arrival in Rome. Could you please kindly review my application on an urgent basis so that we can schedule the Adviser Meeting at your earliest convenience? I am thoroughly dedicated to pursuing medical education at Link Campus University and am ready to complete the tuition payment and statutory enrollment procedures immediately upon your instruction. Thank you very much for your time, consideration, and swift assistance. Sincerely yours, [Your Full Name] Reference: Meditaliano (Official Partner) Phone: +[Country Code]-[Your Mobile Number] Email: [Your Email Address]
📧 [Copy & Send Immediately #2] Medicine & Surgery (LM-41 3rd Call) Partner Confirmation Email
For applicants registering for the October 23 deadline / October 29 online CBT exam.
Subject: Application Confirmation: Medicine and Surgery (LM-41) 3rd Call - [Your Full Name] (Ref: Meditaliano) Dear Admissions Office at Link Campus University, My name is [Your Full Name], an applicant from [Your Country] applying via your official academic partner, Meditaliano (Reference: Meditaliano). I have completed my registration on the university portal for the 3rd Call of the Single-Cycle Master's Degree in Medicine and Surgery (LM-41, Rome Campus) for the 2026/2027 academic year, scheduled for the online CBT examination on October 29, 2026. All required documents and the application fee payment have been duly submitted. Please kindly link my application profile with the Meditaliano Academic Partnership reference and confirm that my registration for the October 29 CBT exam is fully active. Upon passing the admission test, I am fully prepared to complete my formal enrollment between November 9 and November 16 and proceed immediately with the Universitaly pre-enrollment and Type D Student Visa process. Thank you very much for your kind support and prompt confirmation. Best regards, [Your Full Name] Reference: Meditaliano (Official Partner) Portal Username / ID: [Your Portal Username] Phone: +[Country Code]-[Your Mobile Number] Email: [Your Email Address]
SECTION 09 · WHATSAPP TOP 20 FAQ & 2026 IMAT DATA BRIEFING
💬 This Year's IMAT “Non-EU Quota” Turned Into a Historic Bloodbath: Top 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions on WhatsApp
Here is a complete summary of the 20 most frequently asked questions we receive daily on WhatsApp, covering the official 2026 IMAT statistical surge, our legal hacks to switch to the EU Quota (Equiparato), and the Public University 2nd-Year Transfer (Trasferimento) strategy!
1. 🟢 Was this year's IMAT easier?
Due to significantly easier Biology questions, the overall average spiked by ~8.7 points (to 49.29). With a massive surge in high scorers, the cutoffs will jump dramatically.
2. 🧬 Which subjects decided the outcome?
Scoring near-perfect in the standard “Biology” section was the bare minimum. The heavily calculation-based “Chemistry” and tricky “Logic” sections were the real deciding factors for top-tier candidates.
3. 📈 [Stats] How much did candidates & high scores increase?
- • Total Candidates: +36.1% (
13,506 → 18,381) - • Scores 60+: Jumped to 3.4x last year's number (
1,517 → 5,219) - • Scores 70+: Jumped to 4x last year's number (
426 → 1,675) - It is the most competitive year in history.
4. 📊 [Deep Dive] Why did candidate numbers skyrocket?
- • Italian Centers (+24.4% / 8,709): Local students avoiding the new “Filter Semester” (dropout risk) in Italian-taught medical schools flooded the English IMAT as a safe backup.
- • Foreign Centers (+48.7% / 9,672): A massive explosion of applicants from Turkey, UAE, and Asia.
5. 🇪🇺 What is the expected EU Quota cutoff?
Current estimates are 71–73.5 for top universities, and low 60s for lower-tier ones. The massive increase in domestic test-takers (+1,707) has severely intensified competition.
6. 🌍 What is the expected Non-EU Quota cutoff?
Driven by the spike in foreign test-takers (+3,168), popular universities require 76–81+ points. With only 5–40 seats per university, a single mistake is fatal.
7. ⚔️ EU vs. Non-EU System Differences?
- • EU Quota: You can apply to multiple universities. Seats are allocated top-down via a national ranking (Scrolling), giving you a safety net.
- • Non-EU Quota: You can only apply to 1 university. If you get rejected there, there is NO backup option to transfer to another school.
8. 🏛️ How did the “Filter Semester” affect the IMAT?
Italian-taught courses introduced a system where you can be dropped out based on your 1st-semester grades. To avoid this, both local and international students rushed to the English IMAT, skyrocketing the competition.
9. 🏷️ What do ASSEGNATO, PRENOTATO, and IN ATTESA mean?
- 🟢 ASSEGNATO (Assigned): Admitted! You MUST enroll within a few days.
- 🟡 PRENOTATO (Booked): Keeping a seat at a lower choice while waiting for a higher choice.
- 🔴 IN ATTESA (Waiting): No seat yet. Waiting for scrollings.
- Note: You MUST click “Conferma di interesse” on Universitaly every time the ranking updates!
10. 💡 [Hack 1] How to legally transfer from Non-EU to EU Quota?
If you travel to Italy this year and obtain a “Student Residence Permit” (Permesso di Soggiorno), you can take next year's IMAT under the EU Quota (Equiparato). This gives you access to 1,000+ seats and the multi-choice safety net!
11. 🔄 [Hack 2] How to transfer from a Private to a Public Uni (2nd Year)?
Enroll in a MUR-recognized private medical school, get your 1st-year credits (~60 ECTS). Next summer, apply for a “Transfer Call” (Bando Trasferimento) at a public university. You jump directly into the 2nd year of a public med school without retaking the IMAT.
12. 🏥 What is Link Campus University?
A private university in Rome. They have their own entrance exam (separate from IMAT). It is the fastest way to execute the two hacks mentioned above (EU Quota conversion & 2nd-year transfer).
13. 📝 Link Medicine (LM-41) Exam format?
Online CBT (60 mins, 60 Qs): 20 Bio, 20 Chem, 15 Math/Physics, 5 Logic. The syllabus is perfectly aligned with the IMAT, so your previous prep works seamlessly.
14. 📅 Link Medicine Application Deadlines?
The 3rd Call is currently open! Deadline: Oct 23 · Exam: Oct 29 · Enrollment: Nov 9–16. This is your fastest ticket to start classes this November.
15. 🧩 What is the “Foundation Year”?
A medical pre-course starting in November (taught in English). Enrolling in this grants you the Residence Permit, securing your EU Quota eligibility for next year's IMAT.
16. 📂 Required Documents for Application?
- Passport color copy
- High School Diploma (English)
- Academic Transcripts (English)
- English Certificate (B2 level. If you don't have one, an online interview will assess your motivation).
17. 🎁 Meditaliano Partnership Discounts?
If you apply/enroll through Meditaliano, you get our comprehensive “Meditaliano Premium” package:
• Foundation Students: 50% OFF
• Medicine Degree Students: 100% OFF (Completely Free!)
18. ⚠️ [CRITICAL] Link Application Warning!
You MUST contact Meditaliano BEFORE you apply. If you apply independently, you will not be recognized under our “Partnership Quota” and will lose the special discounts and priority review.
19. 📧 What is the “Urgent Push Email”?
To get your visa in time for November, you must send an email to the university immediately after applying, mentioning you are referred by Meditaliano to fast-track your review (templates provided above).
20. 📲 Where can I get a consultation?
Contact us right away through any of these channels!
• WhatsApp: +39 333 394 7202
• Instagram: @meditaliano.imat
• Email / Form: Via our official website channels above
Next Issue Preview (*Exclusive Paid Article)
[Coming Next] Slash Your Tuition to the Absolute Minimum! Italian “Public University” Foundation Course Application & EU Quota Hack Complete Manual
While Link Campus University excels with private-university flexibility and rapid admissions, many candidates also want to know: “How can I attend a Foundation Course operated by an Italian public university to reduce annual tuition even further?” and “How can I use public university enrollment to obtain a Residence Permit at minimal local cost and compete in next year's IMAT under the massive 【EU Quota (Equiparato)】?”
In our next exclusive paid edition, we reveal what ordinary study-abroad agencies will never tell you:
- Selection criteria and annual costs for all Italian public university Foundation Courses (tuition waivers & DSU scholarships)
- Loopholes and pitfalls in public universities' complex Universitaly pre-enrollment and DoV / CIMEA procedures
- [Exclusive Reveal] Real-world institutional case studies of legally converting from the Non-EU Quota to the “EU Resident Quota (Equiparato)”
Complete with actual application document examples! Follow our account and turn on notifications so you don't miss it!
COMPLETE PHOTO ARCHIVE (ALL 21 IMAGES)
🏛️ Link Campus University Rome — Campus, Classrooms, Medical Labs & Student Life Gallery (All 21 Photos)
#101 · campusLink Campus University — Casale San Pio V
ローマ本校 Casale San Pio Vの歴史的ファサードと回廊。(Wikimedia Commons / Carlo Dani, CC BY-SA 4.0)
#102 · campusNuova Sede Link Campus University
Via del Casale di San Pio V, 44の学舎メインエントランス。(Wikimedia Commons / Carlo Dani, CC BY-SA 4.0)
#103 · campusCasale di San Pio V — Courtyard & Grounds
Casale di San Pio Vの由緒ある中庭と緑地回廊。5312x2988 Ultra HD。(Wikimedia Commons / Carlo Dani, CC BY-SA 4.0)
#104 · campusCasale di San Pio V — Main Portal Gate
Link Campus Universityの歴史的シンボルであるCasale di San Pio V入口。(Wikimedia Commons / Pius79, CC BY-SA 4.0)
#105 · campusVilla Carpegna — Campus Surroundings
Casale San Pio Vキャンパスに隣接する歴史的庭園 Villa Carpegna。(Wikimedia Commons / Sailko, CC BY-SA 3.0)
#106 · medicalOspedale San Pietro Fatebenefratelli
Link Campus大学医学部 (LM-41) の臨床研修・病棟実習提携病院。(Wikimedia Commons / Lalupa, CC BY-SA 4.0)
#1 · campusCasale San Pio V — Aerial View
Aerial view of the historic university headquarters (Casale San Pio V), rooftops, courtyard, and surrounding green parkland.
#2 · campusCampus at Night — Aerial
Casale San Pio V beautifully illuminated at night.
#3 · campusHistoric Courtyard
Traditional stone cloister and historic central well.
#4 · campusMain Courtyard with Students
Main courtyard of Casale San Pio V where students and alumni gather.
#5 · campusHistoric Garden Entrance
Historic garden entrance leading to the main campus building.
#6 · campusRome Campus — Night Entrance
University entrance signage and illuminated pedestrian walkway at night.
#7 · campusModern Rome Campus Building
Modern curved-glass campus building in Rome.
#8 · campusVia Pietro De Francisci Building
Modern brick-and-glass university facility on Via Pietro De Francisci.
#9 · campusHistoric Campus — Aerial News Photo
Oblique aerial view of the historic Casale San Pio V campus.
#12 · libraryHistoric University Library
Historic university library featuring wooden bookshelves, long reading tables, and chandeliers.
#13 · studentsStudy Room with Students
Bright collaborative study room where students study in groups.
#14 · laboratoryComputer & Data Laboratory
Computer and CBT laboratory with monitors arranged in a semicircle.
#15 · classroomInteractive Lecture Hall
Modern lecture hall equipped with wooden desks, transparent chairs, and large displays.
#18 · classroomMain Amphitheatre
Students attending a lecture in a large modern tiered lecture theatre.
#19 · medicalMedical Skills Training Room
Medical skills training facility equipped with examination beds and anatomical charts.
#20 · medicalMedicine and Surgery Students
Campus courtyard featuring the Medicine and Surgery program board and medical students.
#21 · graduationGraduation Celebration
Graduates tossing their mortarboards in the historic courtyard during graduation.