An unprecedented reform shakes up medical school admissions
From 23 June 2025, aspiring doctors, dentists and veterinarians in Italy will enter university through a completely new pathway: the abolition of traditional entrance exams. The Italian Ministry of University and Research has confirmed that, starting in the 2025/2026 academic year, prospective students will no longer sit a highly competitive test on a single day. Instead, they will attend an “Open Semester” before taking national examinations to determine final admission.
What is the “Open Semester”?
The “Open Semester” is a ground-breaking initiative that allows any candidate to enrol directly in the first semester of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry & Dental Prosthetics, or Veterinary Medicine. During these initial months, students will:
- Attend lectures in three core subjects: Chemistry, Physics and Biology;
- Participate in tutorials and lab sessions to assess practical skills;
- Receive academic support through mentoring and orientation workshops;
- Benefit from peer-to-peer study groups, organised by the universities.
Universities will offer up to 10,000 places per degree programme across Italy, giving candidates the freedom to choose preferred locations and ensuring wider geographic coverage.
From Open Semester to National Exams
At the end of the Open Semester, all participants will sit a series of national examinations that replace the old entrance test. These exams are designed to:
- Assess the knowledge and skills acquired during the semester;
- Evaluate problem-solving abilities rather than rote memorisation;
- Rank candidates according to merit, guaranteeing transparent selection;
- Allocate final admission places based on performance and declared preferences.
By splitting the admission process into two phases—open access followed by a merit-based exam—student stress is expected to decrease and learning outcomes to improve.
Key dates and registration details
Registration for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary programmes opens on 23 June 2025 via the national platform UniVersitaly. Candidates must complete their applications by the end of July. At the time of registration, each candidate will:
- Select the university where they wish to attend the Open Semester;
- Choose one “related” degree course as a backup, in case they do not pass the final exam;
- Rank up to ten alternative universities for both the semester and full admission.
Applicants should gather official transcripts and identity documents in advance and prepare to declare their course preferences in order of priority.
Ministerial vision: inclusivity and quality
Minister Anna Maria Bernini describes the reform as an “Italian Erasmus”: an inclusive model that allows students to experience university life firsthand before final selection. She emphasises:
- The importance of hands-on learning in Chemistry, Physics and Biology;
- Equal opportunities for all, regardless of prior test preparation;
- Enhanced support services, including tutoring and career guidance;
- Streamlined transition from secondary school to higher education.
The ministry expects that this approach will reduce dropout rates, foster a collaborative academic environment, and align medical training with international best practice.
What it means for students and universities
For students, the new system offers:
- Less pressure on a single exam day and more time to adapt to university studies;
- Hands-on lab experience and early exposure to scientific research;
- Clearer feedback on academic progress and personalised learning paths;
- A safety net via backup degree choices for those who discover a better fit elsewhere.
Universities, on the other hand, will:
- Benefit from an expanded student community during the Open Semester;
- Gain deeper insight into each candidate’s capabilities before final admission;
- Be able to allocate resources more effectively according to real student interest;
- Promote collaboration between faculties and research centres.
Preparing for success
Prospective applicants can maximise their chances by:
- Reviewing basic concepts in Chemistry, Physics and Biology over the summer;
- Attending preparatory workshops offered by high schools or private academies;
- Visiting university open days to understand campus life, facilities and support services;
- Networking with current students and alumni for insider tips on the Open Semester experience.
With registration just days away, thousands of young people are ready to embrace this bold new era in medical education, bringing fresh energy and diversity to Italy’s healthcare and veterinary professions.