What This Means for Kenyan Students Who Want to Study Medicine in Italy
The Italian Embassy in Nairobi has listed IMAT among its study-related services for international students, alongside university enrolment, scholarships and study visas. This is good news for Kenyan students dreaming of studying Medicine in Italy
What Is the IMAT?
For the 2026/27 academic year, the IMAT is scheduled for 30 September 2026.
The examination is conducted in English, meaning students can compete for places in participating Italian medical schools without having to study for an entrance examination in Italian.
Why Is a Kenyan IMAT Test Centre Such Good News?
For Kenyan students, one of the biggest advantages of this development is proximity.
Previously, the nearest IMAT test centre available to students in the region was South Africa, meaning Kenyan applicants could have to travel outside the country to sit the examination.
Now, with Kenya included as an IMAT test centre, aspiring medical students can take this important step much closer to home.
That means less international travel, fewer accommodation and logistical arrangements, and potentially lower costs associated with sitting the entrance examination.
For a Kenyan student, the journey can now look like:
🇰🇪 Prepare in Kenya → Sit IMAT in Kenya → Secure admission → 🇮🇹 Travel to Italy to begin your medical degree.
In practical terms, the journey to studying Medicine in Italy has just become shorter and easier for Kenyan applicants.
English-Taught Medicine in Italy
One of the biggest attractions for international students is that several Italian universities offer Medicine and Surgery programmes taught in English.
The IMAT is used for admission to participating English-taught medical programmes, allowing international students to compete for places without needing to complete their medical education entirely in Italian.
For Kenyan students who have always viewed studying Medicine in Europe as financially or logistically difficult, Italy is therefore an option worth exploring.
What Does the IMAT Test?
Students should expect questions covering areas such as:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics and Mathematics
- Logical reasoning
- Reading comprehension and general knowledge
The exact examination structure and admission requirements can change from one admission cycle to another, so applicants should always consult the official admission information for their intended intake.
What Should Kenyan Medicine Applicants Do Now?
If you are a Kenyan student planning to study Medicine in Italy, start preparing early.
1. Research Italian medical schools
Identify universities offering English-taught Medicine and understand their admission requirements.
2. Prepare for the IMAT
Start revising Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and logical reasoning.
3. Understand the application process
International students need to navigate university admission requirements and the Universitaly pre-enrolment process.
4. Explore scholarships
Italy offers various scholarship opportunities for international students. Start researching these early and understand the eligibility requirements.
5. Prepare your documents
Academic certificates, identification documents and other required paperwork should be organised well ahead of deadlines.
6. Get the right guidance
The process of applying to medical school abroad can be complex. Professional guidance can help you understand your options and navigate the process more confidently.
AFRISMO Can Help You Navigate the Journey
For Kenyan students, getting into an Italian medical school involves much more than sitting the IMAT.
At AFRISMO, we help students explore their study options in Italy, navigate university applications, understand scholarship opportunities and prepare for the visa process.
Our support continues beyond admission, including accommodation assistance, basic Italian language classes and settlement support through our AFRISMO Italia team once students arrive in Italy.
With Kenya now available as an IMAT test centre, the first major step towards studying Medicine in Italy is closer to home.
Your journey to becoming a doctor in Italy could now begin right here in Kenya.
Dreaming of studying Medicine in Italy?
Start preparing for the IMAT and explore your options with AFRISMO.
Book a consultation with AFRISMO today and take the first step towards studying Medicine in Italy.Â
