IMAT 2027 programs
One complete preparation journey for IMAT 2027.
Structured study plans, live teaching, diagnostics, timed exams and full IMAT simulations, built to work together from your first lesson to exam day.
IMAT 2027programs open this November
Start early, arrive ready. Structured preparation, realistic practice and a clear view of your progress, from your first topic to exam day.
About Locomotive
Locomotive was created by medical students who secured places at Italy's competitive medical schools.
Everything we teach comes from that experience: sitting the IMAT, understanding the Italian ranking system, and turning preparation into a competitive IMAT result.Our teaching comes from sitting the IMAT, understanding the Italian ranking system and turning preparation into a competitive IMAT result.
Explore the IMAT preparation systemWhat the IMAT 2026 results show
The IMAT field is growing more competitive. Strategy, timing and an understanding of the ranking system now matter as much as what you know.
01 · The field
18,368
+68% since 2024
Up from 10,931 in 2024: 68% more applicants in just two years, competing for a limited number of seats.
02 · The bar
73.0
+9.2 vs 2025
In 2025, 63.8 was enough. The same rank now demands over 9 points more; score requirements rose across the ranking.
03 · The margin
~600
2.5–3× earlier years
Around a score of 60, a single question moved candidates about 600 places, roughly 2.5 to 3 times the effect in 2024 or 2025.
More candidates and a higher bar mean tighter margins: around a score of 60, one extra correct answer was worth about 600 places.
Source: Locomotive analysis of the IMAT 2026 anonymous results. Scores reflect competition, not official admission cut-offs.
…which is exactly why every Locomotive IMAT program is built around structure, not guesswork.
IMAT 2027 programs
Structured study plans, live teaching, diagnostics, timed exams and full IMAT simulations, built to work together from your first lesson to exam day.
Why students choose Locomotive
Most candidates piece together courses, groups and rumours. Locomotive brings preparation, practice, community and guidance into one route, built around how the IMAT really works.

01 · One route
Foundations, live teaching, diagnostics and final simulations follow one structured plan, so nothing is left to chance or guesswork.
02 · Exam-matched
Weekly timed exams and full simulations mirror the real IMAT format, so timing, difficulty and scoring hold no surprises on exam day.
03 · Checked first
Deadlines, seat numbers and decrees are checked before we share them, with IMAT expertise built up since 2020 and followed through the IMAT 2027 cycle.

04 · Personal
From your study plan to university choices, mentors who passed the IMAT help you make the calls that shape your ranking.
05 · Free tool · New
Enter your dates, daily hours and weakest subjects. Get a day-by-day plan weighted to the 60 IMAT questions, with spaced review, mock days and breaks built in.
LearnPractiseMocks
Study medicine in Italy
Established universities, accessible tuition and an international student experience. Here’s why so many future doctors choose Italy.
01 · Reputation
Home to the oldest university in the Western world. Italian medical schools combine long academic tradition with established medical training.
02 · Admission
Your IMAT score determines your ranking, with no interviews or personal statements. Eligibility and documentation requirements still apply.
03 · Mobility
Italian medical qualifications can support professional mobility across the EU, subject to recognition, registration and language requirements in the destination country.
04 · Cost
Public university fees are far lower than in the UK or US, and at many universities they are linked to family income.
05 · Life
History, art, food and lively university cities, balancing a demanding degree with the Italian way of living.
Latest from Locomotive
Verified IMAT updates, official announcements and practical guidance for your preparation.
Student reviews
Experiences from students across Locomotive’s courses and preparation programs.
“Can’t recommend better! This is by far the best course available for IMAT preparation. I had a very weak background in the IMAT syllabus, but after joining the course I built a strong background in areas where higher thinking is involved, especially in Biology and Chemistry, where everything feels like a story with no extra, tough or overwhelming unnecessary information that could make the preparation more boring and overwhelming. The admins and the doctor who gave us the classes were all understanding, calm and kind, even when we felt nervous or afraid of failure. Constant support with questions, and always trying to simplify things. If I had just one wish, it would be to have joined this course and met these people earlier. Trust me, it’s your way to thrive in your IMAT preparation and to avoid being lonely and overwhelmed by distracting online sources.”
“The courses were very well-structured, with clear study plans. Mock and weekly tests helped me identify my weak points and improve. I joined LOCO-School, Math & Physics, and the Review Course, and everything was well-organized. Thanks to the Locomotive Team, I got into my first-choice university. Highly recommended!”
“I passed the IMAT 2026 with 70.7 after my second attempt; I got 40 in 2025. I used the LOCO-School course, and it was far more helpful than the other courses I had during my first attempt.”
“I found the course to be very well structured, and what made it work for me is that the advice and guidance from the tutor was extremely helpful. The mock tests and weekly tests were very good simulations, which helped me feel prepared for the exam and also review my concepts. Thanks to the team and all their support, I was able to get into my first-choice university with a high score.”
“I found out yesterday that I got into the University of Bologna, and I wanted to thank you: your lessons were so comprehensive and helpful, and I came across many things in the exam that Locomotive had covered in lessons.”
“I sat the IMAT as a non-EU applicant. As a non-EU, I had only one university choice, so I needed to prepare thoroughly. I decided to join a preparation course as a guideline, and I chose the FTM course from Locomotive because their channel has been a great source of information for IMAT news and updates. It turned out to be the right choice: I got into my first-choice university with good marks. I especially appreciated the frequent quizzes, weekly tests and mock exams after each topic; they really helped me consolidate the key concepts. Thank you, Loco!”
“If you don’t know where to start, like I didn’t, Locomotive is the one for you! This study experience has been remarkably memorable. Every lesson struck the right balance between challenge and clarity, turning demanding material into something genuinely engaging. The study plan was structured in a way that made everything accessible without ever overloading me or dragging me through unnecessary material. Looking back, it wasn’t just about learning content; it was about developing confidence and discipline. I highly and wholeheartedly recommend taking this course!”
“After the first public mock test, I realised the way I was studying was shallow. Forward to Medicine prepared me to a level where, even before the exam, I was sure I could score above 60 at any level of difficulty.”
“It was a good experience to study for the IMAT with the Locomotive course. Classes were helpful and simple to understand, and the support system was helpful. People at Locomotive were amazing.”
“Their study notes were very clear, concise and included all the important points. The weekly and monthly quizzes were also great practice; they made me familiar with the question types while preparing for the exam. Lectures explaining each topic were also easy to understand, as the teacher explained starting from the basics.”
“Every time I asked a question, he responded, and even when I missed classes he checked in on how my preparation was going. He’s a super good teacher who explained everything clearly to everyone. I really recommend this course.”
“I struggled with the basics and didn’t know where to start on my own. It was 100 times better doing the course instead of trying alone. The planners, videos and book questions were very helpful.”
“Theories and mechanisms are explained in detail, with analogies when we can’t fully understand. The questions and tests were very important, as I could see whether my knowledge was enough.”
“The teacher explained the subjects well and was very helpful. The exams were good and helped me reach a very high score. Recommended.”
“They are good, very organized, and I like the teaching way. The only problem I had was waiting to enroll in their courses. I could not join the first course in November, so I had to wait until January, but it was worth it.”
“It was a great experience. Best community for IMAT students, and the website is great for all updates. Really helpful in my journey.”