Open Semester for Medicine 2025/2026: 5 Practical Tips to Prepare Effectively

Medicine Revolution 2025/2026: Goodbye Entrance Test, Welcome 64,000 New "White Coats"!

The admissions system for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine has changed radically: goodbye to the multiple-choice test, welcome to the open semester with selection based on Chemistry, Physics and Biology grades. Over 64,000 students enrolled in 2025/2026 without the old entrance test.

A prediction that seemed bold, but has now proven accurate: the 2025/2026 academic year marks a true watershed for anyone dreaming of a healthcare career in Italy! You can put away the nightmare of multiple-choice quizzes that has haunted generations of students: the new system is a reality, and the numbers speak for themselves.

According to data from the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), a total of 54,313 students enrolled nationally in the open semester for Medicine and Surgery, ready to dive into courses starting September 1st. Adding the 4,473 enrolled nationally for Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics and the 6,039 for Veterinary Medicine, the count exceeds 64,000 future professionals who, starting this year, will no longer have to endure the "infamous" entrance test as it has been known for the past 25 years. A true army in the service of healthcare!

Important Update: More Than 64,000 New Enrolments Without the Old Test!

The admissions system for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine has changed radically for the 2025/2026 academic year. No longer a single multiple-choice test, but a filter semester based on university exam grades.

Most Popular University Locations for Medicine: Rome, Naples and Milan at the Top

As expected, some universities experienced a genuine rush for Medicine admissions. Sapienza University of Rome confirms its number-one position with 4,821 applications for Medicine alone, plus 314 for Dentistry. When you add the 1,200 from Tor Vergata, the capital surpasses 6,000 aspiring "white coats".

Close behind, with 3,113 enrolments, is Federico II University of Naples, consolidating its reputation for excellence. Third place is a head-to-head between Bologna with 2,674 enrolments and Padua with 2,658.

And in Milan? The city has always been a constant attraction hub for healthcare and biomedical professions. The University of Milan-Bicocca registered strong interest with 1,472 total applications for medical-area courses (including Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine), of which 1,268 directly through the UniMiB portal.

The University of Milan (Statale) recorded the highest number of enrolments nationally for Dentistry with 423 students and also led in Veterinary Medicine with 806 enrolments, confirming the appeal of the Lombardy capital for future doctors and healthcare professionals.

Lombardy's universities confirm their role as a strategic reference point for national medical training.

The New Open Semester: Selection Based on University Exams

The heart of the new reform, as established by the Ministry of University and Research, is the "open semester". Selection will no longer take place through an upfront quiz, but through the grades of written exams in three core subjects: Chemistry and Introductory Biochemistry, Physics and Biology. Each exam is worth 6 University Credits (CFU), for a total of 18 CFU to be earned by the end of the filter semester.

At the end of this period, students will take nationally identical exams, held simultaneously in two sessions: November 20, 2025 and December 10, 2025, as indicated by the MUR.

Each exam will consist of 31 questions per subject: 15 multiple-choice (with 5 options, one correct) and 16 completion questions. Students will have 45 minutes for each exam. Therefore, strategic preparation is necessary to demonstrate what you know with commitment and precision!

Watch Out for the Minimum Score!

To be eligible for the national ranking and have the chance to continue your chosen academic path into the second semester, you must achieve a score no lower than 18/30 on each individual exam.

Passing all exams is essential, as established by ministerial regulations.

National Medicine Ranking: The Path to Your Academic Future

Based on the scores obtained in these exams, students will be able to enter the national ranking, which will be published on January 12, 2026, as recently announced by the MUR. The grade will be expressed out of thirty, with the possibility of also earning honours (lode). In practice, you must pass all exams or face direct exclusion from the national ranking.

What if you don't gain access to the second semester of Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine? No problem! If you obtained at least 18/30 on each exam, you can continue your studies in the related course chosen at the time of enrolment on the Universitaly portal, with all CFU recognised, as provided by MUR regulations.

Alternatively, you can opt for another degree programme, and in that case the university's own regulations will determine how many credits are retained. The journey doesn't stop here!

Practical Tips for Filter Semester Preparation: Making the Most of August and CFU

August is not just a holiday month -- it will be the key period for laying the groundwork for filter semester preparation. Don't think you need to study fourteen hours a day... that path only leads to burnout.

Instead, it's about building a smart and sustainable strategy to best prepare for and pass the Chemistry and Introductory Biochemistry, Physics and Biology exams you'll face next semester.

Your Treasure Map: The Official Syllabus

The syllabus (exam programme) for Chemistry and Introductory Biochemistry, Physics and Biology is your precious guide. Don't just skim through it: study it thoroughly and use it as a genuine battle plan.

Below are some practical tips to help you structure your study:

• Detailed Breakdown: Identify the macro-topics and key words. Decipher the specific learning objectives for each section of the programme.
• Connecting the Material: Link the syllabus to your textbooks, notes and online resources. Create a work table to monitor topics, reference texts and progress.
• Smart Planning: Divide topics into smaller, more manageable micro-goals. Dedicate the right amount of time to each topic based on its length and complexity, and build a detailed study calendar that also includes breaks.

Strategies for Finding Materials and Sources

Preparing for the filter semester is not just about studying -- it's also about finding the right materials. Resources are plentiful, but knowing how to search for and evaluate them is essential. Here's how:

• Check the Official Study Plans: First, visit the websites of the universities you're interested in. Often, in the section dedicated to degree programmes (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine), you'll find the "Study Manifesto" and previous academic year programmes. Recommended textbooks are listed there.
• Use Shared Resources: Ask students who have already taken the exam or older relatives and friends studying scientific disciplines. They might share notes, lecture transcriptions or suggest useful manuals. Comparing notes with those who have already walked this path is a valuable resource.
• Use Library Loans: Don't underestimate the power of public libraries! Many offer inter-library loan services and have a vast section dedicated to university textbooks. It's a great way to study up-to-date books without having to buy them all.
• Always Verify Information: Since the filter semester is new, online resources or older notes may not be perfectly aligned with the new programmes. Always cross-reference information with the official MUR syllabus to make sure you're studying the correct topics.

For Effective Preparation: Active Recall and Winning Study Methods

Learning is an active construction process. The importance of active recall and a solid preliminary preparation lies in not passively "absorbing" information, but in constantly reworking it. Below, you'll find some of the best proven study and learning techniques to maximise your preparation.

Improve your study with these methods:

• Spaced Repetition and Active Recall: Use flashcards, turn chapter titles into questions and test yourself frequently with self-quizzes, both at the beginning and end of your study session.
• Explanation and Teaching (Feynman Technique): Try explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as if you were speaking to a child. If you get stuck, it means you haven't yet fully mastered the topic and need to go deeper. Discuss topics with a study partner.
• Mind Maps and Concept Diagrams: Organise topics into mind maps to visualise connections between concepts. Use flow charts to understand processes and sequences, or create comparison tables to aid comprehension and memorisation.
• Consistent Practice: Forget the study style that characterised your secondary school years. At university level, theory alone is not enough, especially for Physics and Chemistry. Solve as many exercises as possible and analyse every mistake to understand where to improve.
• Time Planning (Pomodoro Technique): Work in blocks of 25 minutes of intense study, followed by 5 minutes of rest, to improve focus and prevent mental fatigue.

CFU: Your Compass for Measuring Effort and Preparation

The three subjects of the open semester (Chemistry and Introductory Biochemistry, Physics and Biology) will give you a total of 18 CFU (University Credits).

In Italy, one CFU corresponds, by convention, to 25 hours of total student effort. This includes everything: lectures, seminars, tutorials and, above all, the time you dedicate to individual study and personal elaboration.

For the three subjects of the open semester, with 6 CFU each, the calculation is straightforward:

• 6 CFU per subject x 25 hours/CFU = 150 hours of effort per subject.
• This translates to a total of approximately 450 hours of study and teaching activities for the entire semester.

How to use CFU for your August planning (and beyond)

August is your strategic starting point. It is crucial to understand that it is neither realistic nor productive to try to "compress" all 450 hours of study for the open semester subjects into 31 days. An effort of nearly 15 hours a day would be unsustainable and lead you straight to burnout.

The real key is smart distribution of time, energy and study material... and consistency:

• August (The Foundation-Building Phase) — Use August to cover the solid foundations of the three open semester subjects. If there are topics you feel less confident about, this is the perfect time to catch up. Aim for consistent but sustainable study sessions: 4-6 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. This will allow you to accumulate a good number of hours and arrive at September with a solid base. Distribute the total 450 hours across the entire preparation period (August, September, October and early November). For example, over about 15 weeks, you'll end up with approximately 30 hours of study per week, a much healthier and more manageable pace.
• September and October (The Heart of Preparation) — With the start of the open semester, you need to gradually intensify the study pace and maximise the time available. Focus on deepening topics, solving many exercises and starting complete exam simulations.
• November and December (Final Review and Exam Training) — The weeks leading up to the open semester exams should be dedicated to a complete and rapid review of all topics and, crucially, to timed exam simulations to start maximising time management under anxiety and stress conditions.

Leverage Artificial Intelligence as a Study Assistant

Artificial Intelligence doesn't replace traditional study, but it can become a valuable ally. Use it to enhance your learning techniques and overcome the most difficult blocks.

• Simplified Explanations: If a Chemistry or Physics concept seems too complex, you can ask an AI to explain it more simply, using analogies or practical examples.
• Creating Diagrams and Summaries: Provide the AI with a text or a set of notes and ask it to generate a concept map, summary or bullet-point list of key topics. This helps you organise and visualise the information.
• Generating Questions and Quizzes: Ask the AI to create multiple-choice or open-ended questions based on a specific topic from the programme. This way you can self-assess and simulate part of the exam.
• Guided Exercise Resolution: If you have difficulty with a Physics problem or a chemical reaction, you can ask the AI to show you the step-by-step solution. Don't just copy the answer: analyse the procedure to understand the logic behind it.

Remember to consider AI as a tool for refining your knowledge, not as the primary source of study. Always verify the information and compare results with your textbooks, to ensure accurate and reliable preparation.

Want to Maximise Your Chances of Success in the Filter Semester?

The new system is an unprecedented challenge: out of 60,000+ enrolled students, only 15,000-20,000 will pass all three exams. Don't leave anything to chance!

Up to Ten's specialised tutors will guide you with a proven method to best tackle Biology, Chemistry-Biochemistry and Physics, with weekly simulations and personalised support.

Don't Forget to Enjoy the Summer! Balance Between Study and Relaxation

We know preparation is important, but remember: August is still August! Finding a balance between study and relaxation is vital for keeping motivation high and avoiding arriving "burnt out" at the open semester's challenges and exams.

• Plan Your Free Time: In your study calendar, consciously include time blocks for rest, leisure and activities that recharge you. A rested and happy mind learns much better.
• Really Disconnect: When you're not studying, don't think about it! Give yourself time with friends and family, pursue your hobbies, play sports or simply enjoy the sun.
• Smart Micro-Breaks: Even during study sessions, take short breaks every 45-60 minutes. Stand up, stretch your legs, drink a glass of water. This will help you recharge your concentration.

Best of luck for this new, exciting chapter of your healthcare training!

And remember, even a future doctor, dentist or veterinarian needs a great summer to recharge their batteries and face the challenges ahead -- not just those of the open semester, but especially those of the "white coat" profession.

FAQ

What changes with the new open semester compared to the old Medicine test?

The old entrance test consisted of a single multiple-choice quiz before courses began. The new system features a semester open to all, with selection based on grades in three university exams (Chemistry, Physics, Biology). The national ranking is published in January after the November-December exams.

What is the minimum score to access the national ranking?

You must achieve at least 18/30 in each of the three exams (Chemistry and Introductory Biochemistry, Physics, Biology). Those who do not pass all subjects are excluded from the national ranking, but can still continue studies in the related course chosen at enrolment.

How many study hours are needed to prepare for the filter semester?

The semester requires 18 total CFU (6 per subject), corresponding to approximately 450 hours of total effort. It is essential to distribute study over about 15 weeks, aiming for 30 hours per week for a sustainable pace. August is the ideal time to build foundations.

What happens if you don't pass the filter semester?

If you achieve at least 18/30 in all exams but don't gain access to Medicine, you can continue in the related course chosen at enrolment with full CFU recognition. Alternatively, you can change degree programmes and university regulations will determine how many credits to retain.