Lebanese student hoping to study Medicine in Italy in 2027: confused about IMAT, Pavia, Universitaly, documents & visa timeline

Hi everyone! I’m a Lebanese high-school student planning to apply for English-taught Medicine in Italy for the 2027–2028 academic year, with Pavia currently being one of my top choices.
I’m trying to understand the timeline because the Lebanese school year/exam schedule seems to make things complicated. I expect to finish school around June 2027, with the Lebanese official exams/diploma process extending into July.
I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through this process, especially international students or Lebanese students.
My main questions are:
• When should I start the application process for 2027 entry?
• When should I register for and take the IMAT?
• Can I apply/pre-enroll before I officially receive my Lebanese high-school diploma?
• How does the Universitaly pre-enrollment process fit into the timeline?
• What documents are normally required from a Lebanese high-school graduate, and which ones need translation/legalization?
• What does the Italian Embassy in Beirut require for the student visa, and when should I start that process?
• Is it realistic to graduate from school in July and still arrive in Italy in time to start Medicine in September/October?
• For Pavia specifically, is there anything I should prepare significantly in advance?
• How do tuition fees and regional scholarships work for international students? Is financial aid realistically accessible to a student from Lebanon?
• If you have personally gone through this process from Lebanon, what do you wish you had prepared earlier?
I’m especially interested in hearing from people who have actually gone through the process rather than general information from websites, because I’m finding different timelines everywhere 😭
Thank you!!