Germany is one of the most established places to study medicine. Apart from having well-regarded universities and sophisticated facilities, public universities in most federal states charge little or no tuition for many degree programs. However, students still pay semester contributions, and some states or private programs charge tuition. For example, many non-EU/EEA students at public universities in Baden-Württemberg pay €1,500 per semester, while private medical programs can cost much more.
As with other countries, studying medicine in Germany can be challenging. But worry not, as we will go over the steps so that you can be successful in this exciting journey.
1. What are the requirements to study medicine in Germany?
Foreigners who wish to study medicine in Germany generally need to submit or prove the following:
- A secondary school leaving certificate that is equivalent to a German university entrance qualification, or completion of a recognized preparatory route if the certificate is not sufficient for direct entry
- Very strong grades, especially in science-related subjects such as biology, chemistry, and math
- Proof of German language proficiency for German-taught medical programs, often at around C1 level depending on the university
- Any additional documents, aptitude tests, or selection criteria required by the university or the national admissions procedure
Students who obtained their A-levels or equivalent school-leaving certificates in Germany, the EU, the EEA, or at German schools abroad usually apply for the first semester of medicine through Hochschulstart. Hochschulstart coordinates applications for nationwide admission-restricted programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmacy.
Non-EU applicants should always check the exact procedure at their chosen university. In some cases, applications are handled directly by the university; in others, documents may be checked through Uni-Assist or a preliminary review documentation process.
Grades remain very important; however, it is not the only criterion. In the central allocation procedure for medicine, the main quotas are the Abiturbestenquote, the Zusätzliche Eignungsquote, and the Auswahlverfahren der Hochschulen. This means that, depending on the quota and university, results from a subject-specific aptitude test, vocational training, interviews, volunteer work, or other grade-independent criteria may also matter.
One common aptitude test is the Test for Medical Studies, known in German as the Test für Medizinische Studiengänge or TMS. The TMS is a German-language, subject-specific aptitude test used by many medical faculties in their selection procedures. The central TMS coordination office is located at the Heidelberg Medical Faculty.
2. In what language do you study medicine in Germany?
Most medical programs at German public universities that lead to the German Staatsexamen are taught in German. For that reason, international applicants usually need strong German skills, often around C1 level, although the exact proof required varies by university.
There are also English-taught options, especially at private or international medical campuses. For example, UMFST-UMCH in Hamburg offers a six-year medical degree program with classes in English and clinical training in German or Spanish teaching hospitals. UMFST-UMCH states that no prior German knowledge is required before starting its program. However, students who want to work as doctors in Germany later should expect to need strong German and medical German for licensing and patient care.
3. Can you study medicine in Germany as an international student?
Yes. International students can apply to study medicine in Germany, but admission is highly competitive. German-taught public university programs usually require a recognized university entrance qualification and advanced German. English-taught medical options exist, but they are usually offered through private or international programs and may have different tuition fees, admissions procedures, and licensing pathways.
4. What are the components of the medical curriculum in Germany?
The standard German medical program lasts six years and three months and leads to the state medical examination. It includes university study, first aid training, a three-month nursing service, four months of clinical traineeship, a 48-week practical year, and a medical examination in three sections.
International students whose school qualifications are not recognized for direct entry may need to attend a Studienkolleg before applying. This preparatory course usually lasts one year, or two semesters, and ends with the Feststellungsprüfung, a university qualification exam that can allow students to apply for undergraduate study in a specific subject area.
Pre-Clinical Phase
The first two years usually constitute the pre-clinical phase, or Vorklinik. Students focus on the scientific foundations of medicine, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, physics, medical psychology, and medical sociology.
Students also begin developing communication and patient-related skills, depending on the university’s curriculum. Lessons are taught through lectures, seminars, practical courses, laboratory work, and small-group teaching. Students must also complete a three-month nursing service before or during the early part of the program.
After the pre-clinical phase, students take the First Section of the Medical Examination, commonly known as the Physikum. This exam is normally taken after two years of medical study.
Clinical Phase
The next three years are generally the clinical phase. Students study diseases, diagnostics, treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and clinical decision-making across medical specialties. Depending on the university, they may cover subjects such as internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, pathology, ophthalmology, dermatology, pharmacology, radiology, and emergency medicine.
During this stage, students must also complete four months of clinical traineeship, known as Famulatur. These placements give students practical experience in hospitals, outpatient care, medical practices, or other approved health care settings.
After five years of study, students take the Second Section of the Medical Examination, which is a written exam taken before the practical year.
The final year is the Praktisches Jahr, or practical year. It lasts 48 weeks and is usually divided into three 16-week rotations: Internal Medicine, Surgery, and one elective clinical subject. After this, students take the Third Section of the Medical Examination, an oral-practical exam.
A thesis is not required to receive the German medical license. However, students who want to use the academic title Dr. med. must complete a separate doctoral process under the rules of a medical faculty.
5. How difficult is it to study medicine in Germany?
Because Medicine is subject to nationwide admission restrictions in Germany, getting into a medical school can be difficult. Applicants need excellent academic preparation, and many universities also consider additional criteria such as aptitude test results, vocational training, interviews, or relevant practical experience.
Non-EU applicants do not always take part in the same Hochschulstart selection procedure as German, EU, and EEA applicants. Some universities reserve a separate quota for non-EU applicants with foreign school-leaving certificates. For example, the University of Freiburg states that non-EU citizens without a German school-leaving certificate apply directly through the university and are allocated places through a quota of 5% of available spaces.
Medical education itself is demanding. Students should expect a heavy workload, mandatory in-person teaching, many exams, independent study, clinical placements, and a final sequence of state examinations. Still, Germany’s structured curriculum and close integration with university hospitals give students a clear path from pre-clinical study to supervised clinical practice.
6. What do you need to become a doctor after you study medicine in Germany?
After completing the medical program and passing all three sections of the Medical Examination, graduates can apply for Approbation, the German license to practice medicine. Graduates can apply for licensure after the final state examination if they meet the legal requirements.
To receive Approbation, applicants must meet the requirements set by the relevant state authority. These typically include completion of the required medical education, suitability for medical practice, and no conduct that would make the applicant unworthy or unreliable to practice medicine. Doctors must hold a valid Approbation or temporary professional permit to practice medicine in Germany.
Afterward, many doctors enter specialist training, known as Facharztausbildung. This training is regulated by the state medical chambers and varies by specialty, but it commonly lasts around five to six years. Doctors in specialist training work as paid assistant doctors and complete a specialist examination before receiving recognition as a medical specialist.
Physicians also have the option to pursue doctoral studies and earn the title Dr. med. The doctorate is academic and optional; it is not required for medical licensure or specialist training. Requirements vary by faculty but generally involve an independently written dissertation, supervision, review, and completion of the faculty’s doctoral procedure.
Germany is an excellent destination for international students seeking to pursue a career in medicine, especially for those who can meet the language, academic, and admissions requirements. With respected universities, strong clinical training, and a regulated path to medical licensure, studying medicine in Germany can provide a rigorous and rewarding experience. If you’re ready to become one of them, check out this list of best universities in Germany for international students and get ready for your studies abroad.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, check out the Available Courses in Europe for International Students and the Europe Scholarships Page.
