German medical schools and universities have a high academic reputation in Europe and globally, with several institutions consistently in high positions in various university world rankings. As competitive as the schools are, the more competitive are their standards in accepting students, especially the foreign ones.

In this article, we will be looking at the best medical schools in Germany that admit international students.

Can International Students Enroll in Medical Schools in Germany?

Yes, definitely but being accepted into a German medical school is hard. Most schools only allocate 5% of their student population to international students outside the European Union. If you are thinking that there is no harm in trying, then the following are the basic requirements that most medical schools require:

  • Proficiency in the German and English Language: Teaching medical courses are mostly done in German, so excellent German skills are necessary, preferably at the C1 level. Although most classes are in German, being adept in English is needed for reading scientific papers.
  • Secondary school-leaving certificate from a school with equal to German A-levels
  • Excellent grades in Science-related subjects, especially in biology and chemistry.
  • A high GPA, since most schools accept students belonging to the highest GPA percentile.
  • Some schools also require that you take the TestAS examination before application.

Most German medical schools accept international students, including top institutions like the University of HeidelbergLudwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, and the University of Tubingen.

Find Out: How to Study in Germany for Free

What is the Medical Curriculum Like in Medical Schools in Germany?

Medical programs in Germany are not part of the bachelor’s or master’s system. And unlike other medical curricula in other countries, you need to take a pre-medicine course before entering German medical schools. German students can take a medical degree directly after high school, but that is not the case for international students who need to take a preparatory year or Studienkolleg in German.

This preparatory year or Studienkolleg helps non-German students with their language skills and prepares them for medicine. At the end of the Studienkolleg, the students will have to take the Feststellungsprüfung, which will serve as a ticket to the German higher education system. The medicine program in Germany usually takes six years and three months to complete and consists of three stages. Here is an example of how the curriculum looks at the University of Heidelberg:

The Pre-clinical (Vorklinik) or the first stage of the medicine program consists of four semesters for two years. In this stage, the students learn the theoretical foundation of medicine, such as Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body, Biochemistry, Biology, and more. They will also have a three-month internship as a nurse; some schools require their students to undergo one before entering the first stage. There will also be first-aid training. At the end of the stage, the students will have to take the Physikum, or the first section of the medical licensing examination to proceed to the next phase.

The next three years will be the Clinical (Klinik) or second stage which has six semesters. The clinical study is longer as it contains the core medical subjects, followed by a four-month internship at a hospital and outpatient medical facility, and ends with the Hammerexamen or second section of the medical licensing examination. They call it Hammerexamen because the exam feels like being hit by a hammer.

The Practice year (PJ) is the last year of the medical program with two semesters. It focuses on the actual clinical training or on-the-job experience in a clinic or hospital in internal medicine, surgery, and one elective subject. The third and final examination is called Staatexamen, which consists of oral and practical assessment.

After completing the medical program, the individual is now a licensed physician and can work in health-related fields, but they can not treat patients without a specialization. The specialist training or residency usually takes 5-6 years and will have a specialist medical examination to complete. Graduates can also opt to continue Doctoral studies (1-3 years), where they will be required to write a doctoral thesis. 

Click Here to See: The Steps to Become a Medical Doctor in Germany

Top Medical Schools in Germany

1. Heidelberg University – Faculty of Medicine

Founded in 1386, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, or Heidelberg University, has more than 600 years of expertise in medical education and research, therefore, making it the oldest university in Germany. The institution is also recognized by international bodies as the best medical school in Germany, with internationally renowned research facilities; one of them is the German Cancer for Research which has won multiple Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Medicine. Heidelberg University is always open for local and foreign student applications for their medicine program.

2. Charity-University Medicine Berlin – Faculty of Medicine

The Charity-University Medicine Berlin is a University Hospital owned by the Federal State of Berlin that offers teaching and research, besides providing care and treatment and treatment for most German patients. These services that the university has allowed them to have an abundant source of experience and expertise. The University Hospital has four campuses and approximately 100 clinics and departments for all aspects of modern medical practice. The Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin also caters to international students.

3. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich – Faculty of Medicine

For the past 500 years, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, another top medical school in Germany, has been awarded multiple University of Excellence certifications. Located at the center of Munich, Germany, the university offers numerous degrees and medical programs. However, studying medicine in Munich is a lot more complicated. In the pre-clinical stage of the program, the students will be given admission to both LMU Munich and the Technology University of Munich (TUM). The first stage follows the Medical Curriculum of Munich (MeCuM) by LMU in cooperation with TUM’s medical department. However, the whole discussion and laboratory activities occur in LMU facilities.

After the first section of the medical examination is completed, the students can choose between LMU and TUM to continue the clinical and practice stages. To help you choose between the two competitive medical schools, the LMU utilizes the MeCuM concept, which is key-symptoms-related based on Harvard Medical School teaching methods accompanied by longitudinal courses in preparation for the practical stage.

4. Technical University of Munich – School of Medicine and Health

The Technical University of Munich is an entrepreneurial university with 178 degree programs covering engineering to medicine. However, you have to take the pre-clinical stage of their medical program at LMU. Only after passing the first stage in LMU can you continue the second or clinical phase in TUM. At this one of the best medical schools in Germany, the clinical study uses the mediTUM model that, unlike the MeCuM offered by the LMU, is organ-related with intensive block internships and mentoring programs.

Check Also: Technical University of Munich Admission Process

5. Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen – Faculty of Medicine

The Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen is distinguished for its excellence in infection and cancer research and machine learning. Its faculty of medicine is also one of the largest in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The teaching methods employed in the school follow the longitudinal curriculum that consists of four parts: skills, clinical routine, communication iTüpFerl, and scientific Tü-REX. International students are always welcome to enroll as the school values cultural diversity.

6. Goethe University Frankfurt – Faculty of Medicine

Goethe University Frankfurt, one of the best German medical schools, is situated at the heart of Europe. Its Faculty of Medicine is acclaimed internationally for its research in cardiovascular medicine, neurosciences, oncology/immunology, and translational drug research. The Goethe University Frankfurt also accepts international students through Uni-assist. Uni-assist is a platform that acts as a bridge that connects international students to their desired German schools.

7. Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg – Faculty of Medicine

Unlike the previous best medical schools in Germany, the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg medical program only consists of two phases. The first phase will focus on the theories and fundamentals of medicine in its four semesters. The second phase, with six semesters, will be intensive practical courses and an internship year. The students also have an option to join their exchange program to be globally competitive.

8. Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf – Medical Faculty

The Faculty of Medicine at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf was established to provide solutions to the challenges found in various parts of medicine. The school encourages expert teaching, studying, and research in health sciences and sciences connected to medicine. The institution is also recognized as one of the institutes contributing to the improvement of medical practices and welfare through successful research and the transfer of medical knowledge through innovative collaboration, professional training, competent staff, and modern technology and facilities.

As one of the leading medical schools in Germany, the school continues to offer impactful studies and produce leaders in the medical field by providing students with theoretical and practical training through its degree programs in Medicine, Dentistry, and M.Sc. in Toxicology, Public Health, and Endocrinology. It also offers graduate studies in neurosciences hepatology, tumor research, cardiovascular research, neurosciences, surgery, infectiology & immunology, and metabolism research.

Through its studies, the school continues to emphasize training students to be some of the best minds in medicine who develop ideas needed to improve the medical sectors through proper scientific methods, teamwork, and good communication.

9. University of Cologne – Faculty of Medicine

The University of Cologne was first established in 1388 before it was closed down in 1798 and then reopened in 1919. The university is now one of the most prestigious research universities in Germany and one of the largest. Its Faculty of Medicine is one of the best in the country, thanks to its international standard curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and current medical technology. The school boasts some of the best professors in the field of medicine who have also made groundbreaking discoveries that have changed the state of medicine globally.

The school offers bachelor’s degrees in Clinical Nursing, Neuroscience, Health Economics, Biochemistry, and Clinical Care. It provides master’s programs in Drug Discovery & Development, Neuroscience, Health Economics, and Supply Science. Then there are also Doctorate programs and the International Master of Environmental Sciences (IMES), an interdisciplinary course study program that covers courses from other faculties, including Medical faculty and Mathematics.

10. Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn – Medical Faculty

Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn is one of Germany’s oldest institutes, it is also one of the most prestigious and well-celebrated schools. The school has several faculties, including the faculty of medicine, which is committed to delivering outstanding education in basic science and other aspects of medicine. Students are trained to become competent physicians who can meet national and international standards and produce research work that can contribute to the growth of medicine.

The school offers programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can obtain a bachelor’s degree in Midwifery Science, a master’s degree in Global Health Risk Management & Hygiene Policies, Medical Immunosciences & Infection, and Neurosciences. The school offers State Examinations in Dentistry and Human Science as well as international master’s degree programs in Neuroscience and Immunology and a consecutive master’s degree program in Global Health. Medical programs in this institution are scientifically based, research-oriented, and carried out using the best facilities, making learning at the institute exciting and impactful.

11. University of Gottingen – Faculty of Medicine

Another well-established German university that offers top medical programs is the University of Gottingen. It was established in 1737 and its Faculty of Medicine, which serves as part of its school of medicine, was one of the first faculties to be created. Today it is one of the largest institutes and the best research-oriented academic facilities in the country. The school provides students with the skills, attitude, and knowledge needed to provide patients with the best care and ensure medical progress.

Students have the opportunity to study courses relating to Human Science and Dental medicine. Aspiring students can obtain a Bachelor’s, Master’s degree, and Ph.D. in molecular medicine and a Master’s degree in Cardiovascular Science. The school prioritizes the acquisition of practical skills, which led to the establishment of the Student Training Center for Medical Practice and Simulation (STAPS). Here, students can practice the basic skills expected from a physician. In addition, students can practice clinical procedures at the school teaching hospital to have a more realistic experience.

12. University of Munster – Faculty of Medicine

The University of Munster, Faculty of Medicine, is one of the leading research universities in the country. The school is known for its excellent research and teaching environment and its impressive in-depth clinical and scientific training. The school is also unwavering in producing some of the best minds in medicine and has continuously hired top scientists and medical practitioners to guide students into becoming the best in the various aspects of medicine.

The University of Munster, Faculty of Medicine offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees related to Human Medicine and Dentistry. These courses are designed to aid in developing good interpersonal communication skills of medical practitioners, which would enable them to understand the condition of their patients and diagnose them correctly and also make them competent researchers whose experience in medical studies can help improve the state of medicine.

13. University of Ulm – Medical Faculty

The University of Ulm has one of the exceptional medical schools in Germany. It was established in 1967, and it is Baden-Württemberg’s youngest institute. The university’s Faculty of Medicine has some of the best doctors and scientists who have contributed majorly to science and medicine at the international level. The school is also well known for providing high-quality academic and practical instruction.

It provides courses of study in Molecular Medicine, Human Medicine, Molecular & Translational neuroscience, and Dental Medicine. Students also have the option of obtaining a Bachelor’s degree and furthering their education through a Master’s program or Doctorate. Each program offers intensive patient orientation and theoretical and practical clinical content handled by trained lecturers who ensure students are well-supervised.

 

The medical world keeps improving every day. These are some of the higher institutions responsible for molding the minds of those at the forefront of the progress this sector has experienced, making them some of the best medical schools in Germany. If you want to attend medical school in Germany, these schools offer the best programs and other opportunities. Also, take the opportunity to apply for scholarships while studying in Germany! Head on over to our Germany Scholarships Page for more details about scholarship opportunities!

 

We hope this article on Germany’s best medical schools was insightful. Get access to more information about studying in the country by heading to our Study in Germany Page! If you are interested in exploring the available program opportunities in Germany for international students, check out these open courses!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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