German universities offer medical degree programs with demanding admission requirements. In Germany, human medicine is generally taught as a State Examination program regulated by the Licensing Regulations for Physicians. International applicants should check each university’s current application route, language requirements, and rules for recognizing school-leaving qualifications before applying.
Before applying, it can also help to explore courses in Germany so you can compare available programs and better understand your study options. In this article, we will look at an some of the best German universities and university hospitals with medical programs.
Top Medical Schools in Germany
1. Heidelberg University
Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is Germany’s oldest university. Its Human Medicine program at the Heidelberg study location leads to the State Examination and lasts at least six years and three months.
2. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is a university hospital with four campuses and more than 100 clinics and departments. Its New Revised Medical Curriculum is based on new teaching and learning concepts and the need for practical medical experience.
3. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
For students interested in studying in Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich offers medicine through the Munich Medical Curriculum (MeCuM). LMU describes MeCuM as practice-oriented, with direct patient contact from the beginning of the course, communication training, and opportunities for scientific qualification.
In Munich, LMU and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) jointly organize preclinical medical training, which takes place largely at LMU. After passing the first section of the medical examination, students continue the clinical study phase at LMU or TUM according to the applicable allocation process.
4. Technical University of Munich
At the Technical University of Munich, students complete the clinical phase of the Human Medicine program after successfully passing the first section of the medical examination. The preclinical program is jointly organized by LMU and TUM and takes place largely at LMU. Students exploring related fields can also review engineering programs in Germany.
5. Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen
The Human Medicine program at Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen includes a longitudinal curriculum that connects preclinical and clinical studies. Its four parts are Skills, Clinical Routine, Communication (“iTüpFerl”), and Scientificity (“Tü-REX”).
6. Goethe University Frankfurt
The Human Medicine program at Goethe University Frankfurt is a German-language State Examination course with a standard period of study of 12.5 semesters. The Faculty of Medicine highlights research areas including cardiovascular medicine, neurosciences, oncology and immunology, and translational drug research.
7. Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
The Human Medicine program at the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg includes a six-year university course and a final Practical Year of 48 weeks. Students must also complete first-aid training, a three-month nursing service, a four-month clinical traineeship, and a medical examination taken in three parts. The standard period of study is six years and three months.
8. Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf
The Faculty of Medicine at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf offers Medicine and Dentistry programs that lead to the State Examination. The faculty is also responsible for master’s degree programs in Toxicology, Translational Neuroscience, and Molecular Biomedicine, as well as continuing education master’s programs in Endodontology and Public Health.
9. University of Cologne
The University of Cologne was founded in 1388, dissolved in 1798, and re-established in 1919. Its Faculty of Medicine lists five undergraduate study areas: Human Medicine Model Course of Study, which leads to the State Examination; Dentistry, which also leads to the State Examination; Neurosciences; Clinical Care; and Midwifery.
The faculty also lists related master’s degrees in Neurosciences, Advanced Nursing Practice, and Advanced Midwifery Practice. Its collaborations with other faculties and colleges include Biochemistry, Health Economics, Supply Sciences, the International Master of Environmental Sciences (IMES), and Drug Discovery & Development.
10. Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn
The Faculty of Medicine at the Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn lists Human Medicine and Dentistry programs that lead to the State Examination. Its additional programs include a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery Science and master’s degrees in Global Health Risk Management & Hygiene Policies, Medical Immunosciences and Infection, and Neurosciences. The Human Medicine program can only be studied in German.
FAQs About Studying Medicine in Germany
Can International Students Enroll in Medical Schools in Germany?
Yes, but admission is highly competitive, and the application route depends on the university and the applicant’s qualifications. International applicant quotas are not uniform nationwide. For example, the University of Freiburg states that non-EU citizens without a German school-leaving certificate compete for a quota of 5% of the available places in its Human Medicine program.
What is the Medical Curriculum Like in Medical Schools in Germany?
Human Medicine in Germany is generally a State Examination program rather than a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The national Licensing Regulations for Physicians govern the structure of medical training.
A preparatory year or Studienkolleg is not required for every international applicant. It is relevant when an applicant’s educational background does not qualify them for direct entry. After passing the Feststellungsprüfung, students can apply for eligible programs in the relevant subject area. You can learn more about the German education system before applying.
Medical education includes a six-year university course, with the final year consisting of a Practical Year of 48 weeks. Students must also complete first-aid training, a three-month nursing service, a four-month clinical traineeship, and the medical examination in three parts. The standard period of study is six years and three months.
Medical education continues to evolve. The institutions listed in this article illustrate the range of medical study options available in Germany. Before applying, review each university’s official program and admissions pages for the latest requirements. You can also explore funding options on our Germany Scholarships Page.
We hope this article on Germany’s 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 available courses in Germany for international students.
