Germany is the destination for many international students, as this country provides a high-quality educational environment. There are many internationally top-ranked universities in Germany that provide excellent facilities for international students. Every year, many students try to enter this beautiful country to study medicine. If you are also planning to study medicine in Germany, there may be many questions circulating in your mind. In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive guide on eligibility criteria, requirements, processes, and opportunities for studying medicine in Germany.
Medical education system in Germany: a breakdown
Here we are discussing only MBBS, not PG. The MBBS program in Germany has gained some fame worldwide because of its structured modules. If you want to study MBBS in Germany, then you need to go through four stages. These stages are the pre-clinical stage, clinical stage, practical year, and finally, the state examination. It takes six years and three months to fully complete the MBBS degree in Germany. At this point, we will discuss these four stages briefly.
Pre-clinical stage
The pre-clinical stage is a two-year course with four semesters. In this stage, students learn basic medical sciences. You have to complete subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology.
This phase concludes with written and oral assessment examinations.
Clinical stage
After completing the pre-clinical stage, students are promoted to the clinical stage, which is a three-year course containing six semesters. This stage includes theory classes, practical classes, hospital-oriented classes, and seminars. Students work with doctors and nurses in hospitals to serve patients.
Practical year
After completing the pre-clinical and clinical stages, you need to go through a practical year. This year, you will learn how to practice medicine. This practical year will help you from a job perspective.
State examination
The state examination is the final stage of your MBBS degree in Germany. You need to pass the examination to get a medical license, which later helps you to practice medicine and be recognized as a professional medical practitioner.
Requirements for studying medicine in Germany
Before applying for a medical program in Germany, you need to meet the requirements that German medical schools demand. The requirements are described below.
- You need to have a strong knowledge of the German language, which can be proven by TestDaf or DSH scores.
- Some medical schools want to see your secondary school leaving certificate.
- Strong knowledge of the English language is required.
- You need to have good grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in secondary exams.
- In some medical schools, you need to pass their TMS (Test for Medical Studies) exam.
- If you are from a non-EU country, then you require a student visa and residence permit.
- In some cases, you need to show that you can afford living expenses.
Leading medical universities in Germany
There are many top-class universities in Germany that stand out for their amazing facilities. Here are some of the top-ranked universities in Germany according to Global University Rankings, where you can apply:
- Heidelberg University
- Technical University of Munich
- Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
- University of Hamburg
- Hannover Medical School
- University of Freiburg
These universities are my suggestions. However, I encourage you to research to find the best university for you.
Application process for medical studies in Germany
The government of Germany has made a policy on the application process for medical studies. The process varies for EU students and non-EU students. The process is described for each category of students below.
Application Process for EU Students
For EU students, the steps are:
- First of all, register on the Foundation for University Admissions website.
- After registration, students need to submit their academic transcripts, German language proficiency certificates, and other necessary documents to the portal.
Application Process for Non-EU Students
For non-EU students, the process is different:
- Non-EU students have to apply through Uni-Assist.
- Students need to ensure that their chosen university is included in Uni-Assist.
- Then submit academic transcripts, German language proficiency certificates, and proof of financial capability through Uni-Assist or the university website.
- After that, they will receive a confirmation message.
Financial considerations for medical students in Germany
For public universities, you only have to pay the semester fee. The fee is around 300 euros. If you are from a non-EU country, you may have to pay slightly more than EU students. If you choose a private university, then you have to pay much more than public ones.
| University Type | Fees per Semester |
| Public | 200-300 euros |
| Private | 1000-5000 euros |
Funding opportunities for medical students in Germany
You already know that a student needs to spend approximately 10,000 euros per year. This is a significant amount indeed. Not everyone has the capacity to bear this huge amount, so there are some funding opportunities available. Among them, the DAAD scholarship is a renowned one. If you have an excellent academic record, then look for this funding opportunity.
Another funding opportunity is the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarship. This helps students who have leadership qualities and an interest in the economic and political fields.
Cost of Living
The cost of living depends on the location of your university and your spending habits. Recent statistics show that an international student spends approximately 10,000 euros per year. So, if you are thinking of migrating to Germany, be ready to spend that amount.
Working as a physician in Germany
After passing the state examination of your MBBS degree, you will get a license, which allows you to practice medicine in Germany. EU students do not need a work permit, but those from non-EU countries need to extend their residence permit to practice medicine in Germany.
In recent years, there has been a shortage of doctors in Germany. If you practice medicine in this country, you will surely receive a handsome salary. The average salary of a junior doctor in Germany is approximately 45,500 euros per year.
Conclusion
Germany is a highly advanced country with rich facilities. Every year, many students enter this beautiful country to lead a happy life. As there is a shortage of doctors, you should not miss the chance to experience its facilities.
