While the idea of pursuing an MS in Germany is more popular and straightforward, the undergraduate admission process in Germany, and especially medicine, is comparatively a complex process. Here is all you need to know about MBBS in Germany.
Undergraduate Studies in Germany
Germany is fast emerging as a sought-after destination for students from all corners of the globe. At present, Germany is the 3rd most popular study abroad destination for international students.
Germany is a dream destination for any STEM and medicine aspirants. With 80 Nobel laureates including such as Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, Robert Koch, Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, and Harald Zur Hausen in natural sciences and medicine alone, Germany basks in glory as a land of possibilities and excellence.
MBBS in Germany
Eligibility, Application Process, Top Universities, and Costs
By K C Raj
Germany is one of the top five education destinations for Indian students. Every year, thousands of Indians go to Germany to pursue professional courses in different fields. Among these, medical degree programs are particularly more popular due to their high-class quality, enormous scope, and affordability. Besides, a total of 32 German institutes feature in the QS Global World University Rankings for Medicine.
So, if you are planning to study MBBS abroad, Germany is one great option to consider. Given below is a comprehensive overview of the medical education offered in Germany:
Medical Education Structure in Germany
Unlike India, medical degree courses in Germany are not classified into bachelors and masters. Here, the entire medical training program spans six years and three months, after which the students are required to pass a nationalized examination to obtain the medical license. In order to complete MBBS in Germany, you need to clear the following stages:
1. Pre-clinical Stage
This stage comprises an introductory medical course of two years (4 semesters). During this course, you will learn about the fundamental concepts of human anatomy and related subjects. The pre-clinical stage ends with the first licensing examination.
2. Clinical Stage
This is the major phase of medical education in Germany. In the clinical stage, you are taught through seminars, hospital visits, and lectures. You may also take up a particular specialization in this stage. The duration of the clinical-stage is three years.
3. Practical Year
The practical phase involves one year of training in different aspects of internal medicine, surgery, and an elective subject.
4. State Examination
This is the last step to acquiring a medical degree in Germany. In this stage, you are required to pass a standardized examination which will qualify you for the post of certified physician or doctor.
Some students also take up a doctoral thesis in their third or fourth year so as to gain the title of ‘Dr. Med’ after the final examination.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Germany
Language Requirements for MBBS in Germany
The foremost requirement for studying medicine in Germany is your knowledge of the German language. As the complete medical course is delivered in German, you will need to prove your proficiency through a German language test like DSH or TestDAF.
Most German medical universities require a Level 4 in all TestDaf sections at the minimum. Other German proficiency tests accepted at German medical schools are Deutsche Sprachprufung fur den Hochschulzugang (DSH), Geothe Certificate, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS), Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS).
Other Requirements
- Possess a class 12th certificate from a recognized board.
- Must have completed class 12th with biology, physics, and chemistry.
- Must have a student visa and residence permit.
- Must be good in English to understand specialist literature.
Entrance Tests (Only for Selected Universities)
Apart from the above-mentioned criteria, certain universities may require you to clear their entrance test. Usually, applicants need to appear for TestAS or Test for Medical Studies.
Non-EU students, including Indian students, might need to attend the Studienkolleg (one-year preparatory course) and sit the Feststellungsprüfungexam.
Top Medical Universities in Germany
While several universities in Germany provide courses in medicine and related fields, it is always a good idea to shortlist a few based on your suitability and personal preferences. There are 43 medical universities and schools in Germany. Listed below are the top 10 medical education institutes in Germany:
- Lübeck University
- Heidelberg University
- Magdeburg University
- RWTH Aachen University
- Witten/Herdecke University
- Leipzig University
- Tubingen University
- Freiburg University
- Hannover Medical School
- Munster University
Cost of Studying Medicine in Germany
Most of the medical universities in Germany are public and, thus, tuition-free, except in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Hence, in general, all you need to cover is the admission fee and similar administrative costs. These are usually less than €250 per semester. On the other hand, private universities charge a total fee in the range of €50,000-100,000.
So, if you are studying in a public university in Germany, your expenses mainly include the costs of living in the country. Depending upon your lifestyle, hobbies, and other preferences, your monthly expenses are likely to vary between €750 to €850. However, if you can avail the option of on-campus stay, you will need to pay €400-600 per year for the hostel and mess. On-campus accommodations definitely prove a better and more economical option but are available on a first-come-first-serve basis only.
Related Articles:
MBBS Abroad for Indian Students – Top Countries, Costs and Eligibility
MBBS in the UK – Eligibility, Application Process, Cost & Top Universities
Career Prospects after MBBS in Germany
Once you are granted the medical license to operate as a doctor, you can practice anywhere across Germany. There is a huge demand for doctors in the country, especially in its rural areas. You can start your own clinic or work in German medical centers. In Germany, the initial salary package of medical graduates is comparatively higher than that of professionals of other fields. Here, the average annual salary of doctors is around €49000.
Further, German hospitals and healthcare centers are equipped with modern technology tools and world-class facilities and extend lucrative career growth to medical specialists.
Lastly, Germany is known for its warm and hospitable attitude towards international students. Not surprisingly, Indians form the third-largest group of international students in the country. However, if you aspire to study MBBS in Germany, you must prepare well to clear the competitive admission process of the desired medical university.
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Author Bio:
K C Raj is a career counselor and recruiter with many years of experience. He is interested in topics like human development, education, immigration, inequality, and many other international issues. K C Raj is a socialist in thinking and believes in the “One Nation, One World” theory. You can connect with K C Raj on LinkedIn.
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