Medical colleges in Germany are globally recognized for their excellence in teaching and research. There is a wide range of specializations available to international students, such as public health, biomedicine, and much more. German medical universities offer world-class research facilities and highly experienced faculty. In 2021, the German Medical Association reported a significant boost in foreign doctors working in Germany’s healthcare system to 57,200 – an impressive number that marks a huge shift in medical personnel.
With a student population totalling nearly three million, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) report reveals that 350,000 of those are international students as of this past winter semester. According to the Wissenschaft Weltoffen 2022 report, Germany currently has the highest number of international students ever, with a staggering 8% increase from the previous year. While there are other countries that also offer great medical education, like Canada and also Australia – which has some top medical colleges, Germany is great choice for many reasons.
India is one of the major countries for international students. From 2017 to 2018, Indian student enrollment skyrocketed by 65%, now boasting a total of nearly 28,500 scholars.
The 5 key benefits of studying medicine in Germany are
1. Low tuition fees:
Compared to other countries, medical colleges in Germany have comparatively low tuition fees. Public universities offer medical courses free of cost.
2. World-class research facilities:
German medical colleges are considered some of the best research institutions in the world for medicine and healthcare technologies.
3. Excellent job prospects:
Graduates from medical colleges in Germany have excellent job opportunities, both domestically and abroad. The average salary for doctors in Germany is €65,000 /yr.
4. Hands-on experience:
German medical universities use state-of-the-art simulation technology to give students firsthand experience in a hospital setting.
5. Interdisciplinary approach:
Medical colleges in Germany take an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, combining academic theory with practical application.
Of significance to note about medical education in Germany is that bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes are not separated. To become a skilled medical practitioner, you will have to finish a gruelling six-year programme in German — so it’s essential that your language skills are up to the task.
Structure of medical degrees in Germany
After an intensive period of study lasting at least six years and three months, graduates in the field of human medicine may attempt to pass the state examination (Ärztliche Prüfung). Successfully passing this exam will grant them their official Licence to Practice Medicine (Approbation) – a crucial step towards becoming a certified medical professional.
The four stages of becoming a doctor in Germany include
- Stage 1: Pre-Clinical PhaseThis four-semester programme (two years) will introduce you to the foundational elements of natural sciences and medicine, ending with your initial medical licensing examination.
- Stage 2: Clinical PhaseThis phase of study lasts a total of six semesters or three years. It consists of foundational material taught through lectures, practical courses, and seminars as well as internships for hands-on experience.
- Stage 3: Practical Year
This one-year clinical education provides hands-on instruction in surgery, internal medicine, and an elective of your choice. It equips you with the essential skills to become a proficient practitioner for future endeavours.
- Stage 4: State ExaminationFinishing your medical degree in Germany requires one more step: acing the State Examination, a nationally recognised test. On successful completion of the test, you can apply for your medical license (Approbation).
Most publicly funded Germany medical colleges offer free tuition for medical programmes. This allows students the opportunity to focus on their studies without worrying about the financial burden of medical colleges in Germany’s tuition fees. Private Germany medical college fees are comparatively higher than public medical colleges but they often offer scholarships to eligible students.
To gain a study visa and attend one of the prestigious Germany medical universities, candidates must prove that they possess sufficient monetary resources to cover the expenses of studying in the country. Applicants are required to have 934 EUR per month or 11,208 EUR annually to cover the costs of tuition and living expenses in Germany.
To receive a student visa and attend one of the Germany MBBS universities, students are required to submit appropriate proof. Parental income statements, evidence of money held in an appropriately blocked account (“Sperrkonto”), or documentation showing the award of an accepted scholarship can be used to prove sufficient funds.
For those studying in Germany medical universities outside of Baden-Württemberg, there is only a nominal fee per semester that covers administrative and enrolment fees. In Germany’s Baden-Württemberg, non-EU students have to pay €3,000 as medical college fees.
As a student, you can anticipate having to spend around €10,200 per year in order to cover the cost of living which includes rent, health insurance, food and other expenses while studying at one of the Germany MBBS universities.
Germany is home to some of the world’s best medical universities, and many offer excellent tuition-free medical programmes for international students. Some of the best German medical universities for international students include:
Sr No |
University |
THE Rankings 2024 |
QS Ranking 2023 |
1 |
Universität Heidelberg |
47 |
29 |
2 |
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München |
38 |
44 |
3 |
Technical University of Munich |
30 |
59 |
4 |
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin |
94 |
68 |
5 |
Universität Hamburg |
136 |
124 |
6 |
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen |
NA |
125 |
7 |
Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg |
128 |
135 |
8 |
Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main |
201-250 |
138 |
9 |
Medizinische Hochschule Hannover |
NA |
151-200 |
10 |
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn |
91 |
151-200 |
11 |
Humboldt University of Berlin |
87 |
NA |
12 |
RWTH Aachen University |
90 |
201-250 |
13 |
University of Göttingen |
11 |
151-200 |
14 |
University of Cologne |
160 |
151-200 |
15 |
TU Dresden |
151 |
201-250 |
Please note: The QS Rankings for best medical colleges in Germany 2024 have not been released yet. This table will be updated as soon as the information is available.
Source: Heidelberg University
Established in 1386, Heidelberg University is an illustrious research institution that provides students with a wide range of courses to choose from. It cultivates a worldwide network of teaching and research collaborations, with 27 institutional partnerships and exchange arrangements connecting them to over 480 universities across the world. This impressive global reach demonstrates this medical university Germany’s commitment to fostering international relationships that facilitate learning, growth and innovation.
Why is it good to study here?
The HeiCuMed (Heidelberger Curriculum Medicinale) programme of study offers students an easily navigable and customisable course that meets their individual requirements. To ensure top-notch education, each semester’s teaching is supplemented with communications training and practice classes known as “SkillsLabs” that allow students to hone their medical investigation and procedure abilities.
Fees & Scholarship options
The fee for the MBBS degree programme is 5,000.00 € / Semester
- Amirana Scholarship
- Scholarships from the Attorney J.B. Göring Foundation
Eligibility and Duration
To apply for this six-year course, students must have a background in physics, chemistry, and biology with excellent school grades. When assessing qualifications from non-German countries, this MBBS university in Germany relies on the evaluation framework of the Central Office for Foreign Education (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen, ZAB).
Courses offered & admission process
To gain admission, prospective medical students can follow the process listed here.
- Dentistry
- Health Services Research and Implementation Science in Health System
- International Health
- Interprofessional Health Care
- Medical Biometry/Biostatistics/
- Medical Education
- Medicine (study location Heidelberg)
- Medicine (study location Mannheim)
- Medical Informatics
Source: Ludwig-Maximilians
Situated in the heart of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) has been a world leader in academia and research since its foundation in 1472. As one of Europe’s most distinguished universities, LMU continues to draw scholars and students from around the globe eager for cutting-edge knowledge that will help them shape our ever-changing world.
Why is it good to study here?
By establishing the Medical Curriculum Munich (MeCuM-LMU), LMU’s medical faculty has sought to revolutionize the learning and teaching of medicine. They have a global reputation for excellence in both academics and clinical practice making them one of the best medical colleges in Germany.
Fees & Scholarship options
Students are not required to pay any fee to pursue a degree in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmacy. However, all students are required to pay a fee of €152.30 for the Studierendenwerk (Munich Student Union) every semester.
Eligibility and Duration
To apply for this six-year course, students must have a background in physics, chemistry, and biology with excellent school grades and a working knowledge of both German and English. This medical university Germany may also require a personal statement, an interview and/or entrance tests.
Courses offered & admission process
Possibilities for international applicants are restricted due to the national allocation procedure. To apply to this MBBS university in Germany, students must submit the application to the LMU International Office. The university offers courses in
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary medicine
- Pharmacy
Source: Technical University of Munich
TUM, also known as the Technical University of Munich (Technische Universität München), is one of the most esteemed engineering universities in Germany. Established in 1868 and a member of the renowned group TU9, it has regularly been ranked amongst the top-rated learning facilities in Germany according to QS World University Rankings.
Why is it good to study here?
The TUM School of Medicine is a powerhouse for medical research in Germany and its accomplishments have been recognized worldwide making it one of the best universities to study medicine. In tandem with the university hospital, it stands as one of Germany’s foremost locations for life-changing discoveries.
TUM School of Medicine fosters a culture of confident collaboration between research, teaching and patient care that yields tangible results.
Fees & Scholarship options
The semester fee for international students in Munich, Garching and Weihenstephan is €152.30; Straubing is €62.00; and Heilbronn is €92.00. As one of the most acclaimed medical universities in Germany, it offers a remarkable opportunity for international students through the Scholarship Program.
This generous one-time grant provides recipients with access to up to €1500 per semester, enabling them to pursue higher education without financial constraints.
Eligibility and Duration
The medical course spans 6 years and is taught in German. Excellent command of the language, including reading and writing skills is a must for admission. To apply for the course, students have to demonstrate their academic qualifications with a high school diploma, relevant documents, and proof of German language proficiency.
Courses offered & admission process
After completing a pre-clinic training phase in collaboration with the Medical School of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, students are eligible to pursue their clinical study at TUM School of Medicine.
For international applicants, the process of applying to LMU begins with a direct application. Those who have yet to go through their federal medical exam should get in touch with LMU for further information and guidance.
- Studies of Human Medicine
- Radiation Biology
- Biomedical Neuroscience
- Medical Life Science and Technology
Source: Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
With nearly 9,030 students enrolled in degree courses at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the institution is one of the largest medical universities in Germany. Students are trained to provide exemplary care to those seeking medical assistance and partake in research activities designed to propel the healthcare system into a new era.
Why is it good to study here?
Charité students have a special chance to get involved in student councils and committees, empowering them to voice their thoughts on the advancement of teaching and learning.
Some noteworthy contributions from these initiatives include introducing the Revised Medical Curriculum in 1999 and accommodating new updates with the New Revised Medical Curriculum in 2010.
Fees & Scholarship options
Since Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is a public university, there are no tuition fees.
Eligibility and Duration
The duration of the medical and dentistry courses is 6 years. The eligibility criteria include good grades in math and science, German and English language proficiency level, and excellent communication skills.
See here for more.
Courses offered & admission process
International prospective students with a higher education entrance qualification have to apply via Uni-Assist e. V.
The courses offered include:
- Medicine (state examination)
- Dentistry (state examination)
- Health Care Sciences (BSc, MSc)
- Public Health (MSc)
- Epidemiology (MSc)
- International Health (MSc) – English
- Medical Neurosciences (MSc) – English
- Molecular Medicine (MSc) – English
Source: Universität Hamburg
Universität Hamburg stands out among German universities as an institution of excellence, renowned for its groundbreaking research. By fostering collaborative partnerships between academic and external organizations, the university is able to expand upon its knowledge base and provide students with invaluable learning experiences.
Why is it good to study here?
The faculty of Medicine at the University of Hamburg has created “Medicine – iMED”, a model learning path focused on scientific methods. This course aims to develop students’ critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills and their capacity to work independently while basing knowledge on evidence-based science.
Furthermore, this programme prepares future practitioners by honing practical capabilities and fostering psycho-social competencies.
Fees & Scholarship options
There are no tuition fees for Medical courses however students are required to pay a semester fee of €339.90.
Eligibility and Duration
The course duration for the MBBS course is 6 years and 3 months and the courses are conducted in German.
Courses offered & admission process
The university offers degrees in
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
The selection process for international applicants is based on a bonus point system. The detailed application process can be found here.
Source: University of Tübingen
With its roots tracing back to 1477, the Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen is a distinguished research university, renowned across Europe and beyond. It stands as an ideal destination for those seeking outstanding academic studies and pioneering research opportunities.
Why is it good to study here?
Established as one of the original four faculties at Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, the Faculty of Medicine has been a cornerstone of this esteemed German institution since its foundation. Boasting research and teaching area as well as non-clinical facilities, the University Hospital stands out among other medical training and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg due to its size.
Fees & Scholarship options
International students typically pay a tuition fee of €1,500 per semester and a general semester fee of €158.30. The university offers Deutschlandstipendium scholarships to gifted students.
Eligibility and Duration
The duration of the Medizin programme is 13 semesters and the course is conducted in German. To be eligible, students must have a higher education entrance exam qualification, good knowledge of the German language and excellent communication skills. The detailed criteria can be found here.
Courses offered & admission process
International applicants who wish to apply for Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy courses must apply through the ALMA online portal.
Source: Albert Ludwigs Univeritaet Freiburg
With a distinguished history that dates back to 1457, Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg has solidified itself among the world’s most prestigious institutions. Not only is it highly acclaimed for its teaching and research excellence, but it has also been witness to 23 Nobel laureates who have studied or taught at the university. Its reputation extends further with multiple awards won in national competitions, making this one of the top German universities for MBBS.
Why is it good to study here?
The University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine stands out for its commitment to excellence in medical education. Students benefit from highly innovative teaching plans and can learn in Germany’s most renowned groups of university hospitals. Each student has the ability to grow, learn, and develop in this stimulating environment.
Fees & Scholarship options
All international students pay a fee of €1,500 in addition to their semester fees of €161 to study MBBS at this college. This medical college provides the Deutschlandstipendium, a national scholarship programme that recognizes and rewards hard-working students.
Eligibility and Duration
Before embarking on their studies, international students are afforded the opportunity to take an introductory course in technical language. Students must have a higher education entrance qualification and good knowledge of the German language to be eligible and must fulfill other course requirements.
Courses offered & admission process
This medical college offers the following courses:
- Medicine
- Dental Medicine
- Molecular Medicine
- Nursing Science
- Midwifery Science
Interested students can apply online.
Source: Goethe University
Goethe University was established in 1914 as a remarkable “citizen’s university,” changing the face of higher education. It is a world-renowned research university with over 48,000 students.
It offers an array of academic programs and interdisciplinary approaches to address difficult issues, as well as diverse groups of research institutes that position it among the most prominent international German universities for MBBS.
Why is it good to study here?
Goethe University Frankfurt offers students an innovative and comprehensive medical degree program, providing them with the opportunity to gain knowledge in a variety of areas, including fundamental and clinical medicine. Its research-oriented structure also allows students to explore advanced topics in their field of study.
Fees & Scholarship options
Presently, the semester fee is around €360 for this MBBS college. Students can apply for the DAAD-Scholarships.
Eligibility and Duration
Non-EU applicants must demonstrate successful completion of both their University Entrance Qualification and the TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) in Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences. This exam is offered exclusively in the German language. The course duration is 6 years.
Courses offered & admission process
This German medical university offers courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy. Students can through www.uni-assist.de.
Source: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH) – more commonly known as Hannover Medical College – is situated in the beautiful state of Hannover and has a strong reputation for being one of Germany’s most distinguished medical schools. Established in 1965, it is an esteemed institution with noteworthy educational and clinical credentials.
Why is it good to study here?
The Hannover Medical School is renowned for its exceptional education, research and health care. This German medical university is dedicated to providing interdisciplinary, practical education through academic study and scientific research. At the cutting-edge Skills Lab Hannover (SkilLaH), hopeful medical professionals hone their skills in a range of treatments.
Fees & Scholarship options
International students are required to pay € 359.61 every semester. There are no scholarships available for medical studies.
Eligibility and Duration
The university requires a German language certificate with a proficiency level of A/A+ for all courses and exams in the fields of medicine or dentistry. The duration of the course is 6 years. Students are also required to have excellent academic credentials in science and math.
Courses offered & admission process
This medical university in Germany offers courses in the following fields:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Midwifery
- Biochemistry
- Biomedicine
- Biomedical Data Sciences
- European Master of Science in Midwifery
- Infectious Diseases and One Health (IDOH)
- Public Health
Non-EU student can apply through the central application agency UNI-ASSIST.
Source: University of Bonn
Founded in 1818 during the enlightened Age of Reason, the University of Bonn became renowned for its liberal values and emphasis on critical thinking. It is known for its excellence in research and teaching, as well as its commitment to international exchange.
Why is it good to study here?
The Human Medicine programme is designed to give students the knowledge and skills they need to become successful physicians, such as diagnostics and treatment of medical conditions. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of health promotion, disease prevention, and rehabilitation care.
Fees & Scholarship options
Although the University of Bonn is a public university, all students are still required to pay for their education through the social contribution fee. This mandatory semester fee amounts to 320.11€. Academically gifted students can apply for the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship.
Eligibility and Duration
The programme duration is 12 semesters or 6 years. The eligibility criteria are:
- Medical university in Germany entrance qualification
- German language proficiency (DSH level 2, CEFR level C1, as per DSH exam. regulations)
Courses offered & admission process
Students can apply online. The courses offered include
- Global Health Risk Management & Hygiene Policies (M.Sc.)
- Human Medicine (StEx.)
- Medical Immunosciences and Infection (M.Sc.)
- Midwifery Science, B.Sc.
- Dentistry (St.Ex.)
- Neurosciences (M.Sc.)
Apart from studying in Germany, you can also look at options of medical colleges in the UK, or other countries like Canada or Australia, in case you find the language in Germany to be an issue. Also, if you’re thinking about country options, you can know more about destinations in our comparative articles – like comparing Canada and Germany etc.
Navigating medical colleges in Germany can be daunting. TC Global’s team of experienced Student Advisors help students in the following ways:
1. Understanding the eligibility criteria
Medical colleges in Germany have very specific eligibility criteria for international students interested in pursuing medicine. The medical field in particular requires a certain academic level of proficiency in science and mathematics. It is important to have the right documents ready during your application process.
2. Researching Germany MBBS Universities
With TC Global’s support, students can narrow down their list of Germany MBBS Universities and courses to fit their personal interests and career goals.
3. Applying for admission and scholarships
The application process for Medicine in Germany is quite intensive and requires students to submit a wide range of documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. Our advisors help you build a competitive profile with extracurricular activities and language proficiencies that add value to your application. Germany has a range of scholarships available, and we can help you find the best-suited one.
4. Applying for a student visa
We guide you through the student visa process and provide detailed information on the documents required.
5. Finding accommodation
Our experienced team of student advisors can link you to the best accommodation options that suit your budget and needs. TC Global is committed to helping students pursue their dreams of studying Medicine in Germany. Contact our team of student advisors for more information. We would be glad to help you with your journey.
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