How to Study Medicine in Germany as an International Student
TL;DR
- Studying medicine in Germany is tuition-free at most public universities, but admission is extremely competitive, especially for international students.
- You will need an excellent high school grade equivalent to a German Abitur of around 1.0–1.3, German language proficiency at C1 level, and likely a strong TestAS score.
- Non-EU students typically apply directly to universities or through uni-assist, not through Hochschulstart.
- If your school-leaving certificate is not recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur, you may need to attend a Studienkolleg first.
- The medical degree in Germany takes about 6 years and 3 months. It is taught entirely in German and ends with a state examination.
- There are 43 medical faculties in Germany, almost all of them public.
How Medicine Works
Medicine in Germany is officially called Humanmedizin (Human Medicine), a term you will frequently encounter on university websites and application portals. It is not a Bachelor's or Master's degree but a state examination course called Staatsexamen. You enter medical school directly after high school or equivalent, with no separate "pre-med" stage.
The full course takes about 6 years and 3 months and is divided into:
- Pre-clinical phase (4 semesters) covering anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and more
- First state exam (Physikum) after 2 years
- Clinical phase (6 semesters) with hospital rotations
- Final practical year (Praktisches Jahr)
- Second and third state exams
After passing all exams, you receive your medical license (Approbation) to practice as a physician in Germany.
All medical instruction in Germany is in German. There are no public universities offering a full medical degree in English. A few private institutions offer English-taught programs.
Why It's So Competitive
Medicine is among the most competitive courses in Germany. There are far more applicants than available spots. For example, Charité Berlin received about 25,500 applications for just 325 places in a recent winter semester.
The Numerus Clausus for medicine in Germany typically sits around 1.0 to 1.2. This does not mean the course is harder to study than others. It simply reflects that demand massively outstrips supply.
A low NC does not guarantee difficulty of study. It means there are far more applicants than places. You need near-perfect grades to even be considered.
Most German universities reserve about 5% of medical study places for non-EU international students. This makes the competition among international applicants especially intense.
Admission Requirements
High School Qualification
Your school-leaving certificate must be recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur. Germany's Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) evaluates foreign qualifications, and the anabin database lists the requirements for each country and educational system.
There are three possible outcomes:
- Direct admission — your certificate is fully recognized. You can apply straight to universities.
- Subject-restricted admission — your certificate qualifies you for specific subjects, possibly with conditions like required subjects or test scores.
- Not directly recognized — you will need to attend a Studienkolleg first.
Do not assume that "12 years of schooling" is enough. The ZAB has compared the curriculum of secondary schools around the world against the German Abitur. Each country has specific requirements. Always check anabin or contact the university directly.
For example, if you have British A Levels, the specific requirement for medicine is: 3 A Levels from Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Computer Science, with excellent grades. Extra A Levels beyond these three are not considered.
Language Requirements
You will need C1-level German to study medicine. Accepted certificates include:
- TestDaF (level 4 in all sections)
- DSH-2 or DSH-3
- Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or C2
- telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
You can obtain your German certificate anywhere in the world. It does not have to be from a German institution located in Germany. However, it should be ALTE-certified.
Medicine is taught entirely in German. Even with C1, many international students report struggling with the volume and complexity of medical terminology. Aim as high as you can, and ideally reach C2 before starting.
TestAS
The TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) is a standardized aptitude test for international applicants. Many universities require or strongly recommend it for non-EU applicants.
Key facts about TestAS:
- It tests general cognitive abilities and subject-specific aptitude
- For medicine, choose the Medicine and Natural Sciences module
- It can be taken in German or English
- A good TestAS score can significantly improve your application
- It is available at test centers worldwide
- Results are valid for 2 years
Your university application is often evaluated using a combination of your converted high school grade (HZB grade) and your TestAS result.
Prepare thoroughly for the TestAS. A strong score can compensate for a grade that is not quite perfect. Many successful international medical students credit their TestAS preparation as a key factor.
TMS vs. TestAS
You may come across the TMS (Test für Medizinische Studiengänge), which is used by many German universities to award bonus points for medical admissions. However, non-EU citizens are generally not allowed to take the TMS. The TestAS is the equivalent for international applicants.
Some universities, like Magdeburg, also use the HAM-Nat (Hamburg Natural Sciences Test), but again, this is typically only available to EU applicants. Non-EU students should focus on the TestAS.
Studienkolleg
If your school-leaving certificate is not recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur, you will likely need to attend a Studienkolleg. This is a one-year preparatory course that ends with an assessment test called the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP).
For medicine, you need the M-Kurs (medical course), which covers subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Key points about Studienkolleg:
- You typically need B1 or B2 German to be admitted
- The program lasts two semesters
- Your FSP grade is often combined with your original high school grade in your application
- A strong FSP result (ideally 1.0–1.3) can significantly boost your chances
- Not all educational backgrounds require Studienkolleg. For example, A Level applicants with the right subjects are not eligible for Studienkolleg because they already qualify for direct admission.
Studienkolleg is not just an academic hurdle. It gives you a full year to improve your German, adjust to life in Germany, and build a foundation in science subjects before the demanding medical curriculum begins.
Application Process
EU Applicants
EU students (and those with a German Abitur) apply through Hochschulstart, the central admissions platform for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy in Germany.
Study places are distributed through three main quotas:
- Abitur best quota (30%) — based purely on your final grade
- Additional suitability quota (10%) — based on criteria like test scores, interviews, or practical experience
- University selection procedure (60%) — each university sets its own criteria, often combining grades with test scores like TMS
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU students typically do not apply through Hochschulstart. Instead, you apply:
- Directly to the university, or
- Through uni-assist, a centralized evaluation service for international credentials
Each university decides independently whether to admit non-EU applicants. This means requirements, deadlines, and selection criteria can vary between universities.
Apply to as many universities as possible to maximize your chances. Focus especially on smaller or more rural universities where competition may be slightly less intense than at places like Charité Berlin, LMU Munich, or Heidelberg.
After Graduation
Here is the good news: while getting into medical school in Germany is extremely competitive, securing a residency position afterward is comparatively straightforward. Germany has a significant shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas.
This makes Germany an attractive long-term destination for international medical graduates.
FAQ
Can I study medicine in English in Germany?
Not at public universities. All public medical programs are taught entirely in German. A small number of private institutions offer English-taught programs, but they are expensive and not part of the standard German medical education system.
Do I need to attend Studienkolleg?
It depends on your educational background. If your school-leaving certificate is recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur, you can skip Studienkolleg. If it is not, you will need to complete Studienkolleg and pass the Feststellungsprüfung. Check the anabin database or contact your target university to find out.
Is the TMS the same as the TestAS?
No. The TMS is for EU applicants and German students. Non-EU international students should take the TestAS instead. Both are aptitude tests, but they have different formats and eligibility rules.
Can I apply through Hochschulstart as a non-EU student?
Generally no. Non-EU students apply directly to universities or through uni-assist. Hochschulstart is primarily for applicants with a German Abitur or EU qualifications.
What GPA do I need?
Your grades will be converted to the German grading scale. For medicine, you typically need an equivalent of 1.0–1.3 on the German scale to be competitive. A strong TestAS score can help compensate if your grade is slightly higher.
Can I transfer from a medical school abroad to Germany?
Transferring into medicine in Germany from a foreign university is generally not possible. You would need to apply as a first-semester student and start from the beginning.
Is it realistic for a non-EU student with average grades to get into medicine?
It is very difficult but not impossible. Your converted HZB grade needs to be excellent, ideally 1.0–1.5 on the German scale. A strong TestAS score, completing Studienkolleg with top grades, and applying broadly to less competitive universities can all improve your chances. But be realistic — with a grade above 2.0, admission to medicine is very unlikely.
Related Guides
Studying in Germany, university types, Studienkolleg, language requirements, blocked account, student visa.
Tags: Study Medicine, Germany, International Students, Non-EU, Admission, TestAS, Studienkolleg, Hochschulstart, Numerus Clausus, German Language
