MBBS in Germany: study medicine in Europe

Planning to study MBBS in Germany but need more clarity on topics like scope of medical career, fees, exam structure? Let's unfold each of these aspects and many more in this article because let's admit choosing a foreign country for higher education is indeed a big step. Students wants to get assure of everything from course fees to accommodation, food facilities before they land into a new place.

For Indian students, fighting through highly competitive National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam with a limited number of government seats has become an exhausting cycle. For sure, many medical students have started looking for other alternative countries which give a boost to their medical career in budget-friendly way without compromising on quality education. In a list of such countries, Germany with award-winning medical universities provides a haven to Indian medical students with a strong medical future.

Benefits of doing MBBS in Germany

1. World's best medical universities

German medical universities are known worldwide for their education. Medical degrees from Germany are globally recognized, ensuring high academic and professional credibility. Universities are ranked on top for studying MBBS in Europe according to US News & World Report. Many MBBS colleges in Germany are recognized by World Health Organization.

2. Be a part of the world's best healthcare system

When you choose Germany to pursue a medical degree, you get a chance to be a member of the top-tier healthcare system of the world. The German government provides universal health coverage, meaning residents, including students, can benefit from subsidized or even free treatment in many cases.

3. Learn foreign language & culture

A significant benefit of studying MBBS in Germany is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Germany. Mastering a foreign language like German opens up countless career opportunities, both within Germany and globally.

4. Get a scholarship to study

Germany offers a wide array of scholarships to international students, making it more affordable to pursue a medical degree in the country. The German government, as well as universities and private schools, offer financial assistance to talented students.

5. Get a job after graduation

Germany is currently facing a doctor shortage, which means there is a high demand for skilled medical professionals. This opens up numerous job opportunities for foreign students,

6. Explore your specialization

Germany offers a wide range of specializations in the medical field, such as cardiology, radiology, dermatology, and more. These programs are designed to allow students to explore their interests and pursue careers in specific areas of medicine.

7. Permanent resident permit

Want to get settled in Germany? No problem, here after studying and practicing medicine for 2 years, you can easily apply for a permit. What are the odds of getting it clear? High chances are there, which means you don't have to worry about getting a visa and work permits.

Know more about MBBS in Germany

By now, it's pretty clear that German universities provide quality education in medical degrees with many other perks involved. Let's learn more about it. Pursuing an MBBS in Germany, referred to as "Humanmedizin", is a prestigious and structured path to becoming a medical professional and culminates in the Staatsexamen (State Examination).

Duration of the medical course

The MBBS course in Germany is approximately 6 years and is divided into three main phases:

1. Preclinical Phase (2 Years)
   The preclinical phase focuses on foundational knowledge in medical sciences. Students are introduced to core subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Medical Psychology, and Sociology. This phase emphasizes building a strong theoretical base, which is essential for understanding the concepts of clinical medicine. At the end of this phase, students take the First State Examination (Physikum), which tests their understanding of these subjects.

2. Clinical Phase (3 Years)
   Following the preclinical phase, the clinical phase is the heart of medical studies. It delves into advanced subjects like Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Neurology, Psychiatry, Radiology, and more. The training is highly practical, involving bedside learning, clinical rotations, laboratory work, and seminars. This phase prepares students for patient care by developing diagnostic and clinical skills.

3. Practical Year (1 Year)
   The final year of the MBBS program is a full-time Practical Year (PJ - Praktisches Jahr), where students are immersed in real-world medical settings Here, students are placed in government medical hospitals to interact with patients, assist in medical procedures, and gain critical insights into the healthcare system.

It's a mix of theoretical medical education and practical training to prepare MBBS students for medical training.

Top German Universities to study MBBS

Germany is famous for having many reputed medical colleges that provide MBBS courses. Here are some of the leading medical institutions in Germany:

1. Heidelberg university

   Established in 1386, Heidelberg University is Germany's oldest university and consistently ranks among the top institutions for medical education. Its medical faculty is renowned for integrating research and clinical practice, providing students with a comprehensive education.

2. Charite – Universitatsmedizin Berlin

   One of Europe's largest university hospitals, Charité is a joint institution of Humboldt University and Freie Universität Berlin. It offers a modern curriculum emphasizing research and practical experience, attracting students worldwide.

3. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

   LMU's medical faculty is known for its rigorous academic standards and state-of-the-art research facilities, providing students with a solid foundation in medical sciences.

4. Technical University of Munich (TUM)

   TUM's medical school combines technical innovation with medical education, offering programs that integrate engineering and natural sciences with clinical practice.

5. University of Hamburg

   The University of Hamburg's medical faculty is recognized for its research contributions and comprehensive medical curriculum, preparing students for various medical careers.

6. RWTH Aachen University

   Known for its strong emphasis on research and technology, RWTH Aachen's medical faculty offers innovative programs that blend medical education with engineering principles.

7. University of Freiburg

   With a long-standing tradition in medical education, the University of Freiburg provides a diverse curriculum and numerous research opportunities in various medical fields.

How to study MBBS in Germany

Studying MBBS in Germany is an excellent choice for Indian students aspiring to become medical professionals. The process involves meeting specific academic and language requirements, understanding the structure of medical education, and following the application procedure meticulously. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose the right university

Germany has many prestigious medical universities and colleges with each having specific eligibility criteria. Research their admission criteria, language requirements, and application deadlines before applying.

2. Prepare for the entrance exams

Once you have selected your dream college, it's time to start your preparation. German universities do not compromise with quality education and therefore have a strict criteria of selection while providing healthy competition.

Entrance exam for MBBS in Germany

German medical universities may require Indian students to take entrance tests like

1. Subject-specific tests in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (depending on the university).

2. The Test for Medical Studies (TMS) Exam, also known as the Test for Medical Studies, is a standardized aptitude test used by German universities to evaluate international students for admission to medical and dental programs. It assesses skills and abilities that are important for success in medical studies, such as logical thinking, problem-solving, and memory retention.

Is NEET required for MBBS in Germany?

Yes, NEET is required for Indian students aspiring to pursue MBBS in Germany primarily because of the regulations set by the Medical Council of India (MCI), now replaced by the National Medical Commission (NMC). According to these guidelines, Indian students must qualify for NEET to study medicine abroad and later practice in India. NEET scores are recognized by German medical universities.

What is a preparatory course in Germany?

A preparatory course in Germany is called a Studienkolleg. It's a full-time course that prepares students for university studies. Studienkollegs are generally schools which can be both public or private for international students to provide German language proficiency. This language lesson will help you understand the MBBS course as most universities curriculam are in German language. Where public schools offer free courses, private schools on the other hand offer language courses with tuition fees.

3. Fulfill the application process

Apply through the uni-assist portal, which evaluates international qualifications. Direct applications are also accepted by some universities.

4. Obtain a student visa

International students need a German student visa to pursue an MBBS degree.

Eligibility criteria for Indian students

Apart from the entrance exam and language proficiency, other specific requirements that international students need to meet for MBBS admission to German medical university are:

• Academic qualifications: Students must have completed their 10+2 (Higher Secondary) education from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks in core science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology).

• The student must be at least 18 years old at the time of admission.

• Indian students must qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to study MBBS abroad.

• Many universities require a valid score in English proficiency tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The required score may vary, but a minimum IELTS band of 6.0–6.5 or equivalent is common.

• Passport and Visa

Documents required for German medical universities

Most obvious, the medical college will ask you to provide a list of documents. So here's a complete list, so that you don't have to rush in last minute.

1. High school certificate/marksheet: A certified copy of your 10th and 12th-grade certificates.

2. Language Proficiency Certificates: Provide IELTS (minimum 6.0–6.5) or TOEFL (minimum 80–90 iBT) scores and TestDaF scores.

3. Entrance test results: Score of TMS.

4. Application form: A completed application form specific to the university or the uni-assist portal.

5. Letter of recommendation (LOR): Written by teachers or professors, highlighting your academic performance, skills, and suitability for medical studies.

6. Passport and visa documents: A valid passport with at least six months of validity.

Application process for visa

The application for visa process includes:

1. Passport

2. Visa application form

3. Proof of university admission

4. Proof of financial stability

5. Health insurance coverage

MBBS in Germany free: True or false

Let's come to the best part of studying MBBS in Germany. The country offers budget-friendly quality education for MBBS programs. The statement that MBBS in Germany is "free" is partially true but requires clarification. Here's an explanation of the costs involved.

Public universities in Germany, including those offering MBBS programs, do not charge tuition fees for most courses, including medicine, and provide free medical education. This policy applies to both domestic and foreign students, making Germany an affordable destination for studying MBBS. MBBS course fees are heavily subsidized by the German government, which allows them to offer education without tuition fees. Then what are the other costs? While tuition fee is free at public universities, students still need to cover living and other associated costs, which include living expenses. The average cost of living in Germany is around €850–€1,000 per month (~₹75,000–₹88,000). This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

Germany MBBS fees in private universities

The important thing to consider here is that private universities in Germany charge tuition fees, often ranging from €5,000–€20,000( ₹4,40,000 to ₹17,60,000) per year. These medical schools are not "free."

Is there any scholarship for MBBS in Germany?

Besides the low cost effective medical education, Germany scholarships for MBBS programs are also available. Here’s an overview of some prominent scholarship opportunities:

1. DAAD Scholarships (German academic exchange service)

• The DAAD is one of the largest funding organizations in the world, providing financial assistance to international students in Germany.

• Eligibility: Students enrolled in degree programs, including MBBS, may apply. Requirements vary based on the specific scholarship.

2. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships

• Supports students with strong academic performance and leadership potential, particularly those interested in social or political issues.

• Eligibility: Open to international students with a good academic record.

3. Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships

• Provides financial support to international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Germany, including medical studies.

• Eligibility: Based on academic performance, social engagement, and environmental awareness.

3. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships

• Offers financial aid to academically excellent students with a commitment to social democracy.

• Eligibility: Open to international students with strong academic records and a commitment to societal betterment.

While medical programs at public universities in Germany is already affordable due to the absence of tuition fees, scholarships can help cover living expenses, language courses, and other associated costs.

Job opportunities in Germany for Indian students

The good news is that the unemployment rate in Germany is comparatively low to other European countries which means it won't be difficult to search for jobs after undergraduate and graduate studies in medical courses. Whether students pursue part-time jobs during their studies or full-time employment after graduation, the opportunities are diverse. MBBS graduates can build careers across diverse fields, including public health, primary care, research, education, and technology.

Some of the most in-demand industries in Germany include: IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance. Germany is experiencing a chronic doctor shortage and is projected to need 50,000 more doctors by 2040. In 2023, near around 428,500 medical doctors joined healthcare in Germany.

A medical doctor in Germany earns an average salary of 42,24,000 to ₹2,64,00,000 per year, depending on their experience and specialization.

Study MBBS in Europe with futureMBBS

So if you are making up your mind to study for an MBBS in Europe, take the first step toward your dream medical career with futureMBBS! Studying MBBS in Europe opens doors to world-class education, top-ranked universities, and high-paying career opportunities. At futureMBBS, we provide end-to-end support to make your journey seamless—from helping you ace entrance exams and securing admission at leading medical universities to assisting with visa applications, travel, and finding comfortable accommodation.

Europe is an excellent destination for aspiring doctors, offering unmatched academic standards and a pathway to a rewarding future. Let futureMBBS be your trusted partner in this life-changing journey. Enroll with us today and turn your aspirations into reality!

Bottom line

Studying MBBS in Germany offers numerous advantages, from globally recognized medical universities and a high-quality healthcare system to affordable education and job opportunities in one of Europe's most prosperous countries. The structured course, spanning six years with preclinical, clinical, and practical phases, equips students with the essential knowledge and hands-on experience required for a successful medical career. Germany’s low unemployment rate and demand for doctors further enhance the career prospects for international students. With accessible tuition fees, scholarships, and opportunities to learn the German language and culture, it’s no wonder that Germany remains a top choice for aspiring medical professionals. With proper preparation and guidance, pursuing an MBBS in Germany can be a life-changing step toward a rewarding career in medicine.