MBBS in Germany in English: Top Universities, Fees, & Eligibility

Germany is renowned as an economic study hub, making it a sought-after destination for interested applicants. The country’s claim to fame lies in its state-funded education system which is home to over 400,000 international students. National universities here are strongly research-oriented and offer holistic tutelage. For MBBS in Germany alone, there are over 30 specialization options. From ophthalmology to forensic medicine, students can pursue various avenues of medicine.

Medical universities in Germany teach both theoretical knowledge and methodological expertise. However, competition is high and very few students get to study medicine in Germany. Although all students who have completed high school are eligible to enroll, there are very few programs available in the English language. 

This article provides you with all the necessary information to study MBBS in Germany in English. Also, we will help you discover other medicine-related programs, admission requirements, and the cost of MBBS in Germany for international students.

To get a better insight regarding which institution will be best suited for you, you can also check out our blog on Public Vs Private Universities in Germany. 

MBBS in Germany: Highlights

Best Medical Universities in Germany

QS World Rankings lists 32 German universities among the best in the world. The list of the top 15 is presented below. 

Please note that all German universities offer undergraduate-level medicine programs in the German language. 

Medical Degree in Germany 

MBBS is the popular blanket term for studying medicine in India and UAE. However, this is not applicable to all countries. Conventionally, MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. In particular, medical courses in Germany have a duration of six years and are not categorized as bachelor’s or master’s programs. Instead, MBBS in Germany is available as a long-cycle master’s program. 

An accredited program to study medicine in Germany typically lasts six years and three months after a state-administered exam that allows doctors to officially start practicing. This exam is referred to as the ‘Staatsexamen’, with which one obtains a license to practice as a physician. This licensing procedure is termed ‘Approbation’.

MBBS in Germany in English

There are 106 study programs for medicine in Germany. However, only one of them is taught in English.

To study medicine in English, international students have the choice of only one university. The UMFST of Targu Mures is a Romanian institution of repute. Established in 1945, the university delivers programs in a wide range of medical and health disciplines. Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy are offered to international students.

The UMFST of Targu Mures has a campus in Germany. Located in Hamburg, this campus is exclusively known as University Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg (UMCH). 

University Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg (UMCH)

• The course program at UMCH is divided into two phases: preclinical and clinical. Preclinical education lasts for the first two years. These preclinical lessons are taught in English at the Hamburg campus.
• The next four years of the program comprise the clinical portion. Students are faced with two options here. First, they can continue studying in Germany or transfer to the main campus in Targu Mures, Romania.

If students continue their course’s clinical portion in Germany, proficiency in German is a mandatory requirement.

The semester fees for the medicine program at UMCH consist of  

Admission Requirements to Study Medicine in Germany 

Medicine programs fall under the aegis of Germany’s numerus clausus (NC) course category. This implies that the intake for medical programs is limited and highly competitive. Admissions take place through the Hochschulstart platform but this platform is restricted to EU students. 

Non-EU students can avoid using the Hochschulstart platform and apply directly to universities. However, they must first attest to having proof of German language proficiency. 

The eligibility criteria for various medical programs in Germany include 

• For admission, a high school diploma or its equivalent with maths, chemistry, and physics as mandatory subjects is required. 
• Proof of German level proficiency at least up to the C1 level. B2/B1 scores may also be asked for by some universities. In such a case, foreign applicants can apply to German language courses for international students. 
• Qualifying marks in the student’s home country’s national medical examination are required. 
• All applicants need to obtain passing marks in the interview round or MCQ test round conducted by the German medical university of their picking. 

Documents required for international students 

Before confirmation of acceptance, international students will be asked to furnish the following records 

• All past academic transcripts
• Letter of intent and personal essay
• Proof of English and German language proficiency exam 
• Updated CV
• Passport photos and proof of residence 
• Proof of fee payment

For the timely submission of documents, you can employ our admissions counseling services and get into any university of your picking. 

Please schedule a video conversation with one of our specialists for further information

Students can also apply through Gyanberry, which is officially partnered with UMCH. As an authorized agency, we can help you with each stage of the application process. 

Postgraduate Medical Education in Germany in English

Although English-taught undergraduate programs are unavailable, there is scope for postgraduate degrees. According to DAAD’s official listing of programs, there are 25 study programs. The duration of these programs differs. Take a look at some of these programs tabulated below. This list excludes all the postgraduate programs in dentistry and related fields.

Fee Structure for MBBS in Germany 

State-funded German medical universities charge a nominal semester fee that usually ranges between € 100-500 each semester. 

Privately-owned institutions charge an annual fee of € 28,000 or above. 

However, students have to incur significant living expenses during their stay in Germany. These comprise

To know more, you can check out our blog on Living Expenses in Germany and How to Budget Them. 

Scholarships for international students

In addition to university-specific financial assistance, the German government also sponsors a variety of scholarships for international students. Applicants can avail of aid based on need, merit, or achievement in extracurriculars. 

German medical programs are certified by renowned organizations such as World Health Organization (WHO). Scholarships to study medicine and related programs in Germany are limited, however, many public universities charge minimal tuition fees for selected candidates.

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) scholarship

The German Academic Exchange Service heads the DAAD financial assistance program by means of scholarships. DAAD scholarships are geared primarily toward graduates and research students. Eligibility for each scholarship type varies with a monthly stipend of 850 USD. 

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship To Study In Germany 

Students in any subject area are eligible to apply if they have outstanding school or academic merit, aspire to study in Germany, and are dedicated to and live by the values of social democracy. The benefits comprise  

• €934 per month for the basic scholarship program and €1,200 per month for the graduate scholarship program. 
• 276€ of family allowance, if applicable
• Reimbursement of health care costs
• Any income exceeding €400 per month will be credited against the scholarship.

Career prospects after MBBS in Germany

Medical graduates from Germany obtain a license issued by the state. This license is called “Zulassung zur ärztlichen Berufsausübung in Deutschland” or simply approbation.

Medical professionals hold a prestigious position in world society. MBBS in Germany is a coveted program. After obtaining their license, medical graduates can opt to 

• Work as employees in hospitals, clinics, or rural healthcare setups
• Join the private sector
• Enroll in medical research or teaching
• Become a scientist in medical technology or the pharmaceutical industry

In 2021 alone, 9,636 foreign doctors applied to have their foreign qualification recognized as an equivalent to a German qualification. This is because of the lucrative salaries offered to German medical professionals. Out of all the academic positions in Germany, doctors are paid the highest. 

The average salary of a physician in Germany is € 107,000 per year.

Top-paying cities include