How Many Years Does It Take to Complete MBBS in Germany? – A Complete Guide for International Students
MBBS duration in Germany
Choosing to study MBBS in Germany is one of the best decisions for students who aim to build a strong medical career with world-class education, affordable costs, and internationally recognized degrees. Germany is globally respected for its advanced healthcare system, state-of-the-art medical universities, and practical training-focused curriculum. However, one of the most common questions international students ask is:
“How many years does it actually take to complete MBBS in Germany?”
Unlike other countries, the MBBS structure in Germany is unique. Instead of separating MBBS and MD, Germany follows an integrated “Human Medicine” program that blends theory, clinical practice, practical year training, and the final medical licensing examination. Understanding this structure is essential before applying.
This detailed guide explains the complete duration of MBBS in Germany, the stages of the program, admission requirements, costs, language requirements, career opportunities, and much more. By the end of this article, you will have complete clarity about how long MBBS takes and whether it is the right path for you.
📌 Overview: Total Duration of MBBS in Germany
The MBBS (Human Medicine) program in Germany typically takes:
➡️ Total Duration: 6 to 7 Years
This includes:
- 2 years – Pre-clinical Phase (Vorklinik)
- 3 years – Clinical Phase (Klinik)
- 1 year – Practical Year (PJ)
- State Examination (Staatsexamen)
Germany does not have a separate MBBS or MD degree. Instead, students receive the Approbation (Medical License) after passing all stages, which allows them to work as a doctor anywhere in Germany and most parts of Europe.
Let’s break down each stage in detail.
1. Pre-Clinical Phase (Vorklinik) – 2 Years
📘 Duration: 4 Semesters (2 Years)
The first two years focus on building the foundation of basic medical sciences.
Subjects Covered
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Medical Terminology
- Psychology
- Biology and Physics (advanced level)
- Introduction to Clinical Medicine
Teaching Method
- Classroom lectures
- Lab practicals
- Small group tutorials
- Dissections and experiments
Exam
At the end of two years, students must pass the First Medical Examination (M1) which includes:
- Written exam
- Oral exam
- Practical exam
Passing M1 is mandatory to move to the clinical stage.
2. Clinical Phase (Klinik) – 3 Years
📘 Duration: 6 Semesters (3 Years)
This is the core of Germany’s medical education. Students start learning advanced medical concepts with direct exposure to hospitals.
Subjects Covered
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Urology
- Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Radiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Ophthalmology
- ENT
- Orthopedics
Training Format
- Seminars
- Clinical rotations
- Practical bedside training
- Case discussions
- Simulation labs
Students work closely with real patients under the supervision of doctors and medical experts.
3. Practical Year (PJ – Praktisches Jahr) – 1 Year
📘 Duration: 12 Months
The Practical Year is one of the most important parts of MBBS in Germany. Students work full-time in hospitals and practice medicine under supervision.
Divisions of Practical Year
The year is divided into three clinical rotations (Tertials):
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Elective Subject (your choice)
Options include:- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Gynecology
- General Medicine
What Students Do During PJ?
- Assist in operations
- Conduct physical examinations
- Take patient history
- Perform tests
- Diagnose under supervision
- Work in emergency departments
- Participate in ward rounds
PJ gives students real-life experience, making them job-ready before graduation.
4. State Examination (Staatsexamen) – Final Stage
After completing the Practical Year, students must appear for:
➡️ Second Medical Examination (M2)
A written exam covering advanced medical concepts.
➡️ Third Medical Examination (M3)
An oral-practical exam conducted in hospitals.
Passing all exams grants the Approbation (German Medical License), which allows you to legally work as a doctor in Germany.
📌 Summary of MBBS Duration in Germany
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Pre-clinical (M1) | 2 Years |
| Clinical Phase | 3 Years |
| Practical Year (PJ) | 1 Year |
| Exams (M2 + M3) | Depends on schedule |
| Total Duration | 6–7 Years |
If a student takes preparation time for German language or Studienkolleg, the total duration may increase.
Do International Students Need Additional Time?
Yes, many international students may take extra 1–2 years because of:
1. German Language Preparation (1 Year)
MBBS in Germany is taught completely in German. To qualify, students must achieve:
- B2 or C1 level German
2. Studienkolleg (Foundation Year) – 1 Year
If your 12th grade qualification is not equivalent to the German Abitur, you must complete an M-course Studienkolleg.
So total for international students can be:
6–7 years (MBBS) + 1–2 years (German + Studienkolleg)
= 7–9 years total
Why Does MBBS in Germany Take 6–7 Years?
There are several reasons why the duration is longer compared to some countries:
1. Deep Practical Training
Germany emphasizes real-life medical practice rather than only classroom learning.
2. Strict Licensing Exams
The Staatsexamen is one of the most comprehensive exams in Europe.
3. Integrated Curriculum
Germany combines theory, clinics, and internships into one continuous program.
4. High Standards of Medical Education
Germany ensures every student becomes a highly skilled medical professional before licensure.
Key Advantages of Studying MBBS in Germany
1. Almost Zero Tuition Fees
Most public universities have no tuition fees, only €300–€600 semester contribution.
2. World-Class Hospitals for Training
Training in some of Europe’s best hospitals like:
- Charité Berlin
- Heidelberg University Hospital
- LMU Munich Hospital
3. High Future Salary
Doctors in Germany earn between:
- €60,000 – €90,000 per year as starting salary
- Can go above €120,000 – €200,000 with specialization
4. Globally Recognized Degree
The German medical license is accepted across:
- EU
- UK (additional exam needed)
- Middle East
- India (NMC screening test)
- Many Asian countries
5. Excellent Research Opportunities
Germany is a world leader in medical research, biotechnology, genetics, and clinical trials.
Admission Requirements for MBBS in Germany
To enter a medical program in Germany, you need:
1. Academic Requirements
- 90%+ in 12th class (PCB)
- Strong background in Biology and Chemistry
2. German Language Level
- B2 or C1 German mandatory
3. Studienkolleg (if needed)
- Must pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)
4. Entrance Test (in some universities)
Some universities conduct:
- TMS (Test for Medical Studies)
5. Additional Documents
- Passport
- Motivation letter
- CV
- School transcripts
- Health insurance
Cost of Studying MBBS in Germany
While tuition is free, you must cover:
1. Living Expenses
€850–€1000 per month (food, accommodation, insurance)
2. Semester Fee
€300–€600
3. German Language Course
€800–€1000 per level
4. Studienkolleg
€1000–€8000/year (depends on public or private)
Total Estimated Cost of MBBS
Approx €25,000–€35,000 for the whole program (excluding lifestyle expenses)
Compared to other countries, this is extremely affordable.
Career Opportunities After MBBS in Germany
After completing MBBS and earning the Approbation, students can:
1. Work as a Doctor in Germany
Specializations include:
- Surgery
- Internal Medicine
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Gynecology
2. Apply for Residency (Facharztausbildung)
This takes an additional 5–6 years.
3. Practice in EU Countries
Germany’s degree is widely recognized.
4. Practice Outside Europe
Many students return to India or go to the UK, USA, or Australia (may require additional exams).
Is MBBS in Germany Worth It?
Absolutely YES—if you are ready to learn the German language and commit to a longer but higher-quality medical education. Germany provides:
- Free medical education
- High-quality training
- Global job opportunities
- Excellent future salary
- Strong research and clinical exposure
The duration may be longer, but the outcome is far better than many other countries.
Final Conclusion
So, how many years does it take to complete MBBS in Germany?
👉 Standard Duration: 6–7 years
👉 Including Language + Studienkolleg: 7–9 years
Germany’s MBBS program is structured, detailed, practical, and globally recognized. It ensures every student becomes a confident, skilled, and internationally employable medical professional.
If you dream of becoming a doctor and want world-class training at almost zero tuition cost, Germany is one of the best destinations.
How Many Years Does It Take to Complete MBBS in Germany? – A Complete Guide for International Students
Choosing to study MBBS in Germany is one of the best decisions for students who aim to build a strong medical career with world-class education, affordable costs, and internationally recognized degrees. Germany is globally respected for its advanced healthcare system, state-of-the-art medical universities, and practical training-focused curriculum. However, one of the most common questions international students ask is:
“How many years does it actually take to complete MBBS in Germany?”
Unlike other countries, the MBBS structure in Germany is unique. Instead of separating MBBS and MD, Germany follows an integrated “Human Medicine” program that blends theory, clinical practice, practical year training, and the final medical licensing examination. Understanding this structure is essential before applying.
This detailed guide explains the complete duration of MBBS in Germany, the stages of the program, admission requirements, costs, language requirements, career opportunities, and much more. By the end of this article, you will have complete clarity about how long MBBS takes and whether it is the right path for you.
📌 Overview: Total Duration of MBBS in Germany
The MBBS (Human Medicine) program in Germany typically takes:
➡️ Total Duration: 6 to 7 Years
This includes:
- 2 years – Pre-clinical Phase (Vorklinik)
- 3 years – Clinical Phase (Klinik)
- 1 year – Practical Year (PJ)
- State Examination (Staatsexamen)
Germany does not have a separate MBBS or MD degree. Instead, students receive the Approbation (Medical License) after passing all stages, which allows them to work as a doctor anywhere in Germany and most parts of Europe.
Let’s break down each stage in detail.
1. Pre-Clinical Phase (Vorklinik) – 2 Years
📘 Duration: 4 Semesters (2 Years)
The first two years focus on building the foundation of basic medical sciences.
Subjects Covered
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Medical Terminology
- Psychology
- Biology and Physics (advanced level)
- Introduction to Clinical Medicine
Teaching Method
- Classroom lectures
- Lab practicals
- Small group tutorials
- Dissections and experiments
Exam
At the end of two years, students must pass the First Medical Examination (M1) which includes:
- Written exam
- Oral exam
- Practical exam
Passing M1 is mandatory to move to the clinical stage.
2. Clinical Phase (Klinik) – 3 Years
📘 Duration: 6 Semesters (3 Years)
This is the core of Germany’s medical education. Students start learning advanced medical concepts with direct exposure to hospitals.
Subjects Covered
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Urology
- Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Radiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Ophthalmology
- ENT
- Orthopedics
Training Format
- Seminars
- Clinical rotations
- Practical bedside training
- Case discussions
- Simulation labs
Students work closely with real patients under the supervision of doctors and medical experts.
3. Practical Year (PJ – Praktisches Jahr) – 1 Year
📘 Duration: 12 Months
The Practical Year is one of the most important parts of MBBS in Germany. Students work full-time in hospitals and practice medicine under supervision.
Divisions of Practical Year
The year is divided into three clinical rotations (Tertials):
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Elective Subject (your choice)
Options include:- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Gynecology
- General Medicine
What Students Do During PJ?
- Assist in operations
- Conduct physical examinations
- Take patient history
- Perform tests
- Diagnose under supervision
- Work in emergency departments
- Participate in ward rounds
PJ gives students real-life experience, making them job-ready before graduation.
4. State Examination (Staatsexamen) – Final Stage
After completing the Practical Year, students must appear for:
➡️ Second Medical Examination (M2)
A written exam covering advanced medical concepts.
➡️ Third Medical Examination (M3)
An oral-practical exam conducted in hospitals.
Passing all exams grants the Approbation (German Medical License), which allows you to legally work as a doctor in Germany.
📌 Summary of MBBS Duration in Germany
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Pre-clinical (M1) | 2 Years |
| Clinical Phase | 3 Years |
| Practical Year (PJ) | 1 Year |
| Exams (M2 + M3) | Depends on schedule |
| Total Duration | 6–7 Years |
If a student takes preparation time for German language or Studienkolleg, the total duration may increase.
Do International Students Need Additional Time?
Yes, many international students may take extra 1–2 years because of:
1. German Language Preparation (1 Year)
MBBS in Germany is taught completely in German. To qualify, students must achieve:
- B2 or C1 level German
2. Studienkolleg (Foundation Year) – 1 Year
If your 12th grade qualification is not equivalent to the German Abitur, you must complete an M-course Studienkolleg.
So total for international students can be:
6–7 years (MBBS) + 1–2 years (German + Studienkolleg)
= 7–9 years total
Why Does MBBS in Germany Take 6–7 Years?
There are several reasons why the duration is longer compared to some countries:
1. Deep Practical Training
Germany emphasizes real-life medical practice rather than only classroom learning.
2. Strict Licensing Exams
The Staatsexamen is one of the most comprehensive exams in Europe.
3. Integrated Curriculum
Germany combines theory, clinics, and internships into one continuous program.
4. High Standards of Medical Education
Germany ensures every student becomes a highly skilled medical professional before licensure.
Key Advantages of Studying MBBS in Germany
1. Almost Zero Tuition Fees
Most public universities have no tuition fees, only €300–€600 semester contribution.
2. World-Class Hospitals for Training
Training in some of Europe’s best hospitals like:
- Charité Berlin
- Heidelberg University Hospital
- LMU Munich Hospital
3. High Future Salary
Doctors in Germany earn between:
- €60,000 – €90,000 per year as starting salary
- Can go above €120,000 – €200,000 with specialization
4. Globally Recognized Degree
The German medical license is accepted across:
- EU
- UK (additional exam needed)
- Middle East
- India (NMC screening test)
- Many Asian countries
5. Excellent Research Opportunities
Germany is a world leader in medical research, biotechnology, genetics, and clinical trials.
Admission Requirements for MBBS in Germany
To enter a medical program in Germany, you need:
1. Academic Requirements
- 90%+ in 12th class (PCB)
- Strong background in Biology and Chemistry
2. German Language Level
- B2 or C1 German mandatory
3. Studienkolleg (if needed)
- Must pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)
4. Entrance Test (in some universities)
Some universities conduct:
- TMS (Test for Medical Studies)
5. Additional Documents
- Passport
- Motivation letter
- CV
- School transcripts
- Health insurance
Cost of Studying MBBS in Germany
While tuition is free, you must cover:
1. Living Expenses
€850–€1000 per month (food, accommodation, insurance)
2. Semester Fee
€300–€600
3. German Language Course
€800–€1000 per level
4. Studienkolleg
€1000–€8000/year (depends on public or private)
Total Estimated Cost of MBBS
Approx €25,000–€35,000 for the whole program (excluding lifestyle expenses)
Compared to other countries, this is extremely affordable.
Career Opportunities After MBBS in Germany
After completing MBBS and earning the Approbation, students can:
1. Work as a Doctor in Germany
Specializations include:
- Surgery
- Internal Medicine
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Gynecology
2. Apply for Residency (Facharztausbildung)
This takes an additional 5–6 years.
3. Practice in EU Countries
Germany’s degree is widely recognized.
4. Practice Outside Europe
Many students return to India or go to the UK, USA, or Australia (may require additional exams).
Is MBBS in Germany Worth It?
Absolutely YES—if you are ready to learn the German language and commit to a longer but higher-quality medical education. Germany provides:
- Free medical education
- High-quality training
- Global job opportunities
- Excellent future salary
- Strong research and clinical exposure
The duration may be longer, but the outcome is far better than many other countries.
Final Conclusion
So, how many years does it take to complete MBBS in Germany?
👉 Standard Duration: 6–7 years
👉 Including Language + Studienkolleg: 7–9 years
Germany’s MBBS program is structured, detailed, practical, and globally recognized. It ensures every student becomes a confident, skilled, and internationally employable medical professional.
If you dream of becoming a doctor and want world-class training at almost zero tuition cost, Germany is one of the best destinations.
At the end of the day, your comfort, beliefs, and career goals matter the most.For official details about vocational training regulations and wages, you can visit the Federal Employment Agency’s Ausbildung Portal or the Make It In Germany website.