What Is the Duration of Medical Internship (PJ) in Germany? A Complete Guide for Medical Students

medical internship in Germany

Studying medicine in Germany is one of the best decisions for students who want affordable education, world-class training, and excellent career opportunities. One of the most important stages of the medical degree in Germany is the Praktisches Jahr (PJ), commonly known as the medical internship year. Many international students are confused about how long the PJ lasts, what it includes, how the rotations work, and what opportunities it creates for future doctors.

This detailed, SEO-optimised blog explains the complete duration, structure, workload, eligibility, benefits, salary expectations, and career scope of the medical internship (PJ) in Germany. It is written in simple English so you can post it directly on your website.

1. What Exactly Is the Medical Internship (PJ) in Germany?

The Praktisches Jahr (PJ) is the final clinical training year of the German medical degree (Staatsexamen). It is a mandatory part of medical education and ensures that students gain real hospital experience before becoming licensed doctors.

During the PJ, students work directly with doctors, assist in patient care, join medical rounds, observe surgeries, and learn practical clinical skills required for residency (Facharztausbildung).

2. Duration of the Medical Internship (PJ) in Germany

✔ Total Duration: 12 Months (1 Full Year)

The medical internship in Germany lasts exactly one full year, divided into three clinical rotations:

Internal Medicine – 16 weeks (4 months)
Surgery – 16 weeks (4 months)
Elective Subject – 16 weeks (4 months)

So the total duration is:

4 months + 4 months + 4 months = 12 months (52 weeks)

Why is PJ exactly 1 year?

German medical education is structured by law. The Ärztliche Approbationsordnung (German Medical Licensing Regulation) clearly states that practical hospital training must be 1 year, ensuring every medical graduate has equal and standardized clinical experience.

3. Structure of the PJ: What Students Do in Each Rotation

✔ 1. Internal Medicine Rotation (16 weeks)

This is the longest and most important part of PJ. Students learn about:

Cardiology
Gastroenterology
Pulmonology
Nephrology
Endocrinology
Emergency medicine
Intensive care basics
Patient admission & discharge
Diagnostic tests (ECG, ultrasound, labs)

Students follow ward doctors, assist with patient checks, and help prepare reports.

✔ 2. Surgery Rotation (16 weeks)

This rotation covers:

General surgery
Orthopedics
Trauma surgery
Vascular surgery
Operating room basics
Pre- and post-operative management

Students often observe surgeries, assist surgeons, and learn wound care, suturing, and emergency response skills.

✔ 3. Elective Rotation (16 weeks)

Students can choose any clinical area, such as:

Neurology
Pediatrics
Radiology
Dermatology
Psychiatry
Gynecology
Anesthesiology
Emergency medicine
Cardiac surgery

Some students choose a university hospital, while others prefer a small clinic. International electives abroad are also possible.

4. Weekly Working Hours During PJ

Although PJ is 1 year, the weekly workload is intensive.

✔ Typical Working Hours: 35–40 hours per week

Students usually work like regular hospital staff:

Morning rounds
Patient checkups
Documentation
Assisting in procedures
Observing surgeries
Attending teaching sessions

Some hospitals expect on-call duties, but these vary from place to place.

5. Do PJ Students Get Paid? Salary & Benefits

Historically, PJ students were unpaid. However, many hospitals now offer financial support.

✔ Average PJ Salary: €400–€650 per month

Payment depends on:

University hospital or private hospital
Federal state
Hospital funding
Internal rules

In addition to salary, students also receive:

Free meals or discounted food
Free accommodation in some hospitals
Public transport discounts
Health insurance coverage

Many students also earn extra income by doing small part-time jobs (HiWi jobs).

6. Eligibility for PJ in Germany

To start the medical internship, a student must:

Complete all pre-clinical years
Pass the Second Medical Examination (M2)
Enroll at a German medical university
Have clinical German language skills (usually B2–C1)

International students studying medicine in Germany also follow the same pathway.

7. Can Foreign Medical Graduates Do PJ in Germany?

Yes, it is possible but only in certain situations:

You can do PJ in Germany if:

You are enrolled in a German medical university OR
Your home country medical university has a PJ partnership with a German hospital OR
You enroll as a visiting PJ student (limited seats)

Foreign students usually need:

B2/C1 level German
Strong clinical knowledge
Medical insurance
University permission letter

This is a good opportunity for students who want German clinical experience before applying for residency.

8. How to Apply for PJ Placements in Germany

Students apply directly through:

University hospital websites
University PJ coordinators
National PJ portal (available at some universities)
Direct hospital email applications

Applications usually open several months before the PJ start date.

9. Examinations After the PJ Year

At the end of the internship, students must take the final medical licensing exam:

✔ Third Medical Examination (M3)

This exam tests:

Clinical reasoning
Patient management
Diagnostic skills
Practical tasks
Communication with patients

After passing the M3 exam, students can apply for:

✔ German Medical Licence (Approbation)

This licence allows them to work as a full-time doctor in Germany.

10. Advantages of Doing PJ in Germany

Germany offers one of the world’s best practical medical training systems. Benefits include:

✔ 1. Direct Hospital Experience

Students work on real cases and learn hands-on clinical skills.

✔ 2. High-Quality Medical Infrastructure

German hospitals are advanced, well-equipped, and internationally recognized.

✔ 3. Strong Career Path

After PJ and M3, students can start:

Residency (Facharzt training)
Research programs
Doctorate (Dr. Med.)

✔ 4. Work-Life Balance and Stability

Doctors in Germany earn well and have secure working environments.

✔ 5. Opportunity to Work Across Europe

German medical training is respected throughout the EU.

11. Challenges Students Face During PJ

No internship is easy. Common challenges include:

✔ Long working hours

Hospitals are busy, and students must adapt quickly.

✔ German-language communication

Students must speak confidently with doctors, nurses, and patients.

✔ Academic pressure

Balancing practical work with M3 exam preparation is demanding.

✔ Adjusting to hospital discipline

Punctuality, teamwork, and responsibility are crucial.

12. Tips for Succeeding in Your PJ Year

Here are effective ways to make the most out of your internship:

✔ Learn German medical vocabulary

This makes communication easier during patient rounds.

✔ Take initiative

Ask doctors if you can assist in procedures or help with reports.

✔ Focus on practical skills

Practice ECG, ultrasound basics, suturing, and patient examination.

✔ Stay organized

Keep a daily learning record for your final exam.

✔ Create good relationships

Networking helps secure residency placements in the same hospital.

13. Career Opportunities After Completing PJ

After finishing the 1-year internship and passing M3, graduates can start:

✔ Residency Training (Facharztausbildung)

This is the equivalent of postgraduate specialization. Popular specializations include:

Internal medicine
General surgery
Radiology
Neurology
Pediatrics
Orthopedics
Anesthesiology

✔ Research and PhD

Germany offers excellent opportunities for medical research.

✔ Doctor jobs across Europe

EU recognition helps students work in multiple countries.

✔ High-salary employment

Junior doctors (Assistenzärzte) earn around:

€55,000–€70,000 per year

14. Summary: Duration of Medical Internship (PJ) in Germany

Here is a quick summary:

Total Duration: 12 months (1 year)
Rotations:
- Internal Medicine – 4 months
- Surgery – 4 months
- Elective – 4 months
Work Hours: 35–40 hours per week
Payment: €400–€650 per month (varies)
Requirement: Must pass M2 exam
Outcome: Eligible for M3 exam and medical license (Approbation)

The PJ year is challenging but extremely rewarding for future doctors. It provides the skills, confidence, and experience needed to start a successful medical career in Germany.

Conclusion

The medical internship (PJ) in Germany is a well-structured, intensive, and practical 1-year training program that plays a crucial role in shaping future doctors. Students gain real hospital experience, learn advanced clinical skills, and become fully prepared for the final medical licensing exam. For international students, the PJ is an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the German healthcare system and open pathways to residency and long-term medical careers in Germany.

If you are planning to study medicine in Germany, understanding the duration and structure of the PJ is the first step toward building a strong medical future.What Is the Duration of Medical Internship (PJ) in Germany? A Complete Guide for Medical Students