Germany is one of the top destinations for international students who wish to pursue a career in medicine. With its world-class medical universities, modern infrastructure, high academic standards, and low or no tuition fees at public universities, Germany offers a highly attractive path for studying MBBS (which is equivalent to a Staatsexamen degree in Germany).
But pursuing an MBBS in Germany as a foreign student involves careful planning, meeting strict academic criteria, and having a good understanding of the German language and education system.
This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to study MBBS in Germany as an international student.
🎓 Is MBBS in Germany Free?
Yes, most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including medicine. However, students are expected to cover semester fees, living expenses, and health insurance.
👉 Average semester fee: €250–€350
👉 Monthly living expenses: €850–€1,200
📌 Structure of Medical Education in Germany
Medical studies in Germany do not follow the MBBS/BSc/MD system. Instead, they follow a state-regulated medical program that takes around 6 years and 3 months and ends with the Staatsexamen (State Examination). After passing this, students are granted a license to practice medicine.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. Pre-Clinical Phase (Vorklinik) – 2 Years
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology
- Ends with: First Medical Examination (Physikum)
2. Clinical Phase (Klinik) – 3 Years
- Includes: Clinical theory, practical training, laboratory work
- Subjects: Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, etc.
3. Practical Year (Praktisches Jahr / PJ) – 1 Year
- Hospital internships in three departments:
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Elective field
4. State Examination (Staatsexamen)
- Final exam in written and oral/practical format
- Qualifies you to receive the license to practice medicine (Approbation)
✅ Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Students
To study medicine in Germany, you need to meet several academic and language requirements.
1. Academic Qualifications
- 12 years of school education with excellent grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Students from non-EU countries (e.g., India, Pakistan, Nigeria, etc.) must complete a 1-year preparatory course (Studienkolleg) before enrolling.
- Alternatively, complete 1–2 years of medical study in your home country and then apply for recognition.
2. German Language Proficiency
- Most MBBS programs in Germany are taught in German.
- Required proficiency:
- B2 or C1 level of German (TestDaF or DSH)
- Some universities may require Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or Telc C1 Hochschule
3. Entrance Tests
- TMS (Test for Medical Studies) – Required by many universities
- Assesses logical thinking, memory, concentration, etc.
- Not compulsory for all, but improves admission chances.
🏥 Top Medical Universities in Germany
Here are some of the best public medical universities in Germany for international students:
| University | Location | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heidelberg University | Heidelberg | German | Among the oldest and most prestigious |
| Charité – Universitätsmedizin | Berlin | German | Leading hospital and research center |
| LMU Munich | Munich | German | Strong research focus |
| RWTH Aachen University | Aachen | German | Top-ranked for engineering + medicine |
| University of Freiburg | Freiburg | German | High-quality education and research |
💡 Tip: Always check each university’s specific admission requirements, including deadlines and language test criteria.
📑 How to Apply for MBBS in Germany (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Ensure your high school certificate is recognized in Germany (via
- Consider Studienkolleg if your qualification is not equivalent
Step 2: Learn German
- Start learning German as early as possible (aim for B2 or C1 level)
- Consider joining intensive language courses in Germany
Step 3: Prepare and Apply to Studienkolleg (if required)
- Studienkolleg is a 1-year foundation course for international students
- Medical students usually join the M-Kurs (Medical Track)
Step 4: Take the TMS Test (Optional but Recommended)
- Register early
- Practice with sample tests to increase your score
Step 5: Apply to Medical Universities
- Use the central application portal:
- Apply to multiple universities to increase chances
Step 6: Get Admission + Apply for Visa
- Once accepted, apply for a German student visa
- Show proof of funds: usually via blocked account (approx. €11,208/year)
💰 Costs of Studying MBBS in Germany
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Semester Fee | €250–€350 |
| Accommodation | €300–€600/month |
| Food & Living | €250–€400/month |
| Health Insurance | €100–€120/month |
| Books/Supplies | €50–€100/month |
👉 Total per year: Approx. €10,000–€12,000
🎯 Scholarships for MBBS Students
Although most scholarships are for Master’s and PhDs, some are open to medical students as well:
- DAAD Scholarships (for advanced years or research)
- Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month)
- University-specific merit scholarships
- State or city scholarships (depending on location)
📌 Visa Requirements
To study MBBS in Germany, international students must obtain a German student visa:
Required Documents:
- Admission letter from German university
- Proof of financial means (Blocked account with €11,208 or scholarship)
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- German language proficiency proof
- Academic transcripts and certificates
💡 Apply at your local German embassy or consulate 3–6 months before your course starts.
⚠️ Challenges to Be Aware Of
- Language Barrier: Most medical courses are in German
- High Competition: Limited seats for medicine; high grades required
- Long Duration: 6+ years of intense study
- Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to Germany’s academic and social system
✅ Advantages of Studying MBBS in Germany
- Free or low-cost education
- Globally recognized medical degrees
- Hands-on clinical experience in advanced hospitals
- High employability in EU and worldwide
- Research and innovation opportunities
🔚 Conclusion
Studying MBBS in Germany as a foreign student is challenging but rewarding. It requires excellent academic credentials, fluency in German, and a commitment to long-term study and training. However, the quality of education, minimal tuition fees, and career prospects make it an ideal destination for aspiring doctors.
If you’re planning to take this path, start early—especially with German language preparation and document verification. With careful planning, dedication, and persistence, you can build a successful medical career in Germany and beyond