Medicine from Germany: Structure, Eligibility and Application Process

Germany offers excellent prospects for students from all around the world. A worldwide recognized centre for excellence and innovation, German Higher Education is recognized around the world. Adding to the excellent infrastructure and quality of education is the low cost of education. With no tuition fee at undergraduate level across districts and state owned universities, indeed it has all the claims at being a choice destination for students planning to study abroad. Though engineering and applied sciences is more widely popular course in Germany, Medicine and Life Sciences, is equally sought after. But how does one go about applying for and getting into a Medical University in Germany?

Basics of Medicine Programs

Let us begin by understanding the basics about the medicine and related courses in Germany. To begin with, only the universities called Medical Universities provide the courses in Medicine. Also, due to the highly specialized nature of the course, there is a country wide restrictive number policy or ‘numerus claussus’ for courses in medicine, veterinary, dentistry and pharmacy courses. Simply put, there is a country wide fixed number of seats which all students can apply to.

Also, a student must understand that while applying to a university in Germany, each and every student is treated at par. Hence, no matter which country you are from, you are treated equally. This in turn, while promising equal opportunity, also enlists a heightened competition for the courses. Also, all medicine courses at undergraduate level are taught in German and excellent knowledge of German language, hence becomes necessary for students planning to take up medicine at UG level in Germany.

Eligibility Criteria/ Requirements

Moving to the eligibility criteria for medicine and dentistry courses in Germany. Essentially, a student requires the high school diploma recognized at the Abitur level to be eligible for applying to these programs across universities in Germany. Also, a student is also required to show proficiency in German Language.

Further adding to these two, is the Test for Medical Studies (TMS) or Test fur Medizinische Studiengange. The test, designed to test the aptitude of a student for studies in chosen lines of medicine, dentistry, etc. is an entrance examination and required mandatorily by many top Universities. While many other may not ask for it, a TMS would help a student get precedence over a student who has not written the same. For instance, say two students with equal Abitur score or high school score and language proficiency apply to universities in Germany. The student who has written the TMS would be given preference. Also, even if the other student has a better high school score, still the student with TMS would be given the seat first. Hence, applying for and passing this exam is important step to pursuing your medicine from Germany.

Summarizing the same, here’s what all is required by students

1. High school diploma or an Abitur equivalent. Students can easily check the same at the DAAD Website or alternatively by checking with the Universities directly. Students can also check with Uni-Assist.
2. German Language Proficiency Certificates. Students can either appear for a DSH or a TestDAF as both are admissible. The minimum grade required across many is at least B1. Students are still recommended to check as this might differ from university to university.
3. Test for Medical Studies. As mentioned above, this is an aptitude test that predicts the student’s aptitude for the special courses of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary sciences. The registration for these exams usually open in the month of December and close by January. Also, what is important to note that a student can write this exam only once. Repeat attempts would not be considered. Also, registrations and applications are all done online via the TMS website.

Application Process

The application process for medicine from Germany is different from the application process for other bachelor programs. Looking at the requirements, there are two possibilities.

1. Your high school diploma matches the required Abitur level required by the University

In case your high school diploma is recognized, you can apply directly for the Medical Universities. Unlike other bachelor programs, the applications for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary sciences are done through Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung. This is a special channel for application to these courses.

Once you start the application, as per the universities selected, you would have to provide your documents which would include translated and verified academic transcripts, your German Language Certificates (either a DSH or a TestDAF) along with other financial documents. A student may be asked to submit the TMS score card as well. A student, is hence, advised to check and start the process early.

Every university has its own criteria and selection process and in case you match that, you would be selected. However, a numerus claussus necessitates that you apply early to the universities of your choice.

2. Your high school diploma does not match the required Abitur level

In case the high school diploma or your grades do not match the required Abitur level, you might be asked to take up a Studienkolleg or prep course in Germany in related subjects. In that case, the student needs to apply via Uni Assist and follow the same process. Once the student clears the mandatory level and pass the exams, he/she can then get admitted into the medical university of choice.

So, if taking up medicine or related courses in Germany excite you, we suggest you start preparing for the TMS and brushing up for language skills.