MBBS in Germany – Study Medicine with No Tuition Fees!

India is a country with a broad promise in the field of medicine. With the number of students wishing to study medicine increasing, it has been realised that Germany is the common choice for most of the students. This is because Germany has the lowest education packages for students wishing to study there. A little trivia: did you know that some of the top MCI-approved medical universities are in Germany?  The level of education given at medical universities in Germany is of extremely high quality and gives the perfect exposure to students from India. One of the prime reasons why Germany should be on the top of your list to study MBBS is because a good amount of medical universities in Germany allocate free education for its international students. So before you think of choosing some other country to do your MBBS from, let us take you through an in-depth analysis of the prospects of studying MBBS in Germany.

A Glimpse at MBBS in Germany

Basic Eligibility	10+2 (PCB) with 60%
Last Date to Apply	15 January 2024 for Upcoming Summer Semester 15 July for Upcoming Winter Semester
NEET Exam	Compulsory
IELTS	Required
TOEFL	Required
MBBS Course Duration (In years)	5+1 (1 year of Internship)
Cost of Living in Germany	INR 72,610 per month
Minimum Course Fee	INR 5 lakhs per year
Maximum Course Fee	INR 11 lakhs per year
Medium of Education	German & English
Recognition of Universities	MCI & WHO accredited

Check Out: Why Study in Germany

Why Study MBBS in Germany?

MBBS in Germany is the perfect choice if you’re looking for innovative teaching concepts, new courses in the up-and-coming field of medical sciences and access to a well-networked medical community. Apart from these perks, Germany provides numerous financial benefits in the form of near-zero tuition fees, free travelling for students, cheap accommodation and internship opportunities with a handsome stipend. It is also really convenient to settle in the country after graduating. Moreover, it also opens the doors to the whole European Union. Here are some of the reasons why study in Germany for your MBBS degree:

Cost-Effective 💸

Germany is world-famous for its zero tuition fees and an MBBS in Germany is no exception. The average cost of studying ranges from five lakhs to eleven lakhs per year. Moreover, a student can work as an intern and earn a yearly stipend of €20,000 to €30,000. The cost of living in the country is also extremely low with cheap on-campus accommodation available in most universities and free travelling services for active students.

World Recognised 🌍

The universities for MBBS in Germany are among the top medical universities in the world. They are renowned for their best-in-class education, modern equipment, and dynamic atmosphere. These are the World Health Organisation (WHO), Medical Council of India (MCI) and United Nations(UN) recognized universities and provide hands-on practical learning with modern technologies and practices.

EU Flexibility ✅

Doing MBBS in Germany provides greater flexibility as it opens job prospects in not only the country but also in its EU sister countries. Since Germany is a part of the EU, a graduate doctor can very easily move across the EU without any restrictions.

Study in English 🔤

One of the great perks of pursuing medicine in Germany is the fact that one doesn’t necessarily need to know the German language. The course is available in both German and English. Please note that an English proficiency test is compulsory to apply for the courses offered in English. Proficiency in the German language is an added perk!

Increased Vacancies 🪑

An MBBS in Germany has a significant demand in the medical industry and the demand is also increased by the fact that a German MBBS degree is also valid in sister EU countries. Hence, job opportunities are immense after pursuing an MBBS in Germany. A student can also apply for a Germany Work-Permit after completing his degree.

Top Universities for MBBS in Germany

Some of the top universities in Germany for medical studies are:

• RWTH Aachen University
• Lübeck University
• Free University of Berlin
• Heidelberg University
• Würzburg University
• University of Hamburg  
• University of Göttingen
• Leipzig University
• Magdeburg University
• University of Bonn
• Witten/Hercke University
• Dresden University of Technology
• Tübingen University
• Technical University of Munich
• University of Duisburg-Essen
• Freiburg University
• University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
• Goethe University Frankfurt

These are just some examples of the top universities to pursue MBBS in Germany. These universities have been approved by the MCI. There are more than 30 universities in Germany that offer a medical degree.

Recognition of Universities for MBBS in Germany

Numerous medical regulating bodies have been accredited and recognized by German Medical Universities. Globally, degrees that are conferred are highly esteemed.

🥇 WHO – World Health Organisation
🥇 UNO – United Nations Organisation
🥇 FAIMER – Foundation for Advancement Of International Medical Education And Research
🥇 ECTS – European Credit Transfer System
🥇 Ministry of Education, Germany
🥇 NMC – National Medical Commission
🥇 WFME – World Federation for Medical Education

Duration of MBBS in Germany

The top universities in Germany require around 7.5 years to complete the MBBS/MD program. There are some affordable colleges that do not use this strategy. It takes the same amount of time as it does in Germany and Russia. The MBBS program lasts for six years. In Germany, many students choose PG after MBBS. It’s a fresh approach that promotes rapid career advancement.

Also Read: Cost and Types of Accommodation in Belgium

MBBS in Germany Requirements

After you have chosen a suitable medical degree and university to study in Germany, the next step is to carefully go through the eligibility criteria specified by the university and see if you qualify it completely. Along with this, here are the key essentials and documents that you will be required to submit at the time of making your application to study MBBS in Germany:

• German Language Proficiency: Since there are only a few English-taught medicine degrees (for which you will have to provide English proficiency scores) offered in the country, you might need to prove your German Language Proficiency to get admission into a German-taught programme. Though this requirement might differ from one medical university to another, a C1 certificate is the usual necessity and if you are taking a preparatory course, a B1 German Certificate is required.
• Academic Qualifications: As an international student, it is important to verify that your academic qualifications are recognized and accredited and meet the necessary standards set by medical schools in Germany. To check if your academic degrees align with the university requirements, get in touch with the admissions committee of the university or the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or you can also contact the Standing Conference of Ministers to see if your academic records qualify for the prerequisites. In case your qualifications are not recognized, your university might ask you to take a one-year preparatory course which will lead you to the Medicine degree afterwards.
• Certified Grade Certificates: Your grades and academic certificates will play a crucial role in helping you get admission into your chosen medicine course or MBBS degree as the competition is quite rigorous in medical schools of the country. If you have higher grades in medicine-related disciplines such as biology, chemistry, etc., then your chances are relatively higher.
• Medical Entrance Exams: The university will ask you to provide medical entrance exams scores to apply for a medicine program and for Indian students, NEET exam scores are mainly needed to gain admission to MBBS in Germany.

Know All About Germany Student Visa!

Admission Deadlines for Medicine Courses in Germany

For medicine degrees in Germany, the admission intake differs from one university to another. Generally, most medical schools in Germany conduct admissions during two phases:

• For Summer intake around January 15 2024
• For Winter intake around July 15, 2024

Note: Make sure that you begin your application as early as possible for which you need to keep a check on the university website for admission-related notifications.

Application Procedure for Studying MBBS in Germany

Mentioned below are the steps you need to follow to apply to any university of your choice to study MBBS in Germany, with us guiding you every step of the way:

• Fill up the application form/ get it filled by us 
• Submit copies of all your important original documents, like your Passport, by scanning them.
• You will get the admission letter directly from the medical university, within eight working days.
• Once your admission is confirmed, the immigration procedure will be initiated.
• Once you get the invitation letter, you will have to visit the German Embassy.
• Double-check and evaluate as well as authenticate every document before applying for a visa. 

Please note that there might be some university-specific requirements that may need external attention.

MBBS in Germany: Course Duration and Details

The duration of a medical degree at any good medical school in Germany ranges from 6 to 7.5 years which includes the duration of an internship of 1-1.5 years. The basic eligibility for the course includes that the applicant has cleared his 10+2 in Science (Biology) with 60% and has also appeared for NEET. A medical degree/MBBS in Germany is completed in the following stages:

• Stage 1: Pre-Clinical Phase of MBBS in Germany: This is a two-year stage that consists of four semesters. This is the introductory stage that includes the basics of sciences and medicine. An applicant has to pass the first medical licensing examination at the end of this phase.
• Stage 2: Clinical Phase of MBBS in Germany: This is a six-semester-long phase that lasts three years. This is the main phase of the program and is constituted of core subjects which are taught through various practical methods. These methods include lectures, practical courses, seminars, and live internships.
• Stage 3: Practical Year of MBBS in Germany: This stage includes one year of clinical training that will introduce you to the practical aspects of the concepts studied before. These include internal medicine, surgery and a subject chosen as an elective. This is an important phase that will provide the applicant with an opportunity to have an on-the-job experience that will prepare him for the future.
• Stage 4: State Examination of MBBS in Germany: The last stage for the completion of a medical degree in Germany is to pass the State Examination which is a nationally standardized examination. It is only after passing this exam, one can apply for a medical license and can begin to work as a certified doctor. The applicant can also continue their education further to become a medical specialist which can take another five to six years depending on the subject one specializes in.

Note: Medicine degrees at the bachelor’s level and as English-taught programmes are quite fewer in Germany as compared to postgraduate level medicine courses. You can use DAAD’s international program search tool to explore the right medicine degree or MBBS course of your choice.

Examination Systems for MBBS in Germany

The state exam, the Approbationsordung für Ärzte (Regulation of the Licensing of Doctores or AppOÄ), takes place in three stages:

M1: The students appear for medical examination namely “Physicum”. This needs to be given after two years of study in the field of medicine in Germany. It is based on non-clinical subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology and is written and oral-practical. It is similar to the first 18 months of doing an MBBS in India. The subjects are taught in German. Hence, it is important to learn the German Language before you are inducted for this course.

M2: The second stage takes place after five years of study and successful completion of the first exam. It’s a written case-related exam.

M3: The third stage takes place one year after completion of the second stage following a total of six years of study in the field of medicine. It is an oral/practical examination.

Living in Germany 

The Federal Republic of Germany is situated in the very heart of Europe. Being the 6^th largest country in Europe, it comprises 16 constituent states and covers an area of more than 350,000 square kilometres. It lies between the North Seas and Baltic to the north, and Lake Constance, High Rhine and the Alps to the south. It borders the Czech Republic and Poland to the east, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg to the west, Denmark to the north and Switzerland and Austria to the south. The country is a goldmine for artistic and raw beauty with rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and the Elbe and many forested trek locations.

The decision to study in Germany comes with a lot of perks including cheap accommodation and free travelling! A student can very easily procure cheap hostel rooms and apartments through the most popular choice of a private shared accommodation place. When you pursue MBBS in Germany, you can opt for in-campus hostels as well which are available for a reduced amount. The public transportation service in Germany is highly advanced and is considered the best way to move around the city. The most preferred mode of transport is a train or bus. Buses ply on popular routes at regular intervals and are usually free for students. Alternatively, you can buy a monthly pass for the same which costs around €70.

The weather in Germany can be a little unpredictable depending upon the part of the country you’re situated in. In the south, the winter can be colder than the rest of the counterparts due to the Alps and the summers can get pretty hot too in parts of Germany. However, you can expect the climate conditions to be at par or maybe better than India most of the time. Indian food and imported packed products are also available very easily around the whole country.

MBBS in Germany Cost

Though free education in Germany is provided for all types of disciplines, the country’s government has decided to award medical degrees at particular costs. The cost of pursuing an MBBS in Germany will entirely depend on your nationality as well as whether you are studying it at a public or private university. For EU students, the administrative fee is the only charge which is somewhere at 300 EUR per year while for non-EU students, the tuition fee amount charged for MBBS in Germany is quite affordable when compared to renowned study destinations.

To study MBBS in Germany as an Indian student or one from any non-EU country, the tuition fees vary between 1,500 EUR (1,23,600 INR approx.) to 3,500 EUR (2,88,300 INR approx) for an academic year weighing an average of both public and private universities. Also, it is important to keep in mind that private universities charge a whole lot more than private ones and if you are opting to study MBBS in the state of Baden-Württemberg, note that tuition fees for international students have been re-introduced so an MBBS degree might be expensive there.

Type of Cost	Cost
German Proficiency Tests	EUR 119-229
German Student Visa	EUR 60
Air Travel Cost	EUR 724
Health Insurance	EUR 80

Living Expenses in Germany

With most of the German universities offering MBBS at no or reasonable cost, the overall cost of pursuing an MBBS degree in Germany is majorly governed by the cost of living in Germany. Discussed below are some of the major expenses you will face when studying in Germany.

Type of Cost	Cost (EURO)
Rent and Utilities	EUR 323
Food and Drink	EUR 168
Clothing	EUR 42
Learning Material	EUR 20
Travel Expenses	EUR 94
Phone, Internet, and TV	EUR 31
Leisure, culture, and sports	EUR 61
Total	EUR 739

To know about the cost of living and accommodation in the country, check out our detailed blog on the Cost of Studying in Germany.

Visa Process for Studying MBBS in Germany

It is recommended that a student applies for a visa three months in advance before moving to Germany in case of an MBBS admission. The applicant should apply for a National Visa which is required if you intend to study for more than 3 months in the country. The applicant must show proof of a sound financial position to indicate that he can afford the tuition cost of MBBS in Germany.

Also Read: How to Apply for Visa

Student Visa: Documents Required

Anyone who wishes to study MBBS in Germany should apply for a visa three months in advance. The German Embassy requires you to submit the below-mentioned documents to it after you initiate the process of applying for a German visa to study MBBS in Germany.

• Photocopies of 10th 12th and 1st year Graduation Marksheet – ten each, attested by a Gazetted officer
• Passport size photos – ten each 
• Photocopies of Passport – ten each 
• Recommendation Letters – two 
• Photocopies of school leaving certificate – ten each 
• Copy of proof of payment of fees, if applicable 
• Proof of language proficiency in English and/or German

Also Read: How to Apply for a Student Visa: A Complete Guide

Other Medical Courses and Specialisations Offered in Germany

MBBS in Germany provides detailed information with special attention to the practical application of the same to give you an edge over the completion. The programs cover a range of specializations extending from ethics and philosophy of public health to science and methodology and qualitative research methods. The following courses are offered under the Medical and Public Health Services Programme–

• General Medicine (MBBS)
• Dentist (BDS)
• Therapy
• Nursing and Public Health
• Veterinary Medicine
• Pharmacy

Also Read: Scholarship for MBBS Students

Scholarships for MBBS in Germany

Funding options to study in Germany, though there are plenty, finding ones that are available for international students pursuing MBBS is difficult. Some of the scholarships available to study MBBS in Germany are detailed below, followed by some other scholarships available to study in Germany:

Scholarship	Eligibility	Benefits
Carl Duisberg Scholarship for Medical Students	Any international student from a developing nation with a strong academic background	Covers living, travel and project costs
University Hamburg Scholarship for International Students	Any international student from a developing nation with a strong academic background	EUR 1000 per month
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship	Any international student from a developing nation with strong academic background	Basic scholarship allowance: EUR 650; Family Allowance: EUR 276; Complete healthcare cost
Bachelor and Masters UDE International Scholarships	International students from developing countries enrolled in Bachelor’s or Masters Degree courses at the University of Duisburg-Essen	EUR 300

Salary and Job Prospects After MBBS in Germany

An MBBS degree is one of the most sought degrees as doctors everywhere are the most employable with a high salaried package and the situation in Germany is no different. A medical degree in Germany guarantees you both: high employability and a high salary.

With an outstanding reputation for MBBS in Germany all around the globe, employers will be eager to hire you no matter the location. In addition, an MBBS will teach you a wide variety of skills which will directly lead to a wide pool of career choices to choose from. Apart from that, almost all the MBBS universities of Germany that offer MBBS also have a running medical centre that provides the students with the practical aspect of the degree and helps them learn through personal experiences and practice.

Like any other industry, the salary of a medical professional depends on your position and your experience but the demand for medical professionals is on the rise. In Germany, the average salary for a specialist is around €80,000 a year. The highest-paid doctors also include physicians. In Germany, a physician with some years of experience can expect a salary of more than €100,000 per year.

Apart from the monetary benefit, doing MBBS in Germany gives you easy access to sister EU countries where you can practice medicine without any restrictions. Since Germany is a part of the European Union, there exists almost no restriction in moving across the European Union which includes countries like France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland and more.

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FAQs

Germany provides you with best-in-class universities, study materials, job opportunities and a worldwide network of medical professionals. This makes MBBS in Germany an ideal choice for Indian students to pursue their medical careers. But with quality comes competition and to be accepted in universities one has to not only work hard but also present their application in the most desired form. A decision as important as your future should be taken with the utmost care and guidance from someone experienced.

Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.