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Becoming a doctor opens up a world of possibilities. 

In Germany, there are over 30 specialized fields to explore, ranging from eye care to forensic science. This variety attracts many students to pursue medicine, making it competitive to secure a spot in medical school.

Medical School in Germany

To become a doctor in Germany by studying medicine here, you’ll need to finish a medicine degree, which typically lasts about six to seven years and ends with a state exam. After completing your degree, you must pass a licensing exam to practice medicine and work as a doctor.

To get into medical school, you must apply and fulfill specific criteria. These include having a high school diploma that qualifies you for university and demonstrating specific math, biology, and chemistry knowledge.

Here are the best medical schools in Germany:

• Heidelberg University
• Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Technical University of Munich
• Hannover Medical School
• University of Hamburg
• Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen
• University of Freiburg
• University of Bonn

In Germany, most public universities don’t charge tuition fees for undergraduate medical studies. However, students are responsible for living costs and a small semester fee. This fee covers extras like a public transport pass and other services.

Language »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥

In Germany, the bond between doctor and patient lies in trust and respect, and medical information is conveyed clearly and sensitively. Strong German language skills are important for effective communication.

Since medical professions are regulated in Germany, you must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in general German. Additionally, in many regions, you’ll need C1-level proficiency in medical German. Each German state has its own regulations for doctors. 

To obtain your medical license (Approbation), you might need to pass a specialized exam called the Fachsprachenprüfung, which assesses your oral and written medical German proficiency. Some language schools offer courses to help you prepare for this exam.

Recognition of International Medical Degrees in Germany

Doctors who trained outside the European Union and EEA can still practice in Germany, but they’ll need to tackle a few hurdles to get their Approbation.

• Doctors from EU/EEA/Switzerland: can get a full license to practice without restrictions.
• Doctors from outside EU/EEA/Switzerland: have their education checked; they might receive a full license or a provisional one while preparing for an assessment test.

Who Evaluates the Education of Foreign Doctors?

The state health authorities, known as the Oberste Landesgesundheitsbehörde, assess the education of foreign doctors to see if it’s equivalent to German medical training. 

In some regions, there’s only one agency handling medical licenses (Approbationsbehörde), while others have several, each with specific requirements. 

These typically include submitting documents like a passport, clean criminal record, health certificate, proof of German language proficiency, birth certificate, CV in German format, and a copy of their degree.

What If Qualifications Don’t Match?

If there are differences between the applicant’s education and German standards, they may need to take an equivalency or assessment test. This evaluation considers their education and professional background on a case-by-case basis.

The test itself is a clinical-practical exam in which the doctor presents a patient case. It lasts 60 to 90 minutes and can be attempted twice. 

During the preparation period, doctors are granted a provisional license and up to two years to adjust. However, during this time, they were limited to studies and practical skills similar to those of the medical internship (PJ).

Approbation (Medical License)

The Approbation exam is the last step for doctors in Germany to get their license. It checks their medical knowledge, skills, and ability to work as a doctor on their own. Everyone, including international graduates, must pass this exam to practice medicine in Germany with a full license.

The process of obtaining a medical license in Germany, governed by the “Approbationsordnung für Ärzte” (Regulation of the Licensing of Doctors), involves three stages of examination:

• M1: The initial exam, called “Physicum,” occurs after two years of medical studies. It covers anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology through written and practical assessments.

• M2: After five years of study and passing the first exam, students take a written exam focusing on case-based scenarios.

• M3: One year following the second stage, typically after six years of medical education, students undergo an oral and practical exam.

The are available on the website of the “” (Institute for Medical and Pharmaceutical Examinations) in Mainz.

Upon passing these exams, students receive their medical license, which allows them to practice medicine permanently throughout Germany. This license can only be revoked for disciplinary reasons.

Most doctors then pursue further studies to complete their dissertation or thesis and earn the title of “Dr. Med.” Some students may opt to complete this earlier, in years three or four, to enhance their job prospects after passing the final exam.

Job Prospects

About 10,000 medical degrees are handed out by universities in Germany each year. Finding a job in a hospital or settling down is easy outside of big cities. 

There’s a big need for family doctors, especially in rural areas. Healthcare is improving, so people in Germany are living longer, which means they need more treatment, leading to more job opportunities. 

Besides traditional medical jobs, there are careers in medical tech, pharmaceuticals, and hospital management. You can also find roles in management consulting and insurance companies if you have a medical degree. On average, a Doctor/Physician in Germany earns approximately €8,790 a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in Germany?

It takes about 6 years to become a doctor in Germany.

Can Foreign Doctors Work in Germany?

Yes, if you completed your medical education and training abroad, you’ll need an official license (Approbation) to work as a doctor in Germany.

How Can I Get a Scholarship for MBBS in Germany?

To get a scholarship for MBBS studies in Germany, you need excellent academic performance, proficiency in German (TestDaf Level 4 or higher), admission to a German university for MBBS, a strong letter of motivation, letters of recommendation, and possibly proof of financial need or extracurricular activities. 

»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥ vary by scholarship. ±á±ð°ù±ð’s a list of scholarships in Germany.

In Which Language Is MBBS Taught in Germany?

Classes are held in German when studying MBBS in Germany. Most universities require a TestDaf Level 4 certificate or higher as proof of German proficiency.