7 Best Medical Colleges in Germany: Comprehensive Guide

Germany has been leading the way in Medical education, not only in Europe but also worldwide. The best thing about studying in Germany is the free tuition fees that most of its public universities offer. Apart from the quality of education, the cost of living in Germany is affordable compared to other countries in Europe. If you are planning to pursue medical education in Germany, then our comprehensive guide will help you understand the things you need to know. We will be covering the best medical schools in Germany. 

Benefits of Studying Medicine in Germany

Germany is home to some of the best universities to study medicine. As per the U.S News & World Report, universities in Germany are ranked among the top for medical education. The structure of the various programs allows students to study in-depth which covers various aspects of the course. Germany ranks among the top 50 universities for medicine in Europe, with 12 of its universities included in this prestigious group. Let’s take a look at some more reasons to choose Germany for studying medicine. 

1. Hands-on experience

One of the many reasons for choosing Germany to study medicine is because of the hands-on experience that one gets. The best part about it is that the hospitals in Germany do not ship off their patients to other states for treatment as other countries do. 

2. Low Tuition Fee

Another good part of studying in Germany is the low tuition fees. The tuition fees in Germany, as compared to other countries, are quite low that attracts a large number of students every year. 

3. Best Research Opportunities

German universities are known for their research programs and facilities that give students the chance to work on various technologies. 

4. Better Internship Options

Students can apply for internships straight out of coming off college. As long as you have attended a German university, you can apply for an internship easily.

Best Medical Schools in Germany

Known for top-class medical programs in various fields like Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, medical colleges in Germany have only the best to offer. Students can take advantage of the practical approach of the medical colleges in Germany that prepares them for the future. As per the latest data over 458,210 international students enroll in some or the other German universities every year to study medicine. Medical colleges in Germany speak for themselves, with over 30 universities included in the latest QS World University Rankings. 

1. Heidelberg University

Employability rank - 70
Number of students - 30000
Top programs - Dentistry, International Health, Medical Education
Heidelberg University is considered one of the best medical colleges in Germany and is known for its practical approach to education and research. The university has partnerships with over 27 institutions and is connected for exchange arrangements with 480 universities. 
Eligibility criteria - 

• To be admitted to this medical school in Germany, students must have a background in physics, chemistry, and biology and remarkable grades.

2. Technical University of Munich

Employability rank - 13/250
Number of students- 4000+
Top programs - Human Medicine, Molecular Medicine, Nursing Science

TUM School of Medicine and Health focuses on understanding the root cause of the disease through research and education. Known for training its students for a commitment to improving health and promoting evidence-based concepts to maintain mental and physical health. TUM School of Medicine and Health is considered one of the best medical colleges in Germany. 
Eligibility criteria -  

• Students must have excellent grades in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics. 
• As per the German grade system, a grade of 1.5 should be achieved. 
• The minimum TMS score required by TUM is around the 90th percentile or higher. 

3. University of Hamburg

Employability rank - 112
Number of students- 44000
Top programs - General Medicine, Dentistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Another one of the best medical colleges in Germany is the University of Hamburg. The university is known for its outstanding approach towards education. The university's main campus is located in the central district of Rotherbaum, with affiliated institutes and research centres distributed around the city-state. 
Eligibility criteria -

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree (or equivalent qualification) in a field relevant to the program, obtained from a recognized university. 
• Depending on the program, you might need to demonstrate proficiency in German or English. This is usually through standardized tests like DSH (German) or TOEFL/IELTS (English).

4. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Employability rank - 53
Number of students- 53000
Top programs - Medical Research and Doctoral Programs, Clinical and Translational Medicine, Dentistry
LMU Munich is a public research university located in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It is one of the oldest and best medical colleges in Germany. It is one of the leading universities in Europe and has been affiliated with 34 Nobel laureates throughout its history, including famous names like Wilhelm Röntgen, Max Planck, and Werner Heisenberg. 
Eligibility criteria - 

• Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Abitur, Matura etc) or equivalent foreign qualification.
• a minimum overall grade average of 2.5 or better is required on the German grading scale of 1-6 (1 being the highest)
• Applicants must prove German proficiency at B2 level or higher through accepted tests and may need to demonstrate English abilities via TOEFL/IELTS for certain international programs.

5. Westfälische-Wilhelms University Münster

Employability rank - 193
Number of students- 45000
Top programs - Medical Research, Public Health, General Medicine
Another one of the best medical colleges in Germany is Westfälische-Wilhelms University Münster. WWU Münster has around 280 global university partners, which allows students, including medical students, to study abroad via programs like Erasmus+. The university's notable alumni include mathematician Gauss, philosopher Habermas, politicians, Nobel laureates, and other esteemed figures—some from its medical college.
Eligibility criteria - 

• Applicants' higher education qualifications are evaluated 
• They must take the Münster Study Ability Test 
• This test assesses basic medical and scientific understanding
• It includes short interaction scenarios, and these scenarios primarily gauge non-cognitive abilities 

6. University of Bonn

Employability rank - 208
Number of students- 35619
Top programs - Neuroscience, Dentistry, Molecular Biomedicine
Established in 1818, the institution previously known as the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn is now recognized as the University of Bonn, an esteemed academic institution ranked 13th among the best medical universities in Germany. 
Eligibility criteria -

• Prospective students should adhere to the application deadlines, with the winter semester's application period spanning from June to July 15th, while the summer semester's deadline falls on January 15th
• Entry requirements mandating proficiency in the German language at the CEFR C1 level and a suitable higher education entrance qualification

7. Ruprecht-Karls-Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg

Employability rank - 87
Number of students- 30000
Top programs - Medical Informatics, Cancer Research, Pediatrics
This prestigious public research university is home to academia, research, and international collaboration in the field of medicine. It's a fitting starting point to explore Germany's renowned medical colleges. It is one of the best medical colleges in Germany 

Eligibility criteria - 

• Students must provide proof of German language skills through recognized tests like the TestDaF or DSH.
• A relevant undergraduate degree from a recognized institution. Some programs may require a minimum GPA or specific prerequisite courses.

Admission Requirements for Medical Colleges in Germany

Once the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for studying MBBS in Germany, they can proceed to the next phase, which is the application process for admission to the prestigious medical colleges in the country. Prospective candidates are advised to follow the steps outlined below for a detailed admission procedure to the top medical universities in Germany.

Step 1: Select your desired university from the list of renowned medical colleges in Germany mentioned above and carefully review its eligibility guidelines.

Step 2: Ensure that you fulfill the eligibility requirements for applying to the university. During the application process, you should have English/German language proficiency test certificates readily available.

Step 3: Complete the online application form for the university, providing accurate details and avoiding any errors or misrepresentation of information.

Step 4: Applicants will be required to upload scanned copies of essential academic documents to strengthen their application profile. The list of necessary documents is provided below.

Step 5: Pay the application fee as specified by the university.

Step 6: Upon successful submission of your online application form and payment of the fee, candidates will receive an admission letter from the university.

Step 7: Applicants will then need to submit their passport, original documents, and the letter of acceptance to the German embassy to apply for a German Student Visa.

Step 8: Once the German Student Visa is issued, which may take some time depending on the embassy's processing, the applicant should make the necessary travel arrangements to reach their university before the commencement of their course.

Documents Required for Admission to Medical Colleges in Germany

International students should be able to meet the below-mentioned requirements to be admitted to medical colleges in Germany. 

1. Completed Application Form
2. Passport or National ID
3. Passport-sized Photographs
4. High School Diploma or Equivalent
5. Official Transcripts
6. Assessment Test Results (if applicable, e.g., Feststellungsprüfung)
7. Proof of German Language Proficiency (e.g., TestDaF, DSH)
8. Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable, e.g., TOEFL, IELTS)
9. Letters of Recommendation
10. APS Certificate (for students from certain countries)
11. Proof of Health Insurance
12. Proof of Financial Resources
13. Visa Documentation (if applicable)
14. Application Fee Receipt (if applicable)

Jobs and Career Opportunities

A German medical degree is your golden ticket to a ton of awesome career paths! We're talking about being a doctor in Germany, going global, or even working on cutting-edge medical stuff. This article breaks down all the cool options open to you after you graduate.

1. General Practitioners

These physicians provide comprehensive primary care services, acting as the first point of contact for a wide range of health concerns within a community setting.

2. Specialist Doctors

Graduates can pursue further specialization in specific medical fields. For everyday health needs, general practitioners are fantastic. But when a situation requires a deeper dive, specialist doctors step in. These highly trained physicians focus their expertise on specific areas of medicine to provide targeted diagnosis and treatment.

• Cardiologists: Specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and cardiovascular system diseases.
• Neurologists: Focus on the nervous system, diagnosing and treating disorders like epilepsy, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Oncologists: Manage various types of cancers, encompassing diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care.
• Pediatricians: Provide comprehensive healthcare services for children from birth to adolescence.
• Gynecologists: Specialize in female reproductive health, diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs.
• Anesthesiologists: Manage pain control and provide anesthesia for surgical procedures and other medical interventions.
• Surgeons: Perform surgical procedures to treat various medical conditions. Specific surgical fields include orthopedics, plastic surgery, and more.

From the prestigious Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) to the esteemed University of Heidelberg and Technical University of Munich (TUM), these medical universities in Germany for international students offer unparalleled academic excellence, cutting-edge research facilities, and a diverse learning environment. With tuition costs that won't break the bank, top-notch facilities, and a hands-on approach to learning alongside classroom theory, medical schools in Germany offer a well-rounded education. So, what are you waiting for?