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Many Indian students would consider studying medicine in Germany. With public universities offering low/no tuition fees, excellent hospitals and a great healthcare system. Parents will often ask the main question: can Indian Students study MBBS in Germany for free?
To keep it short, Yes! Most public universities in Germany will not charge regular tuition fees to study medical programmes and many international students will not be charged. However, there will still be costs for you to cover:
Language requirements can also be a big issue. Unlike other countries that offer English medicine programmes, the majority of undergraduate medicine in Germany will be taught in German. It is important to know the eligibility requirements, language requirements and how the admissions work. MBBS ADVISOR will help you understand your options when looking at studying medicine internationally.
Is MBBS Free in Germany for Indian Students?
Yes. The majority of public universities in Germany will offer free medical education, even to international students. This is one of the main reasons students from all over the world choose to study in Germany.
However, there are some exceptions to this. Public universities in Baden-Wurttemberg will generally charge international students from outside the EU €1500 per semester. Some universities in Bavaria may also charge international students.
Even if the university does not charge tuition fees, you will have to pay a semester fee. This will be between €70-€430 depending on the university.
Tuition fees: Usually free (€0) at most public universities
Semester Fee: Approximately €70-€430
Accommodation costs: Approximately €300-€700 depending on the city
Food costs: Approximately €150-€250
Health insurance: Must be paid.
Personal costs: Travel, study materials etc.
International students will generally have to budget around €900-€1200 per month depending on where you live (DAAD). Overall, whilst it may be free, you will have to have a good budget to complete your medical education.
Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students to Study MBBS in Germany
To gain a place at a German medical university you will need to have completed your class 12. Germany uses a different admissions system so you will need to ensure your international qualifications meet the entry requirements for the university.
You will generally need to have:
- Completed class 12 through a recognised Indian education board.
- Physics, Chemistry and Biology as required subjects.
- Met the academic entry requirements for the university.
- A recognised higher education entrance qualification equivalent to the German higher education entrance qualification.
- German language requirements.
- Met the entry requirements for the university.
- Student visa and financial documents.
Will I be able to get direct entry with my class 12?
It depends. German universities will look at your Indian leaving certificate to see if you can gain direct entry to higher education. Depending on your academic background and entry requirements you may need to gain extra qualifications or complete a preparatory course known as Studienkolleg.
The M-Kurs at Studienkolleg is for students wishing to enter medical and related courses. You will generally complete the preparatory course and pass the Feststellungsprüfung. Entry requirements can vary depending on your previous qualifications so check the entry requirements through the DAAD and the university.
Do I need to sit NEET?
Yes. If you are looking to study medicine overseas as an Indian student you should be aware of the NEET requirements. Under the current Indian regulations you will need to qualify NEET-UG to be eligible for the relevant foreign medical graduate requirements. However this does not guarantee entry to a German medical university.
There are two factors to consider:
Meeting the entry requirements of a German university: You will need to meet the academic, language and selection requirements.
Meeting the requirements of the National Medical Commission if you wish to practise in India.
You can view exam information and official notifications through the NEET NTA website. NEET should not be seen as the only entry requirement. German universities will have their own selection processes and getting into medicine can be very competitive.
Language Requirements for MBBS
One of the largest issues Indian students will face is learning German. The majority of undergraduate medicine courses in Germany will be taught fully in German. Unlike countries where you can find several English medicine options, you will generally be expected to be able to communicate confidently in German. Universities will generally require you to have a high level of German, often C1 for medicine. Different certificates will be accepted.
Commonly accepted German exams include:
- TestDaF
- DSH-2
- Goethe-Zertifikat C1/C2 (if accepted)
- telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
Check with your university to find out what exam and score they will accept.
Why do I need to know German?
You will not just be studying from books in medical education. You will need to be able to communicate with patients, understand their medical history, symptoms etc. If you go on placement to a hospital and the patient speaks in German and you cannot understand what they are saying then this will be a problem. Being able to speak German is essential, especially during the clinical years.
I recommend starting to learn German whilst you are in India. It can take a long time to reach B2 and then C1. You can find more information on language requirements through the DAAD language requirements guide.
How Long is MBBS in Germany?
Medical education in Germany will be structured differently to the MBBS in India. You will generally complete your medical education in around 6 years and 3 months.
This will include:
- Pre-clinical years: Around 2 years.
- Clinical years: Around 3 years.
- Practical year (PJ): 48 weeks of practical training in hospitals.
- Medical exams: You will need to pass the relevant state exams.
Once you have completed the programme and met the professional requirements you can apply for medical licensure (Approbation). More information on the structure of medical education can be found through the German Federal Medical Association.
Best Public Universities in Germany for Medicine
There are many well-known public universities in Germany offering medical education. However, entry can be very competitive and international entry can vary.
Some universities to look into include:
- Heidelberg University: Well known for their medical faculty, research and hospital.
- Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin: A large medical university linked to Humboldt University and Freie Universitat Berlin.
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU): Offers medical education with great research facilities.
- University of Freiburg: Well known for medical research.
- University of Hamburg: Offers medical education.
Generally these universities will not charge regular tuition fees like private medical universities. However, you will have to pay semester fees and will depend on where you are. Just because a university is well-known does not mean you will get in. You will need to meet the academic requirements, have equivalent qualifications, language requirements and meet selection criteria.
Can I practise in India after studying medicine in Germany?
Yes, but you will need to meet the relevant National Medical Commission requirements. This is something you should check. The NMC have set requirements for the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021. This includes:
- Length of course
- Language of instruction
- Clinical training
- Internship
- Eligibility for registration.
If you plan on returning to India you should carefully check that your programme meets the requirements.
Useful resources include:
- National Medical Commission (NMC): To check requirements for foreign medical graduates.
- World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS): To check if the medical school is listed.
- World Health Organisation (WHO): For international health and medical education information.
Something to note is that just because the medical school is listed on WDOMS does not mean it will be recognised in India. You should check the NMC requirements yourself. Foreign medical graduates will need to qualify the relevant screening/licensing exam (currently FMGE). This will change in the future to NExT. If you plan on practising in India this should be checked prior to admission.
Admissions Process for MBBS in Germany
You will need to prepare for the application process. You will need to organise your academic documents and German language certificates.
In general you will need to:
- Check academic entry requirements: Check if your class 12 is sufficient for direct entry or if you need to complete Studienkolleg.
- Start preparing for German: Reach the required level for your chosen university.
- Shortlist public universities: Compare entry requirements, number of places and application process.
- Prepare documents: Organise your academic results, certificates, passport and language exam results.
- Apply for entry: Apply through the application portal set by the university.
- Complete additional requirements: Attend entrance exams or preparatory courses.
- Apply for student visa: Provide evidence of funds, health insurance and other documents.
- Complete enrolment: Once admitted, complete the enrolment requirements set by the university.
German universities will generally have application periods for winter and summer semesters. However, medicine may have different deadlines and limited places. Many universities will mainly admit medical students for the winter semester.
Check deadlines for each university.
Additional Costs for Indian Students
Even though there are no tuition fees you will need to budget for your medical education.
Costs you may not realise include:
- German language lessons and exams.
- Translation of documents.
- University application fees.
- Student visa.
- Flights from India.
- Health insurance.
- Accommodation deposits.
- Books, medical equipment and study materials.
- Local transport and personal costs.
A large requirement is providing evidence of funds for your student visa. This is commonly done through a blocked account (Sperrkonto). However there may be other ways of providing evidence of funds. The amount will change so always check with the German Embassy and DAAD for the most up to date information. MBBS ADVISOR can help you understand your options when looking at studying abroad.
Pros and Cons of Studying MBBS in Germany
Germany can be a great option but is not for everyone.
Pros:
- Low/No tuition fees at many public universities.
- Quality medical education.
- Excellent hospital based clinical training.
- International research opportunities.
- Access to a well developed healthcare system.
- Opportunities to practise medicine in Germany once licensing requirements are met.
Cons:
- Very competitive entry into medicine.
- High level of German language required.
- It can be expensive to live in Germany.
- Can be complex to meet entry requirements with Indian school qualifications.
- Application and preparation can take longer.
- Must comply with NMC regulations if returning to India.
If you are happy to learn German and meet the entry requirements then Germany should definitely be considered. However, if you are looking for an English medical programme this may not be the easiest option.
FAQs
1. Can Indian students study MBBS in Germany for free?
Yes. Most public universities in Germany do not charge regular tuition fees for medical courses. However, you will have to pay semester fees and budget for living expenses, accommodation, insurance etc.
2. Is NEET mandatory for Indian students studying medicine in Germany?
Indian students wishing to study an undergraduate medical degree abroad must qualify NEET-UG to meet the relevant Indian eligibility requirements for foreign medical graduates. However this does not guarantee entry to a German university.
3. Is MBBS taught in English in Germany?
Most undergraduate medical courses in Germany are taught in German. Universities will generally require you to have a high level of German, often C1.
4. How long does MBBS take in Germany?
The standard medical education will take around 6 years and 3 months.
5. Can Indian students return to India after completing medical studies in Germany?
Yes, however you must meet the relevant NMC regulations. You will need to meet the foreign medical graduate requirements and qualify the relevant licensing/screening exam.
6. How much will it cost me to study medicine in Germany?
Whilst tuition fees are typically free at public universities you will need to budget around €900-€1200 per month for living expenses. You will also have to pay semester fees, visa, flights and initial accommodation deposits.
Conclusion
It is possible for Indian students to study MBBS for free in Germany. Many public universities will not charge regular tuition fees. However, gaining entry can be difficult. You will need to have strong academic preparation, a high level of German, correct educational qualifications and enough funds.
The main benefit of studying in Germany is you can gain quality medical education with no high tuition fees like private medical universities abroad. However, you should not underestimate the language barrier and competitive entry.
Compare Germany with other medical education options and carefully check the NMC requirements if you plan on practising in India. If you are looking to study medicine abroad and unsure which country will be the best fit for your academic background and budget then visit MBBS ADVISOR to find out more.
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