How to do MBBS and Become a MBBS Doctor in Germany
Considering becoming a doctor in Germany is a great decision, because medical education there is very good and often free. But it is a bit difficult and long path, especially for students coming from abroad.
1. Know Some Basics About Medical Education in Germany
Course Name: In Germany it is not called "MBBS" but
"Medizin" (medicine), which is the same as our MD degree here. It is
not separated into Bachelor's and Master's, but rather one long program.
Language of Study: Almost all medical studies are in German. There are
very few or no complete MBBS programs in English, and if there are, they are
often expensive private universities. Therefore, learning German is very
important.
How Long Will It Take?: Usually 6 years and 3 months. This includes both
studying and working in a hospital.
Tuition Fees: Medical studies are completely free in most public
universities. You will only have to pay some administrative fees (around 100 to
500 euros) per semester. Private universities can charge a lot more.
Living Expenses: These are something you will have to cover yourself,
which can be around 900 to 1200 euros per month depending on the city. For the
visa, you need to show at least €11,208 (around 3.3 million Pakistani rupees,
see current exchange rate) in a special bank account (called a blocked
account).
Also Check: German Language Exam Preparation For Students
2. Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)
To study medicine in Germany, you must meet the following:
High School Education (12 Years)
You must have a recognized high
school diploma (such as FSc Pre-Medical from Pakistan), and you must have very
good grades in it. Excellent grades in biology, chemistry and physics are
particularly important.
12 years of education from Pakistan or many other countries is not enough to
directly enter a German university. They have to do a Studienkolleg (Student
College).
Studienkolleg (Foundation Course)
Most Pakistani students have to do a
one-year “Studienkolleg” (specifically M-Kurs) before studying medicine. This
is a preparatory course that prepares you for German universities and teaches
the necessary subjects.
At the end of the Studienkolleg, you have to pass an exam called
Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), which is required for university admission.
Also Check: Study in Germany for Free Without IELTS Complete Guide
German Language Skills
This is the most important thing.
Since all medical studies are in German, you should have very good German
skills (at least level C1).
You will need to show a certificate from a well-known German language exam such
as DSH, TestDaF, or Goethe-Zertifikat C1.
Entrance Test
Some medical universities may have their own entrance test (such as TestAS or Test for Medical Studies - TMS). These tests look at your interest and aptitude in medicine.
Motivation Letter and CV
Write a good motivation letter
explaining why you want to become a doctor, why you want to go to Germany, and
why you chose this university.
A good and clean CV (European style) is also essential.
Other Required Documents
- High school transcripts
- Diplomas and certificates
- Copy of passport
- Photos
- Health certificate
- Police clearance certificate
If you have any experience in a hospital or social work, it can also be beneficial to show that.
3. Application Process to Study Medicine in Germany
Applying for a medical degree in Germany can be a little more difficult than for regular degrees:
Learn German
This is the first and most important step! Be sure to learn German to at least level B2/C1.
Apply for Studienkolleg
If your high school education is not sufficient, apply for Studienkolleg (M-Kurs) first.
Pass the FSP Exam
After finishing Studienkolleg, pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) exam.
Find Universities
Look for medical universities in Germany that match your grades and FSP score. Admission to medical schools is very competitive because places are limited.
Also Check: DAAD Scholarship Program 2026
Prepare Your Documents
Prepare all the documents mentioned above. All must be translated into German and certified.
Apply Online
Foreign students apply to most
medical programs through Uni-Assist. Uni-Assist checks your documents and sends
them to the universities.
Pay special attention to the application deadlines (usually July 15 for the
winter semester and January 15 for the summer semester, but this depends on the
university).
Interview/Entrance Test (If Applicable)
Prepare for an interview or other test if the university conducts one.
Get an Admission Letter
If you are selected, you will receive a letter of admission from the university.
Apply for a Visa
After receiving the admission letter, apply for a student visa at the German embassy in your country. For this, you will need to show a blocked account, health insurance, and other documents.
Go to Germany and Register
Once you have received the visa, go to Germany, enroll in a university, and obtain a residence permit (residence permit).
Also Check: Fully Funded Scholarships for USA and UK 2025-2026
4. Stages of Medical Studies in Germany
A medical degree in Germany is usually divided into four parts:
Pre-Clinical Stage
The first 2 years (4 semesters). This is where you study the basics of science and medicine, such as the structure of the body, physiological systems, etc. This stage ends with an exam called "Physikum".
Clinical Stage
The next 3 years (6 semesters). In this, you learn about diseases, their treatment, and how to become a doctor in practice.
- Learn skills.
- Work with doctors in hospitals.
Practical Year (PJ)
The last 1 year. This entire year is spent on practical training in a hospital.
Final Exam and License (State Examination and Approbation)
At the end of your studies, you have to take a big state exam (Staatsexamen) which has three parts. Only after passing this do you get a license to work as a doctor in Germany.
Also Check: How to Prepare for SAT and ACT Exams to Get More Scores
5. After Becoming a Doctor in Germany
Doctor's License (Approbation)
After passing the Staatsexamen, you get an "Approbation", which makes you a full-fledged doctor in Germany.
Becoming a Specialist (Facharzt Training)
If you want to specialize in a specific field (e.g. surgeon, heart doctor), you have to do another 5 to 6 years of "Facharzt Training" (specialist training), which takes place in hospitals as an assistant doctor.
Some Essential Tips for Medical Students
- German is the Most Important: This is the most important. Without good German, you won't be able to read or talk to patients.
- Very Good Grades: Medical school is difficult to get into, so your high school grades should be excellent.
- Long Journey: It's a long and tough journey, be mentally prepared for it.
- Only Official Websites: Always check the DAAD and your chosen university's own websites for up-to-date and accurate information.