Becoming a doctor in Germany is a structured but lengthy process. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for German students or those studying in Germany:
🩺 Step-by-Step: How to Become a Doctor in Germany
1. Complete Secondary School (Abitur)
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Requirement: You need the Abitur (general university entrance qualification).
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Medicine is highly competitive; you'll typically need a very high GPA (1.0 – 1.3) in the Abitur.
2. Apply for Medical School (Medizinstudium)
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Apply through the “Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung” (hochschulstart.de).
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Three quotas:
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30% Best Abitur GPA
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10% University-specific criteria
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60% Waiting time, additional tests (like the TMS – Test für Medizinische Studiengänge), interviews, etc.
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3. Pass the TMS (Optional but Helpful)
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The TMS can significantly boost your chances if your Abitur score is not perfect.
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Tests your logical, scientific, and medical-related thinking.
4. Medical Studies – 6 Years and 3 Months
Divided into three phases:
A. Pre-clinical Phase (2 years)
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Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, etc.
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Ends with the First State Exam (Physikum).
B. Clinical Phase (3 years)
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Clinical subjects: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, etc.
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Includes seminars, lectures, and practicals.
C. Practical Year (1 year) – “Praktisches Jahr” (PJ)
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Rotations in:
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Internal Medicine
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Surgery
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Elective (e.g., Neurology, Pediatrics)
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Full-time hospital or clinic work under supervision.
5. Second State Exam (M2)
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After clinical studies.
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Focuses on clinical reasoning and knowledge.
6. Third State Exam (M3)
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After your Praktisches Jahr.
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Oral and practical exam with real patients.
7. Approbation – Medical License
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After passing all three state exams, you apply for the Approbation (license to practice medicine in Germany).
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Granted by the relevant state health authority (Landesprüfungsamt).
8. Optional: Specialist Training (Facharztausbildung)
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If you want to become a specialist (e.g., cardiologist, surgeon, etc.).
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Takes 5–6 years in a hospital or clinic.
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Ends with the Facharztprüfung (specialist exam).
⏳ Total Time to Become a Doctor in Germany
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Medical School | ~6.25 years |
| Optional Specialist Training | +5–6 years |
| Total | 6–12 years |
💶 Cost of Medical Education
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Public universities are tuition-free.
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You pay a semester fee (~€300–€500/semester).
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Living costs: ~€850–€1,000/month.
🇩🇪 German Language Requirements
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Medicine is taught in German.
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You need C1-level German (e.g., TestDaF or DSH).
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Essential for lectures, patient communication, and exams.
📝 Summary Checklist
✅ Abitur with high GPA
✅ Apply via hochschulstart.de
✅ Optional: TMS exam
✅ Study medicine (6 years + exams)
✅ Get your Approbation
✅ Optional: Specialist training (Facharzt)