MBBS in Germany for Indian Students 2025

MBBS in Germany is not called by the same name as we call it here in India. MBBS, whose full form is Bachelor in Medicine, Bachelor in Surgery (in countries like India, UK) is rather called “Staatsexamen” (State Examination) course in Germany. It qualifies graduates to practice medicine across the Germany and European Union. The program combines rigorous academic training with extensive clinical exposure, ensuring students gain both theoretical and practical expertise. 

MBBS in Germany for Indian Students presents an affordable alternative, especially in public universities, to expensive private medical colleges at home or in other foreign destinations. However, it demands strong academic performance, proficiency in the German language and dedication to an intensive curriculum. 

Whether you are planning to begin studies in Germany after 12^th or considering a pre-medical foundation course, understanding the eligibility, structure, and admission process is crucial to make an informed decision about studying medicine in Germany.

Study in Germany gives you additional benefits when it comes to affordability and quality both at the same time. Explore all the pros and cons before making up your mind for heading to Germany.

 

 

How is MBBS in Germany different from MBBS in India? 

Studying Medicine in Germany is quite different from that in India. MBBS in Germany (Staatsexamen) is mostly tuition-free, but the medium of instruction is primarily German, requiring C1 proficiency. The total duration is slightly longer (around 6.25 years). Admission is highly competitive based on high school grades, requiring a preparatory course for most Indian students. In India, MBBS is taught in English, and admission hinges on the extremely competitive NEET exam, with high costs at private institutions. 

Here is a comparison table clearly showing the differences of medical studies between Germany and India at bachelor’s level. 

Feature	Germany	India
Tuition Fees (Complete duration)	Public: Up to €6,000 (INR 6.2L)  Private: €12,000 – €1,00,000 (INR 12.4L – 1Cr.+)	INR 12-25 lakh
Duration	6 years (incl. internship)	5.5 years
Recognition	WHO, NMC, EU-wide	WHO, NMC
Medium of Instruction	German (C1 Proficiency Required), English in some universities	English
Living Cost (per year)	€10,000-€12,000 (INR 10.3- INR 12.4 lakh)	INR 2-5 lakh
Career Opportunities	Global (Europe, US, Canada, India)	Mostly India (after NEXT/FMGE)

 

Eligibility Criteria for Studying Medicine in Germany

To pursue MBBS in Germany for Indian students, meeting both academic and language prerequisites is essential. Since medical education in Germany is highly regulated and competitive, universities ensure that applicants possess a strong foundation in science and the ability to adapt to a German-taught curriculum. 

1.  Academic Qualifications 

Applicants must have completed 12 years of formal education (10+2 system) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. A high percentage in these subjects, typically above 85% is preferred. In most cases, the Indian high school certificate is not directly equivalent to the German Abitur (university entrance qualification). Hence, Indian students are usually required to attend a Studienkolleg (a one-year preparatory course) and clear the Feststellungsprüfung (university qualification exam) before enrolling in a medical program.

2.  Language Requirements 

Most medical programs in Germany are taught in German. Therefore, proficiency in the language is mandatory. Students are expected to achieve B2 or C1 level in German (as per the CEFR framework) and provide valid proof through recognized tests such as TestDaF, DSH or Goethe-Zertifikat. While some private universities offer partial English-taught modules, clinical and patient interaction phases require German fluency.

Download the free CEFR PDF for understanding more comprehensively on CEFR levels

3.  Entrance Exams and NEET Requirement 

Indian students aspiring to study Germany MBBS must qualify the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) in India, as per the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines. This ensures their medical degree is recognized when they return to India for licensure. Additionally, some universities may conduct aptitude assessments or review academic records before final admission.

Read about the common requirements to study in Germany for Indian Students

Structure & Duration of MBBS / Medicine in Germany

The structure of MBBS in Germany (known as Medizinische Ausbildung or Humanmedizin) is designed to produce highly skilled medical professionals through a blend of academic rigor and clinical exposure. Unlike the conventional 5.5-year MBBS program in India, Medicine in Germany typically takes 6 years and 3 months, culminating in the Staatsexamen (State Examination), which licenses graduates to practice as doctors in Germany and across the EU. 

The structure of Germany MBBS is organized in 3 parts: 

1. Pre-Clinical Phase (Vorklinik) 
2. Clinical Phase (klinik) 
3. Practical Year (Praktisches Jahr - PJ) 

Which we’ll discuss in detail in the following section. 

Pre-Clinical Phase (Duration – 4 Semesters or 2 Years)

The Pre-Clinical Phase is of the duration of 4 semesters (2 years) which focuses on the foundational natural sciences and the basic medical sciences that are essential for understanding the human body and disease. The curriculum includes: 

• Core Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Medical Psychology/Sociology, and Introduction to Clinical Medicine. 
• Practical Requirements: Students must complete a mandatory First Aid Course and three months of Nursing Service (Krankenpflegedienst) during this phase or the early part of the next phase. 

The phase concludes with the First Medical Licensing Examination commonly known as “Physikum”. This is a comprehensive examination that tests the knowledge acquired in the pre-clinical subjects. 

Clinical Phase (Duration – 6 Semesters or 3 Years)

During this stage, students delve deeper into the course and studying most theoretical part. They participate in practical training sessions at teaching hospitals and interact with patients under supervision. The curriculum includes: 

• Core Subjects: All clinical specialties, including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Gynaecology, Neurology, Pharmacology, Pathology, etc. 
• Format: Taught through lectures, seminars, practical courses, and initial clinical rotations (clerkships or Famulaturen). Students must complete four months of clinical electives (Famulaturen) during the semester breaks to gain early hands-on experience. 

At the end of the clinical phase, the second medical licensing exam tests students’ knowledge and students passing it are promoted to the next and the last phase. 

Practical Year (Duration – 48 weeks)

The final year, known as Praktisches Jahr (PJ), is entirely practical. The student works as a junior doctor under supervision in a teaching hospital or accredited practice. This phase allows them to gain real-world hospital experience, preparing them for the licensing examination and professional practice. 

The year is divided into three mandatory rotations, each lasting 16 weeks: 

1. Internal Medicine 
2. Surgery 
3. An Elective Subject (e.g., Anaesthesiology, Paediatrics, General Medicine, etc.) 

The final part of the State Examination is an oral-practical examination that takes place immediately after the PJ. 

Upon successfully passing all three parts of the State Examination, the student is granted the Approbation - the official, unlimited license to practice medicine as a certified doctor (Arzt/Ärztin) in Germany and the European Union. 

Need help navigating Studienkolleg and university admissions in Germany? Talk to upGrad’s Study Abroad Experts and get personalized guidance for your journey.

 

Application Process and Timeline for MBBS in Germany

Applying for MBBS in Germany for Indian students requires careful planning, as the admission process involves several steps, including language preparation, document evaluation, and adherence to strict deadlines. The process can take up to a year, depending on your readiness with language and academic credentials. 

Students are advised to begin preparing at least 12–18 months before their intended intake. This includes learning German up to the B2/C1 level, collecting academic transcripts, and applying for equivalence or Studienkolleg, if needed. 

Germany generally offers two intakes: 

• Winter semester: October (application deadline around mid-July) 
• Summer semester: April (application deadline around mid-January) 

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Evaluate Eligibility: 
   Ensure your 10+2 qualifications meet the entry requirements. If not, plan for a Studienkolleg foundation course. 
2. Language Proficiency: 
   Complete German language certification (B2 or higher) through recognized tests such as TestDaF or DSH. 
3. NEET Qualification: 
   Indian students must clear NEET for medical eligibility abroad and future NMC recognition in India. 
4. Prepare Documents: 
   Collect attested copies of transcripts, passport, motivation letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. 
5. Apply via Uni-Assist or Directly: 
   Most German universities accept international applications through Uni-Assist, a centralized service that pre-screens your documents. Some universities, however, allow direct applications through their portals. 
6. Receive Admission Letter (Zulassungsbescheid): 
   Once accepted, you’ll receive a formal offer of admission, required for visa application. 
7. Apply for Student Visa: 
   Apply for a German Student Visa (National Visa - D Category) at least 8–12 weeks before the course start date. You’ll need proof of financial resources (about €11,208/year in a blocked account). 
8. Travel and Enrollment: 
   Upon arrival, register with the local authorities, obtain residence permission, and enroll at the university (Immatrikulation). 

Important Timelines at a Glance

Stage	Activity	Recommended Timeframe
Language Preparation	Achieve B2/C1 German	12–18 months before intake
Application Submission	Uni-Assist or direct	Jan–Jul (based on intake)
Visa Application	After admission letter	2–3 months before travel
Course Commencement	Start of semester	April / October

Top Universities and Course Options for MBBS in Germany

Germany is home to some of the world’s most prestigious medical universities, many of which are ranked among the top in Europe. The quality of education, advanced infrastructure, and focus on clinical training make studying Medicine in Germany highly rewarding for international students. 

Public universities dominate the medical education landscape due to their excellent reputation and affordability. Some of the most recognized include: 

University Name	Location	Notable Feature
Heidelberg University	Heidelberg	Germany’s oldest and top-ranked medical faculty
LMU Munich (Ludwig Maximilian University)	Munich	Strong research focus and hospital affiliations
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin	Berlin	Joint medical faculty of HU and FU Berlin
University of Tübingen	Tübingen	Research-intensive medical programs
RWTH Aachen University	Aachen	Known for medical technology and innovation

These universities follow the standard Staatsexamen system and conduct courses primarily in German. 

Must Read: How to Apply for Public Universites in Germany

 

Cost of Doing MBBS in Germany

One of the biggest advantages of pursuing MBBS in Germany is its affordability compared to other popular study destinations. Public universities in Germany generally charge little to no tuition fees, making it an attractive option for students from India and other countries. However, students must still account for living expenses, semester contributions, and other miscellaneous costs. 

Tuition Fees at Public and Private Universities

Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs, including medicine. Students are required to pay only a semester contribution fee, which ranges between €250 to €400 per semester (around INR 26,000 to 41,500). This covers student services, administrative costs, and public transport within the city. 

In contrast, private universities that offer English-taught or specialized medical programs may charge tuition fees between €6,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the institution and program structure. 

Type of Institution	Annual Tuition / Contribution	Remarks
Public University	€500 – €800 (INR 51.5K - 82.4K) for semester contribution only	No tuition fee
Private University	€6,000 – €20,000 (INR 6.18L - 20L)	English-taught or dual-degree programs

 

Living Expenses in Germany for Indian Students

While tuition may be free, living costs in Germany are significant and vary depending on the city. On average, students need €900–€1,200 per month (INR 80,000 – 1,10,000) to cover accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other expenses. 

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (€)
Accommodation	350–600 (INR 36K - 61.8K)
Food	200–300 (INR 20.6K - 31K)
Transportation	80–120 (INR 8.2K - 12.3K)
Health Insurance	100–120 (10.3K - 12.3K)
Miscellaneous	100–150 (INR 10.3K - 15.4)

Cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are costlier, while smaller cities such as Leipzig or Halle are more budget friendly.

After Graduation: Recognition, Licensing & Career Opportunities

Completing MBBS in Germany opens a wide range of professional pathways, both within Germany and internationally. German medical degrees are widely respected for their rigorous training, clinical exposure, and adherence to EU medical standards. However, graduates must go through certain licensing steps before they can practice as doctors or pursue further specialization. 

 

Medical Licensing in Germany (Approbation)

After completing the six-year medicine program and passing the Staatsexamen (State Examination), graduates become eligible for the Approbation, which is the official medical license in Germany. 

The Approbation allows holders to work as fully qualified doctors anywhere in Germany without restrictions. It is issued by the health authorities (Approbationsbehörde) of the respective federal state (Bundesland). 

For non-EU students, additional document verification and proof of German language proficiency at C1 medical level (C1 Medizin) are required. If a student’s medical degree is deemed only partially equivalent, they may need to pass an additional knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung) before receiving the license. 

 

Recognition of German MBBS Degree in India

For Indian students, a major concern is whether their Germany MBBS degree is valid in India. The answer is yes, German medical degrees are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), provided students meet certain conditions. 

Graduates who wish to practice medicine in India must: 

1. Have qualified NEET before starting their MBBS abroad. 
2. Obtain a valid medical degree from a recognized university in Germany. 
3. Pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the upcoming NEXT (National Exit Test) to get licensed in India. 

Once these requirements are fulfilled, their German degree holds the same value as any MBBS obtained in India. 

 

Postgraduate Specialization and Residency in Germany

Many students choose to stay in Germany after graduation to pursue postgraduate specialization (Facharztausbildung) which is German equivalent of residency. This specialization period lasts between 5 to 6 years, depending on the chosen field (e.g., surgery, cardiology, pediatrics, etc.). 

Residency positions are often paid, allowing doctors to earn between €4,500–€6,000 per month while training in hospitals. Moreover, medical professionals in Germany are in high demand, particularly in rural areas, increasing the chances of securing employment post-graduation. 

 

Job Opportunities and Salary After MBBS in Germany

Doctors in Germany enjoy stable career prospects and competitive salaries. The starting salary for medical graduates is typically around €55,000–€65,000 per year, which increases significantly with experience and specialization. 

Job Role	Average Annual Salary (€/₹)
Resident Doctor (Assistenzarzt)	55,000 – 65,000 (INR 56.7L - 67L)
Specialist Doctor (Facharzt)	80,000 – 100,000 (INR 82.5L - 1 Cr)
Senior Doctor (Oberarzt)	100,000 – 130,000 (INR 1 Cr - 1.34 Cr)
Chief Physician (Chefarzt)	150,000+ (INR 1.54 Cr+)

With growing demand for healthcare professionals, Germany also offers long-term benefits such as permanent residency (PR) and EU work mobility, making it an appealing destination for Indian students planning to settle abroad. 

 

Conclusion

Pursuing MBBS in Germany is a life-changing opportunity for Indian students seeking affordable, high-quality medical education abroad. With world-class infrastructure, globally recognized degrees, and minimal tuition costs, Germany offers one of the best pathways to becoming a skilled doctor. While the process demands language proficiency and rigorous preparation, the rewards from clinical exposure to career opportunities across Europe making it truly worthwhile.  

For dedicated students ready to embrace both academic and cultural challenges, studying medicine in Germany ensures not just a degree, but a strong foundation for a successful global medical career.