Studying Medicine in Germany as a Foreigner (2026): NC, Language, TestAS/TMS & the Reality

"Can I study medicine in Germany?" — one of the most common and most misunderstood questions international students ask. Short answer: possible, but one of the hardest paths in Germany. To avoid disappointment, here are the facts.

#1. Medicine = nationwide NC + Hochschulstart

Human medicine in Germany is nationally restricted (bundesweit zulassungsbeschränkt) — seats are allocated centrally and you apply via hochschulstart.de. For Germans the NC is brutal (~1.0–1.2 Abitur average).

#2. EU or non-EU? (the decisive split)

• EU/EEA citizens (e.g. Italy, plus Bildungsinländer): apply like Germans via hochschulstart.de; grades + (often) the TMS decide.
• Non-EU (e.g. Turkey): apply through a separate international quota (usually ~5–8% of seats) via uni-assist. Grades + the TestAS + sometimes an interview count. (Do you need TestAS? See: TestAS guide.)

#3. Language: at least C1/DSH-2, often DSH-3 for medicine

At public universities, medicine is entirely in German. Minimum C1 / DSH-2 (TestDaF 4+/Goethe C1). But for medicine/dentistry some faculties require DSH-3 (e.g. Goethe University Frankfurt). For medicine, language proof is usually required at application.

Reality check: "I understand but barely speak" isn't enough. Oral anatomy exams, the clinical phase and the PJ require communicating with patients in German. C1 is the paper minimum; in practice you need to be fluent. Refresh a rusty C1 before you start.

#4. "I'll study medicine in English" — almost a myth

Public universities have virtually no English-taught medicine. English exists only at a few private/branch campuses (e.g. UMCH Hamburg, European University Cyprus Frankfurt) — and those are expensive/fee-paying. "Free medicine in English in Germany" isn't realistic.

#5. Already hold a degree? The Zweitstudium trap

If you've already completed a degree, you may fall into the Zweitstudium (second-degree) quota — very small (~3%) and scored separately. But: whether a foreign first degree triggers this status varies by university — some count a degree obtained abroad as "first studies". Always ask the target university's International Office / Hochschulstart. (Recognition: What is Anabin.)

#6. Costs

At public universities medicine is tuition-free (certain for EU); only a semester contribution of ~€200–350. (Non-EU in Baden-Württemberg: €1,500/semester.) Private English programmes are expensive.

#7. Programme structure (6 years 3 months)

1. Preclinical (2 years) → 1st State Exam (Physikum)
2. Clinical (3 years) → 2nd State Exam
3. PJ – Practical Year (1 year in hospital; a modest monthly allowance is paid) → 3rd State Exam → Approbation (licence to practise)

#Bottom line & honest advice

Medicine in Germany is real but hard: strict NC, German-only (DSH-2/3), a narrow quota for non-EU, and language decides in the clinic. Doable — but the gap between "go for it" and "starting unprepared" is the language. With a rusty C1: a few months of intensive German + TestAS/TMS prep before you start is the smart move. As a plan B: a master's in biomedical/medical engineering, or later the route to becoming a Facharzt (specialist) in Germany.

Related: TestAS guide · Anabin & recognition.

Based on rules in force as of 2026; quota, language and recognition vary by university — confirm with Hochschulstart / the International Office before applying.