Want to Study Medicine in Germany? Know About Some Tuition-free Colleges in Germany
Several German universities offer medicine programmes - many of which are entirely taught in English - for both winter and summer intakes, typically starting in September and April
Study Medicine in Germany: Germany is renowned for offering tuition-free education to both domestic and international students. Several German universities offer medicine programmes – many of which are entirely taught in English – for both winter and summer intakes, typically starting in September and April, respectively.
Almost all public universities in Germany do not charge tuition for undergraduate medical programs, including for international students. You only have to pay a semester contribution (around ≈€150–€350 per semester) for administrative services and public transportation. However, the state of Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students around €1,500 per semester.
Top Public Medical Universities (No Tuition Fee): These public universities in Germany offer tuition-free medical programs for international students:
| Name of the University | Location |
| Heidelberg University | Heidelberg |
| Charité – Universitätsmedizin | Berlin |
| LMU Munich (Ludwig Maximilian University) | Munich |
| RWTH Aachen University | Aachen |
| University of Freiburg | Freiburg |
| University of Tübingen | Tübingen |
| University of Bonn | Bonn |
| University of Duisburg‑Essen | Duisburg‑Essen |
Study Medicine in Germany: Key Admission Requirements & Process
A) German Language Proficiency
+ Medical programs are taught in German only, especially in clinical years.
+ You’ll need B2 or C1 level German (TestDaF or DSH) before you start the degree.
+ If you are below that level, you’ll first complete Studienkolleg (M‑course) and sit the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) exam.
B) Academic Excellence:
Admission is extremely competitive. Most universities require the equivalent of a German grade between 1.0 and 1.2, which translates to nearly straight‑A performance in Indian boards, especially in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
C) EU vs Non‑EU Admissions
German/EU applicants often apply via Hochschulstart, but non‑EU students apply directly to universities. Note that only about 5% of spots are reserved for international (non‑EU) students.
D) Other Evaluation Criteria: Some universities may also consider:
+ Scores in TestAS or TMS/HAM‑Nat/PhaST exams (optional but helpful)
+ Extracurriculars or medical internships (e.g. nursing, paramedic work) may strengthen your profile.
E) Additional Requirements
+ Essential documents include:
+ Secondary‑school transcripts and certificates
+ Passport, biometric photo, CV, letter of intent
+ Proof of German (and in some cases English) proficiency
+ Proof of funds (blocked account with \~€11,000–12,000/year)
+ Health insurance and residence permit
Application Timeline & Process:
I) Check your high‑school qualification (via ANABIN) for equivalence to German Abitur; if not equivalent, you’ll need Studienkolleg.
II) Achieve German proficiency, typically B2 to enter Studienkolleg, then C1 for the actual medical program.
III) Apply (for medicine) directly to universities – application periods:
+ Winter semester: Oct–Mar; application deadlines usually by mid-July
+ Summer semester: Apr–Sept; deadlines around mid-January.
IV) Gather all required documents, including transcripts, language certificates, TestAS/TMS (if applicable), CV, essays, proof of funds.
V) Submit via Uni‑Assist if the university uses it, or directly to the medical faculty.
VI) If you didn’t qualify directly, complete M‑course at Studienkolleg, pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), then reapply.
