1. Stage 1: pre-clinical phase
This stage is four semesters (two years) long and will introduce you to the key basics of natural sciences and medicine. It concludes with the first medical licensing examination.
2. Stage 2: clinical phase
This is the main phase of study (six semesters – three years) comprised of the core subjects, taught in lectures, practical courses, internships and seminars.
3. Stage 3: practical year
The main phase of study is followed by a practical year. This is one-year of clinical training, in which you’ll be introduced to the practical aspects of surgery, internal medicine and an elective subject. This phase provides on-the-job experience to prepare you for your future profession.
4. State Examination
The last step in completing your medical degree in Germany is to pass the State Examination, a nationally standardised examination. After taking and passing the examination, you can apply for your medical license (Approbation) and begin working as a certified doctor.
Students from the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA)
Students from the EU/EEA (as well as students from Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland) have the same entitlement as German students and free access to the German job market. You can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. If you exceed this, you’ll be required to pay into the German social security system, and there could be a negative impact on your studies.
Students from outside the EU/EEA
Non-EU/EEA students are also able to work in Germany alongside their studies, for 120 full days or 240 half days per year. If you take a job as a student assistant or research assistant at your university, this is usually not counted in your limit. You must notify the Alien Registration Office if you take up this type of work.
