MBBS in Germany for Indian Students 2026 (Complete Guide)

Germany doesn’t officially call it ‘MBBS’. But you don’t have to worry. The outcome is the same - you become a qualified doctor.

Here is what you should know about MBBS in Germany:

• The program is referred to as a State Examination in Medicine, and the structure is quite different from how MBBS works in India.
• The MBBS in Germany program takes 6 years and 3 months to complete. 
• If you’re an international student who doesn’t speak fluent German, you’ll need to add a 1-year language preparatory course, which brings the total duration to 7 years and 3 months.
• Medical universities in Germany accept students for the winter semester.
• Applications for MBBS in Germany open between April and August. Each university may have its own deadline, so always double-check the dates on the official website of the university you’re interested in.

As mentioned above, the MBBS course in Germany is completed in 6 years and 3 months. The course is divided into different stages that have a particular duration, like the pre-clinical phase, which is of 2 years, whereas the practical year takes a year to be completed.

Here is the table with the stages of MBBS in Germany along with its duration and other details: 

Public universities in Germany are among the best in the world, and many of them offer highly respected medical degrees. In fact, universities like Heidelberg and LMU Munich consistently rank among the top 100 globally for medicine, according to QS World University Rankings 2026.

Here’s a list of the top MBBS universities in Germany for international students, especially those coming from India:

To be eligible for MBBS in Germany, you must have strong Class 12 science marks (equivalent to the German Abitur) and advanced German language proficiency (minimum B2, preferably C1 level).

Below are the detailed admission requirements for MBBS in Germany:

• Academic Transcripts: You must complete Class 12 with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Most public universities expect very high scores, often above 85-%90%, as medicine seats are limited and merit-based.
• Abitur Equivalence/Studienkolleg: Indian students need to prove that their school qualification matches the German Abitur. If it does not, you must complete a one-year preparatory course called Studienkolleg and pass the Feststellungsprüfung exam before applying for medicine.
• German Language Proficiency: Since the MBBS in Germany is taught in German, you will have to show at least B2 level, though C1 is strongly preferred. Accepted exams, depending on the university, include TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe certificates.
• NEET Qualification (For Indian Students): As per NMC guidelines in India, qualifying for NEET is mandatory if you plan to practice in India after completing your MBBS abroad. Even though German universities might not directly ask for NEET, Indian students must clear it to ensure their degree is valid back home.
• Entrance Tests (If Required): Some universities require additional aptitude tests like TestAS or university-specific tests to check your suitability for medical studies.
• Motivation Letter (SOP): A short essay explaining why you want to study medicine in Germany, your academic background, and your career goals.
• Letters of Recommendation: 1-2 academic references from school teachers or professors who can confirm your academic strength in science subjects.
• Valid Passport & Identity Documents: A valid passport, passport-sized photographs, birth certificate, and identity proof are required during application and visa processing.
• German Student Visa: You will be applying for a student visa after receiving your admission letter. This requires proof of admission, health insurance, and a blocked account showing sufficient funds for living expenses in Germany.

To apply for MBBS in Germany, you have to make sure your academic qualification is recognised (Abitur equivalent or Studienkolleg route) and prove German language proficiency at the B2/C1 level before submitting your application. Your application will not be processed without these two.

Here are the detailed steps to apply for MBBS in Germany:

• Step 1 - Check Eligibility & Shortlist Universities: Verify whether your Class 12 qualification is equal to the German Abitur. If not, you must apply for Studienkolleg (M-course) and clear the Feststellungsprüfung exam before applying to a medical university. Shortlist public medical universities simultaneously.
• Step 2 - Fulfil language and eligibility-based requirements: Appear for approved exams such as TestDaF or DSH and secure the required level (usually B2 minimum, C1 preferred). If you plan to practice in India after completing your degree, qualify for NEET as per NMC regulations. Some universities require TestAS or internal aptitude tests for medicine applicants.
• Step 3 - Prepare Documents: Arrange academic transcripts, language certificates, a passport copy, an SOP, letters of recommendation, a CV, and other required documents in the correct format. You will have to show proof of sufficient funds (€11,904/₹12.8L) and obtain valid student health insurance.
• Step 4 - Apply via Uni-Assist or University Portal: Most public universities process international applications through Uni-Assist, while some accept direct applications. Submit all verified documents before the deadline.
• Step 5 - Meet Application Deadlines: For the Winter Semester (October intake), deadlines are around 15 July. For the Summer Semester (April intake), deadlines are around 15 January. Medicine seats are mostly available in winter.
• Step 6- Receive Admission Letter: You will receive an official admission offer if selected. Accept it within the given timeline to secure your seat.
• Step 7 - Enrol at the University: After arriving in Germany, complete university enrollment, pay semester contribution fees, and register your residence.

The application timeline for MBBS in Germany is mainly divided into the Winter Semester (October intake) and the Summer Semester (April intake). Most medical universities offer seats primarily in the Winter Semester, making it the main intake for international students. 

Since medicine is highly competitive, planning at least 12-18 months prior is strongly recommended.

Here are the important timeline pointers you should follow:

• 12-18 Months Before Intake: Start preparing for German language exams (TestDaF/DSH) and check whether your qualification meets Abitur equivalence.
• 10-12 Months Before Intake: If required, apply for Studienkolleg (M-course) and prepare for its entrance exam.
• July 15 - Winter Semester Deadline: Most universities close applications for the October intake around mid-July. (Plenty of medical seats)
• January 15 - Summer Semester Deadline: Applications for the April intake close around mid-January. (Fewer medical seats)
• 4-8 Weeks After Application: Universities release admission decisions. Processing time varies depending on document verification.

MBBS fees in Germany for Indian students are largely tuition-free at public universities, with students mainly paying a semester contribution fee. But in states like Baden-Wurttemberg, non-EU students pay €1,500/₹1.61L per semester. Apart from tuition, living expenses are the highest cost to consider.

Here are the key insights on MBBS fees in Germany:

• Tuition Fees at Public Universities: Most public medical universities in Germany charge zero tuition fees. Students only pay a semester contribution, between €250-€350 (₹26K- 37K) per semester for administrative and student services.
• Private University Fees: Private medical universities in Germany charge higher tuition, which can range from €10,000-€20,000/₹10.75L-₹21.51L per year or more.
• Semester Contribution Fee: Even where tuition is free, students must pay a mandatory semester fee between €70-€430/₹7.5K-₹46.2K that covers public transport passes, student services, and administrative costs.
• Living Expenses: Students should budget around €900-€1,100 (₹96K - ₹1.18L) per month for accommodation, food, insurance, and daily expenses.

The major German scholarships for MBBS include DAAD and Erasmus+, offering awards of more than €850 per month (₹91.4K). 

Here is the list of scholarships in Germany for MBBS: 

After completing MBBS in Germany, graduates commonly work as Assistant Doctors with an average starting salary of around €60,000/₹64.5L per year or move into Specialist Doctor roles earning about €80,000-€95,000/₹86L-₹1.02 Cr annually.

Below, we have highlighted the average annual salaries for popular medical job roles in Germany:

Not every country can offer free medical education, global recognition, and strong job outcomes in one place. Several reports, including one by the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), show that Germany has a growing shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas and among ageing populations. But getting there takes serious preparation. You need to be fluent in German, clear on the timelines, and ready to manage paperwork, tests, and deadlines with care.

That’s why many students turn to Yocket Premium for personalised support, right from selecting the right university to handling the visa process. MBBS in Germany is not impossible, but it requires a step-by-step approach and careful planning.