Faculty of Medicine, Friedrich Schiller University Jena

About the Faculty

Jena is a medium-sized faculty with a clearly defined profile. The JENOS programme is a reformed standard curriculum: the structure of preclinical and clinical phases is preserved, but in the second study phase students choose one of three orientations — clinically oriented medicine, ambulatory-oriented medicine, or research-oriented medicine. This specialisation accounts for around 15% of the curriculum and runs as an elective strand over the shared compulsory core; the Staatsexamen at the end is identical across all three tracks.

The University Hospital Jena (UKJ) has approximately 1,400 plan beds and is the largest employer in Thuringia. Its internationally visible research focus is sepsis and infection medicine; in practical terms, this gives students easy access to intensive care and infectiology during their studies. Jena suits students who want to commit early to a direction and who prefer a compact university city with moderate living costs over a large-city location.

Admission

Places are allocated nationally via hochschulstart. The university’s own selection procedure is divided into several sub-quotas; in the largest, the Abitur grade carries the majority of points and the aptitude test has considerably less weight than at many other faculties. In the further sub-quotas the balance shifts in favour of the test, vocational training, and recognised service. In the additional aptitude quota the Abitur grade plays no role. No tuition fees are charged; only the semester contribution is payable. The specific weightings are set out in the university’s current selection statutes.

JENOS: Reformed Standard Curriculum with an Inclination Profile

Jena does not use a model curriculum but a reformed standard curriculum called JENOS (Jenaer neigungsorientierter Studiengang). The classical framework is retained: four preclinical semesters, then the First Section of the Medical Examination, six clinical semesters, and the Practical Year. Standard study duration is six years and three months.

The distinctive element is the choice structure. After an orientation semester, students choose from the sixth semester onwards one of three tracks: clinically oriented medicine, ambulatory-oriented medicine, or research-oriented medicine. The chosen track accompanies the student over five semesters and comprises 21 semester contact hours. Students who choose the research track can pursue a parallel Master’s degree — for example in Molecular Medicine — alongside the Staatsexamen programme. The core curriculum has been streamlined to accommodate this; small-group teaching, patient-oriented learning, and new assessment formats have been given more space.

Standard prerequisites apply: first-aid course, three-month nursing placement, and Famulaturen. The Practical Year is completed at the UKJ — the only university hospital in Thuringia — or at one of the affiliated teaching hospitals in the region; GP practices are available for the ambulatory tertial. The three sections of the Medical Examination follow the national standard. The resulting Staatsexamen leads to Approbation valid throughout Germany. A doctorate can be pursued alongside or after the degree.

Studying in the Saale Valley

Jena is a manageable university city of just over one hundred thousand inhabitants, set in the limestone valley of the Saale river. Friedrich Schiller University, founded in 1558, shapes the city far more strongly than the population size would suggest; the optical and photonics industry and a lively research scene add further character.

Daily medical study life is divided between two poles: the preclinical institutes and lecture halls near the city centre, and the University Hospital in the southern district of Lobeda, reachable by tram in a few minutes. Distances are short, most things can be done on foot or by bike — though the hillside location demands some fitness. Students live in the pre-war apartment districts around the city centre or in Studierendenwerk halls. Rent levels are noticeably below those of West German large cities such as Cologne or Hamburg; the market tightens at the start of each semester, so it pays to search early.

Student life means the Wagnergasse bar quarter, Paradiespark along the Saale, the Kulturarena in summer, and hiking trails that begin right at the city’s edge. Erfurt, Leipzig, and Berlin are well connected by ICE, making weekend trips viable without a car.

Is the Jena programme a model curriculum?

No. Jena uses the reformed standard curriculum JENOS. The classical structure of preclinical phase, clinical phase, and Practical Year is retained, including the First Section of the Medical Examination after the fourth semester.

What are the JENOS tracks?

From the sixth semester, students choose between clinically oriented, ambulatory-oriented, and research-oriented medicine. The chosen track runs for five semesters (21 semester contact hours). It gives early insight into the area of greatest interest without constituting a final career commitment.

Where does the clinical teaching take place?

Primarily at the University Hospital Jena in Lobeda — the only university hospital in Thuringia. Affiliated teaching hospitals and GP practices in the region are used for block placements, Famulaturen, and the Practical Year.

Can I do scientific work alongside my studies?

Yes. The research-oriented track explicitly provides for this, and in some cases allows a parallel Master’s degree in Molecular Medicine. A doctoral degree can also be prepared alongside the programme.

How do I apply for a place in Jena?

Applications go through hochschulstart via the national quotas; the aptitude test plays a role in the selection procedure. Cut-off values change from year to year, so always check current figures. Medschool Experts advises on NC-free routes into medical studies and does not arrange applications to German state faculties.