Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-Universität Marburg

About the Faculty

The Faculty of Medicine at Philipps-Universität Marburg admits approximately 302 students each winter semester. The programme follows the standard German Staatsexamen curriculum and is delivered across two locations: semesters 1–6 take place in Marburg, while 90 students per cohort are assigned to Campus Fulda in the city of Fulda for semesters 7–10. Assignments to Fulda are made approximately one year before the switch, giving students time to plan accordingly.

University Hospital

The Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg (UKGM) serves as the primary teaching hospital. The UKGM was privatised in 2006 and is majority-owned by the Asklepios group (formerly Rhön-Klinikum AG); the state of Hessen retains a minority shareholding. Despite its private ownership structure, the UKGM remains a full academic medical centre with broad specialist coverage.

Teaching and Curriculum

Marburg has operated the MARIS Skills Lab since winter semester 2008/09, housed within the Dr. Reinfried Pohl-Zentrum für medizinische Lehre. The lab provides structured practical training in clinical skills before students encounter real patients. From the early clinical semesters onwards, students may elect one of five specialisation tracks (Schwerpunktcurricula): oncology, immunology and infectious diseases, clinical neurobiology, operative medicine, or digital and ambulatory neurology. These tracks run alongside the core curriculum and provide focused elective exposure.

Practical Year (PJ)

PJ placements are available at the UKGM (both Marburg and Gießen campuses) and at a network of affiliated teaching hospitals in Hessen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Thuringia, and Bavaria. Students interested in public health medicine (Öffentliches Gesundheitswesen) may complete a tertial at regional Gesundheitsämter (public health offices).

Admission

Admission is via hochschulstart (winter semester only). In the main quota: Abitur grade counts for 50%, TMS score for 40%, and completed vocational training (Berufsausbildung) for 10%. An additional aptitude quota weights TMS at 80%. No tuition fees are charged.

Admission

Winter semester only, via hochschulstart. Main quota: Abitur 50%, TMS 40%, Berufsausbildung 10%. Aptitude quota: TMS 80%. No tuition fees.

Degree Recognition

Graduates receive the German Staatsexamen (Approbation as Arzt/Ärztin), recognised across the EU under Directive 2005/36/EC and in many other countries worldwide.

Campus Life

Marburg is a classic German university town — compact, hilly, and almost entirely shaped by student life. The historic old town, castle, and vibrant café scene make it one of the most atmospheric places to study medicine in Germany. Students assigned to Fulda experience a smaller city with lower living costs and a tight-knit student community at Campus Fulda.

How does the two-location model work?

Semesters 1–6 take place in Marburg for all students. Approximately 90 students per cohort are then assigned to Campus Fulda for semesters 7–10 (the clinical phase). Assignments are announced roughly one year before the transition, giving students time to arrange accommodation in Fulda.

Is the TMS important for admission?

Yes. The TMS counts for 40% of the main quota and 80% of the aptitude quota, making it the single most influential factor after the Abitur grade.

Can I do a specialisation track alongside the core curriculum?

Yes. Marburg offers five Schwerpunktcurricula — oncology, immunology and infectious diseases, clinical neurobiology, operative medicine, and digital and ambulatory neurology — that students can follow alongside their standard studies.