Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster

About the Faculty

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Münster trains 292 students per year in the standard German medical curriculum leading to the Staatsexamen. Admission is exclusively in the winter semester via hochschulstart, with selection based on Abitur grade, TMS score, and completed vocational training. No tuition fees apply.

University Hospital Münster (UKM)

The Universitätsklinikum Münster is one of Germany's largest university hospitals, with 1,513 plan beds, more than 40 specialist clinics and polyclinics, and approximately 11,800 employees. It serves as the primary teaching hospital and provides students with broad clinical exposure across all major specialties.

Teaching and Curriculum

Münster established its Studienhospital in 2007 — described at the time as the first of its kind in Europe. Trained simulation patients (Simulationspatienten) allow students to practise Anamnese (history-taking), physical examination, and emergency procedures in a safe, realistic environment. The LIMETTE learning centre supplements this with virtual reality training modules and interprofessional teaching formats that bring together students from medicine, nursing, and allied health professions.

Students who wish to deepen their scientific training can enrol in the optional Begleitstudiengang Experimentelle Medizin alongside the standard curriculum. The faculty also runs the MedK doctoral college (Promotionskolleg MedK) for students pursuing a doctorate in parallel with their studies.

Practical Year (PJ)

The Practical Year (Praktisches Jahr) consists of three blocks of 16 weeks each: Innere Medizin, Chirurgie, and a Wahlfach chosen from more than 30 options. PJ cohorts begin on the third Monday of May and November. Elective tertials (Auslandstertiale) abroad are permitted provided at least 16 weeks are completed at an approved hospital in Germany.

Admission

Münster participates in the centralised hochschulstart procedure. The main quota is based on Abitur grade, TMS score, and completed vocational training (Berufsausbildung). A separate aptitude quota (Eignungsquote) also exists. No tuition fees are charged; the cost of living in Münster is moderate.

Admission

Admission is managed through hochschulstart (winter semester only). Selection criteria in the main quota include Abitur grade, TMS score, and completed vocational training. An additional aptitude quota applies. No tuition fees.

Degree Recognition

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

Campus Life

Münster is consistently ranked among Germany's most liveable student cities, known for its cycling culture, vibrant city centre, and large student population. The UKM campus is well connected to the city centre. Student organisations, sports facilities, and cultural events provide a rich extracurricular life.

Is the TMS required for admission?

The TMS (Test für medizinische Studiengänge) is part of the selection criteria in the main quota and the aptitude quota. A strong TMS score significantly improves admission chances.

Can I do part of my PJ abroad?

Yes. Auslandstertiale are permitted provided at least 16 weeks of the PJ are completed at an approved hospital in Germany.

Is there an optional research track?

Yes. The Begleitstudiengang Experimentelle Medizin allows students to pursue scientific research alongside the standard curriculum. The MedK doctoral college supports students working toward a doctorate.