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Numerus clausus

The Numerus clausus (NC) is the admission restriction applied to degree programmes with more applicants than places. In human medicine the NC in the top-grades quota is around 1.0 to 1.1 nationwide; about 30,000 applications a year are made for roughly 10,000 places.

Latin = closed number

NC, restricted admission

restricted admission, numerus clausus

The NC is not a fixed threshold but the result of a selection procedure: it is the grade of the last applicant admitted in that round.

How the quotas are split in human medicine

  • 30 per cent top-grades quota
  • 10 per cent additional aptitude quota, which does not use the school-leaving grade
  • 60 per cent selection procedures run by the universities

Studying without an NC

Many universities in Europe have no Numerus clausus. They select on aptitude, motivation and subject knowledge. The guide Studying medicine without an NC: comparing locations gives an overview of prices and locations. Which location suits your situation is something we are glad to work out with you in a free consultation.

Personally guided by Marcel Kloos, founder of Medschool Experts, from your first consultation to the start of your career.

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