Studying Medicine and Dentistry in Germany: Universities, NC and Application

The author's view

I did not have the courage myself, despite a good Abitur, to rely solely on the German process, and instead went to Sofia at 24 as a late starter to study dentistry. In retrospect, that was the right decision — not because the German system is poor, but because it decides almost exclusively on grade and test and gives little consideration to a late or unconventional background.

Those who meet the requirements for the top-grades quota should apply in Germany — the training at the state faculties is excellent and costs almost nothing. For everyone else, looking beyond the border is worthwhile considerably earlier than most are willing to admit: one year waiting for a German place is one year that already counts as study time abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Medicine in Germany

How good does my Abitur need to be for medicine?

In the top-grades quota, cut-off values are usually between 1.0 and 1.2. Through the university selection process, applicants with an average around 2.0 can also gain entry with a good TMS result — at some locations even slightly above that.

What is the rural doctor quota?

A reserved share of study places for applicants who contractually commit to working as a general practitioner in an underserved rural region for several years after graduation. The Abitur average plays a much smaller role; instead, the selection interview, motivation, and sometimes a prior connection to the target region count.

Do I need the TMS to study medicine?

It is not compulsory, but a good result is an advantage at almost every university in the selection process and can improve the Abitur average by up to 0.8 grade points. Without a test result, only the top-grades quota remains as a realistic option.

What does a medical degree in Germany cost?

At the 39 state faculties, only the semester contribution of around 150 to 350 euros. At the eight private universities, total costs lie between around 77,000 and well over 100,000 euros for the complete programme.

Can I study medicine without the required NC in Germany?

In Germany itself, only at a private university. In Europe, however, there are numerous state universities with a pure aptitude test instead of an Abitur average, whose degrees are recognised in Germany without additional examinations.

What happens if I do not receive a study place?

Those who receive no offer land on the waiting list for the subsequent allocation process, or must apply again in the next cycle. Many use the time instead for an NC-free programme abroad, rather than waiting one or more years for a German place.

Is the application for dentistry different from human medicine?

No, the process is identical: the same three quotas, the same application through hochschulstart.de, the same TMS as a potential lever. Only the number of faculties and study places is smaller.

Does Medschool Experts arrange study places in Germany?

No. The application through hochschulstart.de runs exclusively directly between the applicant and the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung. Medschool Experts supports the NC-free route at state universities in Europe.