Germany is renowned for its high-quality medical education and healthcare system. It attracts a significant number of international students who aspire to become doctors. One of the exciting opportunities for these students is to partake in medical internships in Germany. In this article, we will explore the significance of medical internships in Germany, the process of studying medicine in Germany for international students, and the options available for international students to pursue a medical degree in this country.

Internships / Clinical Rotations in one of our clinics / departments at the University Hopsital rechts der Isar can be completed within the ERASMUS+ SMP Program (P = Placement), provided that:

1.  your internship is scheduled for at least 2 months,

2.  the respective clinic / department has sufficient capacities to accept you for an internship / clinical rotation,

3.  you have a good command of the German language (at least level B1- proof has to be sent!!!). Classes and seminars at TUM School of Medicine are taught in German only! Moreover, you cannot expect patients or the nursing staff to speak English.

As a first step, students must contact the respective departments / clinics at University Hospital rechts der Isar to inquire, whether spots are availabe during their preferred time period. For that, please refer to the Contact dates of our teaching coordinators

Once, students have received the written consent of the clinic / department, they must send us the following documents ASAP (if possible, as one PDF document), via E-Mail to: [email protected]

1. Letter / E-Mail of Acceptance of the respective Clinic / Department
2. Exact Time Period / Dates of your planned Internship / Clinical Rotation
3. Letter of Motivation
4. CV / Résumé with photo
5. Erasmus+ Learning Agreement for Traineeships (for each clinical rotation): Students must fill in the Training Agreement form of their Home University, sign it and get it signed and stamped by the ERASMUS COORDINATOR of their Home University. For each clinical rotation, students have to fill in a separate Training Agreement, which needs to be signed also by a representative of the clinic / department, they’ll complete their internship at. Once students have collected all Training Agreements signed by all parties, it´s possible to request one single Training Agreement of the Erasmus+ Departmental Coordinator at TUM School of Medicine (Ms. Martina Seifert), which combines all rotations. (Please Note: You’ll have to prepare this Training Agreement yourself!)
6. Proof of Malpractice Insurance (= Professional Indemnity Insurance) for the period of the internship / clinical rotation, which protects students against claims for compensation relating to their work as a doctor/intern. If the home university doesn’t offer such kind of insurance for its students, they can purchase sufficient insurance for the duration of their internship / clinical rotation also here in Germany. There are several insurance companies, which offer this kind of insurance, for example:
   • Ärztefinanz: About € 7,90 per month, Contact: Ms. Annette Vorbauer, Service-Center München, Deutsche Ärzte Finanz, Tel.: +49 (0)89 / 28 72 98 47, Mobile: +49 (0)162/4369745, E-Mail: [email protected]
   • Hartmannbund (and Medilearn Club): free of charge through membership, E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: 030 – 206208-13
   • Dr-Walter/PROTRIP-WORLD-H: https://www.protrip-world-liability.com/
     about € 5 per month
7. Proof of general Health Insurance
8. Certificate of Medical Examination, which must not be older than 4 weeks at the time of the beginning of the internship. For further information please refer to the document “Certificate of Medical Examination“, that students can download below. You will need to send us the completed form.
9. Current Certificate of Enrollment of the home university

Internship students have the possibilty to enroll at TUM as Practical Project Students for one to three semesters (though it is not mandatory).

External students in the Clinical Internship Year

Students from other universities in Germany can complete their PJ or individual tertials at the UKD or one of the academic teaching hospitals of the HHU, subject to availability of places. Splitting of tertials is also possible for external students.

Students who are enrolled at a foreign university can contact the staff of the International Affairs and Alumni Department in the Office of the Vice Dean for Teaching and Study Quality. There you will receive further information and assistance regarding your request.

For students who are enrolled at a German university, the allocation of PJ places takes place exclusively via the PJ portal for the nationwide online allocation of training places in the practical year. In order to participate in this procedure, you must register there and be validated by the office responsible for you at your home university. Further information, e.g. on the times when you can register for the respective PJ cohort (spring or fall) and when you can subsequently take up free places at the UKD or one of the HHU Academic Teaching Hospitals, can be found on the PJ Portal website. Hardship applications, which would lead to a preferential allocation of places, cannot be made by external students.

In the event that all three tertials are completed at the UKD and/or at one of the HHU Academic Teaching Hospitals, re-enrollment at HHU is required. The third section of the medical examination is thus taken at HHU. Re-enrollment usually takes place in the semester following the start of the PJ (e.g. for students who start the PJ in the fall, in the next summer semester). The necessary application for the student and examination administration of HHU as well as a confirmation that a PJ place is available for all three tertials can be obtained from the staff from the area of study organization (Q3 / M3) in the Office of the Vice Dean for Teaching and Study Quality. External students who complete one or two tertials at the UKD and/or at one of the academic teaching hospitals of the HHU can re-register at the HHU after consultation with the Vice Dean for Teaching and Study Quality, but are not obliged to do so. For re-matriculation to HHU, at least one tertial must be spent at the UKD and/or at one of the HHU Academic Teaching Hospitals.      

The general admission requirements for the PJ also apply to external students – regardless of whether you spend your entire PJ or only part of it with us. Therefore, please submit the documents required for admission in a timely manner, but no later than the Friday of the week before you plan to start your PJ at the UKD or one of our academic teaching hospitals. You can send the proofs to the staff in the area of study organization (Q3 / M3) in the Office of the Vice Dean for Teaching and Study Quality by mail or e-mail. Copies of the documents are sufficient. You will not be able to start your PJ with us without these proofs!

It is general practice that the occupational health precaution certificate for PJ students is issued by the home university. The occupational medical service of the UKD also examines all prospective PJ students who are enrolled at HHU – regardless of whether and, if so, how many tertials are completed at institutions outside the university. Therefore, please understand that the necessary examination and certification for external students cannot take place at the UKD or one of the Academic Teaching Hospitals. The company medical service of your home university is exclusively responsible for this!

Students who are enrolled at a foreign university can contact the staff of the International Affairs and Alumni Department in the Office of the Vice Dean for Teaching and Study Quality. There you will receive further information and assistance regarding your request.

How to Study Medicine in Germany for International Students

Studying medicine in Germany is a coveted dream for many international students. The country’s medical education system is highly regarded worldwide, offering a blend of cutting-edge research, advanced medical technologies, and clinical experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how international students can study medicine in Germany:

1. Eligibility Requirements

To study medicine in Germany, you must have a strong academic background. In most cases, you will need a high school diploma, an excellent knowledge of the German language, and a recognized higher education entrance qualification.

2. Learn the German Language

Most medical programs in Germany are taught in German. Thus, it is essential for international students to have a proficient command of the language. You may need to prove your German language skills through tests like the TestDaF or DSH.

3. Apply Through Uni-Assist

Uni-Assist is a centralized application portal used by most German universities. Prepare your application, which typically includes your high school transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and a detailed motivation letter.

4. Pass the Assessment Test

German universities may require international students to pass an assessment test called the TMS (Test for Medical Studies) or the HAM-Nat. A good score on these tests increases your chances of admission.

5. Secure a Study Visa

Once you are accepted, you must apply for a student visa to study in Germany. Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including proof of financial means.

6. Enroll and Begin Your Studies

Once you arrive in Germany, you’ll enroll at your chosen university and commence your medical studies. The curriculum typically spans six years and includes both theoretical and practical components.

7. Complete Residency Training

After graduating, you’ll need to complete your medical residency in Germany, which is essential to become a licensed doctor.

Can International Students Study Medicine in Germany?

Yes, international students can study medicine in Germany. However, they need to meet the stringent admission requirements, including a strong academic background, proficiency in the German language, and a recognized higher education entrance qualification. International students should be prepared to invest time and effort into their studies, but the rewards are immense. A medical degree from a German university is highly respected and opens up numerous opportunities for a global medical career.

Medical Internship in Germany

Medical internships in Germany are an integral part of a medical student’s journey. They provide practical experience and exposure to the German healthcare system, renowned for its efficiency and quality. Medical internships offer international students the chance to work alongside experienced doctors, gain hands-on experience, and develop a deeper understanding of medical practices.

Types of Medical Internships

There are several types of medical internships available to international students in Germany:

1. Clinical Internships: These internships involve working in a clinical setting, such as hospitals or clinics. Students get to observe and assist in various medical procedures, patient care, and medical examinations.
2. Research Internships: For those interested in medical research, Germany offers opportunities to work in research labs and collaborate on cutting-edge projects. This is particularly valuable for students pursuing academic careers in medicine.
3. Elective Internships: Students can choose specific areas of interest, such as surgery, pediatrics, or radiology, and gain specialized experience during elective internships.
4. Clinical Electives: These internships allow students to work alongside doctors in different specialties and gain practical knowledge in their chosen field.

Benefits of Medical Internships in Germany

Participating in medical internships in Germany offers several benefits for international students:

• Enhanced practical skills: Hands-on experience is invaluable for medical students. Internships provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real clinical settings.
• Exposure to advanced healthcare technology: Germany is at the forefront of medical technology, and interns get to work with cutting-edge equipment and procedures.
• Cultural exchange: Internships enable international students to immerse themselves in German culture and experience different healthcare practices and systems.
• Networking: Building connections with experienced medical professionals can be advantageous for future career opportunities and collaborations.

Germany Medical Internship

Germany’s medical internships are a gateway to a world-class medical education system and a healthcare industry known for its excellence. These internships offer international students the chance to bridge the gap between theory and practice, explore diverse medical specialties, and acquire invaluable clinical skills. Pursuing a medical internship in Germany can be a significant step in an international student’s journey toward becoming a skilled and globally recognized medical professional.

In conclusion, Germany provides ample opportunities for international students to study medicine and gain practical experience through internships. While the journey may be demanding due to stringent admission criteria and language requirements, the payoff in terms of world-class education and career prospects is worth the effort. Whether you’re interested in studying medicine in Germany or considering a medical internship, the country offers a promising path towards a successful medical career.