German universities are undoubtedly among the best higher education institutions in the world. Germany’s top medical schools are also among the widely considered for aspiring doctors. Besides the globally-competitive education, prospective students look toward excellent employment opportunities from anywhere in the world.
Studying Medicine in Germany requires mostly proficiency in the German language, providing students the objective to learn one of the world’s most-spoken languages. In this article, we will be listing some of the best medical schools in Germany.
Can Foreigners Study in Medical Schools in Germany?
Yes, German universities accept foreigners looking to study Medicine. One of the top universities in Germany, the Luebeck University, accepts applicants from other countries. Besides Medicine, it offers other related degree programs such as Nursing, Medical Engineering, and Infection Biology. While some of its offered courses are in English, degree programs in Medicine are taught in German. Prospective students need to meet the German language requirements.
What is the most prestigious medical school in Germany?
Heidelberg University is considered the most prestigious medical school in Germany, internationally recognized by the multiple university rankings institutions. In 2020, the university took 33rd place in QS university rankings by subject and 64th place for world university rankings. In that same year, the university also placed 16th on the Academic World Ranking of Universities based on academic subjects. Meanwhile, Times Higher Education released its 2021 university rankings by subject, placing Heidelberg University at 36th and 42nd on World University Rankings.
Best Medical Schools in Germany
1. Heidelberg University – Medical Faculty
The Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University is the best medical school in Germany. Established in 1386, it is also the oldest in the country. Over 600 years of history accounts for the faculty’s excellence in providing education and research.
Medical students receive training based on tight collaboration with international universities, emphasizing small group lectures, integrating its teaching hospitals, such as the University of Pediatric Hospital and Neurological Clinic, and the inclusion of practices from general practitioners.
The medical course at Heidelberg University lasts a minimum of six years and three months, with three phases: preclinical study, clinical study, and practical year.
Besides the world-class medical education, Heidelberg University also ensures that students can conduct research and discover new information in Medicine. Qualified students can apply for an MD/Ph.D. program, allowing them to pursue a medical research career, in addition to medical practice.
Heidelberg Medical School works with top research institutions, such as the German Cancer Research Center and The European Molecular Biology Laboratory.
2. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
In 1710, King Friedrich Wilhelm I ordered a quarantine facility built outside of Berlin to prepare for the bubonic plague outbreak. The facility was later named Charité expanded to become a military hospital and with an educational training center. Currently, this top medical school in Germany has four campuses in Berlin, with more than 8,000 students and over 15,000 employees. Several international institutions recognized its excellence, including the Times Higher Education, placing it at 43rd in the by subject World University Rankings in 2021.
While the university prepares students to become significant contributors to the general public through clinical practice, they also have the opportunity to widen their professional horizons through research and participation in social activities.
Charité’s research centers offer an inviting environment to researchers, with its top-of-the-class equipment and state-of-the-art technology. Some of its world-renowned research facilities are the Neuroscience Research Center, Center for Cardiovascular Research, and Molecular Cancer Research Center.
3. Ludwig Maximilians University Munich – Faculty of Medicine
Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, also referred to as the University of Munich, has one of Germany’s top medical schools. Established in 1472, the university has Medicine as one of its founding faculties, along with Philosophy, Theology, and Jurisprudence.
With over five hundred years of historical excellence, the faculty achieved a global reputation and standard in education and clinical practice. Times Higher Education placed the university at 45th place in its world university rankings by subject for 2021, while it landed at 33rd in QS Rankings by subject in 2020.
As the largest medical institution in South Germany, aspiring doctors have the chance to learn from its University Hospital and preclinical, academic, and clinical-theoretical facilities.
Besides its globally recognized education, the faculty also provides research opportunities, with the university hosting the six German Centers for Health Research. The faculty also collaborates with the Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology and the Collaborative Research Center. Its strong relationship with these research institutions ensures that students learn the ideal image of combining medical practice and research.
4. The Technical University of Munich – School of Medicine
The Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, established in 1967 by the Bavarian State Government, is among the youngest medical schools in Germany. Highly regarded internationally, the university took 56th place in Times Higher Education World Rankings by subject for 2021 and 62nd place for QS World University Rankings by subject in 2020.
Its guiding principle, a confident and results-oriented synergy of teaching, research, and patient care, continues to manifest as the university provides world-class education.
To study Medicine at the Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, prospective students should complete a preclinical training phase organized with Ludwig Maximilian University.
Besides the university’s clinical training, medical students also have the opportunity to pursue clinical research through the university’s graduate programs, research institutes, and the University Hospital.
5. Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg – Faculty of Medicine
Albert Ludwigs University, also referred to as the University of Freiburg, was established in 1457 as instructed by Archduke Albrecht VI of Austria. Among the original faculties included in its opening is Medicine.
Over the years, the faculty continued to deliver high-quality education, ensuring that students learn theoretical knowledge, teamwork, scientific methods, and good communication.
By aiming to further Freiburg’s medical sciences internationally, the faculty belongs to the top medical schools worldwide. Ranking institutions Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings ranked the university at 100th and 115th, respectively.
This top medical school in Germany offers Medicine as a six-year medical degree, divided into two phases. The first phase includes learning the scientific foundations of Medicine, while the second phase comprises intensive practical courses and an internship year. The faculty collaborates with the Medical Center to provide students with patient-focused training.
I hope that this article on the best medical schools in Germany was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Medical School Category!
