MBBS IN GERMANY: A EUROPEAN EXCEPTION

 

MBBS IN GERMANY: A EUROPEAN EXCEPTION

 

THE VERY FIRST DAYS –

 Building a foundation from a younger age is essential, especially considering the amount of competition there is in the field of medical sciences. Don’t worry if you’re opting out late, you just have to work really hard. At a young age, there are some things that are both mandatory and quintessential to a strong foundation.

1.      Know your passions: MBBS should not be opted for just because someone gets high marks in their science subjects in high school. In fact, no career path should be chosen this way. Until and unless and you really love Biology, clearing the examinations and studying in Europe would be like running behind a unicorn.

2.      Intense Research: The fact that you stumbled upon this article in itself explains that you perhaps are up to research. However, what you also need to research is what it takes to be a doctor and what it’s like to be one. It is important to make a connect between your personality and your career since it’s going to be your pursuit for the rest of your life.

3.      Choose Subjects Wisely: Since we’re talking about the early years, it is fairly evident that the students need to opt for science subjects in their 11^th and 12^th grades. Choosing Biology in a senior year is mandatory, while having studying science elaborately throughout your education helps.

4.      Cracking NEET: The National Entrance cum Examination Test is a combination of Physics, Chemistry and Biology required to be taken and students who have finished school or are finishing it the same year and wish to study the medical sciences.

 

THE PREREQUISITES –

Almost everyone is generally aware of the basic pre-requisites of graduating from schools and having an English proficiency certificate, but the most recent change that has been brough about is clearing NEET, which was only limited to students wanting to study in India earlier.

The Medical Council of India (MCI) released a verdict mid-2018, making NEET mandatory for students who wished to study medicine in foreign years and was made effective 2019 onwards. The purpose behind mandating an India-based exam for international application was because many Indian candidates found it incredible arduous to even complete the primary medical course or qualify the screening tests required to practice medicine in those countries after having been admitted into their universities.

The system was built to regulate the flow of candidates, ensure only the worthy and deserving were admitted and to also inculcate the required hard work to clear a medical exam.

The NEET results have been valid for 3 years from its date of declaration, giving a time frame window for students to be able to apply to foreign universities within that period or taking the exam again.

 

MBBS IN GERMANY –

The low tuition fee, low cost of living (comparatively to other European nations) and higher living standards attract many Indian and international students to pursue their medical education in Germany. As attractive it may seem, Germany comes with its own challenge – higher language ability restrictions.

To study in Germany, the aspirant has to learn their language with high proficiency for their curriculum and efficient communication within the country. Unlike other European nations, IELTS is not a prerequisite, rather the applicant needs to present A1, A2, B1 and B2 certificates for German. Some may even ask for a C1 level of proficiency certificate.

Additionally, every federal state, and hence university, in Germany has its own regulations for doctors.

There are 3 MCI approved colleges one may apply to:

1.      Humboldt University (ChariteUniversitatsmedizin Berlin)

2.      Philipps University – University of Marburg

3.      University Heidelburg’

A medical course being imparted in German takes about 7.5 years to complete. This curriculum follows the following structure and time distribution:

-        Language learning

-        Foundation course in Science (1 year)

-        6 years of medicine course in Germany including 2 years of basic science 3 years of Clinical Science which is further divided into:

-        12 months (48 weeks) of practical & first-aid training (this is called practical year)

-        3 months of nursing experience

-        4 months of clinical elective

-        Final 1 clinical year

-        Minimum 3 years of medical PG in Germany (Learn & Earn program) – the remuneration during this course is around EU 30000 i.e. Rs. 20 lakhs approximately.

Students go through a year of internship while about 1.5 years of language learning depending upon their pace.

 

THE PROCESS –

As it would’ve been made clear by now, the beginning of your journey to Germany is to first clear NEET and then obtain a certificate of language learning course till B2 level or A1 level in India with A2, B1 and B2 then in Germany itself.

Indian applicants, after having cleared NEET can either apply directly to the higher education institution or apply to the University Application Service for International Students through uni-assist.

An applicant’s best bet in not taking the right choices rely on effectively contacting the international office of the institute for information. The academic counselling offices can be found on the Higher Education Compass Website.

 

ELIGIBILTY CRITERIA –

-        A science background with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in the 10+2 certificate (Preference is given to those above an aggregate of 60%)

-        NEET Scorecard

-        4 language certification exams

 

LIST OF DOCUMENTS –

1.      For admission:

-        Certified copies of previous higher education certificates

-        Officially certified copies of entrance qualification, if pertinent

-        Overview of subjects and grades, with official language translation

-        Copies of language certificates

-        Passport sized photographs

-        Photocopy of passport

Application forms are made available via the respective university’s website or at uni-assist.

All official certifications are issued by the German embassy based in India, and is mandatory. Other copies are not accepted during the application process. The processing fee depends on the university being applied to. Assessment of certificates and preliminary review by the uni-assist costs 75 euros and 30 euros for each application.

2.      For Visa:

-        A1 level certificate (A2 is optional)

-        Availability letter for learning up to B2

-        Statement of Purpose

-        Confirmation letter of admission

-        Accommodation arrangements for 2 months

-        Blocked account for EUR 8640 in a German bank (under the applicant’s name only)

 

A TIMELINE –

German universities split their academic years into two: A winter semester and a summer semester.

The winter semester commences around September/October, the application procedure of which starts in the beginning of May and ends mid-July. Similarly, the summer semester starts in March/April with its applications beginning early December, lasting up to mid-January.

The Letter of Acceptance is distributed among worthy applicants during August/September and February/March for winter and summer semesters respectively, while rejections are sent out after acceptance letters and perhaps, be received a little late.

Private universities often have slightly separate deadlines but the above is the general norm of German Universities.

 

NUMERUS CLAUSUS –

As discussed, this beautiful dream-like country comes with a lot of restrictions. Numerus Clauses is one of them.

Numerus Clauses or NC refers to a ‘limited number’ in Latin and is applicable to all institutes of higher education in Germany. It is a consequence of the growing popularity of degree programs such as medicine, pharmaceutical sciences and veterinary sciences and dentistry, making these restrictions mandatory for regulation. As the meaning suggests, NC implies that each university has a strict specified number of seats, and is applicable rigidly to medicine. To be admitted, applicants have to surpass a certain overall average grade, which is arbitrarily set. NC fluctuates based on the availability and demands during each semester in respective universities.

Therefore, NC can never be predicted and applicants do not have the choice to aim for a certain figure, but rather the best. The only shot applicants have at making a guess is noting down the NC of the previous semester.

However, it can also be dealt with in an intelligent manner and gotten through:

1.      Always write multiple application (i.e., to different universities) for higher probability

2.      Opting out for low popularity areas (lower popularity = lower NC)

3.      Academic add-ons such as aptitude tests or great grades outside of Science

4.      Play the lottery is an option when institutes award places on having been turned down by a few accepted applicants (Must give luck a shot sometimes, winning matters)

5.      Aiming for the summer (Generally, 25% of all medicine programs commence in the summer semesters)

 

MANAGING FEES –

Would be disheartening to have been accepted and not be able to afford it, hence it’s best to be prepared beforehand for international education. Public universities in Germany are free of tuition fees but there are a lot of additional costs to consider (The only exception being if students wish to study in English as an instruction medium).

Language learning, being mandatory will cost an average of about INR 5,00,000 and is generally paid during the first year. Annual accommodation and living costs are an approximate of INR 3,50,000 and INR 1,50,000 respectively. Do not forget to include an add-on of INR 50,000 per year for additional miscellaneous expenses.

Students in Germany are permitted to work second year onwards (after their language learning) for a 20-hours per week job with an average wage of 8 EUR or INR 709.36 per hour, which is generally considered adequate to cover living expenses.

After having worked for three years, students/graduates are eligible for Permanent Residency (Blue Card) in Germany.

 

 RELATED LINKS- 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MBBS (gkworks.in) 

MBBS Abroad MBBS abroad admissions mbbs abroad fee (gkworks.in)