Studying medicine abroad in German

MUDr Andreas Zehetner

MUDr Andreas Zehetner

CO-Founder of futuredoctor

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Reading time: 3 Minuten
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Last updated: 30 May 2025
Studying medicine abroad in German

☝️ The most important facts in brief

  • Studying medicine abroad: thirst for adventure, cultural interests, NC-free selection process, good chance of a place.
  • Europe offers opportunities: Lectures often in English, but also in German.
  • German-speaking medical study locations: Austria (e.g. Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck), Switzerland (e.g. Basel, Freiburg, Bern, Zurich), Hungary (e.g. Budapest, Pécs, Szeged).
  • Austria: NC-free admission, MedAT test, modern healthcare system.
  • Switzerland: German-speaking universities, modern institutions, e.g. in Basel, Fribourg, Bern, Zurich.

📖 Table of contents

Whether it's a thirst for adventure, an interest in other cultures or the prospect of an NC-free selection process - there are also opportunities abroad to study medicine in German at renowned universities. We'll show you where this is possible!

Why should you consider studying medicine abroad?

The Studying medicine abroad allows you to get to know exciting student cities, live in an international environment and enjoy the culture and landscape of your chosen country. The chances of getting a place to study abroad are often better than in Germany and you rarely need a 1.0 NC. That sounds like a dream, doesn't it?

If you are talented in foreign languages, there are many doors open to you at medical universities in Europe, as lectures are often held in English in addition to the local language. If you prefer to learn the complex medical content in German, there are still good options in other European countries - because Germany is not the only country where it is possible to study medicine in German.

No language barrier a problem: you can study in German here

You can study medicine in your native language in 4 European countries. Of course, Austria and Switzerland are among them. But Hungary also offers you this opportunity.

Medical studies in Austria

As German is the national language in Austria, medical lectures are held in German. Admission to the medical degree programme is NC-free and takes place via a selection test (MedAT) take place. The ultra-modern healthcare system and the proximity to Germany make Austria an attractive study destination for prospective doctors. Studying medicine in German in Austria is possible at the following universities:

  • Medical University of Vienna
  • Medical University of Graz
  • Medical University of Innsbruck
  • Medical Faculty of the JKU Linz
  • Paracelsus Medical Private University Salzburg
  • Karl Landsteiner Private University Krems

More on the topic here: Medical studies in Austria

Studying medicine in Switzerland

German is also spoken in parts of Switzerland, so you will also find some universities there that offer medical studies in German. Swiss universities are among the best in Europe and are characterised by state-of-the-art learning methods and facilities. At four of the medical universities in Switzerland, lectures on the medical degree programme are held in German:

  • University of Basel
  • University of Freiburg
  • University of Bern
  • University of Zurich

More on the topic: Studying medicine in Switzerland

Medical studies in Hungary

Some universities in Hungary have specialised in training German medical students. The curriculum of the universities in Hungary is similar to the German medical degree programme and lectures are held in German. This also gives students the opportunity to transfer to Germany during their studies. Another advantage: the degree programme is NC-free and you do not need a Admission test. However, these lines have their price and the universities demand Tuition fees. You can study in German at these medical universities in Hungary:

Would you like to apply to study medicine in Hungary? Zur Bewerbung 2025

More on the topic: Medical studies in Hungary

Free information material

Studying medicine abroad 🎉

Order your info pack now, find out more about the Studying medicine abroad and get started as a medical student!

💡 Travel tip from Nils-André from our travel team

Many of our participants are faced with the question: How can I pay safely and cheaply abroad - and be well insured at the same time?

Our recommendation from our own experience: a credit card that combines travel protection and bonus benefits.

One example: the American Express card. Many people use it because of:
  • Foreign travel health insurance included
  • Luggage and travel cancellation insurance
  • Access to airport lounges - ideal for stopovers
  • Payment in foreign currency without additional costs (depending on card)
  • Collect points, e.g. for free flights or hotels

👉 If you are interested, you can get the American Express Card with a starting bonus.

💬 Not a must - but for many it was a real stress and money saver.