medical doctor

HOW TO BECOME A DOCTOR IN GERMANY

medical doctor

In Germany, over 409,100 doctors are employed. As of 2020, the rate of medical doctors increased to 4.90 per 1000 people. Hence, the competition for getting admitted to medical universities is usually high. This article will help you know how to become a doctor in Germany. Let’s get right into it.

Get a Degree
To become a doctor in Germany, getting your medical degree is important, especially from a German university. Students with the highest grades were the only ones accepted till that was changed.
You can apply to a medical program directly if you graduated from an EU secondary school but if you are a non-EU student, you can apply to a public institution, which provides foundation courses for international students (Studienkolleg) for a period of one year, which leads to a university qualification assessment examination (Feststellungsprufung). Kampus Konnekt is here to put you through this process without stress.

Learn the German Language
Set your priority right by choosing to learn the German language. It is a very important requirement in studying and practicing medicine in Germany, as medicine is taught in German. Here at Kampus Konnekt, we offer German language training for international students who want to get into Germany. Find out more here.

Attempt to take the TestAS
International students are required to take the TestAS. TestAS improves the chances of foreign students of being admitted to a German University. It is both in digital and paper-based form.

Apply to your desired Medical School
Apply to Stiftung fur Hochschulzulassung for your desired university. As soon as you register on the website, begin to monitor your application for updates.
For international students, they would have to ensure the University is part of the uni-assist, before applying. Uni-assist evaluates the applications of foreign students for 180 German Universities.

Here are some Universities in Germany where you can study Medicine:

  • The University Of Lubeck
  • The Tubingen University Hospital
  • The University of Heidelberg
  • The University of Freiburg
  • The University of Charite
  • The university of Herdecke

Reaching your Medical School Goals
For medical programs, it takes over 6 years to complete. Your school medical program starts as soon as you get admitted, so buckle up.

Passing the State Examination and Earning your License.
The state examination is a very important examination that marks the concluding part of your final year in medical school. As soon as you pass this examination, you are qualified for earning your License to practice medicine.
This state examination takes place in three(3) stages.

  • The M1 Stage: it takes place after 2 years of studying medicine. It has to do with anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. This is both in written and oral practical form.
  • The M2 Stage: this is a written case-related exam that takes place after 5 years of studying medicine and the success of the first exam
  • The M3 Stage: the third stage takes place after one year of the success of the second examination.

For more information about what you need to study medicine in Germany, get in touch with Kampus Konnekt.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE IN GERMANY

Germany is one of the perfect destinations for great scholarships. Scholarship applications are brushed up by independent and voluntarily selected committees. Here is the list of scholarships you can apply for in Germany.

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Scholarship Program
This falls under government-funded scholarships. This scholarship offers different scholarship opportunities to international students in Germany. DAAD scholarships focus on students who have completed their bachelor’s degree program with work experience. Visit daad.de/en/ for more information.

Erasmus Scholarship Program
This is a program founded in 1987, whose goal is to fund international exchange programs. This scholarship also falls under government-funded scholarships.
This scholarship is similar to DAAD scholarship program in terms of the criteria expected of any student wanting to apply. Erasmus offers international students in universities in Germany one year of financial support and a chance to experience and have fun in a foreign country.

Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship
This scholarship is financed by the Einstein foundation, which is up to 5 years. Those eligible are junior research group leaders, who have received funds from the DFG or an ERC grant.

Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships
To apply for this scholarship, you need a doctoral degree or four years of full-time research experience. This program is funded by the European commission. This is offered to students who wish to further their education.

KAAD(Catholic Academic Exchange Service) Scholarships
This is a scholarship institution of the German Catholic Church. Students applying for this scholarship must be from developing countries, have a master’s or Ph.D. degree, and must be fluent in the German language.

Kurt Hansen Science Scholarships
This falls under non-government scholarships. It is funded by the Bayer foundation. This scholarship is open to students willing to study in the field of science.

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship
This scholarship is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students studying in Germany and to international students who can’t fund their studies, this is financed by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Click here to know more about this scholarship.

SIST LMU Study Scholarship
Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich is for those with a Doctoral degree. This scholarship is funded by the German Foreign Office. Note that incomplete applications are rejected.

For more advice about scholarship applications, you can visit Kampus Konnekt. We’ll be glad to help.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AND LEARN BEFORE TRAVELLING TO GERMANY

Germany has to be one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, enriched with its unique arts and culture, history, people, and beautiful cities. However, there are a few things you should know and learn before traveling to Germany. Let’s go over some of them.

  • Don’t talk about wars: Before travelling to Germany, know that talking about the Germany war is a very sensitive topic of discussion to talk about to the Germans, as they happen to be blunt people; they’re not so big on humor. So, it’s important to be culturally polite.
  • Be time-conscious: Being late is seen as being ill-mannered, not just by the Germans. Always stick to the time you fix, when meeting someone or visiting a friend. If you wouldn’t be arriving at the fixed time, let them know.
  • Learn German: Speaking German to German people will probably go a long way and do you good. You would find it easy to read road signs and other necessary instructions. Visit Kampus Konnekt to book your German lesson class.
  • Always have some cash: Not all shops have ATM machines in Germany and you wouldn’t probably know till you get there, so it is safer for you to get some cash before heading out.
  • No shopping on Sundays: In Germany, shops and supermarkets of all kinds are usually closed on Sundays. So, it’s better and easier to get the necessary things before Sunday.
  • Take care of your kids: If you are in public and your child refuses to behave him/herself, then get ready for neighboring grandmas and grandpas to do that for you. This could turn out really embarrassing, so it’s good that you do the needful.

THE MEDICAL CARE SYSTEM IN GERMANY.

The Medical Care System In Germany

Germany offers the best quality medical care system in Europe. On the 2018 Euro Health Consumer Index, it is ranked 12th. As the care system is funded by statutory contributions, it ensures free medical care for people.

Through public health insurance in Germany, residents have the right of entry into the medical care system. Those who aren’t residents in Germany can seek private insurance to access the medical care system while the temporary residents would have to pay for treatments.

THE COST OF MEDICAL TREATMENTS.

The cost of medical treatments in Germany is competitive. It is not the cheapest, also not the most expensive either. The cost of treatment may differ, subject to the required medical needs.

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE MEDICAL CARE SYSTEM.

  1. The pharmacies are open 9 am-12 pm on Saturdays and 9 am-6 pm from Monday to Friday. Always ensure to enquire information from the doctor or pharmacist, about the drugs you are getting from them since in most cases, medications don’t come with dosage instructions.
  2. There are three kinds of hospitals in Germany. The private hospitals, the public hospitals – run by local and regional authorities, and finally, the voluntary hospitals, which do not really make sales. They are usually run by the German Red Cross or churches.
  3. In Germany, it is legal for doctors to give information to patients about the treatment they will receive. This is also a chance for patients to ask their bothering questions. Before giving treatments, patients are to sign consent forms.
  4. The hospitals in Germany offer efficient services as they attend to patients appropriately with operative treatments, which can help patients save time and money.
  5. German doctors take medical laws strictly. They are honest and respectful towards the patients. They tend to tell patients the truth and never hide information, even if it means giving bad news about a diagnosis.
  6. To opt into the private healthcare insurance in Germany, you have to be self-employed, working part-time, a civil servant, an artist, or an employee earning more than 57,600 pounds.
  7. In the women’s healthcare, gynecologists are there to care and support pregnant women and see to sexual health matters and other women’s health issues. Also, statutory insurance cover all maternity costs, except for private insurers who choose not to be covered.
  8. If you have state insurance, you are to pay for your treatments as some doctors in Germany treat private patients.
  9. As a patient, you are free to choose your own doctor. It will also do you well if you are fluent in German as many doctors speak Basic English.
  10. Vaccinations for children in Germany are free. Also, for children under the age of 18, public health insurance covers the finances. If you want as a parent, you are free and it is free to choose a pediatrician for your child as, until the age of 18, pediatricians provides medical care for your child.

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS WHILE STUDYING IN GERMANY

Studying in Germany is a great opportunity. Depending on the level of tertiary education, there are different things you need to know before you decide to study. In this article, we will look at the study abroad programs in Germany respectively, and what to expect of them.

Applying for a Bachelor’s Degree

This is the degree for anybody fresh out of high school and looking to expand their education further. It is the foundation of all other university qualifications, and can lead you on to higher, specialized degrees in your industry. A certain level of German language proficiency is required of each prospective student, and standard German degrees are tuition-free, except for a few administrative costs (between 200 to 350 euros) and take approximately three years to complete. From there, you are free to study a second bachelor’s degree, or proceed with a master’s degree. Here at Kampus Konnekt, we can help you with language training as well as helping you find the perfect school for your needs. With almost 400 officially recognized universities in Germany, you will be assisted in no time.

Applying for a Master’s Degree

This is the second highest degree a university graduate can obtain, after receiving their initial bachelor’s degree in the same educational field. It takes approximately two years to finish, but can be longer or shorter depending on the subject being studied. Like a bachelor’s degree, they are almost tuition-free, and there are also much more opportunities to study courses in English. A basic language proficiency may still be required by some universities, but most programs can be taught fully in English.

Applying for a PhD

Contrary to popular belief, PhDs can be one of the longest qualifications to obtain in Germany. It takes between 3 to 6 years to complete, varying from discipline to discipline. Furthermore, pursuing a PhD is only free for the first three years of study, after which tuition fees are charged, and can vary depending of the educational institution.
Over 50,000 degrees are awarded to international students in Germany annually, and the figures are growing each year. Kampus Konnekt is growing the international community in Germany one student at a time. No matter the degree, we are here to help.

FINDING AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION IN GERMANY

As an international student, getting comfortable and affordable accommodation in Germany, in a reserved environment is something you should importantly put into consideration.

First of all, you should ensure you find a very safe environment to stay in and ensure that the apartments are cheap and quite comfortable. You should also make sure that the apartment is quite closer to your school campus to avoid lateness to class.

How to find affordable accommodation in Germany

  • Search for a flat you can share with someone: If you seem to be the outgoing and tolerant type of person, free to live with other people, then you can consider sharing a flat with someone else. To easily find a roommate, you could look some up on www.wg-suche.de, where you’d see several roommate requests, you could choose from. With this, you can save money and also socialize with other new people, making friends with them.
  • Living for help: Living for help occurs mostly between a younger person and an older person. You get to live with older people for free and in exchange, you help with their daily chores.
  • The quality of your desired apartment: One thing you should put in mind when finding accommodation in Germany is what quality or characteristic of an apartment you want. When you know this, it helps you to set a budget you can comfortably work with.
  • The students’ hall of residence: The students’ halls of residence are always located within the university or closely beside the university. With this, you wouldn’t have a lot to spend and it can be easy for you to commute in and out of school.
  • Private accommodation for students: If you are a student who prefers to live alone, adoring your privacy, then you can opt-in for private accommodation by renting your own apartment which is of course quite expensive. But as this is your own choice, you get to have your own privacy and make your own rules and regulations.
  • Student Housing Leads: In case you find it difficult to find affordable accommodations in Germany, here are some leads that could help in finding apartments:
  • The University Notice Board: Always tend to look out for the notice boards at school. Accommodation ads are placed on the university notice boards and you could also personally place your housing advert on the board too. Whichever way works for you.
  • Online Platform: You can find lists of your desired apartments you wish to live in on these online platforms. Some of them are: Nest pick, WG-GESUCHT, immobile, Kalaydo, and Wohnungs Boerse etc.
  • The Local Student Union: They are always in charge of the housing applications of the residents. You can get help from them if you are finding it difficult to get an apartment for yourself, they’ll help with the process of getting you a flat. Almost every university in Germany has this union. They can also be called the Studentenwerk.

HOW TO ACE YOUR GERMAN STUDENT VISA INTERVIEW

While admittance into a German university is one of the first steps to getting your degree, successfully processing your German student visa interview is another.

Before you can relocate to Germany, you are required to have an interview with the German embassy in your country for assessment of competency regarding your studies in Germany.

In this article, we will review a few common questions and tips that are likely to come up in your interview, should you require one.

Questions Regarding your Decision to Study in Germany

Most of the questions asked will revolve around your choice to study in Germany – why you picked a specific place, and why you picked your course. Answering this question does not require any specific information.

Generalized answers regarding the quality of education and your passion for your desired course is good enough. The following questions may be asked:

Why do you want to study in Germany?

Why did you pick that specific university/ city?

Why are you interested in the course you applied for?

How did you find out about this university?

Isn’t this course offered by any college or university in your country?

What other universities have you applied to?

Questions Testing your General Knowledge of Germany

Questions in this category are asked to test your familiarity with Germany and its culture. It is advisable to do research on lifestyle and all things German to ace this section. These kinds of questions include:

What tourist places do you know and what are they famous for?

Can you speak German?

Where is Germany located and what are its neighboring countries?

What are the most expensive cities to live in, and what are their average living costs?

How many states are there in Germany and can you name some of them?

Questions Regarding your Study Plans

Seeing as you are going to Germany for scholarly purposes, it is very common for the embassy to ask for details about your studies. Here are a few questions that could come up:

How long is your course and what does it entail?

What is your highest level of education?

What have you done since your last graduation?

Questions to Ascertain your Financial Stability

Although German tertiary education is relatively not costly, the German embassy might question you on your financial security and how you intend to sustain your stay in Germany. Here are some questions they may ask:

How are you funding your education?

How much will you be able to earn after your studies?

Where will you stay in Germany?

What will be the total cost of studies per year?

Questions about your Plans for the Future

Study plans aside, the embassy is very likely to ask about your life after your degree. This section includes:

What are your plans after studying?

Where would you like to work after studying?

What are your career aspects?

Advice For the Interview
Alongside these questions are a few tips that may help you to give the best impression possible. Take note that it is not mandatory, only suggested.

Dress smart. As you prepare to answer the questions in the interview, it is good to also prepare your appearance to depict professionalism and seriousness.

Be punctual. Whether it is a few minutes early, or right on time, make sure not to be late as this may create a negative start to your interview. Try as much as possible to be a pleasant client.

Make sure you have all documents. An interview may prove to be useless if you do not bring all of the required documents needed to process your student visa. It may result in you having to re-sit the interview a second time, or even having your student visa denied.

Applying for a student visa may sound challenging or daunting, but it is a smooth transition if you can prep yourself beforehand. The entire process will feel lighter in the moment, and it will be easier to complete, as you know what to expect.

THE PROS AND CONS OF STUDYING IN GERMANY

With almost 200 countries worldwide, picking a suitable destination for your tertiary education can be quite a hard decision to make. However, today, we’ll be going over what it takes to study in Germany.
We’ll dive into some of the factors to consider when considering studying in Germany and present you with some reasons why Germany may or may not be an option for you.

WHY SHOULD I STUDY IN GERMANY?

High-Quality Education

With well-established institutions that date back as far as the fourteenth century, Germany has managed to create a well-respected community of universities that work and strive to bring the best education to prospective candidates worldwide. 

With over 40 internationally recognized universities and more than 17,000 study programmes nationwide, Germany has more than enough options for a high school graduate looking for a potential university match. 

Germany serves high-quality education with a prestigious degree that guarantees you a job, in a world where employment opportunities are continuously depleting. 

Affordable Education

Many countries in the world have respectable universities and greatness to offer, but the difference between them and Germany is that acquiring that education does not create a financial strain on the students. 

As a nation, Germany is strong enough to support its universities through state finance. You do not need to pay high amounts of tuition fees to get access to high-quality education. 

The idea of affordable yet high-quality degrees presents an opportunity to bridge the wealthy and the less wealthy together, giving them a better shot at knowledge and educational growth.

Rich Culture and Lifestyle

As a first-world country with old roots and a great economy, Germany is a great place to be for a university student looking for more than just school and books. Germany has an incredibly rich history, culture, and lifestyle.

 With incredible architecture and classic art and music, Germany stands to give students an enriching experience that will broaden their minds and challenge their perspective – creating the bright, young leaders that are desperately needed to direct today’s world.

Great Location

Positioned fairly close to the center of Europe, Germany seems the perfect place for a student to live, considering how easy it becomes for one to travel to other countries for leisure trips places far and wide. 

Whether by train, plane, or sea, travelling around the continent becomes conveniently cheaper due to Germany’s central location, and with abundant job opportunities for students, studying in Germany also becomes another opportunity to explore the world and what it has to offer.

THE CONS OF STUDYING IN GERMANY

Language Barrier

Although Germany offers some world-renowned education, the degree comes at a cost. The majority of the available bachelor’s degrees are studied in the German language, and specific fluency levels are required to be accepted, at your own cost. 

There are six language levels to conquer, but at least three are required for most universities to successfully admit you, so German language lessons are much needed. 

Here at Kampus Konnekt, we can provide German lessons to help you solve this problem. German is not only needed to study, but it’s also useful in daily life, especially for ease of communication.

Working Limits

As a student in Germany, you can get a job, but your working hours are very limited. An international student is only allowed 120 full working days, with a maximum limit of how much money they can earn before they are required to pay tax and change their insurance costs. This results in higher costs and bills that may prove harder to keep up with.

The opportunity to study tertiary education is valuable, and its requirement in the modern world has grown considerably fast over the last century. 

Kampus Konnekt is here to help you realize your dreams, by connecting you to quality education and helping you conquer any obstacles along the way.

THE LIFE OF AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN GERMANY

As a foreigner in a country you’ve never been to before, you might probably find it difficult to feel at home or to get used to the environment or even how things are done.

As an international student living and studying in Germany or planning to, there are quite some interesting facts you should take note of. Germany has a lot to offer aside from the success of the German educational system.

The Grace of Learning a New Language

I know quite a lot of us find learning a new language fun and interesting. Even if you don’t fall into this category, as an international student in Germany, there is a chance that you’d be tempted to learn the German language for better communication with people. The German language happens to be the most spoken language in the world and the most spoken native language in the European continent. With this, there is an open door of job opportunities waiting for you in German companies globally.

Work Opportunities Available on a Platter of Gold.

In Germany, international students are allowed to work part-time unlike in some other countries where there are restrictions but only for up to 20 hours a week or 120 days full days a year. This could help your employment experience and also help pay bills, reducing the burden on your finances.

You must also keep in mind that, international students aren’t allowed to be self-employed or to freelance and if you want to work past the limited hours, you are to take permission from the local employment agency and the foreigner’s registration office.

Here are some of the part-time roles you can lay your hands on in Germany, as an international student:

  •  A Tutor
  • A German Language translator
  • A Waiter
  • A Babysitter
  • A Writer
  • A Bartender
  • A Cashier
  • A Courier
  • A Library Supervisor at your academic institute
  • A Filling document officer
  • A Media Personae

 Read More on How to Fund Your Studies in Germany

A Chance for Exploration

If you love to travel around Europe and vlog, seeing new places and trying new things, I guess it’s a plus for you as an international student in Germany. There are lots of beautiful places to visit and new food to try, new culture and customs to learn and new friends to make. This gives room for socialization and cultural awareness.

A Low or No Tuition Fee

For public universities in Germany, the cost of studying is low or free. This makes it easy for international students to live and learn comfortably. 

The Standard of Living

The standard of living in Germany as an international student is quite low. The expenses of rent and other finances are affordable. With this, there will be enough to save and probably invest. Read here for more tips on how to live in Germany.

A building architecture

The Work Opportunities In Germany

A building architecture

Working in Germany is a great opportunity for anybody looking to grow their career as well as start it. In this article, we will look at three sectors that dominate the German economy and the various work opportunities in Germany that can be pursued both within and out of these industries.

Opportunities in Medicine

Germany is by far one of the leading economies in the advancement of medical and general science, with over 1000 research facilities, and at least 536,000 physicians and related careers countrywide. A doctor in Germany earns an average salary of 40,000 euros annually, with endless possibilities to upgrade and for specializations.

The general requirements are one full bachelor’s degree in medicine for a standard doctor and a master’s degree for a specialized doctor.

German is used in most of the medical industry, so thorough prerequisite knowledge of the language is required.

Kampus Konnekt provides German language classes, as well as helps you identify and apply to prospective schools that may help you achieve a degree in your desired program, for anybody looking to set up a healthcare career in Germany. 

International medical degrees obtained outside Germany are acceptable, albeit require additional specialized language examination. Among medicine, psychology and natural science are also on the rise and are currently thriving and provide secure jobs across Germany.

Work Opportunities in Engineering and IT

The automotive, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering industries are the four biggest contributors to Germany’s economy, currently turning over 1800 billion euros in gross national profit, and employing 6.2 million engineers and technical co-workers, whose numbers are rising with the constant enhancement of technology.

With an average annual salary of 44,000 euros, there are more than 3600 engineering and IT employees nationwide, with abundant work opportunities for more workforce to keep up with the rigorous manufacturing industry that sustains Germany.

Work Opportunities in Architecture

A building architecture

With a constantly growing population in a dynamic world, architects are greatly depended on to create visual works of art in form of their building work. Germany can be seen as an artistic hub when it comes to infrastructure, as the entire country comprises a diversity of architectural styles and expressions.

Whether it’s domestic housing or corporate buildings, architects earn an average of 52,000 euros annually, and are in constant demand across all industries, creating a pool of opportunity for architects in the industry.

The cost of living is relatively higher in the western world, but thankfully so are the salaries. Aside from monetary value, working in Germany stands to give you a better quality of life than the European average, and an enjoyable working experience. Kampus Konnekt is the ultimate German hub, we’re set up to help you with all the information you could ever need; just send us a message and we’ll get in touch.

You can also read more about the economy of Germany here.