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Getting a taste of human medicine
By prior arrangement via , it is possible to attend courses in human medicine during the semester periods of human medicine.
Medicine - State Examination Programme
With the establishment of the model degree program in Human Medicine, the University of Oldenburg has been offering medical education leading to the German State Examination in Medicine since the winter semester of 2012/13, in cooperation with the University of Groningen (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) in the Netherlands. Beginning with the winter semester 2026/27, 200 students will be admitted each year.
Orientation and Goals
A central objective of the program is the comprehensive development of all competencies required for the medical profession. Through a consistent focus on patients from the very beginning, students are systematically and practice-orientedly prepared for their future work as physicians.
The Oldenburg curriculum is characterized by clear modularization as well as an integrated, interdisciplinary, and competency-based approach to education. The close integration of theoretical foundations, clinical content, and patient-centered practice provides optimal conditions for a modern, forward-looking medical education.
The study of human medicine is largely regulated nationwide by the Medical Licensure Regulations (Approbationsordnung). In Oldenburg, the program is offered as a so-called model degree program, which allows for certain deviations from these regulations.
Instead of a strict separation between preclinical and clinical phases, the Oldenburg model program relies on interdisciplinary modules in which basic sciences, clinical medicine, and practical medical training are closely interconnected. During the first three years of study, both the foundational content relevant to the first medical examination (Physikum) and core subjects of clinical medicine are taught. After three years, students take the equivalent of the first section of the Medical Licensing Examination (M1).
A distinctive feature of the program is its early and continuous focus on patients: as early as the first year of study, students gain insight into everyday medical practice through bedside teaching and internships in general medical practices. From the third year onward, these experiences are further expanded through block internships lasting one to several weeks.
Three longitudinal tracks accompany students throughout all years of study:
- Professional identity formation and interprofessional collaboration
- Clinical and practical skills, communication, and counseling
- Research and science
In addition, elective tracks provide opportunities for individual interests and personal specialization.
Under certain conditions, students in the Human Medicine program at the University of Oldenburg have the opportunity to complete part of their studies at the University of Groningen. However, this is not a regular component of the program.
Depending on the specific arrangement, proficiency in English or Dutch is required.
Foreign Language Skills
All applicants who have not obtained their higher education entrance qualification in German at a German institution are required to provide proof of German language skills. This also applies to German citizens.
You can prove your German language skills in particular by taking one of the following language tests:
- DSH: Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (Level 2)
- TestDaF: Test – Deutsch als Fremdsprache (with level 4 in all four areas)
- Feststellungsprüfung at the Studienkolleg (German part of the exam)
- DSD II: Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz II
- Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (formerly: Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP), Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS) und Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS))
- telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule: certificate that the exam was successful
For further information, please refer to the language requirements
Careers and Areas of Employment
With a degree in medicine and the license to practice, the graduate can choose between a large number of professional opportunities. In the practice of medicine itself there are 33 specialties ranging from general practice to neurosurgery, and various kinds of work situations, ranging from private practice to hospital careers to work in public organizations or private industry. Furthermore, graduates can move away from patient-oriented employment to such things as research, teaching, public health, quality management, medical IT and journalism.
Target Group/Admission Requirements
If you are planning on studying at a German university, you must prove that you are authorised to do so on the basis of your previous school or vocational education – i.e. that you have a higher education entrance qualification.
1st semester / Hochschulstart
– University entrance qualification: German
– Nationality: all
A university entrance qualification can be obtained through various educational and/or vocational pathways. Below you will find the regulations of the state of Lower Saxony:
Medicine - Studying with and without Abitur (German only)
1st semester / Hochschulstart
– University entrance qualification: international
– Nationality: German, EU, EEA
In addition to the higher education entrance qualification, proof of German language skills is required.
1st semester / uni-assist
– University entrance qualification: international
– Nationality: outside EU/EEA, stateless
In addition to the higher education entrance qualification, a TestAS certificate and proof of German language skills are required.
Higher semesters
– University entrance qualification: all
– Nationality: all
In addition to the higher education entrance qualification, proof of a corresponding level of performance is required. If you do not have a German university entrance qualification, an additional examination by uni-assist and proof of your German language skills are also required.
The Medicine – State Examination degree programme is admission-restricted. This means that only a limited number of study places are available. Admission is therefore only possible if places are available and your application achieves a sufficient ranking. |
Application/Admission Procedures
1st semester
– University entrance qualification: German
– Nationality: all
and
1st semester
– University entrance qualification: international
– Nationality: German, EU, EEA
Applications for the 1st semester are not submitted directly to the universities, but via Hochschulstart.
Please be aware of the application deadlines:
- From April 28 to May 31 for the winter semester, for those who obtained their higher education entrance qualification before January 16 of the current year (so-called ‘old graduates’)
- From April 28 to July 15 for the winter semester, for "new" students who acquire their higher education entrance qualification between 16 January and 15 July of the current year (so-called ‘new graduates’)
Please address questions about the application and selection procedure to the applicant service of Hochschulstart.
- Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (Hochschulstart):
Guidelines for your application (only in German available) - Information from the University of Oldenburg:
Application - 1st semester
1st semester
– University entrance qualification: international
– Nationality: outside EU/EEA, stateless
Applications for the 1st semester in the winter semester are made online via the uni-assist service centre.
- Application period: May 15 to July 15
The processing time for uni-assist is approximately 4 weeks. Please allow at least 8 weeks for visa applications.
- Information from the University of Oldenburg:
Applying with an international degree
Higher semesters
– University entrance qualification: all
– Nationality: all
Applications are submitted online via the application portal of the University of Oldenburg.
- Winter semester: June 1 to July 15
- Summer semester: December 15 to January 15 of the following year
If you have not obtained a German university entrance qualification, proof of German language skills and an additional examination by uni-assist are required.
Deadlines uni-assist:
- Winter semester: May 15 to July 15
- Summer semester: November 15 to January 15 of the following year
Detailed information is available on this website:
Applying - higher semester
In cases of dual citizenship, German/EU/EEA* citizenship always takes precedence. *EEA = European Economic Area. In addition to EU countries, the following countries from the EEA are also included according to Hochschulstart: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. |
Further Information
Module Handbooks
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