Documents Required to Study Medicine in Berlin: 2026 International Student Checklist
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Berlin is not just Germany’s political capital; it is the heartbeat of European medical innovation. Home to the world-renowned Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, one of the largest university hospitals in Europe, the city attracts thousands of aspiring doctors every year. However, the admission process is notoriously rigorous, and the list of documents required to study medicine in Berlin is the first major hurdle you must clear.
As we move into the 2026 academic cycle, entry requirements have become more streamlined yet strictly enforced. Whether you are an EU citizen or an international applicant from outside Europe, having a "bulletproof" document folder is essential for a successful application.
Documents Required to Study Medicine in Berlin
To secure a seat in a German medical program, you aren't just competing with local students; you are competing with the brightest minds globally. Below is the comprehensive breakdown of the paperwork you need to prepare.
1. Academic Qualifications and Entrance Eligibility
The foundation of your application is your University Entrance Qualification (HZB). In Germany, this is known as the Abitur. If you are an international student, your high school diploma must be recognized as equivalent.
School Leaving Certificate:
An officially certified copy of your final marksheet (e.g., IB Diploma, A-Levels, or 12th-grade Indian marksheet).
Transcript of Records:
A chronological overview of all subjects taken and grades earned.
APS Certificate:
For students from India, China, and Vietnam, the Academic Evaluation Center (APS) certificate is mandatory. This document verifies the authenticity of your academic records and is a prerequisite for both the university application and the visa process.
Studienkolleg & Feststellungsprüfung (FSP):
If your high school degree is not deemed equivalent to the Abitur, you must complete a one-year preparatory course (Studienkolleg) in the M-course (Medical) stream and pass the FSP exam.
2. Proof of Language Proficiency
In 2026, medical programs in Berlin remain almost exclusively taught in German. Even if you are a brilliant student, you cannot be admitted without high-level linguistic certification.
Certificate | Required Level for Medicine |
|---|---|
TestDaF | Level 4 in all four sections |
DSH | DSH-2 or DSH-3 |
Goethe-Zertifikat | C2 Level |
telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule | Accepted by Charité and most Berlin institutions |
3. Standardized Tests and Program-Specific Documents
Berlin’s medical schools, particularly Charité, use a selection formula where your GPA is only one part of the equation.
TMS (Test für Medizinische Studiengänge):
While not always compulsory for every single international quota, the TMS is highly recommended. A high score can significantly boost your ranking if your GPA isn't a perfect 1.0.
NEET Scorecard:
For Indian applicants, a qualifying NEET score is mandatory under National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines to ensure your degree is recognized back home.
TestAS:
Some pathways for non-EU students prioritize the TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) to measure cognitive abilities.
Application Portals: Where to Submit Your Paperwork
Depending on your nationality and where you obtained your degree, you will use one of two main pathways:
EU/EEA and "Bildungsinländer"
If you are from the EU, Liechtenstein, Iceland, or Norway, or if you finished high school in Germany, you apply via Hochschulstart.de. This portal manages the highly competitive Numerus Clausus (NC) system.
Non-EU International Applicants
Most international students must submit their documents required to study medicine in Berlin through uni-assist. Uni-assist acts as a clearinghouse, verifying your documents before forwarding them to the university. It is advised to submit your documents at least 8 weeks before the July 15th deadline for the winter semester.
2026 Visa and Financial Requirements
Once you receive your Zulassungsbescheid (Admission Letter), the focus shifts from the university to the German Embassy.
The Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
For 2026, the financial requirement for a student visa has been adjusted for inflation. Applicants must prove they have at least €11,904 for one year. This money must be deposited into a blocked account, which allows you to withdraw a fixed amount monthly to cover living costs in Berlin.
Health Insurance
You cannot enroll at a Berlin university without proof of health insurance. You will need:
Statutory Health Insurance:
(e.g., TK, AOK, or Barmer) once you arrive.
Travel Insurance:
Temporary coverage for the period between arrival and official enrollment.
Essential Checklist for your Portfolio
Valid Passport:
Copy of the ID pages.
CV (Lebenslauf):
Written in German, following a chronological format.
Letter of Motivation:
A 1–2 page essay explaining why you chose Berlin and why you are fit for the medical profession.
Biometric Photos:
Recent passport-sized photos for your student ID and residence permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main documents required to study medicine in Berlin for Indian students?
Indian students must provide their 10th and 12th-grade marksheets, a qualifying NEET scorecard, the mandatory APS Certificate, and proof of German proficiency (usually C1). Additionally, they must apply via uni-assist and set up a blocked account for the visa.
2. Can I study medicine in Berlin in English?
Currently, undergraduate medical degrees (Staatsexamen) in Berlin are taught in German. There are some postgraduate medical Master’s programs in English, but to become a licensed physician, C1-level German is a non-negotiable requirement.
3. Is the TMS exam required for international students?
For non-EU students, the TMS is often optional but highly recommended. At Charité Berlin, the selection process is extremely competitive, and a top TMS score can be the deciding factor in your favor.
4. What is the application deadline for the 2026 Winter Semester?
The general deadline is July 15th. However, since international documents require verification by uni-assist, it is best to have all your paperwork submitted by mid-May to account for processing times.
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