Admission procedure

Aptitude tests for medical studies

MUDr Amandeep Grewal

MUDr Amandeep Grewal

Doctor & Co-Founder of futuredoctor

Reading time: 4 Minuten
Last updated: 11 June 2024

☝️ The most important facts in brief

  • A place to study medicine in Germany often requires a very good A-level average, but alternatives such as voluntary services and medical aptitude tests (TMS, HAM-Nat, HAM-SJT, HAM-Man) are available.
  • The TMS is taken into account at all German universities, while the HAM-Nat tests scientific knowledge, the HAM-SJT tests social skills and the HAM-Man tests technical skills for dentistry.
  • The Hamburg selection tests are important alternatives to the TMS and are recognised in Magdeburg and Hamburg for human medicine and dentistry.
  • The MedAT is the entrance test for medicine in Austria and consists of several parts, including natural sciences and social skills.
  • The EMS is the Swiss equivalent of the TMS and MedAT, accessible mainly to Swiss citizens.

📖 Table of contents

Without an A-level of 1.0 Medical study place at a German state university may seem difficult to achieve at first glance and the path to getting there often involves a considerable amount of time and effort. However, in addition to months or years of voluntary service and vocational training, medical aptitude tests can also improve your A-level average and pave the way to university. In Germany, the infamous test for medical degree programmes (TMS) probably plays the most important role, as it is taken into account at all German universities. However, there are alternatives both in Germany and in other German-speaking countries. You can read about them here:

Germany

Test for medical degree programmes (TMS)

The Aptitude test for medical studies (TMS) in Germany is a centralised medical test for admission to medical studies at a university. It tests cognitive abilities, text comprehension and logical thinking. Developed under the direction of Dr Klaus Dieter Hänsgen and supported by Dipl. Psych. Yannick de Zordo, the TMS comprises original tasks on quantitative and formal challenges. Participants can find solutions and further information on how to prepare on the official website. The autumn TMS offers additional opportunities to prepare for the requirements of medical degree programmes.

  • Contents: Examination of cognitive skills, text comprehension, deductive thinking.

  • Consideration: At all German universities.

  • Preparation: Courses and practice materials available for a fee.

  • Costs: Exam fee (varies depending on the provider).

Hamburg selection tests (HAM-Nat, HAM-SJT, HAM-Man)

The Hamburg selection tests (HAM-Nat, HAM-SJT, HAM-Man) are important aptitude tests for medical studies. The HAM-Nat tests scientific knowledge, the HAM-SJT tests social skills and the HAM-Man tests technical skills for dentistry. Under the direction of Dr Klaus Dieter Hänsgen and medical professors such as Michael Hafener, these tests offer a comprehensive assessment and fair chances of admission for prospective doctors. Information and preparation materials are available online.

  • HAM-Nat: Science multiple-choice test (maths, physics, chemistry, biology).

  • HAM-SJT: Situational Judgement Test, which tests social skills (empathy, decision-making and communication skills).

  • HAM-Man: Work sample for dentistry that tests manual skills (bending wire).

  • Consideration: In Hamburg and Magdeburg for human medicine and dentistry.

  • Costs: HAM-Nat (75€), HAM-SJT and HAM-Man free of charge.

  • Preparation: Free practice material on the registration website and numerous preparation books/courses.

Austria

The Medical admission test (MedAT) is the central aptitude test for the Medical studies in Austria. The medical test covers areas such as natural sciences, text comprehension and social skills. Developed with the help of Dipl. Psych. Tanja Cruchaud, the MedAT offers a comprehensive assessment of applicants. Information and preparation materials are available on the official website. The MedAT represents a fair chance of admission for all participants.

Medical entrance test (MedAT)

  • MedAT-H: For human medicine, consists of a basic knowledge test (BMS), text comprehension, cognitive skills and social-emotional competences.

  • MedAT-Z: For dentistry, replaces text comprehension with manual skills (bending wires, mirroring moulds).

  • Consideration: At all medical universities in Vienna, Graz, Linz and Innsbruck.

  • Costs: Exam fee (varies).

  • Preparation: Free learning material and preparation videos on the registration website, additional exercise books/courses available.

Switzerland

The Aptitude test for medical studies (EMS) in Switzerland is comparable to the TMS. This medical test tests cognitive abilities and text comprehension. Under the direction of Dr Klaus Dieter Hänsgen and Dipl. Psych. Laurence Equey, the EMS offers a fair chance of admission. Information and preparation materials are available online to optimally prepare participants for the exam.

Aptitude test for medical studies (EMS)

  • Contents: Similar to the German TMS, testing cognitive abilities, text comprehension, logical thinking.

  • Consideration: Only for Swiss citizens and a few exceptions.

  • Costs: Exam fee (varies).

  • Preparation: Free practice material and preparation courses available.

Ready?

If you are about to start preparing for one of the medical entrance tests, we wish you every success and perseverance! No matter how your path to medicine goes and what detours you take, we are always on hand with help and advice and are happy to help with any problems you may have with your application, the start of your studies and beyond. Take a look at our website or contact us personally!