Medical studies without NC

If your A-levels are not good enough for you to go straight to the NC one Medical study place is Study medicine without NC is a good alternative for you. Alternative selection procedures at universities take other criteria into account that are not dependent on your A-level score. These routes offer a real chance of admission to a medical degree programme.

Is it really the Numerus Clausus (NC) alone that determines the allocation of study places?

In Germany, medical study places are allocated centrally via the hochschulstart.de portal and are not based solely on the NC related to the A-levels.

Instead, the selection procedure allows universities to define their own criteria for awarding 60 % of the study places. Among other things, social skills, voluntary work and results from aptitude tests can be important. 

Although the NC plays an important role, applicants who do not have the highest A-level grades still have a good chance of gaining a place. Alternative assessment criteria open up different ways to start studying medicine - both at universities in Germany and, in particular, at equivalent universities abroad, which we will discuss in more detail later. 

For the allocation of study places at German universities, it is important to submit all application documents correctly via hochschulstart.de and not to forget any additional eligibility criteria. Corresponding articles on the application portal website will inform you about what is required for the application.

Only in the case of one of 3 quotas in the admission procedure is the NC the sole deciding factor

Within the admission procedure for medical studies in Germany, it is not only the NC that determines the allocation of medical study places. Three quotas regulate admission, whereby only one quota is determined exclusively by the NC or the Abitur grade:

Abitur quota (NC quota):

• 30 % of the study places are reserved for the best graduates.
• The average grade achieved in the Abitur is the sole factor here.

University selection procedure (AdH):

• 60 % of the study places are allocated by the university's own selection process.
• The NC, but also criteria such as test results (e.g. TMS or HAM-), vocational training, professional experience or letter of motivation.

Additional suitability quota:

• The remaining 10 % places are awarded to applicants who fulfil certain criteria. These include, for example, completed vocational training or good prerequisites for studying medicine that have been proven in aptitude tests such as the TMS.
• Applicants who do not have the top NC can still get a place on the programme.

Due to this quota distribution in the admission procedure, there are different ways for applicants to gain a coveted place on a medical degree programme. Although the A-level grade plays an important role, it is by no means the only one.

Rather, the system also offers prospective students with additional qualifications or special personal circumstances the opportunity to begin a degree programme in human medicine. The system is intended to ensure that there is a broader base of students who are characterised by more than just a good Abitur.

What is important for your application if you are not relying on the NC

If you do not fulfil the top NC for a place on a medical degree course, there are additional aspects to consider when applying. 

Universities are interested in your personal motivation, practical experience in the healthcare sector and social commitment. The test for medical degree programmes (TMS) and other study aptitude tests can significantly increase your chances. When applying via hochschulstart.de, make sure you submit all evidence that emphasises your strengths that qualify you for this degree programme.

Also find out about the specific requirements of the individual universities and adapt your application if necessary in order to maximise all opportunities to study medicine.

Waiting semesters are no longer recognised

In the past, students could improve their chances of gaining a place to study medicine by waiting longer. Since the 2020/2021 winter semester, however, the waiting time no longer plays a role in the admission procedure, even if some not-so-current articles on the subject still claim otherwise.

Nowadays, universities focus on selection procedures that take into account other qualifications such as tests, work experience or voluntary work in addition to a good A-level. If the NC is not sufficient for a direct medical degree programme, you should therefore focus on alternative routes to a study place instead of relying on waiting semesters.

The lottery procedure

In some cases, there are still individual places available at universities after the allocation procedure has been completed because someone has not started their degree programme. If such a place is allocated by lottery, you can apply directly to the university independently of hochschulstart.de. The free capacities for the degree programme are then drawn by lot among all applicants.

The chances in the lottery procedure are low and you have to apply separately to each university concerned. However, it can still be an opportunity to study after all and not wait any longer for the central allocation procedure to finally work out in the next semester.

First training, then medical studies?

Completed training in the medical or nursing field can be an advantage before studying medicine. It provides practical experience and can increase your chances of getting a place at university, as completed training is taken into account in the selection process.

The training is also an advantage because it can make the otherwise often difficult start to the degree programme easier, as knowledge of anatomy, physiology or dealing with patients is already available. 

Applicants should recognise vocational training as an effective way to realise their dream of studying medicine even without an NC. 

The rural doctor quota - another chance to get a place to study medicine 

The rural doctor quota is a relatively new way to study medicine in Germany, even if the NC is not achieved. This programme reserves study places specifically for students who commit to working as a doctor in underserved rural regions after graduation. The rural doctor quota is a response to the shortage of doctors in rural areas. In the long term, it benefits both patients and those whose A-level grades are not sufficient for the strict NC of the degree programme.

In order to be admitted to study medicine via the rural doctor quota, you must submit a declaration of commitment in addition to the regular application and then undergo an independent selection procedure in which your motivation and suitability for a medical profession in the countryside are assessed. 

This option will enable you to start your studies and at the same time you can make a valuable contribution to healthcare in rural areas. However, if you choose this route, you should bear in mind that you will have to pay a hefty penalty if you do not fulfil your commitment after completing your medical studies. The rural doctor quota is therefore only a solution for students who can really imagine working as a general practitioner in the countryside later on and are not necessarily aiming for a career in research.

Alternatives to studying medicine with NC at a state university

Those without NC Study medicine can find a variety of alternatives in Germany and abroad. Private universities, study places via the rural doctor quota and studying medicine without an NC at foreign universities are some of the options that enable medical studies outside of the state NC regulations. These options offer prospective medical students flexible opportunities to fulfil their career aspirations. In the following sections, we take a closer look at the most common alternatives and show how they make studying medicine without an NC possible.

Other study programmes

In addition to traditional medical studies with a state examination, there are many degree programmes in the healthcare sector that allow students to realise their interests and career aspirations. For example, degree programmes such as biomedicine, health sciences or medical education at universities offer alternatives without a waiting period and without the strict NC regulations.

Dentistry and pharmacy are also popular as an alternative degree programme to medicine, although there are significantly fewer places available than applicants, just like for medical studies. The situation is different for many Bachelor's degree programmes in the field of healthcare, which also offer you interesting career prospects or the opportunity to switch to a degree in human medicine.

Private university

Private universities offer an alternative to studying medicine at a state university, which is restricted by the NC. They give motivated students the opportunity to study medicine regardless of their A-level grades. 

The decision as to who receives one of the places at such a private university and can study medicine there is based on individual selection criteria set by the university. As a rule, your personal suitability is assessed in interviews and tests.

A private university often offers a stronger practical orientation than state universities and impresses with modern teaching concepts. However, you need to bear in mind the tuition fees if you want to study medicine at a private university. These are many times higher than when studying at a state university. Fortunately, there are options in this regard, such as the reverse generation contract, scholarships or a student loan.

Study medicine without NC at the Bundeswehr

Some high school graduates who want to study medicine without an NC join the German Armed Forces. This offers the opportunity to complete all semesters and the examination at a civilian university. 

However, if you decide to study medicine at the Bundeswehr without an NC, you must be aware that you will have to commit yourself for a total of 17 years. In addition, there is no guarantee of a place here either; you must first go through an application process and wait for an acceptance letter. If you are accepted, the Bundeswehr will cover the full costs of your studies and pay you a salary from the outset.

Medical studies abroad

Studying medicine abroad is an attractive option for many students from Germany to be able to study medicine without the hurdle of a high NC. If you obtain a degree at a university in another European country, it is usually recognised in Germany without any problems, so that you can also practise in Germany after your studies.

Although studying abroad requires good planning, it can be a valuable experience and a good response to the shortage of study places in Germany.

You must fulfil these requirements for a place to study medicine abroad

In order to study medicine abroad, you must fulfil certain requirements, depending on the university. A good school education, often with a focus on natural sciences such as biology and physics, is important. However, many universities do not have an NC corresponding to the A-level grade.

Of course, it is also important that you speak the language in which the lectures and courses are held. This does not necessarily have to be the national language at every foreign university. We offer you support with your application to various universities where you can study in English or even in German.

Instead of the Abitur, the allocation of study places at universities abroad is often based on internal university entrance examinations or interview procedures. Here, too, we can help you prepare, as we know what is important at the university in question and what is asked in the entrance exams.

We support you during your studies abroad

At Future-Doctor, we specialise in providing you with professional support on your way to studying medicine abroad. Our service includes comprehensive counselling and taking care of your application. 

We will help you choose the right degree programme for you and the most suitable university. We are also on hand to help you register for internal university entrance exams. We also offer preparation courses and intensive support with our learning app and videos to help you perform well in tests and interviews. 

We support you not only before, but also during your studies - with questions about apprenticeships, scholarships or the recognition of your degree in Germany. With Future-Doctor, you have a strong partner at your side who will help you realise your dream of studying medicine without a waiting period.

Is studying medicine without an NC equivalent to a "traditional" medical degree programme?

Studying medicine without an NC is a recognised alternative to the traditional route. The quality of the education does not depend on the NC, but on the teaching at the university in question and, of course, the motivation of the students. 

Different universities have different strengths, and degree programmes without an NC often offer innovative teaching and practical experience in clinics. If you are studying abroad, it is crucial that your studies are recognised in Germany. This is usually the case when studying medicine at a European university. The NC is therefore not a quality criterion for a degree programme, but merely one of many ways of distributing the available medical study places among applicants.

A good school-leaving certificate says nothing about medical qualities

A good Abitur shows that a student has fulfilled the requirements set by the school. But if you want to study medicine successfully, you need more than just good grades. Medical qualities also include communication, empathy and the ability to solve problems. 

Many universities have recognised this and are therefore specifically looking for these qualities when selecting their students. After all, patients will not usually ask future doctors what their A-level average is in order to assess their qualities in practice. After all, this is completely irrelevant.

It would be a shame if someone is ideally suited to the medical profession and is an asset to medical care or research, but is left behind when it comes to the allocation of places on their degree programme due to a less-than-perfect A-level. It is therefore a good thing that it is possible to study medicine without an NC and that you can fulfil your desire to gain your licence to practise medicine in this way.

The costs of a degree programme without an NC are usually higher

Studying without an NC can be more expensive. Private universities in particular charge high tuition fees, and the costs abroad are also generally higher than in Germany. Added to this are the cost of living and the cost of books, lab coats and other items you need for your studies.

However, the question "Can I afford it?" does not have to be a reason to give up your efforts to study medicine. Fortunately, there are various financing options that have proven themselves in practice and ensure that not only wealthy people can study medicine. Despite the higher costs, studying medicine can be a valuable investment in your own future.

Scholarships

A Scholarship is a financial aid programme for students. You receive money for your studies that you don't have to pay back. Take a close look at who offers a scholarship for the medical degree programme that is suitable for you. Countries, universities and various organisations can help you finance your studies with scholarships, for example.

However, there are differences regarding the type of scholarship. While some scholarships "only" cover all or part of the fees for the degree programme, for example, others also finance your living costs or required materials.

It is worth looking for different scholarship opportunities and taking a close look at the requirements. When applying for a scholarship, you usually have to submit your certificates and write an article about why you are particularly suitable for the degree programme and why you deserve funding.

The reverse intergenerational contract

The reverse intergenerational contract is an innovative financing method for studying. Here, the younger generation does not pay for the older generation, but vice versa. This means you can study medicine regardless of your financial means. You only have to pay later, when you are already working. In most cases, the amount you have to pay depends on your earnings. After all, it is fair that chief physicians and successful specialists in private practice with high incomes pay more than graduates who work as specialists in clinics for a long time after graduation or have a relatively low income as a country doctor.

Various articles emphasise that the reverse intergenerational contract is gaining popularity in Germany.

Student loans

Student loans are loans that help students to finance the costs of their degree programme and complete it without liquidity problems. The loan is repaid after your studies. At this point, you are already in employment and have a corresponding income. The student loan can be a solution, especially for students who want to take advantage of the opportunity to study in another country or at a private university.