University of Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg (UMCH)
The University of Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg (UMCH) is one of the best options for non-EU students who want to study medicine in Germany but prefer an English-taught program with a more flexible admission process compared to public medical universities. Located in Hamburg, Germany, UMCH is a branch of the George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures (UMFST) in Romania, offering a European-standard medical degree while providing students the opportunity to study in one of Germany’s most vibrant cities.
The UMCH medical program follows the same curriculum as its parent university in Romania, meaning graduates obtain a globally recognized medical degree that allows them to pursue postgraduate medical training in Germany, Romania, the UK, the USA, Canada, and other countries. UMCH is an excellent alternative for students who want to study medicine in Germany but face high competition and strict admission requirements at public universities, as it provides a more accessible pathway with English-language instruction. The six-year medical degree (MBBS/MD equivalent) at UMCH integrates preclinical studies, clinical rotations, and hands-on medical training, ensuring students receive a comprehensive medical education that meets European and international medical standards.
The program is designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience through modern teaching methods, high-tech simulation centers, and partnerships with German hospitals for clinical training. While the tuition fees at UMCH are higher than at public medical universities in Germany, students benefit from small class sizes, personalized support, and international networking opportunities that can help them secure residency placements and medical careers worldwide. The first three years of the program focus on preclinical subjects, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and microbiology, while the final three years consist of clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals in Germany or Romania, where students gain hands-on experience in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics & gynecology, cardiology, and other medical specialties. One of the biggest advantages of studying at UMCH is its flexible admission process, which does not require C1-level German proficiency or the TestAS exam, making it much easier for non-EU students to gain admission compared to German public universities.
Unlike public medical universities in Germany, UMCH does not require students to take a Studienkolleg (preparatory year) or pass the Feststellungsprüfung (university entrance exam), making it a more direct and time-efficient option for non-EU students. The application process at UMCH is relatively straightforward, with rolling admissions and multiple application deadlines throughout the year, allowing students to apply when they are ready. After completing the six-year medical program, graduates receive a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, which is recognized in the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and other countries, allowing them to pursue postgraduate medical training (residency) and licensing exams in various parts of the world. Non-EU graduates who wish to work as doctors in Germany must go through the Approbation process (medical licensing exam in Germany), while those planning to work in other countries can take licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), MCCQE (Canada), and AMC (Australia). Studying at UMCH provides a unique opportunity for non-EU students to receive a European medical education while studying in Germany, one of the world’s top destinations for medical training and research.
