Studying medicine without a high school diploma

☝️ The most important information in brief

• The high school diploma is not a mandatory requirement for university studies.
• Training programs in the healthcare sector are a good way to get started and are recognized as subject-specific university entrance qualifications.
• Taking an entrance exam can increase your chances of getting a place at university, but it is not essential if you have the relevant vocational training.
• You should have a good basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
• Studying without an Abitur is always possible for people with professional experience and good preparation.

Sometimes it seems as if high school graduation and university studies are the normal educational path today. In comparison, in the middle of the last century, a secondary school diploma followed by vocational training was the classic route into a career. However, obtaining a university entrance qualification is a rocky road when other adventures beckon in your youth.

If you have decided on vocational training and your interest in studying medicine has slowly grown, there is no need to despair. We know of numerous cases of people without a high school diploma or vocational diploma who have nevertheless succeeded in studying medicine or dentistry.

Depending on the industry you have gained a foothold in and the qualifications you have acquired, there are several ways to make your dream of becoming a doctor come true.

What personal requirements do I need to meet to study without a high school diploma or vocational diploma?

In addition to your professional qualifications, you will need perseverance, a high level of motivation, and the ability to work under pressure to study medicine without a high school diploma. The ability to work in a team and communicate, as well as a certain talent for organization, are the most important requirements for qualifying for one of the study places, in addition to empathy for your fellow human beings.

University admission with relevant vocational training

Your path to studying medicine can almost be described as classic if you have previously worked in the healthcare sector and can demonstrate relevant vocational training with good grades. This should be training lasting at least two years, after which you should have practiced your profession for at least three years.

So if you already have a little career experience in one of the following professions, your chances of getting one of the coveted study places are good:

• Nurse
• Doctor's assistant
• Medical specialist
• Emergency and rescue paramedic
• Nutritionist 
• Geriatric nurse

If you have completed training or further education in the healthcare sector, you do not need to take an entrance exam. However, as this significantly increases your chances of getting a place at university, it is still recommended.

University admission through advanced vocational training

The university entrance qualification can be obtained not only through the Abitur. With training in the following areas, you also have the opportunity to study at a university in Germany:

• Vocational training and master craftsman's certificate in accordance with the Crafts and Trades Regulation Code, such as dental technician, optician, but also baker, painter, or hairdresser
• Advanced training qualification with over 400 teaching hours in the following areas, for example: gardening, animal care, industrial master craftsman, or winemaker
• Technical college degree with at least 2,400 teaching hours, such as state-certified agricultural economist or technician
• State-recognized educators or remedial teachers require 2,400 teaching hours and must be able to provide evidence of 1,200 hours of practical experience.
• Social care or social education fields with completed advanced training, such as specialist in outpatient care or specialist pediatric nursing according to state-regulated advanced training regulations

As you can see, there are many ways to meet the requirements for studying without a high school diploma. Professionally qualified students often have the advantage in their studies that their professional experience gives them a good understanding of what is important at work, making them better structured than students who have just left school.

University admission with vocational training in a different field and an entrance exam

You will need a little more luck and an entrance exam to achieve your dream of studying medicine if you have completed vocational training but cannot present a master craftsman's certificate or special qualifications for medical professions.

Please note that non-subject-related training must have lasted at least two years and you must have worked in your chosen profession for at least three years. You can also have the following activities credited as professional experience if you can provide proper proof:

• Raising children or caring for a relative
• Voluntary social year
• Development aid work

Even part-time employment is recognized, which is a good reason to pursue a career after graduating from school, even if your dream job is to become a doctor.

Medical training increases your chances of getting a place at university.

If you meet the requirements for studying at a university but do not have a high school diploma, your chances of getting a place to study medicine through the regular application process via the Foundation for University Admissions are not particularly high. This is because the foundation classifies you in the same way as applicants with a high school grade of 4.0, which, given the high NC, can only be sufficient in combination with other qualifications.

To maintain your chances of being accepted to study medicine, you should definitely take an exam. This grade can then be included in your application, and you will no longer be considered as a high school graduate with a grade of 4.0.

What preparation options are available for the entrance exam?

Many universities offer a wide range of articles and documents to help you prepare for the exam and thus the admission process. Usually, your knowledge of your previous education is tested in writing. Between 2 and 4 exams are required here. In addition, oral exams may also take place, which tend to focus on more general content from the technical college entrance qualification.

Entrance exam to improve your grade point average

For people without a high school diploma who want to study medicine, the entrance exam is recommended even if it is not mandatory. It improves your chances of studying without a high school diploma. The grade point average applies to your university entrance qualification and thus replaces the high school diploma, which would otherwise be graded at 4.0.

If necessary, we can provide you with all the information you need for the admission process and, if your application is unsuccessful, show you ways in which you can still obtain a place on the degree program of your choice. One option in particular is to study abroad.

The TMS as another way to create good conditions for a place at university

Regardless of whether you have an Abitur or other qualifications, the so-called "Test for Medical Studies" (TMS) can earn you additional points when applying to a university. This test does not specifically test knowledge, but instead tests the skills needed to study medicine.

The rules for the TMS are strict: you cannot take this test as often as you like. Just like vocational training, the TMS provides points for the additional aptitude quota (zEQ) and in the university selection process (AdH).

If you have studied medicine abroad, with or without a high school diploma as a prerequisite, you must first have your education recognized in Germany. These requirements do not apply to a semester abroad for the purpose of studying at a university. Cooperation agreements for advanced training within your degree program are offered by your university of choice.

The experience gained during a semester abroad can increase your chances of applying for a position with international prestige after graduation. Opportunities are available not only in Germany and its federal states, but also in cross-border institutions.