Finishing your MBBS is a huge milestone, but let’s be honest—it’s also when the real questions start piling up. Where should you do your postgraduate training? Will it be worth the investment? And if you’re considering Germany, you’re probably wondering: Can I do Medical PG in Germany after MBBS?
You’re not alone in asking these questions. Thousands of Indian doctors are drawn to Germany every year, and for good reason. The country offers top-quality medical training, great work-life balance, and—here’s the best part—you can actually earn while you learn. But here’s where it gets tricky: figuring out the German medical system isn’t simple. There’s the language barrier, getting your license, lots of paperwork, and confusion about whether your MBBS degree will even be accepted.
Maybe you’ve heard mixed stories from seniors. Some sailed through the process, while others got stuck in bureaucratic limbo for months. Perhaps you’re worried about the costs, or whether you’ll be able to adapt to a completely different healthcare system. The good news? Pursuing your PG in Germany is absolutely doable, and this article is here to walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll break down the eligibility requirements, explain the step-by-step process, tackle the language requirements, and help you understand what life as a postgraduate medical trainee in Germany actually looks like. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap and the confidence to decide if Germany is the right next step for your medical career.
Is It Possible to Do PG in Germany After MBBS?
So, Can I Do Medical PG in Germany After MBBS? The short answer is yes—you absolutely can do your postgraduate medical training in Germany after completing your MBBS. But like most things worth doing, there’s a process involved. Let me break down exactly what “possible” means in practical terms.
The Basic Eligibility Picture
If you’ve completed your MBBS from a recognized Indian medical college and have your permanent registration with the National Medical Commission (formerly MCI), you’re already halfway there. Germany recognizes Indian medical degrees, which is the foundation everything else builds on. Your internship must be completed, and ideally, you should have some clinical experience under your belt.
Understanding the German System
Here’s what surprises many people: in Germany, postgraduate medical specialization is called “Facharztausbildung” or specialist training. You won’t be going to classes or taking university exams like MD or MS. Instead, you’ll be working as a resident doctor (Assistenzarzt) in a hospital, learning on the job with guidance. Think of it more like a structured apprenticeship where you’re an employee, not a student.
Your specialist training usually lasts between 5 to 6 years, depending on which field you choose. You don’t apply to a university for a PG seat. Instead, you apply directly to hospitals for residency jobs. Hospitals post these openings on job websites, and you apply just like any other job—with a CV, cover letter, and interviews.
What You’ll Actually Need
First up is the German language. You’ll need to reach at least B2 level German (some states require C1) and pass a medical language test called the Fachsprachprüfung. I’ve seen doctors spend 8 to 12 months just on language preparation.
Next comes the Approbation or Berufserlaubnis—your license to work as a doctor in Germany. This involves getting your documents checked, sometimes passing a knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung), and dealing with official paperwork. Different German states have slightly different requirements.
Common Mistakes People Make
One big mistake is people thinking they can just show up in Germany and figure things out. The visa process alone requires proof that you have a plan. Another mistake is not taking the language requirement seriously enough. “I’ll learn German once I’m there” sounds good in theory, but you need at least B1 just to get your foot in the door.
The Bottom Line
Can I Do Medical PG in Germany After MBBS? Yes, it’s definitely possible, and hundreds of Indian doctors are doing it successfully right now. But “possible” means you need to be ready for a clear, step-by-step process that takes patience, hard work, and good planning. If you’re serious about it and follow the steps, Germany can offer you a great medical career that’s both satisfying and pays well.
Eligibility Criteria for PG in Germany After MBBS
Now that you’re asking Can I Do Medical PG in Germany After MBBS? let’s get into the specifics of what you actually need to qualify.
Your Medical Degree Must Be Recognized
Your MBBS degree needs to be from a medical college recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Most established Indian medical colleges meet this criterion. Government medical colleges rarely face issues, and most private medical colleges with NMC recognition are also accepted.
Your degree should include at least 5.5 years of medical education (including internship). This matches German standards, which is why Indian MBBS degrees generally get recognized.
Completed Internship and Registration
You must have completed your full rotating internship and hold permanent registration with the NMC(Country of study). Provisional registration won’t cut it—German authorities want to see that you’re fully licensed to practice in your home country( country of study). If you’re still in final year, don’t apply for German licensing until you have your permanent registration in hand.
German Language Proficiency (Non-Negotiable)
You need to show you know German at least at B2 level, and for most situations, C1 is what you should aim for. This means passing well-known tests like TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat, or telc.
You’ll also need to pass the Fachsprachprüfung, a German language test for doctors. This checks if you can talk to patients, understand medical words, write case reports, and work with other doctors—all in German. The test usually includes a pretend patient conversation, talking about a medical report, and sometimes an emergency situation.
Medical German is different from conversational German. Start learning medical vocabulary early, not just everyday language.
Clean Professional Record
You’ll need a Certificate of Good Standing from the NMC proving you have no disciplinary actions or malpractice cases against you. This certificate is usually valid for only three months, so timing matters—get it when you’re actually ready to submit your application.
Documentation Requirements
Your documents need your MBBS degree and marksheets, internship completion certificate, NMC registration proof, and Certificate of Good Standing—all translated into German by a certified translator and often stamped. One common mistake is getting cheap translations or skipping the apostille, which leads to rejections and delays.
Financial Proof for Visa
For your visa application, you’ll need to show you can support yourself with enough money. This usually means having a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with about €13,902 per year, or a job offer letter from a German hospital that confirms your salary.
The Reality Check
Meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a residency position right away, but it means you can apply. Start working on these steps one by one, and you’ll be in a good place to go for your postgraduate training in Germany.
Step-by-Step Process to Do PG in Germany After MBBS
If you’ve been wondering,Can I Do Medical PG in Germany After MBBS? and are ready to take action, here’s the actual step-by-step process.
Step 1:
Master the German Language (6–8 Months)
Start here, not later. Join a proper German course aiming for at least B1 level in INDIA which is a mandatory requirement for application for medical licensing in Germany. You can study in India through Goethe-Institute or private language schools.
Get Your Documents Ready (2–3 Months)
Collect your MBBS degree, all semester marksheets, internship completion certificate, NMC registration, and Certificate of Good Standing. Each document needs to be officially translated into German—this can take 4–6 weeks.
Most documents also need to be attested by a German Notar. Start this process early because last-minute rushing leads to mistakes.
Step 2: (1 – 2 Months)
Apply for Medical License
Choose the correct state for your application. Each German state handles applications on its own, so waiting times are different. You cannot apply for more than one state at the same time.
Step 3: (2- 3 Months)
Apply for Visa and Relocate
Once you receive your Defizitbescheidplan for your travel to Germany. Visa processing usually takes 10 –12 weeks.
Step 4: ( 7- 9 Months)
Continued language learning (4 Months)
After reaching Germany continue learning advance German language of B2 -C1.
Medical German course (3 Months)
Once you reach B2, start getting ready for the Fachsprachprüfung. Join medical German courses or study groups. Practice talking to patients and learn German medical words.
Search for Job Positions (Ongoing)
Once you feel good about your language skills, start applying for jobs. Check job websites like Praktischarzt.de and hospital websites. You’ll need a German-style CV and motivation letter.
Change each application to fit the hospital you are applying to. Expect to send 50–100 applications before getting good responses.
Fachsprachprüfung dates
Apply for Fachsprachprüfung once you secure a job offer letter or interest letter and B2 certificate. Waiting time may be few months.
Step 5: (1–2 Months)
Extend your Visa and change its category to Bluecard
With your job contract and temporary license (Berufserlaubnis) convert and extend your visa to a work visa.
Step 6: (6–7 Months)
Apply for Kenntnisprufung (KP) exam
While working on Berufserlaubnisstart preparing for Kenntnisprüfungexam and join Kenntnisprüfung course.
You’ll probably need to take the Kenntnisprüfung—a hands-on and spoken test of your medical knowledge in German to get Approbation.
Step 7: (1–2 Months)
Search for Residency Positions (Ongoing)
After passing Kenntnisprüfung exam start applying for residency jobs or continue in the same hospital.
Step 8: Attend Interviews and Secure Position (1–2 Months)
Hospitals will invite good candidates for interviews, often by video call at first. Be ready to talk about your medical knowledge and career plans—all in German. With a job offer, start your medical specialization.
After passing your KP Exam you will get Approbation and you can start your specialization training.
The whole journey usually takes 18–24 months from start to beginning your residency. It’s a long processbut you end up getting your desired branch of specialization.
Realistic Timeline to Start PG in Germany After MBBS
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities |
| German Language Learning(India and Germany) | 10–15 months | A1 to B2/C1 + Fachsprachprüfung preparation |
| Document Processing | 1–2 months | Translation, Notarization |
| License Application | 3–6 months | Submit to Landesprüfungsamt, possible Kenntnisprüfung |
| Job Search & Interview | 2–6 months | Apply to hospitals, attend interviews |
| Visa & Relocation | 1–2 months | Visa processing, travel arrangements |
| Total Timeline | 18–24 months | From decision to starting residency |
Can I Do PG in Germany Without Clearing NEET-PG?
This is probably one of the most common questions: Can I Do Medical PG in Germany After MBBS Without Clearing NEET-PG? Yes, you can absolutely pursue postgraduate medical training in Germany without appearing for or clearing NEET-PG.
Germany Has Its Own System
Germany doesn’t care about your NEET-PG score. Not even a little bit. The German medical system works completely separately from Indian entrance exams. When you apply for medical license recognition in Germany, they’ll look at your MBBS degree, internship completion, NMC registration, and German language skills. No one will ask about NEET-PG.
Why This Opens Doors
Maybe you’ve attempted NEET-PG without getting your preferred specialty. Maybe you scored well but didn’t get a government seat. Germany offers you a parallel pathway that doesn’t depend on a single exam performance.
What Germany Actually Evaluates
Instead of entrance exams, German hospitals evaluate:
- Your overall MBBS academic record
- Your German language proficiency and communication skills
- Your clinical experience and practical competence
- Your performance in licensing exams (Fachsprachprüfung and possibly Kenntnisprüfung)
- Your interview performance
A Word of Caution
If you’re not genuinely interested in living and working in Germany, learning the language, and adapting to a new culture, this won’t work out. The doctors who succeed in Germany are those genuinely motivated to be there, not those running away from difficulties.
The Bottom Line
Can I Do Medical PG in Germany After MBBS without NEET-PG? Absolutely yes. Germany offers a legitimate alternative pathway to specialization that doesn’t require Indian entrance exams. Whether it’s right for you depends on your willingness to embrace the German language, culture, and medical system.
Cost of Doing PG in Germany After MBBS
When asking ‘Can I Do Medical PG in Germany After MBBS?’, understanding the financial aspect is crucial. Let’s talk money—because this is where Germany becomes genuinely attractive.
No Tuition Fees
You don’t pay tuition fees for postgraduate medical training in Germany. Unlike MD/MS programs in private colleges costing ₹50 lakhs to ₹2 crore, German residency training is based on a job. You’re working, not paying fees.
Initial Investment Before Earning
Getting to Germany does require upfront investment:
- Language Learning from A1 to B2/C1, FSP and KP Course.
- Document Processingfor translations, notarization and courier
- Verification of documents and degree
- Visa and Travel
Total Upfront Investment: ₹14–16 lakhs
Compare this to private PG seats costing ₹50+ lakhs.
What You’ll Earn During Training
From your first day, you earn €5,000–€6,000 before taxes each month (about ₹5–6 lakhs). After taxes, your take-home pay is around €3,000–€3,500 (₹3.0–3.5 lakhs) each month.
Over your 5–6-year training, you’ll earn approximately €300,000–€350,000 total (roughly ₹3–3.5crores)—while gaining world-class training.
Living Expenses
Monthly costs are around €1,200–€1,800. Rent is €500–€900, food is €250–€350, health insurance is €100–€150. Most residents save €800–€1,500 each month even after expenses.
The Financial Reality
Germany costs ₹14–16 lakhs upfront but you earn ₹3+ crores during training. Compare that to spending ₹50 lakhs–₹2 crore in India with no income. Financially, Germany is objectively better for most doctors.
Medical Specializations Available in Germany
Germany offers over 30 different medical specialties, and as an Indian MBBS graduate, you can apply for almost all of them.
High-Demand Specialties (Easier Positions)
- Internal Medicine: Most accessible, with broad career flexibility
- Anesthesiology: Significant shortage, better lifestyle than surgery
- Psychiatry: Desperately needs doctors, excellent work-life balance
- Radiology: Growing demand, good income with reasonable hours
- General Practice: Always available, especially in rural areas
Moderately Competitive
General Surgery, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, and Gynecology have a fair number of openings but need better German skills and maybe some work experience.
Highly Competitive
Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, and Ophthalmology are very hard to get because of the good lifestyle and high pay. There are few spots and they prefer people who speak German almost like a native.
Choosing Wisely
Choose based on real interest, not just what is available. Six years is too long to spend in training you don’t enjoy. Also think about your long-term plans—some specialties like Internal Medicine and Radiology are respected all over the world.
Common Challenges You’ll Face
While the answer to ‘Can I Do Medical PG in Germany After MBBS?’ is yes, let’s be honest about the real challenges…
Language Barrier
Even with B2/C1, real-life medical German is hard. Patients use local accents and everyday words. Your paperwork must be written perfectly. Your first few months feel overwhelming because you know the medicine but find it hard to say it in German.
Tip: Watch German medical shows, listen to hospital podcasts, and observe doctors before starting.
Cultural Differences
German hospitals have less strict hierarchy—you are expected to speak up and ask questions politely. Being on time is a must. Patient privacy rules are very strict. German patients know more and expect detailed explanations.
Bureaucracy
German paperwork is famous for being difficult. Documents get lost, requirements change, and you get confusing information. Waiting months for replies that ask for one more document really tests your patience.
Finding Accommodation
Finding a place to live is very tough. Landlords prefer people with permanent jobs and local credit history—which you don’t have at first. Join Facebook groups for international doctors who can help you find good landlords.
Loneliness
You’ll miss festivals, family, and your favorite food. German winters with short days can affect your mood. Making friends takes time because Germans can seem quiet at first.
The Silver Lining
Every Indian doctor in Germany has faced these problems. Most say after 6–12 months, things start to get better. The challenges are real but temporary and can be overcome if you keep trying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Do Medical PG in Germany After MBBS Immediately?
Not immediately. You need to complete your internship, obtain NMC registration, learn German to B2/C1 level, and get your medical license recognized. This entire process typically takes 18-24 months. However, you can start German language learning during your final year or internship to accelerate the timeline.
Is internship mandatory before applying?
Yes, absolutely. Completed rotating internship and permanent NMC registration are mandatory requirements. German authorities will not process applications with only provisional registration. Your internship completion certificate must be properly translated and notarized,trying to bypass this requirement always results in rejection.
Can I work part-time during preparation?
Yes, you can work part-time in India while learning German and preparing documents. Many doctors continue clinical work while studying German in evenings. This keeps your skills sharp and earns income. However, in Germany on a language visa, work is restricted to 120 full days or 240 half days annually.
What happens if I fail the Kenntnisprüfung?
You can take maximum of 3 attempts for the exam after waiting 3-6 months, depending on the state. Many doctors fail initially due to language barriers, not medical knowledge. Use the gap to strengthen your medical German and join specialized preparation courses for better results next time.
Can I settle in Germany after PG?
Yes, you can get PR in Germany even before starting your PG provided you have paid taxes for 21 months on temporary license and have approbation. After working for around 5 years, you can also apply for German citizenship. Many Indian doctors settle permanently, enjoying excellent salaries and quality of life. Others use their German qualification to work across Europe or return to India with enhanced credentials.
Final Verdict – Is Germany the Right Choice for PG After MBBS?
So, can you do PG in Germany after MBBS? Absolutely yes—and for many doctors, it turns out to be one of the smartest career moves they’ve ever made.
Germany offers a genuine alternative to NEET-PG pressure, with world-class medical training, proper salaries from day one, excellent work-life balance, and long-term career prospects. You don’t need entrance exam ranks or enormous fees—just dedication to learning German, patience with bureaucracy, and genuine commitment.
Is it easy? No. The language requirement is demanding, paperwork is tedious, and cultural adjustment takes time. But these challenges are temporary and manageable. Thousands of Indian doctors have already navigated this path successfully.
Your Next Steps
If you’re seriously considering Germany, start learning German today—not tomorrow. Every week counts. Begin researching document requirements, connect with doctors already in Germany, and create a realistic timeline.
Assess your motivations honestly. If you’re genuinely interested in international experience and European lifestyle, Germany is excellent. If you’re just looking for an “easy escape,” reconsider—success requires real commitment.
Need help navigating this journey?
MissionGermany specializes in guiding Indian doctors through every step—from language preparation to landing your first residency position. Explore our resources, connect with our community, and let’s turn your German medical career from a possibility into reality.
Your future in Germany starts with a single decision today.
Contact MissionGermany Today:
- Website: www.missiongermany.in
- Phone: +91 96155 43210
Address: 1st Floor, Blood Bank, H.no 3-5-1101/1B1, Madina Mansion Rd, opp. central, Narayanguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500027
