About the course
The M-Course is designed for future students of medicine and related fields. It provides the scientific foundations essential for successful medical studies and prepares you specifically for the requirements of medical education.
In addition to the subject content, you'll also learn medical terminology and scientific working methods that will play an important role in your later studies.
This course fits you if...
Quick check to match your study goal.
Study goals
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Medicine
Main subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Outcome
Assessment Test (FSP)
Degree
Main subjects and content
Biology
Cell biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology
Chemistry
Organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, laboratory practicals
Physics
Mechanics, optics, electricity, medical physics
German
Medical terminology, scientific writing
Mathematics
Statistics, medical mathematics, data analysis
Course structure
Introductory Phase (1st Semester)
Natural sciences fundamentals and medical terminology
Main Phase (2nd Semester)
Deepening knowledge and specific preparation for the assessment test
Typical degree programs
The M-Course subjects in detail
Biology and chemistry carry the M-Course. Biology moves from cell structure through genetics and metabolism to anatomy and physiology; chemistry builds a bridge from general and inorganic chemistry via organic chemistry to biochemistry. Physics and mathematics supply the quantitative tools you need for optics, radiation or statistics.
German lessons focus on medical and scientific register: terminology, describing processes, writing protocols and presenting results. That is the language you will need in lectures, practicals and when reading specialist literature.
What a typical week looks like
The M-Course is full-time study in a fixed class group with a fixed timetable. Biology and chemistry dominate, with physics, mathematics and German alongside. Many Studienkollegs add laboratory practicals where you run experiments yourself and write them up.
Attendance is normally monitored and you write tests throughout the semester. Because the M-Course involves a large body of factual knowledge, a routine for regular revision from day one works far better than cramming shortly before the exam.
What the Feststellungsprüfung tests in the M-Course
The two semesters end with the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP). It covers German plus the core subjects of your course — in the M-Course usually biology and chemistry, at some Studienkollegs physics instead or in addition. Each Studienkolleg decides which subjects are examined and whether an oral exam is added.
Passing gives you a subject-linked university entrance qualification for the medical and biological field group. It is recognised nationwide and can normally be repeated once. Note that the FSP entitles you to apply but does not guarantee a place: medicine has restricted admission and your average grade counts.
Which degree programmes the M-Course opens up
The M-Course leads to human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology and medical engineering. Nutritional science, molecular medicine and health sciences build on the same scientific profile.
If you are drawn to engineering, computer science or physics, the T-Course is the better fit, as it focuses on intensive mathematics rather than biology. Switching field group after the exam is not straightforward, so choose the course that matches your target degree.
Frequently asked questions about this course
What level of German do I need for the M-Course?
Studienkollegs usually require German at B1 to B2 level for the entrance exam. All teaching is in German and medical terminology starts in the first semester. The exact requirement is stated in each Studienkolleg's admission notice.
What does the M-Course entrance test cover?
Besides German, most Studienkollegs test mathematics and basic natural sciences at school level. Expect secondary school material from biology, chemistry and mathematics rather than university content.
Does the M-Course guarantee a place in medicine?
No. The Feststellungsprüfung is the entry requirement, but medicine remains an admission-restricted subject. Your FSP average grade matters most, together with each university's own procedure for international applicants.
Can I study pharmacy or biology with the M-Course?
Yes. The FSP certificate covers the whole field group of the M-Course, including pharmacy, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology and medical engineering — often with considerably better admission chances than human medicine.
Are there laboratory practicals in the M-Course?
At many Studienkollegs, yes. Chemistry and biology are supported by lab work including write-ups and analysis. How much practical work is included differs from one Studienkolleg to the next.
How long does the M-Course take?
Two semesters, roughly one year. Preparatory or language courses offered by some Studienkollegs before the course itself extend the overall timeline.