Your TestAS triumph: Unlocking dreams of becoming a doctor in Germany

The dream of becoming a doctor is universal, but the path to achieving it can be a labyrinth—especially for aspiring international students. For 19-year-old Klea from Kosovo, that dream led her straight to medical school in Germany, a country renowned for its medical excellence and groundbreaking research. But how do you, as a student from another country, bridge the gap between ambition and admission into one of the world’s most sought-after medical programs?

Klea’s secret weapon – her key to unlocking this highly competitive world – was the TestAS (Test for Academic Studies). Her story isn’t just inspiring; it’s a practical roadmap for anyone hoping to follow in her footsteps. Let’s dive into how Klea transformed her medical school aspirations into a tangible reality, and how you can too.

More than just education, it’s an investment in your future

Klea wasn’t alone in choosing Germany. Every year, thousands of international students flock to school in German universities with the hopes of studying medicine, drawn by a compelling combination of factors:

• World-class medical training, global recognition: German medical degrees aren’t just pieces of paper; they’re passports to a global career. These universities are at the forefront of medical innovation, boasting cutting-edge facilities, renowned professors, and a strong emphasis on hands-on practical training that prepares you for real-world challenges.
• Affordable excellence – little to no tuition fees! This is often the game-changer. Unlike many top study destinations where medical school can cost a fortune, public universities in Germany often charge little to no tuition fees, even for international students. Imagine pursuing a world-class medical education without the crushing burden of debt!
• A hub of medical breakthroughs: If you’re passionate about contributing to the future of healthcare, Germany is where it’s happening. You’ll find yourself amidst pioneering research and have opportunities to be part of groundbreaking advancements.
• Unrivaled career prospects: A German medical degree opens doors. Graduates consistently enjoy high employment rates and competitive starting salaries, with clear, structured pathways for specialization and residency training.
• A truly international experience: Germany’s campuses are melting pots of cultures and ideas. Studying here means you’ll learn alongside students from every corner of the globe, broadening your horizons and building a diverse professional network. While some initial courses might be in English, a commitment to learning German (ideally C1 level for clinical practice) is crucial for patient interaction and daily life.

Klea’s key: How the TestAS opened doors

“Thanks to the result [of the TestAS], I now get a 0.8 Mark bonus on my application, which is a huge difference when it comes to medical schools.”

Klea’s words echo the reality of German medical school admissions: they are fiercely competitive. Every advantage, no matter how small it seems, can be the deciding factor. The TestAS offers exactly that advantage. It’s a standardized aptitude test that allows German universities to objectively assess your academic potential and subject-specific strengths, going beyond diverse international grading systems.

The TestAS is broken down into two parts:

• The Core Test: This section evaluates your general problem-solving, analytical, and quantitative reasoning skills – the fundamental building blocks for success in any academic field.
• Paper-based TestAS Subject-specific modules: You choose one of four modules based on your intended field of study:
  • Humanities, Cultural Studies and Social Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences (required for most medical programs)
  • Economics
• Digital TestAS Subject-specific modules: The digital TestAS offers 6 different modules based on your intended field of study:
  • Humanities, Cultural Studies and Social Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences
  • Economics
  • Life sciences (digital only)
  • Medicine (digital only)

For international high school graduates with good German or English language skills, the TestAS is often one of the most effective, and sometimes the only, way to prove your readiness for the rigors of German university education.

The medicine module: What to expect

For Klea, choosing the paper-based TestAS was a strategic decision—she wanted to prepare thoroughly for each part of the exam. Her biggest hurdle? The Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences Module. If medicine is your calling, this module will be your critical challenge too. It’s not just a generic science test; it’s specifically designed to assess the cognitive and analytical skills essential for success in medical studies. Expect questions that challenge your ability to:

• Analyze complex scientific relationships: unravel intricate biological processes, chemical reactions, and physical principles.
• Interpret formal information: deconstruct and understand scientific diagrams, detailed graphs, complex formulas, and experimental data.
• Apply scientific reasoning: solve problems within scientific contexts, demonstrating your aptitude for logical thought crucial in clinical diagnostics.

A strong performance here signals to admissions committees that you possess the inherent ability to grasp complex medical theories and thrive in a demanding clinical environment. It shows you’re ready for the intellectual intensity of a German medical program.

Klea’s strategy: Your roadmap to TestAS success

Klea’s impressive TestAS scores – a phenomenal 98% in the Core Test and 96% in the Medical Module – weren’t magic. They were the result of a disciplined, well-planned preparation strategy.

“Start preparing in time, at least 2 months before the exam… having time to work [through the books] is a huge advantage.” – Klea*’s golden rule.

Klea’s journey highlights that while challenging, the TestAS is absolutely conquerable with the right approach. Her secret weapon? Our TestAS preparation books. She raves that they “really inform about every single detail of the exam” and are “absolutely necessary to be prepared for the exam.”

Here’s Klea’s proven TestAS preparation blueprint for you:

1. Commit to early preparation (minimum 2 months): Don’t cram! Begin your TestAS preparation at least two months before your exam date. This gives you ample time to grasp concepts, practice consistently, and solidify your understanding without undue stress.
2. Invest in specialized study materials: Klea found the following edulink guides indispensable. Consider these for your own preparation (paper-based TestAS):
   • Preparation Book for the TestAS Core Test: Solving Quantitative Problems (for the Core Test)
   • Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences Module Complete Practice Exam (for realistic exam simulation) These aren’t just textbooks; they’re training manuals. They cover specific subject content, but also crucial strategies for effective time management and reducing exam day anxiety.
3. Practice, practice, practice – systematically: Don’t just passively read. Actively work through every exercise. Identify your weak areas early on and dedicate focused study time to transform them into strengths.
4. Simulate exam conditions: Use the complete practice exams to replicate the actual testing environment. This means timing yourself, minimizing distractions, and getting comfortable with the pressure. This step is vital for improving your speed and accuracy.
5. Leverage the power of community: Just like Klea, seek out and connect with other students preparing for the TestAS or those who have already taken it. Online forums, student groups, or even study partners can provide invaluable tips, alternative problem-solving approaches, and a shared sense of motivation.
6. Don’t shy away from expert support: If certain topics remain challenging or you prefer a structured approach, consider professional guidance. Klea explicitly thanked edulink for our support, saying, “they were very helpful.” Expert tutors or prep courses can provide personalized study plans, clarify complex concepts, and offer targeted feedback to maximize your score.

Your path to German medical school: Universities that value the TestAS

Armed with her exceptional TestAS results, Klea now stands with a strong chance of securing a coveted place in one of Germany’s top medical programs. Many medical faculties explicitly consider TestAS scores in their admissions, offering a tangible advantage.

How TestAS impacts your application to medical school:

• The “bonus points” advantage: For many universities, a strong TestAS score translates into “bonus points” that are added to your overall application score. This can significantly boost your rank on the highly competitive admission lists, potentially moving you ahead of hundreds of other qualified applicants.
• A mandatory prerequisite: In some cases, a TestAS score (or a score above a specific threshold) isn’t just an advantage; it’s a mandatory requirement to even be considered for admission.
• The decisive tie-breaker: When multiple applicants share similar academic qualifications, your TestAS score can be the crucial factor that distinguishes you and secures your spot.

Top German universities for medicine that consider TestAS scores:

While admission policies are subject to change, the following prominent German universities with medical programs are known to factor in TestAS results. Always remember to check the most current and specific requirements directly on each university’s official international office website!

• University of Cologne
• Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden)
• University of Freiburg
• University of Göttingen
• University of Greifswald
• University of Hamburg
• University of Heidelberg
• University of Leipzig
• Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
• Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
• RWTH Aachen University
• University of Ulm

Ready to write your own German medical school success story?

Klea’s inspiring journey from Kosovo to the doorstep of German medical school proves that with strategic planning, dedicated effort, and the right support, your dream is well within reach. Her success underscores the immense value of preparing thoroughly for the TestAS.

Don’t let the complexities of international admissions intimidate you. Your future in German medicine is a profound journey, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let us guide you. Since 2014, edulink has supported international students every step of the way. Read more articles on topics that truly matter:

• Living abroad: housing, culture & daily life
• Study in Germany, Austria & Switzerland
• Smart test preparation
• Student voices & experiences

*Klea is not the interviewee’s real name. Interview conducted in March 2025.