Structured medical degree program

The UMFST-UMCH study program is divided into two phases: pre-clinical training in the first three years and clinical training in the last six semesters. In the pre-clinical phase, students acquire theoretical foundations in subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. From the fourth year onwards, the clinical phase begins, where practice-oriented teaching is provided through our extensive network of teaching institutions. This course structure combines theoretical and practical content to ensure a comprehensive medical education.

Study years 1 and 2

The pre-clinical phase, prepare students for the clinical part of medical studies. Instruction is primarily delivered through lectures, lab activities, and seminars, with an emphasis on foundational subjects that lay the scientific groundwork for the years ahead. Key topics include biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, genetics, and histology. Additionally, students learn about the anatomical structures and physiological processes of the human body.

Other important topics in the pre-clinical phase include doctor-patient communication, medical deontology, ethics, academic integrity, and medical terminology. In this phase, students gain initial insights into the medical profession and acquire the necessary medical and scientific knowledge for the clinical part of the program. Unlike at German public universities, the pre-clinical phase at UMFST-UMCH does not end with a preliminary examination.

From the first year of study onward, students can choose from a variety of elective courses to deepen their knowledge in specific medical fields. A multi-week summer internship provides students with their first insights into hospital life and promotes patient contact. Modules are completed with multiple-choice tests and practical exams to evaluate the students' theoretical and practical knowledge. During summer, two-week modules, such as anatomy or pathology courses, offer more hands-on experience.

Free German Courses

At UMFST-UMCH, international students benefit from a comprehensive and free German language program integrated into their medical studies. In the first two years, you will reach B2 level, preparing you to communicate confidently during your clinical training in German teaching hospitals from year three onwards.

Study years 3 to 6

The clinical phase at UMFST-UMCH spans the third to sixth years and focuses on the various diseases of the human body. During this phase, students first acquire theoretical knowledge of clinical medicine over six to ten-week periods. This knowledge is then deepened through hospital internships at UMFST-UMCH teaching hospitals, where students gain hands-on experience in small groups of up to ten. They learn direct patient care and get insights into different medical specialties.

Core subjects in this phase include cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, neurology, ophthalmology, ENT, gynecology, urology, oncology, and many more. Additionally, students cover interdisciplinary subjects such as emergency medicine and an introduction to imaging techniques like CT, ultrasound, and X-ray.

Additionally, students can select from a variety of elective courses during their studies to deepen their knowledge in specific areas and acquire practical skills. Each module is completed with multiple-choice tests and practical exams to evaluate theoretical and practical knowledge.

The medical studies conclude with a graduation exam, which consists of a written final examination and a research thesis

Free German Courses

From your third year onwards, you can continue with advanced German courses to reach C1 level, preparing you for professional life in Germany. This continued learning will help you confidently pass the Fachsprachenprüfung and, after completing your six-year medical program, apply for your German medical license (Approbation) in Germany.

The UMFST-UMCH medical program spans six years, providing students with comprehensive training in topics ranging from medical fundamentals to specialized fields such as pharmacology and surgery, infectious diseases, and forensic medicine. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge and practical application in a clinical context.

1st year of study

The first year of study serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of medicine. It provides essential knowledge of the human body, focusing on anatomy, physiology, cell and molecular biology, as well as biochemistry. Students learn to apply preclinical knowledge in the context of clinical questions.

Some of the preclinical subjects of the 1st year of study:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Biochemistry
• Medical Informatics
• Medical Biostatistics

2nd year of study

In the second year of study, students engage with topics such as genetics and histology, while also covering areas like first aid and doctor-patient communication. The second year serves as an orientation for the clinical phase beginning in the third year. During this year, students choose their teaching hospital and have their first interactions with their future teaching hospital.

Some of the preclinical subjects of the 2nd year of study:

• Physiology
• Patient-Doctor Communication
• Genetics
• First Aid
• Histology
• Introduction in Practical Work

3rd year of study

The third year represents a mixture between the more complex fundamental subjects taught on the campus (Pathology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology) and the first topics attended in UMFST-UMCH partner hospitals (Medical and Surgical Semiology). From this year onward, students participate in a practical phase at their designated teaching hospital in addition to campus-based courses. Students are practically prepared on campus before moving to the teaching hospital for introductory clinical core subjects by simulation sessions.

In addition to the clinical subjects, the following courses are taught in the 3rd year:

• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Bacteriology
• Hygiene
• Scientific Research Skills

4th year of study

In the fourth year, the focus becomes particularly practice-oriented: within the clinical phase, students go through specific clinical specialties for the first time. These specialties are taught theoretically on campus with practical exercises and case studies, allowing students to apply their knowledge practically in the teaching hospital. The specialties include both surgical and internal medicine areas. Throughout all study years, students have the opportunity to focus on specific areas through elective courses.

Subjects in the 4th year include, among others:

• Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery
• Cardiology
• Emergency Medicine
• Radiology
• General Surgery
• Occupational Medicine

5th year of study

The course offerings in the fifth year include both theoretical and practical components on campus and in the teaching hospital. Key areas of focus are gastroenterology, pediatrics, neurology, as well as anesthesiology and intensive care medicine. Students gain insights not only in the teaching hospital but also in practical healthcare settings.

In addition to the main subjects, the 5th year includes, for example:

• Dermatology
• Rheumatology
• Nephrology
• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Pulmunology

6th year of study

During the final year before graduation, students work on a research project and study topics such as primary care, health management, epidemiology, and public health. This final year also serves to prepare students for their graduation exam.

Additional theoretical and practical subjects in the last year include, for example:

• Gynecology
• Family Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Infectious Diseases

The UMFST-UMCH medical curriculum offers a foundational education in all essential medical disciplines. Over 12 semesters, students are taught in both clinical and pre-clinical subjects, optimally combining theory and practice.

In addition to the core subjects, the curriculum includes numerous elective courses that perfectly complement the program. This enables students to focus early on areas of interest and lay the groundwork for future specialization. Each year, at least one elective must be taken, though multiple courses are possible.

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If you are an EU citizen and have a higher education entrance qualification, no specific average grade is required to apply for the degree program at UMFST-UMCH. You must present a school-leaving certificate that gives you access to higher education (Abitur or equivalent). Our most frequent degrees are

• International Baccalaureate
• American High School Diploma
• A - Levels

G.E. Palade UMFST Tg. Mures is is accredited by the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS). ARACIS is a full member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA). The university is labeled with the highest status H+ by anabin, the information portal for the evaluation of foreign educational qualifications published by the Secretariat of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the States in the Federal Republic of Germany. Thus, it is considered as a higher education institution in Germany. In 2023, the program of study Medicine from Hamburg was accreditated by IAAR (Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating). The activities of IAAR comply with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) and the World Federation for Medical Education WFME.

The six-year medical degree program at UMCH leads to a university degree in medicine, which corresponds to the professional qualification listed in Annex V of the EU Professional Qualification Directive and forms the basis for obtaining a license to practice medicine in the EU and many other countries. When applying for a license to practice medicine in Germany it should be noted that in comparison to holders of a German degree in human, additional proof of sufficient knowledge of German must be provided (B2 in general and C1 with regard to medical terminology). For holders of a high school diploma from a German-speaking country, however, this requirement is generally not applicable. Furthermore, the UMFST of Targu Mures together with UMCH in Hamburg is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) (FAIMER school ID: F0000226). This currently enables students to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The study program offered in Hamburg by the UMFST of Targu Mures uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which ensures that academic achievements can be compared throughout Europe. A total of 360 ECTS points is earned during the 6-year study program. Each academic year contains 60 ECTS points.