All private Universities in Thuringia (Germany)

Study medicine at private universities in Thuringia

Studying medicine at private universities offers interested students an alternative and equivalent opportunity to state universities to begin their academic career in medicine. In Thuringia, the Health and Medical University (HMU) currently offers the study programme in human medicine in cooperation with the local Helios Klinikum in Erfurt.

The programme comprises twelve semesters and leads to the state examination.

The courses of the first study section (two years) take place at the Science and Health Campus in Erfurt. The second, clinical study phase (three years) takes place at the campus of the clinic partner, in this case at Helios Klinikum Erfurt. The practical year, which is part of the third stage of studies, can be completed at the partner clinic or at another approved clinic.

Students at the HMU campus in Parsevalstrasse

The state medical examinations, which take place at the end of each study period, are conducted in Erfurt by the Thuringian Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Women and Family and by the Thuringian State Administration Office in Weimar.

The study of human medicine at HMU is NC-free: in order to be admitted, in addition to the formal university entrance qualification (Abitur) and a complete application with a letter of motivation, it is also necessary to pass an admission procedure.

The admission procedure consists of a two-stage selection process. It includes a written medical test, in which basic scientific knowledge is tested, as well as an individual interview with a case simulation to assess personal suitability and motivation for studying medicine.

This application process, in addition to very individual support and innovative study concepts, is a major advantage of private study. Not only are waiting semesters avoided, but the personal aptitude and motivation of the aspirants are also taken into account.

On the other hand, the costs of studying are high: the monthly tuition fees for the course in human medicine at the Health and Medical University amount to about 1500 euros per month plus fees for application, enrolment and examinations.

Therefore, HMU offers support with financing apart from BAföG and education funds: HMU Erfurt cooperates with various banks that offer special student loans for students and supports students in finding flexible work opportunities as a part-time job. It also awards scholarships to particularly talented and committed students.

Here is the overview of the study programme in Human Medicine at the Health and Medical University Erfurt:

Alternative: Physician Assistant

The study of human medicine prepares students for comprehensive medical training in which they make medical diagnoses, perform therapies and treat patients. Physician Assistance, on the other hand, is an independent degree programme that aims to support medical professionals.

Physician assistants support physicians in organising and planning treatment, making diagnoses, as well as caring for patients and conducting medical histories and physical examinations.

The Physician Assistant B.Sc. degree programme is offered nationwide, i.e. also in Thuringia, by the SRH University of Applied Sciences and the IU International University of Applied Sciences and also allows for further Master's studies followed by a doctorate.

Dual study programme in Erfurt: Procedure & study programmes

The dual study programme is a popular form of study that offers a close combination of theoretical knowledge at a university with practical experience in a company. The dual study programme is characterised by a structured sequence that alternates between practical and theoretical phases.

The theory phases take place at a university or university of cooperative education and impart the necessary theoretical knowledge. Here, students are prepared for practical work and acquire professional know-how in their chosen fields of study. The theory phases are usually held in compact blocks to ensure an effective combination of theory and practice.

During the practical phases, students actively work in the company and gain practical experience in their chosen professional field. However, the exact structure can vary depending on the degree programme and company.

Students usually receive remuneration for their work in the company, which varies depending on the employer and the degree programme. This remuneration enables students to cover their expenses during their studies and to be financially independent. The tuition fees are also usually paid by the training company.

The theoretical knowledge acquired and the practical experience gained ensure that students develop relevant skills and knowledge for their employer or the labour market already during their studies. Due to the close connection to the company, they have often already made contacts in the industry during their studies and in most cases can seamlessly transition into a career after graduation.

Here is an overview of a selection of popular dual study programmes in Erfurt:

Distance learning in Thuringia

In Thuringia, too, it is possible to complete a distance learning programme from home and study flexibly at a university. The state's transport connections and central location for attendance and examination days are excellent. Thanks to Thüringer Netkom, broadband has been expanded to a large extent, especially in the metropolitan areas but also in more rural regions, which ensures fast and trouble-free internet connections in the Free State.

Distance learning has established itself as a flexible alternative to traditional campus studies and also to dual studies. It enables students to organise their academic education independently of time and place, and thus to better meet individual needs and life circumstances.

With the independence of time and place, courses of study are also available that could otherwise only be taken up with greater effort and/or additional strain.

There is a wide range of private universities throughout Germany.

Here is a selection of the top providers with the most popular degree programmes, also from Thuringia:

IU International University of Applied Sciences

In addition to dual study, IU International University of Applied Sciences also offers state-recognised distance learning programmes with Bachelor's and Master's degrees that are popular throughout Germany. With flexible and independent distance learning, students can work on their study content online and with 100% flexibility.

The university places great emphasis on innovative learning concepts and offers a variety of digital learning tools, virtual live formats and personal support. With a wide range of study programmes in different subject areas from health and social affairs to business and management, students have the opportunity to meet their individual interests and goals.

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest private universities of applied sciences in Germany with a broad range of distance learning programmes. With a total of 17,045 students in the winter semester 2021/2022, it is a renowned institution. The university focuses mainly on degree programmes in the fields of business and natural sciences.

It offers a variety of study formats such as face-to-face courses, distance learning courses and evening study courses, as well as the option to change location during your studies.

Distance learning at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is characterised by a flexible learning environment, individual examination options and the recognition of non-university achievements. It is an ideal choice for working students to achieve their career goals.

AKAD University

AKAD University of Applied Sciences is a private distance learning university based in Stuttgart with over 30 examination centres throughout Germany. It was founded back in 1959 and currently has around 6000 students. It offers degree programmes in the fields of business and technology as well as communication, health and social affairs.

The AKAD University of Applied Sciences is distinguished by its many years of expertise in distance learning. As a pioneer of distance learning in Germany, it has been offering part-time study options for over 60 years. The flexible AKAD study model enables students to organise their studies individually and independently of location. The course content is taught via online seminars, self-learning phases and face-to-face events.

Through the virtual AKAD Campus and interactive learning methods, students are in constant exchange with each other and with the lecturers, which enriches the learning process.

These state universities are located in Thuringia

Here is an overview of the public universities in Thuringia:

• Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena: Founded in 1558 and reopened in 1991, Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena is a state comprehensive university with a wide range of study programmes. It offers a diverse range of disciplines and is particularly renowned for its research activities.
• Technische Universität Ilmenau: Ilmenau University of Technology (TU Ilmenau) was founded in 1894 and gained university status in 1992. It is known for its departments of technology and media.
• University of Erfurt: Founded in 1392 and existing in its present form since 1994, the University of Erfurt is a state university specialising in the humanities and social sciences. It offers a wide range of degree programmes in these fields and emphasises interdisciplinary research and teaching.
• Bauhaus University Weimar: The Bauhaus University Weimar was founded in 1860 and was granted university status in 1996. It is known for its specialisations in construction, art and media. The university places great emphasis on creative and innovative approaches to design and architecture.
• University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar: Founded in 1872 and a state university since 1956, the University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar is a renowned institution for musical education. It offers a wide range of study programmes and opportunities for aspiring musicians.
• Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena - University of Applied Sciences: Founded in 1991, the Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena is a university of applied sciences offering technical, economic and social degree programmes.
• Fachhochschule Erfurt - University of Applied Sciences: The Fachhochschule Erfurt was founded in 1946 and was granted the status of a university of applied sciences in 1991. It offers degree programmes in architecture, logistics and social work.
• Hochschule Schmalkalden - University of Applied Sciences: Founded in 1902 and a state university since 1991, Schmalkalden University offers degree programmes in the fields of technology and business.
• Hochschule Nordhausen - University of Applied Sciences: Founded in 1997, Hochschule Nordhausen is a state university offering degree programmes in the fields of technology, business and social work. The university is known for its practice-oriented education and its modern facilities.
• University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration Gotha/Meiningen: Founded in 1994, the University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration Gotha/Meiningen offers degree programmes in the fields of administration, taxation and police. The University of Applied Sciences prepares students specifically for a career in public service.
• Dual University of Applied Sciences Gera-Eisenach: The Gera-Eisenach Dual University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1998 and gained university status in 2016. It offers degree programmes in the fields of technology, business and social affairs. The Duale Hochschule is characterised by its dual training concept.