Ruhr-Universität Bochum Medizinische Fakultät

- Bochum, Germany
Abroad

General Information

The Medical Faculty of Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) is home to the "Bochum Model," a unique decentralized medical education system. Rather than having one central university hospital, RUB operates the University Hospital of the Ruhr University (UK-RUB), a network of several specialized clinics across Bochum, Herne, and East Westphalia-Lippe. It is widely recognized for its Reform Curriculum, which emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and early clinical exposure, and its world-class research in Neuroscience and Protein Research.


General Info

  • Established: 1965.
  • Primary Location: > Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany (MA Building).
  • Academic Model: Reform Curriculum Medicine (Reformerstudiengang Medizin).
  • Structure: A 6.3-year program (12 semesters + Practical Year).
  • Integrated Pre-clinical/Clinical: From the very first semester, students engage in clinical practice and patient contact alongside theoretical sciences.
  • Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Students work in small groups to solve medical cases, fostering self-directed learning and teamwork.
  • Clinical Phase: Rotations take place across the UK-RUB network, providing exposure to diverse hospital environments and patient demographics.
  • Instruction: 100% German. C1 level proficiency (DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4) is a mandatory requirement for admission.
  • Research Focus: Major strengths include Neuroscience (International Graduate School of Neuroscience), Protein Research (ProDi), and Oncology (RUCCC).
  • Admission: Highly competitive (Numerus Clausus). Selection is based on the Abitur grade and the TMS (Test for Medical Studies).

Campus Facilities

The faculty is based at the main RUB campus, but its clinical training is spread throughout the Ruhr region.

  • ProDi (Center for Molecular Protein Diagnostics): A cutting-edge research center focused on developing new methods for the early detection of diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
  • IGSN (International Graduate School of Neuroscience): An elite school providing an English-language MD/PhD program for medical students interested in high-level brain research.
  • SkillsLab (Bochum): A dedicated training center where students practice physical examinations, ultrasound, and emergency medicine on simulators and standardized patients.
  • Core Facility Imaging: Provides students and researchers with advanced optical systems for 2D, 3D, and 4D microscopy of living and fixed cells.
  • Genomics Core Facility: A high-tech hub for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), supporting research into the genetic basis of complex diseases.
  • CUBiMed.RUB: A specialized facility for bioinformatics and medical data management, bridging the gap between clinical data and molecular research.
  • Medical Library (RUB): A large, dedicated library with 24/7 access to digital journals, AMBOSS, and specialized medical databases.
  • Biobanking Facility: One of Germany's modern biobanks, storing high-quality biological samples for clinical and translational research.
  • T-EXAM System: RUB is a leader in digital testing, utilizing an advanced iPad-based examination system for decentralized clinical testing across its various hospital sites.
  • The "Unicenter": The social hub adjacent to the campus, offering shopping, cafes, and services specifically for the university community.

Hospital & Medical Facilities

Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

The Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (UK-RUB) is a unique association of independent clinics:

  • St. Josef-Hospital (Bochum): Renowned for Neurology and Dermatology.
  • Marien Hospital (Herne): A leader in Internal Medicine and Surgery.
  • Knappschaftskrankenhaus (Bochum-Langendreer): Specialized in Ophthalmology and Neurosurgery.
  • Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW (Bad Oeynhausen): One of the world’s leading centers for heart transplants and diabetes research.
  • RUCCC (Ruhr-Universität Comprehensive Cancer Center): A top-tier center for interdisciplinary oncology and experimental cancer therapy.

Fee Structure

State University Affordability

Bochum is a public university in North Rhine-Westphalia, so there are no general tuition fees for the medical degree.

Fee Category

Amount in EUR

Notes

Semester Fee

~350 €

Paid every 6 months; includes student services and the transit ticket.

Semester Ticket

Included

Provides free unlimited transport across the entire state of NRW.

Tuition (Medicine)

0 €

Free for the standard 6.3-year State Exam program.

Living Budget

~850 € – 1,100 €/mo

Bochum is one of the most affordable major cities in Germany for students.

Scholarship

Deutschlandstipendium: 300 €/month for students with excellent grades and social engagement.

RUB Scholarship Fund: Provides specific grants for international students in financial need or with exceptional merit.

Lore Agnes Program: Supports female students and researchers in medicine and natural sciences.

STIBET Graduation Grants: Financial aid for international medical students in their final year of study.

City Details

  • The Vibe: Bochum is a former coal-mining city that has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. It is famous for "Starlight Express" (the world's most successful musical) and the "Bermuda3Eck," a legendary nightlife district.
  • Connectivity:
  • U35 CampusLine: Connects the main station (Hauptbahnhof) directly to the university in 10 minutes.
  • Ruhr Area: Part of a massive metro-cluster; you can reach Dortmund, Essen, or Düsseldorf in 15–40 minutes by train.
  • Safety: Very high; Bochum is a safe, authentic, and welcoming city for international students.

Hostel & Mess

  • Accommodation: Managed by AKAFÖ (Student Union).
  • Student Dorms: Very affordable. Rent ranges from 280 € to 450 €/month. Many dorms are located in the "Grimme-Weg" area, very close to the medical buildings.
  • Private Housing: Compared to Munich or Hamburg, Bochum has a high supply of affordable shared flats (WGs), typically costing 350 € – 550 €/month.
  • Dining: The Central Mensa at RUB is one of the largest in Germany, while the Bistro MA (near the medical faculty) is a popular spot for quick lunches between labs.

Miscellaneous

  • APS Certificate: Mandatory for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam.
  • Uni-assist: International students must apply for a VPD (Preliminary Review) via uni-assist before applying directly to RUB.
  • Deadline: July 15 for the Winter Semester (the main intake for the Reform Curriculum).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.

The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.

The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.

Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.

While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.

Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.

Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.

We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.

Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.

Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.

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