Study Technical Health Systems in Germany

Courses of study in technical health systems focus on the engineering and technical areas of medical devices. Typically, technical health system studies include electrical engineering/hardware development, computer science/software development, and mechanics/design. Proficiency in those areas will enable you to work in the development, maintenance or quality management of state-of-the-art medical devices, imaging equipment and methods, hospital networks, mobile applications, prostheses, and implants. Thus, this field of study includes ophthalmic optics, biomedical engineering, hearing technology, health technology, medical physics, and medical engineering.

If you are interested in pursuing a degree in this field, you should have a good basic understanding of mathematics, physics, computer science, and biology. Depending on your choice of specialisation, you will be taught fundamentals of electronics, microcomputer technology, computer science, systems theory, materials technology, design, mechatronic components, and technical optics. Content from the medical sciences, e.g., anatomical and physiological contexts and diagnostical and therapeutical methods, will complement the course of study.

To be eligible to apply for a Bachelor’s degree programme in Germany, you need a general higher education entrance qualification or an equivalent school-leaving qualification. At many higher education institutions in Germany, the study of technical health systems is not subject to admission restrictions and simply enrolling in due time is sufficient. However, there are higher education institutions that allocate places according to an NC, i.e. a certain school-leaving grade average, or an internal selection procedure. In the latter case, for example, previously completed training in a profession related to the subject can be an advantage. A pre-study internship is only rarely a prerequisite for applying for a degree programme in this field of study.

A further admission requirement for the English-language degree programmes, which are especially offered at Master’s level, is proof of a language level of at least B2 according to CEFR. For Master’s degree programmes, a successfully completed Bachelor’s degree in a subject-related field is also generally a prerequisite for admission.

Bachelor’s degree programmes in technical health systems usually last six to eight semesters. Many higher education institutions include a so-called practical semester, in which students work in a company for one semester. Alternatively, there are also models with so-called practical projects within the higher education environment, for example in a laboratory.

A Master’s programme is usually completed within a standard period of study of three to four semesters. About one-third of all Master’s programmes offered are in English. In the Master’s programme, the skills learned in the Bachelor’s programme are deepened and also accompanied by practical elements such as laboratory work. At some higher education institutions, students can also spend time abroad or write their Master’s thesis abroad.

Studying is tuition-free at most public higher education institutions in Germany. Generally, students have to pay a so-called semester contribution twice a year. This amount, which ranges between 100–400 euros, is intended to cover the administrative costs of the higher education institutions and the student unions. Sometimes your semester contribution covers a ticket for local public transport or you can purchase a discounted ticket. Depending on where you study, this may be valid for the city, the region or even for all of Germany. Ask your higher education institution whether such an offer is currently available.

In addition to the (practically) free options, however, there are also higher education institutions that charge tuition fees. The amount of these fees varies from institution to institution and can be several hundreds of euros per month.

It’s best for you to find out early in your search for a place to study how much you can expect to spend per month. Don’t forget to check the average rent and plan for living expenses such as food, internet, health insurance, etc. Rents vary depending on the city you want to study in. In large cities, housing is often scarce and expensive, while in smaller cities it is comparatively affordable. In any case, student halls of residence are usually your cheapest option. As soon as you have decided on where you want to study, you should start looking, as halls of residence can fill up quickly. Here, you can find information on local halls of residence and the respective application process for most cities.

To finance your studies in Germany, you should also find out about scholarships. There are many different scholarship programmes and excellent grades are not the only deciding factor. You can learn more about scholarships here and find suitable programmes directly on My GUIDE.

The technical health systems sector in Germany is considered very innovative and enjoys a very good reputation. Due to new developments and technical possibilities, it is also a high-growth and future-proof occupational field. Graduates of this field of study can work at scientific institutes, as engineers in the respective fields in the medical industry, as those responsible for medical technology in hospitals or in medical technology consulting.

In the industrial sector, you can expect an above average monthly salary for engineering jobs with a Master’s degree. If you are aiming for an academic career at a higher education institution, the pay is lower in Germany, especially at the beginning. The salary level can therefore vary greatly depending on the profession and subject area.

There are a number of alternative forms of study open to you in Germany for the study of technical health systems. In addition to the standard full-time study programme, you can also complete a part-time or distance learning programme. In this case, the standard period of study is usually longer, as fewer credits are taken per semester. It is also possible to choose a job- or practice-integrated mode. This is often promoted through cooperation between the employer and the higher education institution.

Similar to part-time study, the job-integrated mode offers you the opportunity to integrate your studies into your everyday working life. Another option is dual study. Here you alternate between classes and work phases in a company. The advantage of this model is that you already earn money and gain practical experience during your studies.

A special mode is the apprenticeship-integrated study programme, in which you complete an apprenticeship in parallel with your studies and thus obtain a practical vocational qualification in addition to an academic degree.