The Science Test as a Gateway to Medical School
Nearly 1,000 prospective students take the HAM-Nat medical school entrance exam in Magdeburg
The Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is once again offering prospective students the opportunity this year to gain admission to medical school through the HAM-Nat science exam. Nearly 1,000 prospective students took advantage of this opportunity and participated in this selection process on March 6 and 7, 2026, at the test site in Magdeburg to increase their chances of securing a spot in the medical program.
The HAM-Nat, short for “Hamburg Selection Process for Medical Programs,” has been offered at the University of Magdeburg since 2012. By combining a good test result with their high school diploma grade, applicants increase their chances of admission to medical school in Magdeburg—even if they do not have a perfect high school diploma. In addition to Magdeburg, the HAM-Nat is also used in Hamburg, sometimes in combination with other testing procedures.
Photo: HAM-Nat entrance exam at the Faculty of Medicine at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. Photographer: Melitta Schubert
The test assesses knowledge in the core science subjects of biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as logical and mathematical reasoning. After the results are evaluated, participants receive a certificate that they can submit to the Foundation for University Admissions when applying to college. It is valid for two application cycles. With the test taken in March 2026, prospective students can apply for the first time to study medicine for the 2026/27 winter semester.
Starting in 2027, there are plans to overhaul the selection process for medical degree programs (human, dental, and veterinary medicine) in Germany. The current tests, TMS (Test for Medical Degree Programs) and HAM-Nat, are to be replaced by a joint academic aptitude test, the TMSnat. There will likely be a transition period for applicants during which both test results will be accepted. Each university will decide for itself exactly how this will be implemented. Starting in the 2028/29 winter semester, only the updated TMSnat is expected to be used.
Background
The allocation of spots in human medicine programs follows a quota model in which the selection test is considered as part of the “university selection process” (AdH) and as a selection criterion in the “Additional Aptitude Quota” (ZEQ, formerly the waiting time quota). This quota uses aptitude criteria that are entirely independent of high school grades. In Saxony-Anhalt, study places are also allocated via a “rural doctor quota” and, since 2022, via a “public health officer quota” to applicants who commit to practicing medicine in Saxony-Anhalt for ten years following their studies and further training. A total of 200 study places at the Magdeburg Medical Faculty are available for the 2026/27 winter semester.