Study & Career
Winners at the Graduation Ceremony
Awards in Research
Successes that extend beyond the UMFST-UMCH campus
Success stories & career paths
Studies
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Success stories & career paths
Studies
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Success st...
Successes of our UMFST-UMCH students – before, during and after their studies
Success stories & career paths
Successes of our UMFST-UMCH students – before, during and after their studies
Success stories & career paths
Our students are writing inspiring success stories. Even while they are still studying, they are shaping their future with their wealth of ideas and commitment, whether through research and teaching or by setting up their own practices and projects with courage.
Their stories demonstrate how resilience, passion and medical expertise can lead to fulfilling careers. They are living proof that studying at UMFST-UMCH imparts knowledge and opens doors to diverse and meaningful careers in medicine.
Video
Graduation Ceremony
Highlights and impressions from a special milestone
Festive impressions of a special milestone
The graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone and the successful completion of medical studies at UMFST-UMCH.
UMFST-UMCH Graduation Ceremonies
Next Generation: UMFST-UMCH graduates 103 medical students from 12 nations in 2026
UMFST-UMCH Hamburg celebrated the graduation of 103 medical students from 12 nations under the motto „Next Generation“. A special guest was Gabriela Szabo, Olympic and World Champion and researcher at the George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, who addressed the graduates. The ceremony highlights UMFST-UMCH Hamburg's role as Germany's first English-language medical university, preparing future doctors for international medical careers.
UMFST-UMCH Hamburg celebrates the graduation of its first medical students in 2025
UMFST-UMCH Hamburg proudly celebrated the graduation of the first 74 students from its English-language medical program. The graduation ceremony, held at the Grand Elysée Hotel in Hamburg, marks a major milestone for Germany's first English-language medical university. With an internationally oriented and practice-focused education, the graduates are well prepared to pursue successful medical careers in Germany and around the world..
How university graduates shape their future
From UMFST-UMCH straight into a job
‘The training at UMFST-UMCH gives me the linguistic and professional flexibility to work both in Germany and internationally.’
From patient to future vascular surgeon
Julika Tan
‘The training at UMFST-UMCH gives me the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience early on in my studies.’
From childhood dreams to becoming a doctor
Marina Strähle
Research with a Future: My PhD Project at UMFST on Immunotherapies for Colorectal Cancer
Studying in Hamburg, Researching Worldwide – Why Internationality Matters
Philipp Richter
‘The training at UMFST-UMCH gives me the linguistic and professional flexibility to work both in Germany and internationally.’
From patient to future vascular surgeon
Julika Tan
‘The training at UMFST-UMCH gives me the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience early on in my studies.’
From childhood dreams to becoming a doctor
Marina Strähle
Research with a Future: My PhD Project at UMFST on Immunotherapies for Colorectal Cancer
Studying in Hamburg, Researching Worldwide – Why Internationality Matters
Philipp Richter
‘The training at UMFST-UMCH gives me the linguistic and professional flexibility to work both in Germany and internationally.’
From patient to future vascular surgeon
Julika Tan
‘The training at UMFST-UMCH gives me the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience early on in my studies.’
From childhood dreams to becoming a doctor
Marina Strähle
Research with a Future: My PhD Project at UMFST on Immunotherapies for Colorectal Cancer
Studying in Hamburg, Researching Worldwide – Why Internationality Matters
Philipp Richter
Study & career at teaching hospitals
From university straight into specialist medical training
After successfully completing his medical studies at UMFST-UMCH, Aref Hesso is now beginning his specialist training at Lüdenscheid Hospital, one of UMFST-UMCH's renowned teaching hospitals. During his summer clinical internship and as part of his thesis, Aref was able to gain valuable practical experience at the hospital and work closely with Dr Michael Klein, Director of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery.
Our award winners at the graduation ceremony
Awards & Honours
During the graduation ceremony, students who had stood out for their exceptional achievements and outstanding commitment to medicine were honoured. These awards recognise academic excellence and commitment to the community.
Valedictorian of the class
Best graduate 2026
David Schmidbauer has been named valedictorian of the Bachelor of Medicine programme in English at the Hamburg campus. With an outstanding final grade of 9.62 out of 10, he achieved the highest academic performance of the Class of 2026. His remarkable accomplishment reflects exceptional dedication, discipline, and academic excellence.
Best graduate 2025
At graduation, Defne Koc was celebrated as the outstanding graduate of the English-language medical programme. Awarded an honours degree and a medal for top graduate, she is a shining example of dedication, hard work and passion for medicine.
Award for exceptional extracurricular commitment
Award for exceptional scientific commitment 2026
Student Ivan Bergo was honoured for his exceptional extracurricular achievements and his contribution to early-career research. With four scientific publications to his name, including a first authorship in the Q1 journal Life, as well as numerous appearances at international conferences, Bergo is one of the most promising young researchers. Another milestone was the award of a research fellowship from the Junior Researcher Academy at the George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology in Târgu Mureș.
Award for exceptional extracurricular commitment 2026
The long-serving class representative team, Paula Bredeck and Milos Morarevic, was honoured for their outstanding extracurricular commitment and exceptional dedication to the Student Council. Since their third year of medical studies, they have passionately represented the interests of their fellow students, always advocating for their classmates with dedication and integrity. Through their reliability, tireless commitment, and approachable nature, Paula and Milos have made a lasting contribution to student life on campus and have supported countless fellow students throughout their studies.
Award for exceptional extracurricular commitment 2025
Julika Tan & Marina Strähle were honoured for their outstanding commitment during their studies. By founding the UMFST-UMCH FEM Club and the UMFST-UMCH Charity Club, they have created sustainable spaces for empowerment, solidarity and social action. Through their vision, courage and leadership, they have made a lasting impact on the university far beyond their studies.
Awards in the field of research
Focus on science: research as a university mission
We actively guide and support students in carrying out their research projects. Our goal is to create an inspiring environment that promotes scientific work and strengthens individual interests.
Research Day 2024
During Research Days 2024, students had the opportunity to submit abstracts addressing research-related questions in medicine. Promoting research is a high priority at UMFST-UMCH, and the scientific sessions held during the university days helped to support students in this area.
Research Day 2025
As in previous years, the scientific standard of the presentations was remarkable: the topics ranged from basic scientific studies to practice-oriented clinical issues. The scientific committees were impressed by the commitment, creativity and depth of the projects presented. At the end of the day, outstanding achievements in both categories were honoured.
From Student to Scientist to Entrepreneur – The Inspiring Journey of Julius Balkenhol
Our sixth-year student, Julius Balkenhol, has just reached an extraordinary milestone – his first publication as lead author, published in the European Journal of Cancer.
The study, entitled ‘Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma 1986–2019 in Germany: Incidence, anatomical site, staging, and histologic subtypes,’ highlights an important topic in dermatological oncology.
Bridging Borders in Cancer Research: Alumni Philipp Richter’s Doctoral Work on Personalized Therapy
Alumni Philipp Richter, originally from Hanover (Germany), is the first graduate of the first international cohort of medical students at UMFST-UMCH – Universitätsmedizin Neumarkt am Mieresch (the Hamburg Campus of UMFST). He has now chosen to continue with doctoral studies at UMFST in Târgu Mureş, becoming the first in his class to do so in Romania.
Research Day 2024
During Research Days 2024, students had the opportunity to submit abstracts addressing research-related questions in medicine. Promoting research is a high priority at UMFST-UMCH, and the scientific sessions held during the university days helped to support students in this area.
Research Day 2025
As in previous years, the scientific standard of the presentations was remarkable: the topics ranged from basic scientific studies to practice-oriented clinical issues. The scientific committees were impressed by the commitment, creativity and depth of the projects presented. At the end of the day, outstanding achievements in both categories were honoured.
From Student to Scientist to Entrepreneur – The Inspiring Journey of Julius Balkenhol
Our sixth-year student, Julius Balkenhol, has just reached an extraordinary milestone – his first publication as lead author, published in the European Journal of Cancer.
The study, entitled ‘Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma 1986–2019 in Germany: Incidence, anatomical site, staging, and histologic subtypes,’ highlights an important topic in dermatological oncology.
Bridging Borders in Cancer Research: Alumni Philipp Richter’s Doctoral Work on Personalized Therapy
Alumni Philipp Richter, originally from Hanover (Germany), is the first graduate of the first international cohort of medical students at UMFST-UMCH – Universitätsmedizin Neumarkt am Mieresch (the Hamburg Campus of UMFST). He has now chosen to continue with doctoral studies at UMFST in Târgu Mureş, becoming the first in his class to do so in Romania.
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Important facts about applying to study
The UMFST-UMCH admission process can be completed at any time and includes an interview and a short evaluation. Results are available within 48 hours. The process can be completed on site or via video call. Alternatively, admission is possible via the TMS test. A general university entrance qualification or equivalent degree is required.
