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Medical student from Saxony fights against high debts and contract traps!
A model project in Saxony supports medical students who want to work as family doctors in rural regions.
Medical student from Saxony fights against high debts and contract traps!
Exciting news awaits aspiring doctors in Saxony. On September 1, 2025, 28 young people took the plunge into studying medicine at the University of Pécs in Hungary. This ambitious model project, which MDR launched, follows a clear plan: the tuition fees are covered on the condition that the students undertake to complete their specialist training in Saxony and work there as a family doctor for at least five years.
This project aims to combat the shortage of doctors in rural regions of Saxony and to ensure medical care. Since 2013, 20 medical study places have been available at the University of Pécs every year, which are financed by the Saxony Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and health insurance companies. The Free State of Saxony has also been supporting this project since 2020 and is financing an additional 20 places. Despite the 40 available places, not all of them are always used, which underlines the urgent demand for qualified medical staff in Saxony.
Rural doctor quota secures the future
The shortage of doctors in rural areas is a well-known problem that is also ringing alarm bells in Saxony. To counteract this, the “rural doctor quota” was introduced in 2022, which offers an additional 40 medical study places for students who commit to working in primary care in rural areas after graduating. This step is welcome support for young doctors who want to study in a modern and well-equipped environment, such as that offered at the TU Dresden and the University of Leipzig.
The application deadline for medical study places via the rural doctor quota runs from January 15th to February 29th, 2024. Those interested must fill out an online application, taking five criteria into account, including grades and professional experience. Applicants who are successful in this first stage must demonstrate their motivation and suitability in a selection interview.
Criticism and challenges
Despite the promising approaches, there are also critical voices. Albert S. is an example of this. He began his medical career at the University of Pécs, but ultimately had to apply to transfer to the TU Dresden. Now he is faced with a repayment of 72,000 euros in tuition fees, which has grown to 92,300 euros with interest. “These are large sums, especially for young people,” he expresses his concerns.
As part of the commitment he made when signing the contract, he must use part of his income to pay off the debt until 2027. Albert S. advises future students to be well informed about the contract conditions and to pay attention to long-term commitments, which, as in his case, can take 15-16 years - a long time for young adults.
The challenges posed by such commitments highlight the need for caution despite efforts to promote and support. Nevertheless, the hope remains that with the new measures, the commitment of politicians and the support of society, medical care in Saxony can be improved in the coming years. More information about medical studies and the country doctor quota can be found on the website of the Saxony State Directorate.