As the world grapples with complex healthcare challenges, including aging populations, infectious disease outbreaks, mental health crises, and technological advancements, there has never been a greater need for skilled, adaptable, and globally-minded healthcare professionals. Meeting this demand requires not only mastery of advanced medical techniques but also a profound understanding of oneself as a professional.

The Summer School program of the Medical Faculty of the University of Münster, Germany, addresses this critical gap, inviting international medical students to engage in an intensive two-week course that cultivates both technical excellence and professional identity. Through a multidisciplinary approach, participants will explore:

• Interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of professionalism
• Effective teamwork, communication, and leadership in diverse contexts
• Complex decision-making, ethics, and resource management
• Societal implications of healthcare delivery and policy

By combining interactive lectures, virtual reality, simulation-based education, and small-group discussions, we foster a dynamic learning environment that encourages exploration of multiple perspectives and disciplines. Our goal is to empower participants to become confident, reflective practitioners equipped with the necessary competencies to thrive in today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Program Highlights

• Multidisciplinary approaches to healthcare challenges
• Interdisciplinary dialogue among international peers and renowned faculty
• Focus on developing Aspect of Professional Identity (PIF) and core competencies
• Networking opportunities within a vibrant academic community

Join us at the University Hospital Münster (UKM) for an enriching educational experience that bridges theoretical foundations with real-world application.

This course is offered by the Medical Faculty of the University of Münster and organised by the "Institut für Ausbildung und Studienangelegenheiten" (IfAS). The course takes place on the campus of the "Universitätsklinikum Münster" (UKM).

Partners

Students must have completed their undergraduate studies and begun their preclinical training (clinical clerkship). They must be currently enrolled in a medical programme at a recognized institution, such as a medical school or a human medicine course at a university. The summer school is open to students from all over the world, regardless of nationality or country of origin (both EU and non-EU citizens are welcome).

The primary objective of this course is to inspire students to critically reflect on the intersection of cultural diversity, global health issues, and social determinants in the field of medicine as well as on their own personal and professional identity.

Professional identity formation (PIF) is a concept that describes the journey of medical laypersons to become experts and focuses on how medical students develop their professional identity as doctors who think, act and feel professionally. It is a complex and dynamic process in which novices are socialized into their professional role during medical school and form or reflect on, among other things, their individual portfolio of professional values, attitudes and responsibilities (see Cruess et al. 2015).

Registration for the International Summer Course 2026 opens on January 15, 2026 and closes either on Monday, June 01, 2026 or as soon as the maximum number of participants has been reached. Early registration is strongly recommended.

Applications will be reviewed by the organizing committee after receiving the fully completed registration form:

Click here to open the register form

Our selection committee will carefully review all applications, considering the following key factors:

• Enrollment in an official Medical Faculty at a university or medical school (please note that proof of enrollment will be required)
• Your English language proficiency
• Your motivations for applying to the Summer School
• Your academic background and achievements
• The alignment between your career plans and the content of the program

Please note that registration may close earlier than expected if the maximum number of participants is reached.

There is no tuition fee for participating in this Summer School. However, a fee is asked in order to book an accommodation in advance for the two weeks of the Summer School (see further information). The organizers will provide all learning material, daily lunches and food during organized social events. Participants are expected to arrange and pay for their own travel, additional meal arrangements, additional local purchases.

Accommodation fee

We would like to inform you that the participation fee varies according to age group:
For participants aged 26 or under: €606
For participants aged 27 and above: €859
Please be aware that this pricing is determined by the private accommodation provider's policies and we are unable to adjust these rates.

Fee Payment

Once you have been selected for the Summer School, the Accommodation fee payment is required to complete your registration, and without it, we cannot guarantee your place in the program. Please note that the full fee must be transferred in one single bank transfer. If you choose to pay in a currency other than Euros, please be aware that you will be responsible for any exchange rate differences and additional transfer costs.

Refund

If you cancel before 31 May 2026, you will receive a full refund of the total accommodation fee. Please note that, due to booking constraints, it will NOT BE POSSIBLE to issue ANY refunds after 01/06/2026.

Accommodation

The organizers will arrange accommodation for the participants in advance, covering the period from Monday 3 August (check-in) to Friday 14 August (check-out).

All participants will stay in the same place, sharing a two-bed room with another participant. Each bedroom has its own WC and bathroom. Breakfast and towels are included in the accommodation fee from Tuesday 4 August to Friday 14 August. The location also offers a wide variety of services, such as Wi-Fi in the bedrooms and throughout the building, a 24/7 English-speaking reception, free parking spaces, luggage storage, an indoor table tennis table, a billiards table, and the possibility to rent games and bikes during your stay.

The accommodation is ideally located in the center of Münster, close enough to enjoy the student life of the city, but also close enough to the Summer School location to be reached on foot or by bike. In Münster, the ideal method of transport is cycling, and you will have the opportunity to rent a bike.

Accommodation – Summer School location: 9 minutes by bike, 33 minutes on foot
Accommodation – Historical city center: 6 min by bike, 20 min on foot
Accommodation – Main Train Station: 9 min by bike, 23 min on foot

Further details, such as the precise name and location of the accommodation, will be provided to those selected for the Summer School before their final registration.

Language Requirements

To ensure that all participants in the International Summer School can actively participate and benefit from our programs, applicants should possess strong English skills, enabling them to comprehend and engage in discussions conducted in written and spoken English at a university level. A minimum proficiency level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of EU member states do not require a visa to attend the International Summer School.

For non-EU nationals, please consult the German Federal Foreign Office's website to determine if you need a visa to enter Germany. You can use their online tool "Do I need a Visa?" to find out more. It is essential to plan ahead and apply for a visa in good time, allowing approximately eight weeks for processing.

Insurance Coverage

Before departing, participants are advised to thoroughly research their existing insurance policies covering travel abroad and consider purchasing supplemental insurance plans (including health, accident, and liability insurance), if necessary. Note that neither the University of Münster nor its affiliates assume responsibility for participant insurance coverage. Consequently, each individual remains accountable for securing adequate insurance protection against unforeseen circumstances.

Additionally, EU students may opt for obtaining a "European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)” or similar documentation through their respective insurers.

About the University of Münster

Located in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, the University of Münster (called Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster or WWU before 2023) is one of Germany's largest research universities. Founded in 1780, Münster University boasts a rich history of innovation and academic excellence, with fifteen faculties covering a wide spectrum of disciplines, from humanities and natural sciences to law, economics, and theology. Renowned for its strong research profile, particularly in the fields of business administration, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, the university attracts scholars and students from around the globe. Without a campus but composed of more than 200 buildings spread through the city center of Münster, the university provides a stimulating environment for intellectual pursuits and personal growth. Today, the University of Münster continues to thrive as a hub of knowledge creation, fostering close ties between academia, industry, and society.

Further information: Website of the University of Münster

About the Münster University Hospital (UKM)

The University Hospital of Münster (Universitätsklinikum Münster, UKM) is a leading care institution located in the heart of the city Münster. With approximately 1,500 beds and over 12,000 employees, the hospital serves as a referral center for the entire region, offering comprehensive services across numerous departments, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and surgery. Strongly affiliated with the University of Münster, UKM fosters a collaborative spirit, driving advances in translational research, clinical trials, and evidence-based medicine.

Further information: Website of the Münster University Hospital (German)

About Münster City

Münster is a charming university town nestled in the northwestern corner of Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Rich in history and tradition, Münster boasts a beautiful city center, featuring iconic landmarks like the St. Paulus Cathedral, the Lambertikirche, the Gothic City Hall, and the famous Peace Hall. Surrounded by scenic countryside and waterways, Münster seamlessly blends urban flair with rural charm. The city exudes a lively atmosphere, hosting numerous festivals, markets, and events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the Promenade, sampling local delicacies like pumpernickel bread, Töttchen, Pfefferpotthast and craft beer, or taking advantage of excellent cycling infrastructure to explore the surrounding area.

Further information: Website of Münster City