Application & Admission
Admissions test
The admissions test at Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU) evaluates the essential skills and knowledge required to successfully complete the medical program.
The test features a variety of question formats and takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete using university-provided laptops.
It is divided into three main components:
- Basic knowledge in natural sciences and English: 40%
- Cognitive abilities relevant to the program: 40%
- Work style: 20%
The test covers high school-level biology, chemistry, and physics (Matura/Abitur). You may encounter different types of questions, including factual questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and diagrams, in any of these subjects.
Key biology topics
- Microbiology: Prokaryotes, fungi
- Virology: Bacterial, animal viruses
- Parasitology: General parasitology
- Cell Biology: Cell biology methods, eukaryotic cells, membranes, nucleus, cell cycle, meiosis, cytoskeleton
- Molecular Biology: Genetic material (DNA), DNA replication, mutation and recombination, transcription and reverse transcription, protein synthesis—translation
- Genetics: Founders of genetics, basic genetic laws, homozygosity and heterozygosity, inheritance, Punnett square, recombination
- Human Genetics: Challenges in human genetics, pedigree analysis, phenotype expression
- Cytogenetics: Chromosomes, abnormalities, aberrations, prenatal diagnosis
- Evolution
Key chemistry topics
- Structure of Matter: Basics; atoms, molecules, ions; electronic structure of atoms; periodic properties of elements; molecular structure and bonding theories; intermolecular forces, liquids, and solids
- Chemical Reactions: Chemical kinetics; chemical equilibrium; acid-base equilibria; chemical thermodynamics
- Organic Chemistry: Electron structure and bonding, organic acids and bases; organic compounds; delocalized electron systems and resonance; benzene reactions; reactions of substituted benzenes
- Biomolecules relevant to metabolism: Carbohydrates; proteins; lipids; nucleic acids
Key physics topics
- Mechanics: Dynamics: Newton’s laws; work and energy
- Electricity and Magnetism: Electric charge and electric fields; magnetism; generation of magnetic fields; electromagnetic induction
- Light: Light as an electromagnetic wave; light as a wave; diffraction and polarization
- Nuclear Physics: Nuclear physics and radioactivity; nuclear energy
- Electric Currents and Resistance: Direct current circuits
- Lenses and Optical Instruments
English
To be able to read and understand international scientific literature, a sufficient level of English knowledge is essential. The test evaluates language comprehension at B2+ level. English texts will be provided, and candidates will answer multiple-choice questions or complete fill-in-the-blanks exercises in English.
Cognitive abilities and work style
Examples include: numerical reasoning, concentration, memory, fitting shapes and completing patterns, planning, multitasking, and attention to detail.
Study recommendations
High school textbooks (Matura/Abitur level) in the natural sciences are recommended for preparation. While PMU does not provide its own preparatory materials, resources from other medical entrance exams can be useful for studying cognitive abilities and work style.
When booking your test date, you will receive a detailed description with sample questions.