If you are looking for world-class medical care, you have probably heard of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. It is not just a hospital; it is a piece of history and a leader in modern medicine.
Located in the heart of Berlin, Charité is often ranked as the number one hospital in Germany and one of the top ten hospitals in the entire world. Whether you need specialized treatment, want to study medicine, or are just curious about this famous place, this guide has everything you need to know.
Why Charité is Famous Worldwide
Charité has been around for over 300 years. It started as a plague house in 1710 but is now a giant in science and healing.
Here is why it is so special:
- Nobel Prize Winners: More than half of all German Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine have worked here. Famous names like Robert Koch and Paul Ehrlich walked these halls.
- University Power: It is the joint medical school for both Humboldt University and Freie Universität Berlin. This means you get the best brains from two amazing universities working together.
- Global Ranking: In 2024 and 2025, Newsweek ranked it as the best hospital in Europe and top 10 globally.
Key Statistics at a Glance
To give you an idea of how big Charité is, look at these numbers:
| Category | Statistic |
| Annual Inpatients | ~124,000 |
| Annual Outpatients | ~800,000 |
| Employees | ~22,000 |
| Campuses | 4 major locations in Berlin |
| Nobel Laureates | 8 associated winners |
Top Medical Treatments and Specialties
People fly from all over the world to get treated here. The doctors use the newest technology and research to help patients.
Oncology (Cancer Treatment)
Charité is a leader in fighting cancer. The Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCCC) is famous for treating rare and difficult cancers. They use “precision medicine,” which means they look at your specific genes to find the best medicine for you.
Cardiology and Neurology
- Heart Health: The German Heart Center at Charité is one of the best places for heart surgery and treating heart failure.
- Brain Science: If you have a condition affecting the brain or nerves, the neurology department is top-tier. They are famous for stroke treatment and research into Alzheimer’s disease.
Other High-Value Departments
- Orthopedics: For joint replacements and bone surgery.
- Infectious Diseases: They are world experts in viruses and vaccines.
- Transplant Surgery: One of the busiest transplant centers in Europe.
Information for International Patients
This is important if you live outside Germany. Thousands of international patients come to Charité every year. However, the process is strict.
How to Apply for Treatment
You cannot just walk in. You must contact Charité International first.
- Submit Records: You need to email your medical reports (in English or German) to the international office.
- Cost Estimate: They will review your case and send you a “cost estimate.”
- Upfront Payment: You usually have to pay the estimated cost before you arrive. This is very common for medical tourism in Germany.
Insurance and Costs
Medical care in Germany is not free for visitors.
- Private Insurance: If you have high-end international health insurance, check if they cover “elective treatments” abroad.
- Self-Pay: Most international patients pay cash (via bank transfer) upfront.
- Visa Support: Once you pay, the hospital can help you get a medical visa to enter Germany.
Note: Always ask for a detailed “fee agreement” so you know exactly what you are paying for. This covers the doctors, the room, and the tests.
Studying at Charité
Getting into medical school here is a dream for many students. It is also very hard. The education is free (mostly), but the competition is fierce.
Admission Requirements
If you want to be a doctor, you need to be at the top of your class.
- Language: You must speak fluent German. Most classes are not in English. You usually need a C1 level certificate.
- Grades: You need perfect grades from high school.
- TestAS: International students often take the “TestAS” exam to prove they are smart enough for medical studies.
The “New Revised Medical Curriculum”
Charité does things differently. They use a system called “Modellstudiengang Medizin.”
- Hands-on: You start working with patients in your first semester.
- No big hurdles: Instead of one giant exam at the end, you take tests continuously.
- Problem-based: You learn by solving real medical cases, not just reading books.
Getting to the Hospital
Since there are four campuses, make sure you know where to go.
- Campus Charité Mitte (CCM): The historic center.
- Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK): In the Wedding district, great for pediatrics and tumors.
- Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF): Located in the south of Berlin (Steglitz).
- Campus Berlin Buch (CBB): Focused on research.
Public Transport
Berlin has great trains. You can easily reach any campus using the U-Bahn (subway) or S-Bahn (train).
Ready to Visit?
Whether you need the best doctor in Europe or you want to start a career in medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is the place to be. It combines hundreds of years of tradition with the newest science.
If you are a patient, start by visiting the Charité International website to get your cost estimate. If you are a student, start learning German now! This institution is truly in a league of its own.