How to Study Medicine in France

Thinking about studying medicine in France? It's a fantastic choice, not only because a friend of mine recently started her medical journey there, but also because universities in France are known for their top-notch medical programs accredited by WHO and MCI.

What's more? The cost of studying medicine in France is quite reasonable compared to US or UK, and the vibrant culture makes the learning experience even more enjoyable. 

Keep reading this blog to know about everything from medicine in France to university entry requirements, and MBBS fees for international students. 

Why Study Medicine in France

There are several contributing reasons you should study medicine in France as an international student. Some of them are listed below:

• Top-Ranked Universities: Schools like Sorbonne University rank globally. They are recognized among the world's top 100.
• Cost-Effective: Studying in France is budget-friendly. Public universities charge about €2,770-€3,770 annually, much less than other countries.
• Land of Innovation: France has produced several Nobel Prize laureates in medicine. It offers a thriving environment for cutting-edge research.
• Globally Acclaimed Degrees: Degrees from French universities are sought after worldwide. They open doors to global career opportunities.
• Smooth Immigration Process: After graduation, international students can apply for an APS. This permit allows them to stay in France for a year to find work or start a business.
• Cultural Richness: Living in France offers a rich cultural experience. Students enjoy a vibrant lifestyle alongside their studies.

Requirements to Study Medicine in France

To study abroad, especially medicine in France, international students need to meet certain requirements set by French universities. Recently, France has reformed how students are admitted to medical school, notably removing the "numerus clausus" system that limited student numbers. Now, universities set their own criteria, making the process less competitive.

Required Examinations for Medical School Eligibility in France

To qualify for medical school in France, you need to focus on:

• Language Proficiency: All courses are in French, so you must demonstrate fluency. This is crucial if you want to study medicine in France in English as a foundation before mastering French. A DALF certificate or a high score in an advanced course will suffice.
• University-Specific Exams: Admission methods vary by university. Some may require written or oral exams instead of traditional multiple-choice tests, essential for those looking into how to study medicine in France.

Required Documents for Medical School Admission in France

Your application must include several key documents:

• Academic Records: You need a certified copy of your high school diploma or equivalent, essential for MBBS in France and other medical degrees.
• Proof of French Language Proficiency: Since all interactions in medical settings are in French, proving your language skills is necessary.
• Application File: Includes a motivation letter and recommendation letters. Universities often look at these closely to assess your suitability for programs like medical school in France.

It's a good idea to contact the universities you're interested in or check their website to get accurate and up-to-date information on their admission processes. This will help you understand exactly what you need to prepare for your application.

How to Study Medicine in France- Application Process

There is a simple application procedure to study medicine in France. Here are the pointers worth noting in this regard: 

• Students may directly apply online at the websites of their respective universities and colleges. Pay application fees after submitting the application. 
• Appear for video interviews (if needed). 
• On receiving the acceptance letter from the university, start out with your student visa application.
• Students will need to take entrance examinations like NEET/GMAT/GRE or IELTS/TOEFL wherever required and submit the scores accordingly with academic transcripts and other documents. 
• You will have to provide a Letter of Motivation, references, and SOP, wherever needed.

Course Structure of MBBS in France

Studying medicine in France for international students can be a rewarding journey but it requires a lot of research work on your part before embarking on the journey. To help you out in firming your decision, it is important to gain insights on the different cycles involved in MBBS in France.

In France, there are three cycles for MBBS:

Medical studies in France have three divisions:  DCEM, PCEM, and General Medicine or other specializations. It requires close to eight years to get the general degree and eleven to become a surgeon. Doctors should also be registered with the French Medical Council or CNOM. 

• Cycle 1 lasts for two academic years in which MBBS students study their foundational disciplines like nursing, among others.
• Cycle 2 is a four-year study period during which theory-based courses will predominate. During this tenure, students may participate in internships and lectures.
• The two colleges of general medicine and several specializations make up Cycle 3. The DES (Specialized Studies Diploma) or DESC (Diploma of Complementary Specialized Studies) certifications are some of the courses which students take up before moving on to PhD studies.

The PCEM has two preparatory years in the first cycle with the same study course for all pharmacy, medical, dentistry, physiotherapy, and nursing students. Students have to clear an examination at the end of the first year. DCEM has four years, with fourth-year students having to pass the examinations. They should also take part in internships at hospitals and other seminars. They are then qualified to choose any specialty. DES or the third cycle has General Medicine or any specialization. This leads to DES, which will require two years in total.

In order to satisfy the qualifying requirements for MBBS in France, it is crucial to complete these cycles.

Best Universities and Colleges for Medicine in France

University	Location	Ranking
Sorbonne University	Paris, France	38
Université Paris-Saclay	Gif-sur-Yvette, France	102
Université PSL	Paris, France	137
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1	Villeurbanne, France	185
University of Bordeaux	Talence, France	193
Aix-Marseille University	Marseille, France	201-250
Université Grenoble Alpes	Grenoble, France	251-300
Université Paris 13 Nord	Villetaneuse, France	251-300
Université de Montpellier	Montpellier, France	251-300
Université de Strasbourg	Strasbourg, France	251-300
Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III	Toulouse, France	301-350
Université de Lille	Lille, France	301-350

Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine

Best Medical Courses in France

France is renowned for its outstanding medical education, offering specialized courses at prestigious universities. Here is an overview of some top universities and the specialized medical courses they offer:

University	Highlighted Courses
Paris Descartes University	General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and specialized Masters in Health Law.
Aix-Marseille University	Specialties include Neurology, Oncology, Public Health, and Cardiovascular Medicine.
University of Strasbourg	Courses in Surgery, General Medicine, and Medical Genetics.
University of Lyon	A broad range includes Pediatrics, Neurology, and a joint MD-PhD program.
Sorbonne University	Extensive programs in Neuroscience, Immunology, Oncology, and Biomedical Engineering.
Université de Montpellier	Focuses on Infectious Diseases, Public Health, and Cardiology.
University of Bordeaux	Public Health, Neuroscience, and a unique course in Vine and Wine Health Studies.
Grenoble Alpes University	Specialized courses in Sports Medicine, Psychiatry, and Public Health.
Université de Lorraine	Dental Surgery, Medical Imaging, and Therapeutic Innovations.
Université de Bretagne Occidentale	Marine Biomedicine, Healthcare Management, and Geriatrics.

Source: University websites

French universities offer medical courses that prepare students to tackle global healthcare challenges. Their unique programs make studying medicine in France for international students highly appealing, providing globally recognized qualifications.

Course Structure to Study Medicine in France

Studying medicine in France for international students can be a rewarding journey but it requires a lot of research work on your part before starting. To help you out in firming your decision, it is important to gain insights on the different cycles involved in studying medicine in France.

In France, there are three cycles for medical courses:

Cycle	Division	Duration	Focus/Activities
Cycle 1	PCEM	2 years	Foundational disciplines such as nursing. Common courses for pharmacy, medical, dentistry, physiotherapy, and nursing. Must pass an exam at the end of the first year.
Cycle 2	DCEM	4 years	Theory-based courses predominate. Includes internships and lectures. Fourth-year students must pass examinations and participate in internships at hospitals and seminars.
Cycle 3	DES/General Medicine	Varies	Two colleges of general medicine and various specializations. DES (Specialized Studies Diploma) or DESC (Diploma of Complementary Specialized Studies) certifications. Prepares students for PhD studies. Total of 2 years required for DES.

Additional Information

• Total Duration: Approximately 8-9 years for a general degree and 11 years to become a surgeon.
• Registration: Doctors must register with the French Medical Council (CNOM) to practice.

In order to satisfy the qualifying requirements for medical school in France, it is crucial to complete these cycles.

How to Study Medicine in France- Application Procedure

There is a simple application procedure to study medicine in France. Here are the pointers worth noting in this regard: 

• Students may directly apply online at the websites of their respective universities and colleges. Pay application fees after submitting the application. 
• Appear for video interviews (if needed). 
• On receiving the acceptance letter from the university, start out with your student visa application.
• Students will need to take entrance examinations like NEET/GMAT/GRE or IELTS/TOEFL wherever required and submit the scores accordingly with academic transcripts and other documents. 
• You will have to provide a Letter of Motivation, references, and SOP, wherever needed.

Costs of Studying Medicine in France

Studying medicine in France is a great choice, but let's break down the costs. One main question that comes to mind is tuition fees. Apart from tuition fees, there are additional costs that you need to bear during your stay in France. To help you with the facts about the fee structure and living expenses, we have compiled information for international students interested in studying medicine in France.

Tuition Fee for Top Medical Universities in France

French medical schools are known for their excellence. Here’s a quick look:

University	Tuition Fee (Approx.)
Aix-Marseille University	€2850 - €3879/year
University of Strasbourg	€600/year
University of Lyon	$29,900/year
Sorbonne University	€170 -€243/year
Université de Montpellier	€170- €243/year
University of Bordeaux	€2,850- €3,879/year
Grenoble Alpes University	€243/year
Université de Lorraine	N/A
Université de Bretagne Occidentale	€170- €243/year

These fees make studying medicine in France for international students accessible.

Cost of Living in France

Living costs in France are important too. Your living costs can vary based on the location. You’ll need about €900 to €2,000 per month for things like rent, food, and transport. We have enlisted some for you:

• Paris: €1,050–€2,100 per month 
• Nice: €1,500 - €2,500 per month 
• Nantes: €1,200 - €2,000 per month
• Bordeaux: €1,300 - €2,200 per month
• Toulouse: €1,200 - €2,100 per month
• Lyon: €1,400 - €2,300 per month

This information is crucial for understanding the costs associated with studying medicine in France.

Want more tips on managing your budget? Check out our article on the Cost of Living in France.

So, whether you're wondering how much it costs to study medicine in France or looking for a medical school in France, planning your finances well can make your journey smoother. France offers excellent education and a great living experience for international students.

Credits: Official sources

Accommodation Expenses 

International students can choose to live in cités-U– residences run by CROUS (France's regional centers for student services) for a safe stay at a reasonable rent. In Paris, the typical monthly rent for these university resident halls is €450, and €350 in other cities. Depending on your rental choice (student housing, shared rooms, private rentals), accommodation costs range from €200 to €1,400 monthly.

For Paris, the rent per month is as follows:

Type of Apartment	Monthly Rent (€)	Range (€)
1 bedroom in City Center	€1,318.57	€1,000.00–€1,750.00
1 bedroom Outside of Center	€969.15	€700.00–€1400.00

Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Paris 

For France overall, the rent per month is as follows:

Type of Apartment	Monthly Rent (€)	Range (€)
1 bedroom in City Center	€777.62	€500.00–€1,400.00
1 bedroom Outside of Center	€600.00	€400.00–€969.00

Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=France 

Miscellaneous Expenses

Everyday costs can add up, so it's good to know what to expect. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses you might encounter:

Expense	Cost (€)
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant	€15.00
Meal for 2 People at Mid-range Restaurant	€60.00
McMeal at McDonald's	€10.00
Cappuccino (regular)	€3.06
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)	€2.81
Milk (1 liter)	€1.14
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	€1.78
Eggs (12)	€3.79
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	€29.37
Monthly Pass (Local Transport)	€65.00

Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=France 

These costs give you a realistic idea of what living in France will be like, helping you budget effectively while studying medicine in France for international students.

You can also get a personalized cost of living in France quote with our expense calculator or get in touch with our experts.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Medical Students in France

There are some scholarships that you can check out: 

Scholarship	Description	Amount/Value
The Emile Boutmy Scholarships	Students must be first-time candidates from a country outside of the European Union, who have been accepted to an undergraduate or master's course, and whose family does not file taxes in the EU.	€3,900 - €14,210
Academic Excellence Scholarship	Students must be first-time candidates from a country outside of the European Union, who have been accepted to an undergraduate or master's course, and whose family does not file taxes in the EU.	15% scholarship on tuition fees
MIEM Excellence Scholarship	The MIEM program, financed by the Université de Paris’ IdEx label, aims to promote the internationalization of master's programs and help attract the best foreign students to constitute a pool of excellent potential future PhD students.	Health Faculty: 28 scholarships (€10 K each).
AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships	Offered to international students	Grants of up to $50,000 are available for students attending one of the over 400 colleges and universities affiliated with AIFS.
Erasmus+ Scholarship	This scholarship is offered by European Commission and offers grants	This scholarship covers living costs.
Early Bird Scholarship	Awarded to students pursuing bachelor’s and master's degrees from ESC Clermont	Full tuition fee waived off

Source: Official Website

Duration of Medical Studies in France

Medical studies in France are divided into three cycles, hosted by universities with medical research and training units, often linked to pharmacology. These universities collaborate with one of the 29 university hospitals. The entire duration ranges from nine years for general medicine to eleven years if you pursue additional specializations.

Job Prospects and Salary of MBBS in France

Job Prospects and Salary for Medical Graduates in France

There are excellent job prospects available for medical graduates in France. However, you should aim to achieve fluency in the French language along with applying for the non-renewable one-time temporary residency authorization called APS. This has a tenure of 12 months. The second residence permit scheme helps in increasing this to 24 months. Aspirants should present medical degree proof or diploma proof to the National Council of the Order of Physicians while meeting citizenship requirements for practicing in the country. 

After registration, students may apply for specialist accreditation, leading to the evaluation of qualifications by a Committee. Non-EU graduates have to pass the Épreuves de vérifications de connaissances. 

The average annual salary for various medical roles in France is €75,000 per year.

Job Role	Average Annual Salary (EUR)
Doctor	€45,000 - €75,000
Nurse	€79,000 - €86,000
Medical Assistant	€80,000 - €100,000
Surgeon	€80,000 - €119,000
Psychiatrist	€19,000 - €21,000
Pediatrician	€150,000 - €248,000
Medical Sales Representative	€55,000 - €66,000

Source: Salary Expert 

Comparing Medical Education in India vs France

Choosing where to study medicine is a big decision. It’s a choice that combines your dreams, aspirations, and practicalities. Here are the differences between studying medicine in France and India. It will help you see which path might be the best fit for your future.

Aspect	India	France
Duration of Studies	5.5 years (including a 1-year internship)	9 to 11 years, depending on specialization. Includes three cycles: PCEM, DCEM, and DES
Admission Process	Based on NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)	Requires passing PACES exam or through L.AS and PASS programs, with selection based on academic performance and exams
Cost of Education	Government colleges: INR 20,000 to 7 lakh per year; Private institutions: up to INR 25 lakh per year	€2,850 per year at the license (bachelor) level €3,879 per year at the master level
Language of Instruction	Mostly English, with some regional languages	Most courses are taught in French, but some programs are available in English
Internship and Training	1-year mandatory internship	Practical training throughout studies, with mandatory internships, especially during the third cycle (DES)
Recognition and Accreditation	Regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC)	Recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research; many programs accredited internationally
Career Opportunities	Graduates can practice after registering with the State Medical Council and passing FMGE if studied abroad	Graduates can practice in France after registering with the French Medical Council (CNOM); APS allows a year to seek jobs post-graduation
Research Opportunities	Available but often limited by funding and infrastructure	Strong focus on research with many opportunities, supported by government and private sector funding

If you want a shorter study period and lower tuition costs, India might be the way to go. But if you're excited about hands-on training, research opportunities, and learning French, studying in France could be an amazing experience.

Can You Study Medicine in France in English

You can study medicine in France in English, as some universities offer medical courses in English to cater to international students. Université Paris Descartes (Paris V) offers a Public Health Program in English that allows students to study medicine in France while receiving instruction in English.

Considerations:

• Language Skills: Even if you enroll in an English-taught program, living in France means you’ll likely need some knowledge of French for daily life and to enhance your experience.
• Requirements: Each program may have specific requirements, such as proof of English proficiency or relevant academic qualifications.

Conclusion

Choosing to study medicine in France is a significant decision. The education quality, cultural experience, and professional opportunities are outstanding. If you're considering this path, know that it will be a fulfilling and enriching experience. Start planning now to study medicine in France and open doors to a bright future!