Study Medicine in France

Studying medicine in France comes under regulations jointly established by the Ministry of Education and Health. The medical faculties of the universities conduct medical studies in France and cover both the practical and theoretical aspects of medical education.

France's great medical tradition is internationally recognised; even if France is one of the world's most popular study-abroad destinations, access to medical studies for International students is very competitive and limited. The number of places available in the nation's medical schools (for all degree programs put together) is decided annually through the numerous clauses system. The number of seats available in 2022–23 was 7,500.

MBBS in France Vs MBBS in India

Both countries follow different medical education systems to meet their countries’ healthcare needs. Refer to the table below to understand the critical differences between MBBS in India and MBBS in France on a few parameters.

Medical courses in France

Those looking for medical programs in France can choose from various options available in French medical universities under the Public Health and Animal husbandry category. Below is the list of Medical studies in France and their duration

• General Medicine: 6-year program
• Dentistry: 5 to 6-year program
• Nursing: 3 to 4-year program
• Veterinary Medicine: 6-year program
• Physiotherapy: 3 to 4-year program
• Pharmacy: 5 to 6-year program

Followed by a Medical specialisation, which is a 3 to 6-year program.Leading to qualifications approved by GMC, GDC, RCVS, HCPC, and NMC in the UK and recognised worldwide.

Do French Medical Universities offer MBBS in English?

You may be disappointed if you are looking to study Medicine in France in English; students must have a better knowledge of French than English as Most medical programmes are in French, with only a few exceptions where universities mix English and French. That's why even for the Medicine Program in France, Univ demands B2-level proficiency in French. As per NMC's new gazette 2021, You must complete your entire Medicine course in English. Unfortunately, none of the Medical Schools in France offer MBBS courses entirely in English. So, as per NMC rules, your degree will not be valid in India. If you want to keep the option open to come back to India either for Medical PG or to practice after MBBS in France, then you need to explore the destination below to secure your license in India. These Countries offer MBBS courses in English.

Indian Students in France

Medical Education Structure in France

Progression in Medical education in France is highly selective. Medical studies in France are divided into three cycles; a General Medical degree requires 9 years of postsecondary study. Pl find the duration of the MBBS course in France.

1. First Cycle (PCEM) 2 Years

The first cycle of medical studies lasted two years. By a competitive examination at the end of the first year, only 15 to 20% of students can pass the test. It is required to enter the second year of medical study in France, given at the end of the first year of core medical education, known as PACES. Subjects in the first two years are common for Medicine, Odontology, Pharmacy, Physiology, and nursing students in the French medical study system.

2. Second Cycle (DCEM) 4 Years

The second Cycle of Medical Studies in France lasts four years. Fourth-year students must have completed the second cycle, passed the theoretical course exams, validated all in-hospital training periods, and participated in required seminars to go on to the third cycle. A nationally ranked examination gives access to a speciality, the choice of which is determined by the rank obtained.

3. Specialised Studies Diploma (DES) 3 Years

The third cycle includes two programs of study, general medicine Residency or other specialities, both of which lead to a Specialised Studies Diploma. The internship for general medicine lasts three years and includes hospital service and a six-month placement with a practitioner. The Residency or the training for other specialities lasts four to five years, depending on the chosen speciality.

DES programs may be followed by a further specialised Medical training program in France, leading to the DESC Further Specialized Studies Diploma after another twelve to eighteen months of study. The DESC and a short medical thesis show a national state Doctor in Medicine (MD) diploma.

Best Medical Universities in France

There are 37 Medical Colleges in France as per the WDOMS list, an organisation that keeps records of all Medical schools worldwide. The Best Medical University in France is Sorbonne University, ranked 49th Globally; below are the Top 10 ranked Med Schools in France among 37 total Med Schools.

Requirement to Study Medicine in France

You can start studying medicine in France after the 10+2 Standard. Several other requirements need to be met by international students in their application to study medicine in France. Below is the criteria to meet to Study MBBS in France

• Grades in 10+2 Should be 75% or GPA 3.5 or above/ A Grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics/Maths.
• Proficiency of B2 level in French
• Letter of Motivation.
• Letter of Recommendation ( Min 2)
• Aspirant’s minimum age should be 17 years.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Note: None of the Medical Universities in France ask for NEET Score

Application for admission to medical study in France

The procedure to apply to medical university studies in France depends mainly on your region, i.e. EU/EEA or the rest of the countries. The maximum number of international students outside the EU/EEA accepted by any medical school in France is restricted to 8 per cent of total admissions, with the condition that the rank of the last international student is at par or higher than that of a native French student. The total Seats for MBBS in France for International Students in 2023 was Less than 560 against the 20 thousand+ applicants! The chances of acceptance for Medicine courses in France is 2.6%, making it as difficult as getting admission to Indian government medical colleges with non-acceptance of a degree by NMC.

• You need to apply to every medical school in France individually
• You must share your academic documents, French Language Proficiency Certificate, LoR, Letter of Motivation, etc.
• The University will interview shortlisted candidates
• Finalised candidates will be offered for the program. ( Do remember your chance of rejection is very high, unlike other programs)
• You need to pay the tuition fee to the University
• Apply to the VISA for France

Cost of Studying Medicine in France

The cost of MBBS in France depends mainly on the type of institution you get admitted to, i.e., public or private.

Public Med Schools: the following annual tuition fee amounts were set for the 2022-2023 academic year:

• Approx €1000 for undergraduate students
• Approx €1800 for post-graduate students
• Approx €2000 for PhD

Concerning tuition fees, the French university system is quite different from most European university systems. The government pays for the educational training of French and international students. This system permits to keep low tuition fees for universities.

The admissions fees are set by the French government every academic year. The admission fees are, therefore, the same in every University and for everybody.

Private Med Schools The cost of enrolling at private institutions of establishment is higher, particularly in the case of business schools, ranging from €15,000 to €20,000 for a year.

The cost of Medicine in France for Indian students is approx. 15-18 Lacs for every year, excluding living costs in Private Institutions, whereas it is just 20-25 K in Public medical schools in France.

Student living cost in France

According to French law, any international student wishing to Study in France must be able to prove that they have sufficient resources, estimated at a minimum of €650 a month, to support themselves without working. It is, in fact, a bare minimum. The amount of money you are likely to need to live on for a month is closer to €800-900 outside of Paris and €1,500 in Paris, where rent is higher, not to mention the additional expenditure you will require for the first month, making the total for that month more like €1,700.

Medical PG Option after MBBS in France

You have multiple options to pursue your Medical PG after completing your MBBS in France.

• Medical PG or Residency in France
• Medical PG from USA or residency program clearing USMLE
• Medical PG from UK after clearing PLAB

Medical PG Specialisation in France (Residency training)

This is a doctoral-level degree. The fourth and final year of the second cycle ends with a national ranking examination and a set of national ranking tests, together known as ECN, which open the way to Residency. Once ranked, the student chooses a university hospital centre, one of the 11 specialities listed in the table below, and the units where they will complete a series of specialised 6-month internships.

Medical Residency training (3-5 years)

During Residency, students remain in the hospital setting under the supervision of a senior resident, but they are considered doctors and are authorised to prescribe medications. They receive a monthly salary of approx €1,500 to €2,200, supplemented by compensation for time spent on call. The Residency provides initial professional experience in the doctor's chosen speciality. It lasts three years for general practice and 4 to 5 years for certain specialities. Before receiving the DES, the resident must complete all 6-month internships required in the speciality area, receive academic and practical instruction, and prepare a thesis. Most teaching is practical.

Upon completion of the curriculum and their DES thesis, the graduate receives the medical doctor degree.