14 Top Medical Schools in France for International Students

Pursuing a career in medicine is one of the major goals for many students. France is one of the most attractive destinations because of its rich history, high-quality education, and cultural diversity. However, it may be confusing for international students to get into medical school in France.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to gain admission to study medicine in France, and it covers aspects such as the list of medical schools that accept international students in France, the prerequisites required, the cost, and the application process.

Overview of the French Medical Education System

The French system of medical education is renowned for its high standards and depth of training. Before diving into the application process, it is appropriate to have an idea of how the studies are structured.

Three Major Cycles:

• First Cycle: This usually consists of two years; this includes PASS-Parcours Accès Spécifique Santé, or LAS-Licence Accès Santé, in which, by taking a preparatory course, students prepare for competitive exams to proceed to the second year.
•  The Second Cycle: DCEM is a four-year phase that provides both class-based learning and clinical rotations.
• The Third Cycle: This last cycle includes a 3-6-year internship depending on the specialty chosen; hence, attaining a Diplôme d’Études Spécialisées-DES, which allows practicing as a doctor.

Choosing the Right Path: PASS vs. LAS

To enter into French medical university, students need to choose between two options, PASS or LAS. Given below is what each of them holds for the students.

• PASS- Parcours Accès Spécifique Santé: It is a dedicated medical preparation year with subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and medical ethics. After this year, the students have to take a competitive examination. The competition at this level is higher since at this time only 10-20% of the students are able to make their way to the second year.
• LAS Licence Accès Santé: The LAS is more flexible. Students follow a Licence, or Bachelor’s degree in a non-medical major such as biology or law with a minor in health sciences. They can apply for entry into the second year of medical studies if they perform well in the first year. If they do not make it, they can pursue the degree they are already working towards.

Though both routes involve much effort, they at least afford international students the chance to access medical studies in France.

List of Top Medical Schools in France for International Students

Not every medical university in France has accepted international students so far, so one needs to know exactly where they should apply for their preference. Here are some key universities that open their doors to international students in their medical programs:

1. Sorbonne University (Paris)

• Renowned for its prestigious medical program and strong research emphasis.
• PASS and LAS programs available for entry into medical studies

2. Université de Paris Cité (Paris)

• The largest university in France with a comprehensive PASS program.
•  International student access via both student and researcher, especially with fluency in the French language.

3. Université de Bordeaux (Bordeaux)

• EXTREMELY international-friendly, with excellent quality of medical training.
• Students can apply via PASS or LAS programs. Newcomers will find help as welcoming.

4. Université de Strasbourg

• Offers a multicultural environment and opportunities for international students.
• Has a highly regarded medical school and research facilities.

5. Aix-Marseille University (Marseille)

• One of the largest universities in France with one very popular medical program.
• It offers a PASS pathway and has programs designed to integrate international students.

6. Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (Lyon)

• It is known for its medical school with excellent clinical training.
• It welcomes international students into its medical and health sciences programs.

7. Université de Montpellier (Montpellier)

• One of the oldest universities in the world and highly medical faculty.
• It is considered friendly towards international students.

8. University of Lille – Faculty of Medicine

• Location: Lille
• Programs: General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
• Language: French proficiency is a prerequisite.
• Notes: Situated in Northern France; it pays a lot of attention to research and has numerous students from different parts of the world.

9. University of Nantes – Faculty of Medicine

• Location: Nantes
• Programs: General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
• Language: Tuition in French, level required: B2
• Notes: Prestigious for its health courses and highly popular among international students.

10. University of Grenoble Alpes – Faculty of Medicine

• Location: Grenoble
• Courses: General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
• Language: French – proficiency required
• Notes: Unique environment in the Alps, plus research projects and exchange programs.

11. University of Rennes 1 – Faculty of Medicine

• Location: Rennes
• Courses: General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
• Language: French is the teaching language.
• Notes: Prestigious medical university, according to research and innovation.

12. University of Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier

• Location: Toulouse
• Programs: General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
• Language: French- B2 level is necessary
• Notes: Generally known for the good research infrastructure; has a wide international student community.

13. Université de Tours – François Rabelais University – Faculty of Medicine

• Location: Tours
• Programs: General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
• Language: Courses are in French.
• Notes: Offers a smaller, yet more substantial program, and focuses a lot on clinical training.

14. The  University of Nice Sophia Antipolis – Faculty of Medicine

• Location: Nice
• Programs: General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
• Language: Courses taught are in French.
• Notes: The university is located in the French Riviera, which makes it a great academic setting with nice scenery.

These are among the top options available for international students looking to study medicine in France. Each has something unique to offer in terms of academic excellence, cultural experience, and medical training.

Prerequisites for Studying Medicine in France

Before you get deep into your application, here are some requirements you should look at for your application; a few requirements include but are not limited to academic qualifications, language skills, and preparatory steps. Let’s delve into these:

1. Academic Qualifications:

•  You need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. In the case of a student whose diploma has been obtained in a state outside the European Union, the diploma should be authenticated by ENIC-NARIC, which verifies that the obtained certificate matches or corresponds to the French standards.
• To pursue studies in medicine, students must have a strong foundation in the sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics, since these disciplines constitute the very foundation of medical study.

2. French Language Proficiency:

Most of the medical programs in France are taught in the French language; hence, you have to prove your language proficiency. This is normally at a level of B2 or C1. You can prove this through:

• DELF- Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française
• DALF- Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française
• TCF- Test de Connaissance du Français

French fluency will help you to have a good understanding of the lecture, read textbooks, and communicate with your patients during clinical rotations.

3. Pre-application Steps:

• Have your academic documents translated into French by a certified translator.
• Motivation letter explaining the reasons behind your wish to study medicine in France, and then mentioning the career goals.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who know you well enough to comment on your academic abilities and dedication to studying medicine.

These requirements ensure that you are well-prepared for the challenges of studying in a new country.

How to Apply for Medical School in France

While the procedure might be puzzling, if it is pursued carefully and tactfully, it is feasible. Here is the application process step by step:

1. Online Application through Campus France:

Campus France is an online service dedicated to the facilitation of the application procedure that international students will proceed with when applying to French universities.

The steps to follow are listed herein:

• Create an account on the Études en France website
• Select the programs you intend to apply for; a maximum of 7 choices are allowed.
• Scan your documents and attach them accordingly. The attached documents include a translated diploma, proof of proficiency in French, a motivation letter, and a curriculum vitae.
• Pay the application fee (approximately €90 – €100)

2. Individual University Admissions:

• The universities will consider your application and may invite you for an interview or further entrance tests/examinations.
• An admission letter will be issued to the successful candidates, which is required for the VISA application.

3. PASS or LAS Admission

• After getting the admission letter, apply to either of the mentioned courses – PASS or LAS.
• Be well prepared to study hard in your first year for the competitive tests that give right to continue on the second year of medical studies.

This process can take several months, and thus, it is better to have an early start. Keep in mind that the competition is heavy, but with persistence and preparation, you will make it.

Cost of Studying in France

Studying in France, on the contrary, is often more budget-friendly compared to many countries in the world, and this is because of government subsidies for tuition fees. So, here’s what you can expect:

1. Tuition Fees:

Public Universities: Tuition fees for medical courses are subsidized and relatively low:

• €170 – €500 per year for the first cycle.
• €200 – €700 per year for the second cycle.
• €380 – €450 per year for the third cycle.

Private Institutions: Tuition is higher and lies between €7,000 – €20,000 per year, though there are few private schools offering medical studies.

2. Living Costs:

Accommodation: Rent is the major one and varies based on location;

• In Paris, the average amount to be paid is between €600 – €1,200 per month
•  While in smaller cities, it ranges between €400 – €800

Foodstuffs: Allow a budget of € 200-€300 per month for groceries;

Transportation: Public transport costs a monthly pass of €30- €75, depending on the city.

Health Insurance: All international students are required to have health insurance. Registration with French Social Security is generally free, but private insurance can be around €90 annually.

In all, living costs come to around €1,200 – €1,800 per month in Paris, and for other cities, you are likely to spend around €800 – €1,200 monthly.

Scholarships and Financial Aids

Several scholarships help international students manage the financial burden of studying in France:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program: The tuition fees and living expenses of those students who have an excellent academic record are covered under this scheme.
• Campus France Scholarships: These are usually provided under cobranding with Campus France and the local government
• University-specific Scholarships: Some universities offer scholarships to their students on merit or financial needs

Please make inquiries from your university of choice and also from Campus France about the scholarship opportunities available.

Application Process for Visa

After having received your admission letter, you will need to obtain a long-stay student visa to study in France. Requirements follow:?

1. Proof of Admission: A copy of the admission letter from the university.
2. Proof of Financial Means: You need to show you have at least €615 per month for living expenses.
3. Proof of Accommodation: A rental agreement or statement from a host.
4. Health Insurance: Proof of health coverage.

An appointment must be made at the French consulate in your home country where, after such an appointment, a letter of acceptance can be obtained, and one should budget several weeks for the processing.

Life as a Medical Student in France

Once the student visa is approved, it is now time to prepare for life in France! The following are some key next steps that you will take:

• Registration at Your University: If there are any registration fees, you need to pay these.
• Registration with the French Social Security: You are entitled to healthcare.
• Validate Your Visa: This may be visiting OFII or applying for a residence permit.

Challenges and Tips for Success

Studying medicine in France is not easy, but here are some tips that could help you succeed:

• Prepare for the Competitive Exam: Consider registering for a preparatory course.
• French Improvement: Practice medical and everyday French.
• Stay Organized: Make lists of checks and remember key dates.
• Find a Support Network: Student groups or clubs let you meet with others.

Conclusion

It is demanding yet very rewarding to study medicine in France, especially for international students. With this knowledge of the pathways, prerequisites, application processes, costs involved, and a list of schools open to international students as covered in the article “Medical Schools in France for International Students“, you can make informed decisions. This journey requires dedication, hard work, and patience, but the reward of becoming a doctor in France is well worth it. Good luck, and bienvenue en France-welcome to France!

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