Candidates with a recognized university degree in medicine (equivalent to a Master’s level), or who have completed the majority of an equivalent degree, will be considered for admission to the University’s medical degree. The examination, which is conducted in English, consists of two parts; one part focuses on general knowledge and aptitude required for medical studies, while the other evaluates basic medical knowledge.

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university of paris medicine entry requirements

These are some of the most common admission criteria for Medicine degrees offered by European universities:

• High school diploma (certificate)
• Good marks in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math
• Letters of recommendation
• Letter of motivation
• Voluntary or work experience related to healthcare
• Candidates taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) must offer three subjects including Chemistry and Biology at Higher Level, plus three subjects at Standard Level. Not all universities require an International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB).
• Minimum TOEFL and IELTS results

The requirements we’ve listed above are the most common, but Europe is a large continent, and some countries have different admission criteria or systems. Here are several examples:

Medical school admission and becoming a doctor in France

In France, each academic institution can have different admission criteria, and Medical studies are divided into 3 cycles.

The first cycle (PCEM) lasts 2 years. At the end of the first year, there’s a difficult examination which determines who goes into the second year. Usually, only 15-20% of Medicine students pass.

The second cycle (DCEM) lasts 4 years. It includes theoretical classes and exams, as well as training periods in healthcare institutions. In the last year, med students take a national examination and the grade determines their specialisation.

The third cycle is split into General Medicine and Specialised Medicine. The internships for General Medicine usually last 3 years. For Specialised Medicine, an internship can take 4-5 years to complete. At the end of the third cycle, all students receive a Specialised Studies Diploma (in French, DES: Diplôme d’Études Spécialisées).

The last step is writing and successfully defending a thesis before a jury, after which graduates receive their diplomas in Medicine. To practise Medicine, you still have to register with the Conseil National de l’Ordre des Médecins.

What is the medical curriculum like in medical schools in France?

Medical schools in France are known to provide the longest and most rigid training and study program in order to earn a degree in medicine. Studying medicine in France takes nine whole years to complete. Medical study in France is generally divided into three stages. The first stage includes two years of studying under a general or common health curriculum.

After the first stage, students are required to take an examination. If they pass, they may continue to the second stage where medical students are introduced to major disciplines and gain a deeper understanding of medical principles.

After the second stage, students will again undergo an assessment which will determine whether they may continue to residency. The third stage includes hospital training, thesis defense, and a national examination. Only after passing all these stages can students earn their medical degree.

university of paris tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees for international students enrolled in degree programs in France’s public universities are consistent across institutions. The tuition fees as of the 2020/2021 academic year are:

• 2,770 euros per year at the Licence level
• 3,770 euros per year at the Master’s level
• 380 euros per year at the Doctoral level

SPECIAL SITUATIONS

1) If you are:

• A student who is a national of a country included in the European Economic Area or Switzerland;
• A student who is a Canadian national with a residence in Quebec, in accordance with France-Quebec agreements;
• A foreigner with the status of resident in France or in the European Union, or a foreign student living in France for private life and family reasons;
• A student already registered in a higher education program in France (Licence, Master or PhD) and who continue the same degree in the following academic year; 
• A student currently registered in a preparatory program to join a Licence, Master or PhD program (such as a FLE training) and joining a degree in the following academic year. 

If these cases apply to you, you may qualify for reduced tuition fees, which are set at the following rates as of the 2020/2021 academic year:

• 170 euros per year at the Licence level
• 243 euros per year at the Master’s level
• 601 euros per year for Engineering programs
• 380 euros per year at the Doctoral level

2) Tuition fees fully waived for:

• Students coming to France as part of a partnership between universities (study abroad program, for example), including students who are not nationals of a EU country;
• Refugee students or benefiting from subsidiary protection, who will become naturally exempted.

Students that are French government scholarship recipients or benefiting from an exemption of registration fees granted by the Embassy of France in their country of origin or residence may also have tuition fees waived. Universities may also grant scholarships or tuition waivers for international students. 

For more information about higher education institutions and tuition fees, have a look to the Campus France Paris page, here.

ESTIMATED COST OF LIVING IN FRANCE

Estimated Monthly Budget	Paris	Rest of France
Student Housing (all charges included)	$800	$500
Food	$350	$300
Cultural and social activities	$150	$100
Transportation	$50	$40
TOTAL per month	$1,350	$940
TOTAL per academic year (10 months)	$13,500	$9,400

Best Medical Schools in France

1. Sorbonne University

Although founded recently in January 2018, Sorbonne University is not a novice in educational institutes. The name Sorbonne itself is almost synonymous to the scientific revolution, having housed laboratories that are home to notable inventions. Historically, the Sorbonne refers to the structure that later became known as the University of Paris.

It was only in 2018 when leading universities Paris-Sorbonne and Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) finalized the merger, and paved the way for the creation of a new, world-class university.

Prior to the union of these education systems, Paris-Sorbonne and UPMC have already established names for themselves and were known leaders in medical and physical science education. These universities’ reputation and expertise have been carried over to and are now part of Sorbonne University’s foundation, and as a result, Sorbonne University is the best medical school in France.

2. Université de Paris

As the result of another merger (Paris Diderot, Paris Descartes, and Institut de physique du globe de Paris), Université de Paris is an internationally acclaimed university offering clinical medicine.

This top medical school in France teaches the three cycles of medical studies. Apart from medical courses, Université de Paris holds an impressive academic reputation as a university that applies up-to-date teaching methodologies across multiple disciplines, which are structured to prepare students for global competition.

3. Claude Bernard University Lyon

Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 is a key player in French innovations holding the record for the most number of patents filed by a French university. Lyon 1 fosters a community of diversity, not only with its multiracial campuses but also with its multidisciplinary education system. In fact, Lyon 1 is not only known to excel in medical courses. Its expertise is spread across other fields such as science and technology, and sport.

Despite its intensive academic program, Lyon 1 does not compromise students’ lifestyle and makes sure its learners have a venue for self-expression and leisure. Lyon 1 has The Lab, which refers to a dedicated team of medical students that aim to provide academic assistance to other students studying medicine.

4. Aix-Marseille University

Composed of five campuses, the Aix-Marseille University, one of the best medical schools in France, is the biggest French-speaking university with a multidisciplinary education program, as evident in the large number of international enrollees granted admission every year. The Aix-Marseille University upholds an internationally competitive platform for research and education throughout all disciplines, which include Health, Languages, and Human Sciences.

AMU also offers opportunities in continuing education in medicine. Some of the opportunities offered in AMU’s medical program are General Training Diploma in Medical Sciences, Advanced Diploma in Medical Sciences, Diploma of Specialized Studies, and Doctorate in Medicine.

5. Université Montpellier

Université Montpellier is one of the top medical universities in France that seamlessly fuses traditional teaching and contemporary approaches to medical training. Being the sixth largest university in France, UM is one of country’s leading universities in academic excellence and research initiatives. It was established in 2015 during the merger of the two Montpellier (1 and 2) universities.

Complementing its strong historical background, especially in the field of medicine, UM also excels in other fields such as agriculture, engineering, economics, and political science. Its wide-ranging multidisciplinary study program is tied up with a good network of partnerships, providing its students a competitive training ground.

6. University of Strasbourg

With a history that dates back five centuries, the University of Strasbourg was born in 2009 when the three universities Louis Pasteur University (Strasbourg 1), Marc Bloch University (Strasbourg II), and Robert Schuman University (Strasbourg III), decided to unify into one academic community.

This unification did not only produce a powerful institution, but one that offers a diverse and comprehensive range of disciplines. The University of Strasbourg maintains international distinction in the field of medicine and research, with the help of facilities, such as the Clinical Investigation Center, that are accessible to students.

7. University de Bordeaux

In the league of schools offering higher education, another medical school to make a reputable name is the University of Bordeaux. With a considerably large range of courses offered, the University of Bordeaux welcomes applicants looking to complete a degree, or enroll in one of its exchange programs.

In addition to undergoing radical training in main fields of discipline, students are taught to develop social awareness and involvement through their participation in various university activities and elections. As a top medical school in France, the University of Bordeaux remains true to its principle of providing quality education by employing doctorate degree holders and instructors who exhibit expertise in the medical field.

Study in France: Application Process

Are you excited and ready to apply for your new academic journey in France? We hope you are! The application process for French universities is not demanding at all since we have gathered all the important steps you need to follow in order to be admitted to the French university of your choice.

1. Choose your study major

This is probably the most important and maybe difficult step. Choosing your study major will define your life and career. Imagine yourself in the future and take into consideration the numerous degrees France has to offer you in a variety of disciplines. Do you want to study fashion management in one of the fashion capitals of the world or graduate with a business degree from a Grandes écoles? The choice is yours!

2. Check the admission requirements 

Depending on the objective, your nationality and the academic level of your studies, there are particular admission requirements you need to pay special attention to when preparing your application for French universities. Make a plan, select the universities of your choice and majors. Contact the French Embassy in your home country or contact the universities you aim to apply to along with the existing support services such as Campus France in order to find the answers to your potential questions. 

3. Prepare the necessary documents

Start gathering the necessary documents as soon as possible. This is a time consuming step. Take note of the special requirements for documentation regarding your nationality, study level and university of choice. Remember that you might need translations into French of your original documents. The French Embassy in your home country can provide these services. Most applications to French universities include: 

• A completed application form signed by the official authorities
• Campus France authorization
• A civil liability certificate
• ID photos
• Passport
• High school transcripts
• An essay (if asked by the university)
• Proof of language competency in either English or French depending on the program
• Proof of payment of the application fee

For non-European students, you might be asked to provide additional documents such as your birth certificate, financial support proof for your studies and, after admission, your French student visa. Please note that each program might ask for additional documents, so make sure you have the time to evaluate what is needed from your side. 

4. Submit your application

European nationals who wish to apply to the first year of a Bachelor’s need to apply through the Parcoursup Platform. However, there is no particular application procedure for enrolling in the 2nd or 3rd year of a Bachelor’s, a Master’s or Doctorate degree. In that case, contact the universities you want to apply to.

Non-European students need to pass the Preliminary Admission or  “Demande d’Admission Préalable – DAP” for applying in French institutions and should also apply online through Campus France.

5. Apply for a French student visa

Félicitations! You are officially a student in France! When you receive your letter of acceptance, contact your university in order to pay the first installment of your tuition fees if applicable. Next, you need to apply for a French student visa as soon as possible. Decide what type of visa you need, short or long term and read carefully the rules that apply depending on your nationality. Contact the French embassy in your home country if you need help with the visa process.

6. Arrive in France 

After you have obtained your French student visa and have prepared all the necessary documents, prepare your luggage and get on the plane for France. This is just the beginning. You are about to live and study in the most sophisticated, modern and romantic countries in the world!