France’s medical education system takes a unique approach to teaching. Instead of one long program, it is divided into three cycles: PCEM, DCEM, and general medicine residency or other specialties. The result? A coveted State Doctor of Medicine Diploma.
For aspiring doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and physiotherapists in France, the first two years are a shared experience. But only the top 15 to 20% of students move on to the second year, determined by a fierce competitive examination.
Foreign students face an even tougher challenge. Each medical department only accepts 8% of non-European Union applicants, and first-year students are only given two chances to enroll.
After the second cycle’s four years, fourth-year students must pass theoretical course exams to advance to the third cycle. Here, students can choose between general medicine or other specialties, with both paths leading to a specialized Studies Diploma (DES).
The road to becoming a doctor in France may be difficult, but it produces some of the world’s most accomplished medical professionals. Are you up for the challenge?
MBBS in France - At a glance
Given below is the table for quick facts about MBBS in France:
Duration of Course | 8-11 years |
MBBS Fees | 50-55 lakhs (for the complete course) |
Indian Mess Facility | Yes |
Highest Temperature | 40.1 Degree Celsius |
Lowest Temperature | 7.8 Degree Celsius |
Weather | Warm |
NMC/WHO Approved Medical Universities | Yes |
Why Study MBBS in France?
Here are some points on why Indian students should consider studying MBBS in France:
- World-class education: France is known for its excellent education system, and medical education is no exception. The country has some of the best medical schools in the world, and students can expect to receive a world-class education.
- Affordable education: Compared to the cost of medical education in the US or UK, France offers relatively affordable tuition fees. Additionally, the cost of living in France is relatively lower than in other European countries, making it an attractive option for students on a budget.
- English language courses: Many universities in France offer medical courses in English, making it easier for international students to study there.
- Global recognition: A degree from a French medical school is recognized globally and will allow Indian students to practice medicine in many countries around the world.
- Opportunity for exposure to different cultures: Studying in France will allow Indian students to immerse themselves in a different culture, learn a new language, and gain a unique perspective on the world.
- Research opportunities: France is known for its strong emphasis on medical research, and students studying medicine in France will have access to a wide range of research opportunities.
- High standard of living: France is known for its high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, public transportation, and social welfare programs. Studying in France will allow Indian students to experience this high standard of living.
- Internationally recognized medical degrees: French medical degrees are recognized internationally, and graduates can practice medicine in many countries around the world.
- Opportunities for postgraduate education: French universities offer excellent opportunities for postgraduate education in medicine, allowing Indian students to further their education and career opportunities.
Overall, studying MBBS in France can be an excellent option for Indian students looking for high-quality education, international recognition, and unique cultural experiences.
Eligibility criteria to study MBBS in France
Here are some key eligibility criteria for Indian students who want to study MBBS in France:
- Academic Qualification: Students must have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board with a minimum of 60% marks in the science stream, including physics, chemistry, and biology.
- Language proficiency: Students must be proficient in French or English, as most of the MBBS courses are taught in French. Students can also take language proficiency tests like DELF or TCF to demonstrate their proficiency in French.
- Age Criteria: The minimum age requirement for Indian students to apply for an MBBS program in France is 17 years at the time of admission.
- Entrance Exam: Students must appear for the entrance exam required by the medical schools in France, which may include subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology. The entrance exam may also include a language proficiency test.
- Health Requirements: Students must meet certain health requirements, including vaccinations and medical examinations, before being admitted to the program.
- Visa Requirements: Students must obtain a student visa to study in France, which requires them to meet certain financial and health criteria. They also need to submit their academic records, proof of language proficiency, and a letter of acceptance from the university where they will be studying.
- Financial Requirements: Students must demonstrate their ability to support themselves financially during their stay in France. They can do so by showing proof of sufficient funds or by applying for scholarships or financial aid.
MBBS in France (2022-23): Admission Process
Here are some key points about the MBBS admission process in France for Indian students:
- Eligibility criteria: Indian students who have completed their 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects are eligible to apply for the MBBS program in France. Students must have scored at least 50% marks in their 12th standard exams.
- Language proficiency: Indian students must be proficient in the French language as the entire MBBS program is taught in French. Students must pass the TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) exam to demonstrate their proficiency.
- Entrance exams: Indian students must pass the PACES (Première Année Commune aux Études de Santé) exam, which is the entrance exam for medical studies in France. The exam is conducted in French and covers subjects like Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Human Anatomy.
- Application process: Indian students can apply directly to the medical universities in France or through the Campus France website. The application process typically includes submitting academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and other required documents.
- Visa process: Indian students must obtain a student visa to study in France. The visa process can take several weeks, so students should plan accordingly.
- Course duration: The MBBS program in France takes 6 years to complete, and includes clinical rotations and internships.
- Cost: The cost of studying MBBS in France can be expensive, and Indian students may need to budget for tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Overall, the MBBS admission process in France for Indian students can be competitive and complex, but with proper planning and preparation, it is definitely achievable.
Documents Required: Applying for MBBS in France
The following documents are also needed to be submitted for admission to MBBS course in France:
- A copy of Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- The latest copy of Resume
- Photocopies of score reports of language tests and GRE/GMAT (if applicable)
- Attested xerox copies of mark sheets of standard X, XII, and the Bachelor’s degree (if applicable)
- Academic reference letters from at least 2 teachers or professors who have taught you most recently
- Letters of recommendation (LOR) (if you have work experience), from at least 2 employers/managers who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
- Proof of funds which shows that candidate can afford study and living cost in the country
- Health insurance for medical conditions and treatment
- A copy of your passport
- Scanned Passport size photographs
Cost of Studying MBBS in France
The cost of studying for MBBS in France is as mentioned below:
The tuition fees at public universities in France are modest compared to other countries. Thus, medical colleges and universities in France offer world class education and that too at moderate costs.
Category | MBBS in France – Fees |
Citizens and permanent residents of EEA countries and Switzerland | free (no tuition fee) (they will only need to pay an immatriculation charge of around 200 euros per year) |
Students from outside Europe | 3,000 to 4,000 euros per year (MBBS at public universities in France) up to 20,000 euros annually (MBBS at private medical universities in France) |
Exams Required For Studying MBBS in France
Below are the exams that students are required to appear for studying MBBS in France:
- TCF (Test of knowledge of French) and Le TEF (French assessment test) are the standardized language tests required for getting admission to colleges in France.
- Students can appear for these language tests, both the TCF and Le TEF, at a testing centre in India or in France.
- Alliances francaise is the official governing body for the above exams in India, and thus students can contact there for any exam related queries.
Student Visa – Applying for MBBS in France
Below given is the process for applying to the visa of France:
- Students must create a Campus France registration file, before submitting an application for a student visa at the French Consulate.
- Students can contact the closest CampusFrance office for assistance or they can also schedule an appointment through the online file or by calling the CampusFrance office.
- To promote higher education in France, CampusFrance is a service of the French Embassy in India.
Students should provide two sets of application photocopies containing the following documents:
- Two photographs of passport size.
- Long stay application form which is for duration of more than 90 days.
- A print out of student’s CampusFrance ID number.
- One copy of Passport
- Cover letter explaining the study project and a CV/Resume.
- Letter of registration from the academic Institution.
- Proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France.
- Proof of funds which should show the proof that it can cover tuition fees and a minimum of 615 Euros/month, for the complete academic term.
- Copy of student’s round trip airline ticket (if he is studying for six months or less) or a one way ticket (if he is studying in France for more than six months).
- Proof of residency in France such as an electricity bill, title of property, lease, or a Hotel reservation etc. which is for a minimum of three months.
Cost of Living in France
The cost of living in France is moderate. Here are some of the things to note that show the cost of living in France:
1 Accommodation
- Student life in France is not that expensive.
- In cities like Toulouse, Lyon, Bordeaux, students can survive with nearly 850 to 1,000 euros per month, which also includes accommodation.
- In some smaller towns, students can spend less money to live.
- But the exception to all this is Paris, which is the capital and where students need to spend 1,250 to 1,400 euros per month at the very least..
2 Food
- French food is delicious, sophisticated and somewhat expensive as well.
- The French people truly value and respect every meal.
- The french people believe that they are always celebrating something when they eat. However, food is not pricey all over France.
- On groceries, one person can expect to spend on average about 250 – 300 EUR/month in Paris, or less in the provinces.
- There is a big difference in the Prices of food and other goods in big cities and small towns all across France.
Particulars | Cost in Euro | Indian Rupees (INR) |
Meal, inexpensive cafe | 12.75 € | 1159 |
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | 50.00 € | 4548 |
Milk (one liter) | 0.95 € | 86 |
Water (1.5-liter bottle) | 0.59 € | 54 |
Apples (1kg) | 2.33 € | 212 |
Tomato (1kg) | 2.38 € | 216 |
Potato (1kg) | 1.54 € | 140 |
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 54.00 € | 4911 |
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data) | 27.53 € | 2504 |
Basic expenses like Electricity, Heating, Cooling Water, etc. | 139.70 € | 12,700 |
1 Movie ticket | 10.00 € | 909 |
Note: 1 Euro = 90.96 RS (Approx.)
About France
- France officially known as French Republic is a country of Northwestern Europe.
- France is Europe’s large country.
- The country is bordered by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
- France is a country that has played a highly significant role in international affairs.
- France has provided an economic, geographic, and linguistic bridge joining northern and southern Europe for a very long time.
- It is one of the world’s leading industrial powers and Europe’s most important agricultural producer.
- France has 18 integral regions spanning a combined area of 643,801 square kilometres (248,573 sq mi) and a total population of 6 crore 1 lakhs.
- The capital and the largest city of France is Paris.
- The official language of the country is French and the currency is Euro.
- France has generally cool winters and mild summers. However, along the Mediterranean sea there are hot summers.
- The north part of the country has cool weather and the south gets very hot in summer. Fruits such as oranges and lemons grow in the south part of France.
- France is a country famous for cheese, wine, and perfume.
- France consists of tourist places such as Eiffel Tower, the Latin Quarter, Montmartre, the Louvre, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the Georges Pompidou Center make Paris one of the most visited places in the world.