Studying Medicine in France: Requirements and Universities

France offers medical programs through a number of recognised universities and teaching institutions. Studying medicine is competitive, and students must meet the academic, language and admission requirements of the relevant pathway.

The study of medicine is widely known within France, because it provides practical and theoretical application of the study, and prepares students who are capable of becoming future doctors.

France is also distinguished by having received many awards for the Nobel Prize in Medicine, and in addition to Physiology, it has achieved many achievements at the hands of its citizens.

Therefore, France is one of the best destinations for those who want to study medicine properly and well, and we will present to you through Europedia 24 europedia24.com the conditions for studying medicine in addition to its duration and the best universities specialized in the field within France.

Requirements for studying medicine in France

You must adhere to a set of basic conditions in order to be able to study medicine in France, and have the state approve the submitted application. These conditions are as follows:

1. Obtaining a high school diploma with an excellent grade.
2. The student has basic knowledge in scientific subjects.
3. You must pass French language tests in order to continue studying.
4. Some universities require good grades in certain subjects, for example at the University of Nantes you must obtain good grades in life sciences, physics, chemistry, mathematics, etc.

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Documents required to study medicine in France

When applying to study medicine at a French university, you must prepare the required papers and documents in order to submit them to the university and enhance the chances of approval. These papers are as follows:

• A copy of a valid passport.
• A copy of your translated academic certificates.
• the biography.
• A letter of motivation explaining the reason for studying at this university.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Certificates of experience or volunteerism in the medical field.
• French language certificates.

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Duration of studying medicine in France

The duration of studying medicine in France varies from one person to another, as it reaches 9 years for medical professionals, while specialists such as surgeons and pediatricians require a period of study ranging from 10 to 12 years.

In the first and second years, the student must gain familiarity with basic medical sciences, but after the third year, the student begins to learn more practical matters in addition to the clinical phase, which he studies in the fourth year.

It should be noted that each academic year is divided into two semesters, where the first semester includes a set of subjects for a period not exceeding 4 months, and the second semester is also similar.

Starting from the fourth year of studying medicine in France, the student begins the practical stage by going to hospitals to receive training.

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Study medicine in France and PACES exam

Studying medicine in France is considered somewhat difficult, as at the end of the first year students need to pass the PACES exam, which is known for its difficulty.

The difficulty of the exam is due to the fact that only about 10% of students pass the exam and move on to the next year of studying medicine in France.

The PACES medical exam is a preparatory year exam in French medical colleges, and every student must pass it in order to enter medical colleges and begin studying.

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The most important French medical curricula in studying medicine

In general, the study of medicine in France is divided into 3 main sections, which are known as medical courses among students, and the duration of their studies takes about 9 years, and they are as follows:

First Cycle PCEM

The first cycle consists of two years of academic preparation, with the same course of study for students of medicine, pharmacy and dentistry in addition to physical therapy and nursing.

Accordingly, students have only two chances to pass the first year, and in order to move on to the next year, they must pass the competitive examination at the end of the first year.

It should be noted that the maximum number of students accepted from outside the European Union is 8% of the total number of students.

Second Cycle DCEM

The second cycle lasts about 4 years, and in order to move to the next stage, you must pass all the required theoretical tests.

All training periods in hospitals, as well as participation in seminars, must also be verified, and after success, the student has the right to choose the appropriate specialization.

Third Session DES

The third cycle includes two basic programs: general medicine and other specialties. After completing the study, it is possible to obtain two more years of training in different specialties.

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The language of studying medicine in France

Of course, the French language must be mastered in order to study medicine in France, as it is considered one of the most important requirements. Some colleges even require the need to obtain a DALF or DELF diploma, which is provided by the French Ministry of Education.

Since French universities rely on studying medicine in French only, this poses a problem for foreign applicants.

However, some universities and medical colleges in France are working to solve this problem, in order to attract a larger number of students, by offering educational medical programs in English, but at a cost that varies from one university to another and also according to specialization.

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The cost of studying medicine in France

The costs of studying medicine in France vary from one university to another, and also depending on the study programs and language that will be chosen.

But in general, the average cost of studying medicine in France is about 6 thousand euros in registration fees, which are known as annual tuition fees.

The costs of the second year are estimated at about 5 thousand euros, while the third and fourth years are about 3,800 euros. As for annual social security, it amounts to 500 euros each year, and the annual registration costs are 250 euros each year.

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Best medical universities in France

France has many good medical universities that you can join and start studying after meeting all the required conditions. The best universities in France are the following:

University of Paris Descartes

Université Paris Descartes is considered one of the most important universities specialized in the study of medicine in France, as it witnesses a high demand of students from all over the world.

The university provides many opportunities for training, research, dissemination and exchange of knowledge, which helps increase students’ critical and creative thinking in all classrooms.

Sorbonne University

The College of Medicine operates in Sorbonne University To encourage research in various medical specialties, in addition to training doctors and many health professionals.

The university is considered one of the best universities in France, which is widely known throughout the world, and is witnessing a high demand by students.

Faculty of Medicine Montpellier Nîmes

Faculty of Medicine Montpellier Nîmes is considered one of the oldest medical colleges in France, as it was founded in the twelfth century, and it offers students a variety of medical study departments, including orthopedics, speech therapy, and others.

The college is keen to combine tradition and modernity, as the campus is equipped with the latest technologies used, and the college was able to award more than 177 certificates in various specializations.

Marseille Medical School

Marseille Medical School includes many different specializations in medicine and medical sciences as well as rehabilitation sciences and nursing sciences.

The school also contains a large research team in order to specialize in different fields, as the number of teams reaches 16 research teams.

The research teams have many fields, including infectious diseases, genetics, and oncology, in addition to neuroscience and immunology, as well as medical imaging or anthropology, among others.

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Best Medical Scholarships in France

If you are facing a problem with the high cost of studying medicine in France, and you cannot afford the university costs, you can benefit from medical scholarships in France, and the most important of these scholarships are the following:

Medical scholarships in France at the World Health Organization

The main areas of activity are based on understanding the causes of cancer, as well as elucidating the underlying causes of the disease by relying on molecular and cellular biology studies.

The fellowship also studies molecular genetics and epigenetics, as well as molecular pathology, environment and radiation, as well as genetics.

Emile Boutmy Scholarship in France

Established in France in 1872, the Emile Boutmy Scholarship goes back to the Paris Institute of Political Studies, one of the most prestigious and selective European schools of science.

The scholarship is provided to students to study medicine in France for free and benefit from various specializations.

American University of Paris Undergraduate Scholarship

Every year, the American University of Paris Scholarship offers different categories of free scholarships to international students at its Paris campus.

Students receive more than 45% financial support annually from the university, in addition to studying for free.

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Frequently asked questions about studying medicine in France

A concise answer based on search intent

Studying medicine in France is one of the most important types of education that is in great demand by students from all over the world, because France includes many important universities that allow the study of this specialty. In summary: This guide helps you understand the topic in France, clarifying what to check before making a practical decision.

How to use this information with confidence

The value here is not only in displaying information, but in linking it to an actionable step: Do you need to make a reservation, submit an order, compare a cost, review a legal requirement, or confirm with an official body? So we added verification points and direct sources that reduce the possibility of error.

Checks to make before deciding

• Compare the conditions with the university or official educational body’s page before paying any fees.
• Review the language requirements, funding, and deadlines for the program itself, not for the country in general.
• Keep a separate list of documents so that the study conditions and visa conditions do not get mixed up.

Official sources and trusted references

• Campus France
• France-Visas

Frequently asked questions

Do the details differ within France from one city or destination to another?

Yes, many practical details may differ depending on the city, institution, or type of request, so you must refer to the source responsible for your specific case.

Can you rely on this article alone?

The article helps you understand the picture and take a more conscious step, but it does not replace the official source or specialized advice if the decision is legal, financial, or academic.

Editorial note: This content was editorially revised on July 11, 2026 to add a clearer answer to the researcher’s intent, authoritative sources, and practical checkpoints that enhance trust and expertise.

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