Study Medicine in France

Studying medicine in France usually takes around 9–12 years and is taught mainly in French. Admission generally starts through PASS  (a specific health-access pathway) or L.AS (a bachelor’s degree with a health option). Students then move through medical study, clinical training, national assessments, and residency, depending on the field they choose. 

Students can study medicine at universities such as Sorbonne University, Université Paris Cité, Université Paris-Saclay, and Claude Bernard University Lyon 1. For Indian students, public medical tuition is around EUR 2,900–4,000 (INR 3.24–4.47 lakh) per year for the first 2 cycles. France also has one private medical faculty, FMMS at Université Catholique de Lille, where first-year L.AS fees are around EUR 5,890–10,630 (INR 6.58–11.87 lakh) for non-scholarship students. 

In the sections below, we’ll cover the medical universities, course structure, eligibility, admission process, intakes, fees, scholarships, licensing, and career options in France. 

Medical Universities in France 

France offers a wide range of universities that provide education in medicine. The biggest medical faculties are located in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Lille and Bordeaux. 

Most of the courses are organized in connection with the affiliated university hospitals, so students gain practical experience from their studies. 

There are private options too, the Université Catholique de Lille, for example, has France’s only private Faculty of Medicine, Midwifery and Health Sciences.  

Here are some of the medical universities students can consider in France: 

Top Medical Universities in France	University Location	QS Medicine Ranking 2026
Sorbonne University	Paris	#41
Université Paris Cité	Paris	#80
Université Paris-Saclay	Paris Region	=93
Claude Bernard University Lyon 1	Lyon	=177
Aix-Marseille University	Marseille	#201–250
University of Montpellier	Montpellier	#201–250
University of Lille	Lille	#251–300
University of Strasbourg	Strasbourg	#301–350

Please note: While these rankings help understand where research is strong and how academic credibility is built, language, admission pathways, hospital affiliation, and entry criteria are equally important factors influencing medical school choices among future doctors in France. 

Medicine Course Structure and Duration in France 

Studying medicine in France takes time. Students usually need 10 years to become a general practitioner, while specialist training can take around 10–12 years, depending on the field.  

The course gets more practical as students move ahead, with hospital training becoming a bigger part of the later years.  

The course is divided into 3 main cycles:  

First Cycle: Years 1–3 

The first year starts through the PASS or L.AS pathway. Students who progress into medicine then study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and other basic medical sciences. 

Hospital exposure starts here too. It is fairly limited at first, since these years mainly focus on building the medical basics. The first cycle leads to the Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM).  

Second Cycle: Years 4–6 

This is where clinical training begins to take on a much greater focus. While students continue their classroom education, they spend significantly more time in hospitals and other healthcare environments, where they learn through placements and by working directly with patients. 

At this stage, the curriculum becomes much more clinical in nature, covering such disciplines as surgery, internal medicine, paediatrics, psychiatry, and other specialisms, as well as providing the necessary assessments for progression to speciality training and selection for a career as a specialist medical doctor. 

The second cycle leads to the Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM). 

Third Cycle: Residency and Specialisation 

After the first six years, students move into residency. This is the third cycle, where most of the training happens in hospitals and students gradually take on more responsibility under supervision. 

The length depends on the speciality chosen. General medicine now takes four years of residency, while other specialities generally require around 4–6 years.  

So, the full route is quite long. Students usually complete about six years of medical study first, followed by four to six years of residency, depending on the type of doctor they want to become. 

Eligibility to Study Medicine in France 

The rules are a little different in France. You usually don’t enter medicine straight after Class 12. First, you need a school qualification equal to the French Baccalauréat, and then you normally apply through the PASS or L.AS route. 

French is also very important because most medical courses are taught in French. A B2 level is commonly asked, though some universities may expect more. 

Academic Requirements 

Here is a list of common requirements for students: 

• Indian students must have passed class 12th from a recognized Board.  
• Science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics are recommended since the first year mainly teaches science courses. 
• Students must perform well in the PASS or the L.AS in order to proceed further to the specialization in medicine.  
• Some institutions may conduct additional tests or interviews. 

Can You Study Medicine in France in English? 

You cannot get a medical degree in France with only the English language because everything patient care and hospital related is all in French.  

To study medicine in France you would need to know the French language at a professional level. 

Common language levels include: 

• DELF: B2 or above  
• TCF B2: Around 400–499 points  
• TCF C1: Around 500–599 points  
• TEF: May also be accepted by some universities  

The required tests may differ by your chosen university.  

Documents Required 

You’ll usually need: 

• Class 12 certificate  
• Academic mark sheets  
• Valid passport  
• French-language test score, if asked  
• Application form  
• Certified French translations, where needed  
• Any extra documents asked by the university  

Some international students may also need to apply through Études en France or DAP, depending on their country and application route. 

Admission Process to Study Medicine in France 

Getting into medicine in France is very selective. Indian students usually start by applying for a PASS or L.AS first year, rather than applying directly to a medical degree.  

After that, students need to pass their first-year studies and rank well enough to move into medicine.  

Here’s how the process usually works: 

1. Choose a PASS or L.AS course: Start by finding a university that offers a route into medicine.  
2. Apply through the right system: Indian students may have to apply through Etudes en France, DAP, or other systems depending on their country and qualifications. 
3. Send the required documents: This can include information about grades at school, passport, French proficiency tests, or other documents requested by the university. 
4. Complete the first year: You need to pass your PASS or L.AS studies before you can move ahead.  
5. Go through the selection process: Your marks and ranking matter here. Some universities may also ask students to take an oral or written test.  
6. Move into medical studies: Students who meet the required level can continue into medicine. Passing the first year alone doesn’t always guarantee a seat because places are limited.  

PASS and L.AS Pathways 

Both routes can lead to medicine, but they’re not the same. 

• PASS: This route is mainly focused on health subjects. Students also study one smaller subject outside health.  
• L.AS: Here, students take a regular bachelor’s subject, such as biology or economics, and add a health option with it.  
• Students can usually get up to two chances to apply for health studies during their undergraduate course, as long as they meet the rules for another attempt.  

So, PASS is more focused on health from the beginning. L.AS gives students a second subject to continue with if they don’t move into medicine right away. 

Indian students please note: France announced plans in April 2026 to simplify the PASS/L.AS system. The current 2026 admission information still uses both routes, but students applying in later intakes should check the latest university and government rules before applying. 

Intakes and Admission Timeline for Medicine in France 

Medicine in France mostly starts in September. There usually isn’t a main January or spring intake for first-year medical studies, so students need to start the application process much earlier. 

The route also depends on the student: 

• Études en France/DAP: This is used by many non-EU students with a foreign school qualification. Indian students usually apply through the Études en France system and complete the Campus France process.  
• Parcoursup: This is used for first-year routes such as PASS and L.AS by students who come under the Parcoursup system.  

For the September 2027 intake, students can plan like this: 

• October–December 2026: Start checking universities, collect documents, and keep your French-language proof ready.  
• January–March 2027: Applications usually open or are submitted during this period, depending on the route.  
• April–May 2027: Universities review applications and start giving decisions.  
• June–July 2027: Students can confirm their admission and begin the visa process.  
• September 2027: Classes usually begin.  

The exact 2027 dates have not yet been released, so the timeline is based on previous years' information. Students should refer to the official website for the most up-to-date information when the admissions cycle opens next year. 

Cost of Studying Medicine in France 

For Indian students, public universities are usually the cheaper option. Tuition for the first two medical cycles can be around EUR 2,900–4,000 (INR 3.24–4.47 lakh) per year if the higher non-EU fee applies.  

France has one private medical faculty, FMMS at Université Catholique de Lille, where first-year L.AS fees are around EUR 5,890–10,630 (INR 6.58–11.87 lakh) for non-scholarship students. 

Here is the breakdown of the fees as per university type:  

Fees at Public Medical Universities in France 

The fee changes as you move through medical school. For 2026–27, Indian students who come under the differentiated non-EU fee may pay: 

• First medical cycle (DFGSM): EUR 2,902 (INR 3.24 lakh) per year  
• Second medical cycle (DFASM): EUR 3,950 (INR 4.41 lakh) per year  
• Third cycle / residency: Around EUR 526 (INR 58,800) per year  

Private Medical Faculty 

France has one private medical faculty:  FMMS at Université Catholique de Lille. Its tuition isn’t one fixed amount because fees are calculated using the family’s taxable income.  

For its first-year L.AS health-entry program, the current fee is: 

• Non-scholarship students: EUR 5,890–10,630 (INR 6.58–11.87 lakh)  
• Scholarship students: EUR 3,250–5,290 (INR 3.63–5.91 lakh)  

These figures are for the L.AS first year, not one fixed fee for the complete medical course. FMMS calculates later tuition according to its own fee system. 

Other Costs to Plan For 

Tuition isn’t the only cost. Students should also keep money aside for daily living, the costs include:  

• Living costs: Around EUR 600–1,000 (INR 67,000–1.12 lakh) per month  
• Accommodation: Roughly EUR 150–900 (INR 16,800–1 lakh) per month, depending on the city and type of housing  
• CVEC: Around EUR 105 (INR 11,700) for 2026–27 

Scholarships for Medical Students in France 

Scholarships for medicine in France are limited, especially for the entire medical course.  

However, the Indian students can manage to get government-assisted, university fee-based, and exchange scholarships that cover at least a part of the tuition fees. 

Here are some options worth checking: 

Contract for Public Service Commitment (CESP) 

This isn’t a regular scholarship, but it gives financial support to medical students while they study. 

• Eligibility: The candidate should have successfully completed the first year of studies at the Medical School and be eligible to proceed to the second year or subsequent years of the Medical School. Students who are in their second year of studies at the Medical School and further may apply for CESP. 
• Coverage: Approximately EUR 1200 (INR 1.34 lakh) per month until the completion of medical studies. 

University Tuition Fee Waivers 

Some public universities can offer international students a full or partial tuition fee waiver. The eligibility criteria may vary between universities. 

• Eligibility: Based on: financial need, university policy, or as a French government scholarship beneficiary.  
• Coverage: The university reduces the registration fee by a certain percentage or completely waives it off. French government scholarship typically offers full tuition-fee waiver at public institutions.  

France Excellence Charpak Exchange Scholarship 

• Eligibility: Citizenship of India or OCI (Overseas Citizen Identity Certificate) holders who are Indian University students with an age limit of 30 years and pursue studies in France on an exchange basis.  
• Coverage: Monthly stipend of EUR 860 (INR 96100), reimbursement for social security, visa, and Campus France cancellation fees, and assistance with finding student accommodation. 

Read more on Charpak Scholarship 

Medical Licensing After Studying Medicine in France 

After Graduation, students need to go through the licensing and registration process in order to begin working as a doctor. The process is slightly different based on whether the student wishes to stay in France and work, or return to India. 

Here's a look at the processes for both: 

Practicing Medicine in France 

If you want to work as a doctor in France, you’ll first need to finish the required residency or specialist training for your field. 

After this,  

• Complete the full medical course and required residency.  
• Finish the medical thesis and other degree requirements.  
• Get the required qualification for the chosen speciality, such as the DES.  
• Register with the Ordre des médecins before starting medical practice.  

This registration is required to legally work as a doctor in France. 

Practicing Medicine in India 

The process is different for Indian students who want to return home after studying medicine in France. 

Under the current NMC rules, foreign medical graduates generally need: 

• At least 54 months of medical study.  
• A 12-month internship at the same foreign institution.  
• The course to be taught in English.  
• The required medical subjects and clinical training.  
• Eligibility to practise medicine in the country where the degree was completed.  
• To clear the required licensing or screening exam in India.  
• A 12-month supervised internship in India before permanent registration.  

There’s one point students should check very carefully: Medical courses in France are mostly taught in French, while the current NMC rules require English as the medium of instruction for foreign medical qualifications. 

So, Indian students who want to return and practise in India should check the latest NMC rules before taking admission in France.  

Career Opportunities After Studying Medicine in France 

After finishing your medical school and residency, doctors can practice in a variety of fields based on their specialisation. 

The annual salary in this profession can vary between EUR 38000–125000 (INR 42.45 lakh–1.40 crore). 

Depending on the number of years of experience, place of employment, private or government organisation, the final salary can differ substantially.  

Below are some of the most common positions and their average yearly compensation in France: 

Job Role	Approx. Annual Salary (EUR/INR)
General Practitioner	EUR 38,000–68,000 (INR 42.45–75.96 lakh)
Medical Specialist	EUR 72,000–96,000 (INR 80.43 lakh–1.07 crore)
Surgeon	EUR 114,000–125,000 (INR 1.27–1.40 crore)
Cardiologist	EUR 59,000–100,000 (INR 65.91 lakh–1.12 crore)
Radiologist	EUR 96,000–108,000 (INR 1.07–1.21 crore)

Source: Glassdoor 

These are broad salary ranges. A doctor with more experience or a private practice may earn differently from someone working in a public hospital. 

Conclusion- Is Studying Medicine in France Worth It? 

Studying medicine in France can be a good option for students who are ready for a long and quite selective study route. The full path usually takes around 10–12 years, and most medical courses are taught in French, so language preparation matters from the start. 

For Indian students, public medical universities can cost around EUR 2,900–4,000 (INR 3.24–4.47 lakh) per year for the first two medical cycles, while private options may cost more. Before applying, students should check the PASS/L.AS route, French-language requirements, total cost, and NMC rules if they plan to return to India. 

Need help choosing the right medical university in France? Book a free 1:1 session with upGrad experts to understand your study options.