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MBBS in France

Study MBBS in France

mbbs-in-france

MBBS in France follows a different style of teaching. In France, medical studies are divided into three cycles (PCEM, DCEM, and general medicine residency or other specialties) which leads to a State Doctor of Medicine Diploma.

For students of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Odontology, and Physio-kinesiotherapy in the French medical study system, the first two years are common. The first cycle lasts for 2 years. At the end of the first year, only about 15 to 20% of first-year students go into the second year by a competitive examination.

Each medical faculty or department accepts only 8% of the foreign students of total admissions from outside the European Union. The competitive examination is common to medicine, midwifery, and odontology. Students can not enroll more than twice in the first-year program.

The second cycle lasts for four years. The fourth-year students must have successfully completed the second cycle and passed the theoretical course exams, in order to go on to the third cycle.

The third cycle includes two programs of study, general medicine or other specialties, both lead to a DES, specialized Studies Diploma.

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?

There are many reasons why students choose to study MBBS in France:

  • The admission process for studying MBBS in France is very easy and smooth.
  • Duration of the MBBS course in France is more compared to other countries and it is 08-11 years.
  • Medical universities in France are NMC/WHO approved.
  • Cost of living in France is affordable.
  • World-class infrastructure, Smart classes, and faculties.
  • France medical universities provide proper Indian Hostel & Indian Food.
  • Indian warden for Boy & Girls hostels with complete security.
  • France universities provide 100% ragging free Environment.
  • Smooth transportation options in France.
  • HIGH QUALITY of EDUCATION in medical universities in France.
  • In top France Universities, +1500 Indian Students are already studying.
  • They conduct separate classes for Indian students in English.
  • Comparatively cost of studying is less in France.
  • France is a great place for travel destinations.
  • France is a Multi-ethnic nation with a vast variety of cultures from all over the globe.
  • For MBBS in France, no donations or capitation fees are required.
  • Universities in France are established and high-quality education system and standards.
  • The country of France has a high quality of life.

Course Duration of MBBS in France

The MBBS course duration in France is 8 - 11 years. The details about the MBBS course durations are discussed below:

  • Students need 9 years to study general medicine in medical colleges of France.
  • The duration of MBBS in France is a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 11 years, for Domestic as well as international students. On the other hand, for other specialists such as surgeons or pediatricians, it takes 10 to 12 years.
  • Medical studies in France are divided into three courses known as PCEM, DCEM and General Medicine or other specialties. The course ends with obtaining the country's PhD certificate in medicine.

MBBS in France - Course Syllabus

The entire medical course in France is divided into three phases:

First Cycle (PCEM)

  • The first cycle is of two academic preparatory years, with the same course of study for all dentistry, nursing, medical, pharmacy, as well as physiotherapy students.
  • Students get only two chances to pass the first year. In order to pass for the second year, students must pass a competitive exam at the end of the first year. International students have to qualify the exam with good marks to enter into the second phase.

The teaching of the first cycle and the first year of the second cycle must teach the following disciplines or disciplinary units to the medical students:

Physics, Biophysics and Image Processing Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Anatomy, Embryology, Developmental and Reproductive Biology Cytology, Histology and Pathological Anatomy
Bacteriology, Virology and Parasitology Fundamental Hematology, Immunology and Oncology
Genetics and Biotechnologies Physiology and Nutrition
Pharmacology and Major Classes of Drugs Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Clinical and Biological Semiotics and Medical Imagery Terminology First Aid
- Demography, Health Economics, and Health Systems.

Second Cycle (DCEM)

  • The second cycle lasts for four years. Students of the fourth year must have successfully completed the second cycle and passed theoretical exams in order to reach the third stage. Students have to also validate all internship periods in the hospitals and participate in seminars.
  • Students are entitled to follow the specialty they desire once they successfully complete this cycle and the choice of specialty will also depend on their grades.

Third Cycle (DES)

  • Two study programs are included in the third cycle, General Medicine and other specialties, both of which enable students to obtain a Diploma of Specialized Studies.
  • Additionally, students may complete some specialties in order to obtain the complementary specialized studies certificate DESC, which takes two years of study. The student can prepare and discuss a thesis for obtaining the country's PhD in medicine afterwards.

Eligibility Criteria: Applying For MBBS Course

The eligibility criteria to study MBBS in France is as follows:

  • The minimum age limit for MBBS in France is 17 years.
  • An Eligibility Certificate should be produced by students issued by the Medical Council of India.
  • Indian Passport and France Visa are required for studying MBBS in France.
  • The students must score a minimum of 50% marks in their 12th examinations from any recognized board/university with Physics, Biology, and Chemistry and compulsory English as subjects.
  • For MBBS in France, another requirement is an NMC certificate.
  • Candidates must have scored a minimum academic record of 70% and above in standard XII.
  • For students who have secured around 60%, foundations and Diploma programs are also available.
  • The candidate must have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program.

MBBS in France (2022-23): Admission Process

Following is the admission procedure for applying to MBBS course in France:

  • Online applications made by students are accepted by most of the colleges and universities in France.
  • Students will have to make an account on the particular college's website to provide their basic information, submit the scanned version of their documents, and pay application fees.
  • To apply to the colleges students must pay an application fee.
  • The fees differ depending upon the individual college or university and course to which students want to apply, so students must check with the individual colleges about their application fee.

Given below are some of the common steps to which students need to take to apply for admission:

Step 1: Students should search for colleges and courses.

Step 2: Students should contact schools and visit websites for information.

Step 3: Students must narrow down their list of schools.

Step 4: Students should apply for the entrance exams like French language tests, GMAT/GRE (IELTS/TOEFL if required).

Step 5: Candidates should write SOPs and ask for LORs.

Step 6: Candidates should apply to the colleges according to their interests and liking.

Step 7: Candidates must appear for video interviews with the colleges that shortlisted them.

Step 8: If the university or college accepts the application of a student, then they can apply for a student visa.

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

Medium of Teaching

Following is the medium of teaching for studying MBBS in France :

The medium of instruction is English. for Indian students studying MBBS in France.

Health Insurance for Students studying MBBS in France

Students studying MBBS in France are provided with a health insurance:

  • All the colleges and universities in France have made it mandatory for all international students to have either a public or private health insurance.
  • Though the universal health care coverage is dependent upon factors such as age, country of origin, and length of the degree program of the student, many international students can take part in this coverage.

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.

Career Opportunities

Students not only get the best medical education in France, but they also get excellent work opportunities after studying MBBS in France:

  • Students generally find the French language as one of the larger hurdles if they plan to stay after their graduation from a Bachelor's or Master's degree in France.
  • To find a job in France, students must become fluent or at least near-fluent in French.
  • It is relatively easy for international students to start their career in France after graduation, when compared to other countries in Europe.
  • Students can apply for one-time non-renewable temporary residency authorisation called APS (autorisation provisoire de séjour) which is of 12 months duration, if they have obtained a master's degree or the equivalent.
  • A scheme known as "Second residence permit" is a new scheme under which the duration of 12 months can be doubled to 24 months. Students who get a job related to their academic programme can enter full-time employment by filing a request for change of status (from student to employee) in their application.

Student's Life

Students live an excellent, healthy life and an environment very much suitable for studying MBBS in France:

  • The standard of living in France is remarkably high, and studying in France will be a great, life-changing experience for students.
  • Students will certainly enjoy living their life in France as a student.
  • There is never a dull day in the life of students who study in France. Whether students study at school or whether they are at home ready to get out and experience the wonders of the country, they can always choose from a list of wonderful things to do.
  • There are many museums in the country which are about history, science, modern art, etc. which students can explore.
  • The country has more than 2,000 cinemas and there are also stage shows that include concerts and other special shows.
  • Students at universities in France are offered many facilities like wireless internet access, sports facilities, huge libraries, etc.
  • The colleges in France are some of the best and they give the best education to students and hence students are also expected to give their 100%.

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:

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.

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 € 1120
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant 50.00 € 4394
Milk (one liter) 0.95 € 83
Water (1.5-liter bottle) 0.59 € 52
Apples (1kg) 2.33 € 205
Tomato (1kg) 2.38 € 209
Potato (1kg) 1.54 € 135
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 54.00 € 4745
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data) 27.53 € 2419
Basic expenses like Electricity, Heating, Cooling Water, etc. 139.70 € 12,277
1 Movie ticket 10.00 € 879

Note: 1 Euro = 88.88 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.

MBBS in France - Important FAQs


Apart from the information provided, here are some frequently asked questions on Quora and Careers 360:

Students from EU/EEA nationals need not worry about a visa to study MBBS in France. The students or applicants from other countries should apply for a lengthy visit visa with residency grant (VLS-TS), either from their closest French consulate or by means of the CEF procedure. Authorities who grant visas are required to think about candidates' scholastic foundation, study plans, level of readiness, and capability in the French language, while considering visa applications.

In France, while most undergraduate programs are taught in French, the nation offers an enormous determination of English-showed courses at postgraduate level. An accessible online database of English-showed projects is offered by the Government office Campus of France.

Students might be asked to submit confirmation from capability in either French or English language, depending upon the language in which the program is educated. This can be through proof of finishing a previous degree in sign language, or by taking a language test, like, the IELTS, DELF, DALF, or TOEFL.

The MBBS courses in France are pretty rigorous and also hard to go through. However, they teach students to be the best doctor on the globe as students go through all the difficulty levels. Hence, the top medical experts have some or the other connections in their education with France.

France is a country that is regarded as one of the safest countries by the United Nations. Because of the large number of immigrants from various countries who never let students feel out of place, thus they always feel safe and homely in France.

France is a country that offers many scholarships. One out of 7 candidates get some or the other form of financial aid. The French ministry of External affairs offers the Eiffel grants of excellence, the French Embassy in India offers the incentive scholarships, the institutions in France themselves may waive certain fees. There are corporate scholarships also offered for the students.

On reaching France, one will be required to undergo a medical test by a French doctor at the time when one applies for the "carte de séjour" or the temporary resident permit. However, it is always advisable to applicants that they must carry a certified copy of one's immunization schedule from India, by a registered medical practitioner.

International students coming from countries outside the European Union, for programmes more than 6 months duration, must get a long term student's visa from the French consulate.