Medical education system in France

France has one of the most structured and respected medical education systems in Europe, attracting international students who aim to become highly qualified doctors. Known for its strong public universities, rigorous training, and globally recognized medical degrees, France offers a solid academic and clinical foundation for future healthcare professionals.

 In this guide, we explain how medical studies work in France, including entrance exams, university training, residency programs, and opportunities available to international students.

How to become a doctor in France

Becoming a doctor in France follows a structured and highly regulated pathway designed to ensure strong academic and clinical training. Medical education in France is mainly offered through public universities and is known for its high standards and affordability. The process typically includes three main stages:

• Students enroll in a medical track at a public university, where admission is highly competitive and often depends on entrance exams or academic selection. The initial years focus on core medical sciences and foundational knowledge.
• Students move into advanced clinical studies, combining theoretical learning with hospital-based training. During this phase, students gain hands-on experience under supervision and prepare for national-level evaluations.
• After passing the required national exams, students enter medical residency, where they specialize in a chosen field such as general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, or other medical specialties. Successful completion of residency leads to full qualification as a medical doctor in France.

Medical Residency in France

Medical residency in France is a crucial stage in the French medical education system, where graduates receive advanced clinical training while working in hospitals under supervision. This phase allows students to specialize in a specific medical field and gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. Key points about medical residency in France:

• Begins after completing the core medical studies and passing national ranking exams.
• Known as Internat, combining paid hospital work with specialized training.
• Residency duration typically ranges from 3 to 6 years, depending on the specialty.
• Includes fields such as general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, cardiology, and more.
• Residents work in public hospitals and university medical centers.
• Training follows a structured national curriculum with regular evaluations.
• Residents receive a monthly salary, which increases each year of residency.
• Strong emphasis on clinical practice, patient care, and medical ethics.

Healthcare Education in France

Healthcare education in France is highly structured and closely connected to the country’s public health system. It covers a wide range of disciplines beyond medicine, including nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, biomedical sciences, and allied health professions. The system is designed to combine strong theoretical foundations with extensive practical training.

Key features of healthcare education in France include:

• Publicly regulated programs: Most healthcare degrees are offered through public universities and state-accredited institutions, ensuring consistent academic standards nationwide.
• Strong clinical training: Students gain hands-on experience through hospital placements, teaching hospitals (CHU), clinics, and research centers.
• Multiple entry pathways: Healthcare education is accessible through university programs, specialized schools, and competitive entrance exams, depending on the field.
• European recognition: Degrees awarded in France are aligned with EU standards, making them widely recognized across Europe and internationally.
• Research-driven approach: France places strong emphasis on medical research, public health innovation, and evidence-based practice.

Healthcare education in France prepares students for careers in hospitals, research institutions, public health organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and international healthcare systems. For many international students, France offers an attractive balance of academic quality, affordability, and global recognition.

 Medical Entrance Exams in France

Admission to medical studies in France is highly competitive and structured around national entrance exams designed to select students with strong academic ability and commitment. In recent years, France reformed its medical admission system to reduce pressure and offer multiple entry pathways.

Instead of a single traditional exam, students now enter medical studies through programs such as PASS (Parcours d’Accès Spécifique Santé) or LAS (Licence avec Accès Santé). These programs combine health-related courses with broader academic subjects and continuous assessment. At the end of the first year, students are evaluated based on exam results, coursework performance, and ranking.

Only top-performing students are allowed to continue into the second year of medical studies, while others may continue in related fields such as biology, health sciences, or public health. This system aims to be more balanced, transparent, and fair, while still maintaining the high academic standards of the French medical education system.

For international students, admission often depends on academic background, language proficiency (mainly French), and specific university requirements. 

Studying Medicine in Public Universities in France

Studying medicine in public universities in France is highly competitive but academically rewarding. French public medical schools are known for their strong scientific foundation, structured national curriculum, and very low tuition fees, making France an attractive destination for affordable, high-quality medical education.

Both French and international students can apply, but admission requires passing the national medical selection process after the first year. Medical programs are mainly taught in French, so strong language proficiency is essential for academic success and clinical training.

Public universities combine theoretical education with early hospital-based clinical experience, allowing students to train within one of Europe’s most advanced public healthcare systems. Although the pathway is demanding, graduates earn a medical degree that is widely respected in France and internationally.

Conclusion

The medical education system in France is highly structured, academically rigorous, and internationally respected. With strong public universities, advanced clinical training, and a clear pathway from entrance exams to residency, France offers excellent opportunities for students aiming to become doctors.

Although studying medicine in France requires commitment, discipline, and careful preparation—especially for entrance exams and residency—the rewards are significant. Graduates benefit from high-quality training, global recognition, and access to Europe’s advanced healthcare system.

If you’re ready to take the next step, EuroGlobe Education is here to support you — from choosing the right medical pathway to admissions guidance, visa support, and long-term planning for your future in France.