Study Abroad

MBBS in France

Q: Is MBBS taught in English in France?

Yes, many medical universities in France offer MBBS programs taught in English mainly at the graduate level. However, knowledge in French may be required for clinical rotations.

Q: What is the duration of MBBS in France?

The duration of MBBS in France ranges from 8 to 11 years, including pre-medical studies, medical school and internships.

Q: Are there any entrance exams for MBBS in France?

While some universities may require entrance exams such as French language tests, GMAT/GRE or equivalent exams, others may have their own admission criteria.

Q: What are the tuition fees for MBBS in France?

Tuition fees for MBBS in France vary depending on factors such as the student's nationality and the type of institution. Citizens of EEA countries and Switzerland may have free tuition.

Q: Can international students work while studying MBBS in France?

International students in France are allowed to work part-time during their studies, typically up to 20 hours per week. However, it is essential to ensure that work commitments do not interfere with academic responsibilities.

Top Medical Universities

Start Your Medical Journey in France

Trusted Guidance • End-to-End Support • Transparent Process

Talk to Expert

Table of Contents

Comparing MBBS in France vs MBBS in India
Why Choose France for Medical Studies
Top Medical Universities in France
Fee Structure and Cost of Living
MBBS in France: Entrance Exams
MBBS in France Syllabus 2026
Accommodation and Food
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
Admission Process
Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

MBBS in France is becoming an increasingly popular choice for international students who want to pursue medical education in Europe. France is known for its high-quality healthcare system, advanced medical research, and globally recognized universities. Medical programs in France provide students with a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge as well as practical clinical training in well-equipped hospitals.

The medical education system in France is highly structured and focuses on developing skilled and competent doctors. Students benefit from modern laboratories, experienced faculty members, and opportunities to participate in international medical research programs. Many universities offer affordable tuition fees compared to other European countries, making France an attractive destination for medical aspirants.

Studying MBBS in France also allows students to experience a rich cultural environment, excellent living standards, and exposure to a diverse international community, which enhances both personal and professional development.

The MBBS program follows a different structure which is divided into three cycles: PCEM, DCEM and general medicine residency or other specialties, ultimately leading to a State Doctor of Medicine Diploma. For students in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Odontology and Physiotherapy, the first two years are shared.

This initial cycle lasts for two years, with a competitive examination determining progression to the second year, typically allowing only 15 to 20% of first-year students to advance. Admission of foreign students outside the European Union is limited to 8% of total admissions per medical faculty or department. Participation in the first-year program is restricted to a maximum of two attempts.

The second cycle spans four years, with fourth-year students required to pass theoretical course exams to advance to the third cycle. The third cycle offers two study programs: general medicine or other specialties, both culminating in a DES, Specialized Studies Diploma. As a result MBBS in France(also known as MD) is a very reliable and affordable option.

Parameter	India	France
College Type	Public & Private	Primarily Public
Direct Entry After 12th	Yes (MBBS)	Yes (Unlike USA/Canada)
Total Duration	5.5 Years (4.5 Years + 1 Year Internship)	9–11 Years
Tuition Fee	Public: ₹1–3 LakhsPrivate: ₹60 Lakhs – ₹1.5 Crore	Public: ₹2–2.5 Lakhs/yearPrivate: ₹12–25 Lakhs/year
Medium of Instruction	English	Primarily French
Degree Awarded	MBBS	State Doctor of Medicine Diploma
Infrastructure	Good to Below Average	Excellent
Global Recognition	473 out of 706 Colleges	WHO Recognized
Clinical Exposure	Variable by College	Extensive in Public Hospitals
Entry Requirement	NEET Only	NEET + French Proficiency (B2 Level)
Competition	Very High	Extremely High (2.6% Acceptance)
Seats for International Students	N/A	Less than 560 Seats Total
NMC Recognition for India	Automatic	Limited / Not Recognized (English Medium Required)
Average Doctor Salary	₹6–15 Lakhs/Year	€30,000–60,000 (₹26–52 Lakhs/Year)

Despite the challenges, France does offer some compelling advantages for the right students:

The admission process of the French universities is very simple and easy.
The universities are NMC-approved.
The tuition fees are affordable and budget-friendly.
The universities provide global exposure, a diverse culture and international opportunities.
The university has modern world-class infrastructure and modern technologies.
The universities in France focus on hands-on training.

The Reality Check: Significant Challenges

Language Barrier

This is the biggest challenge. This means:

Medical terminology in French
Patient interactions in French during clinical rotations
Exams and assessments in French
Academic materials primarily in French

Learning medical French is significantly more challenging than conversational French. You will need to invest substantial time and effort before and during your medical education.

2. Extremely Competitive Admissions

France accepts only 8% international students out of total medical school admissions. With only around 560 total seats for international students across all French medical schools combined, and over 20,000+ applicants competing for these spots, the acceptance rate is approximately 2.6% making it as competitive as getting into premier Indian government medical colleges like AIIMS.

3. Lengthy Duration

Medical education in France takes 9-11 years to complete significantly longer than India's 5.5 years or even the USA's 8 years (4+4). This extended timeline means delayed earning potential and a longer commitment.

QS World University Rankings 2024	University	Annual Total Tuition Fee (EUR)
59	Sorbonne University	26,000
71	Université Paris-Saclay	40,500
382	Université de Montpellier	26,000
465	University of Bordeaux	26,000
721–730	University De Lorraine	40,500
387	University of Aix Marseille	26,65,000
631–640	University of Catholique De Lille, France	9,60,000
1001–1200	Paul Valéry University Montpellier	70,000

Tuition Fees (2026)

Public Universities:

Annual Tuition: €243 - €600 per year (₹21,000 - ₹52,000)
Total for 9 years: ₹2-4.5 Lakhs

Private Universities:

Annual Tuition: €15,000 - €30,000 per year (₹13-26 Lakhs)
Total for 9 years: ₹1.17 Cr - ₹2.34 Cr

The catch: While public university tuition is incredibly affordable but there are only 560 international seats across ALL French medical schools, making admission extremely competitive..

Expense Category	Amount (EUR)	Amount (INR)
Accommodation	€4,800 – €12,000	₹4.2 – 10.4 Lakhs
Food & Groceries	€3,000 – €4,800	₹2.6 – 4.2 Lakhs
Health Insurance	€300 – €600	₹26,000 – 52,000
Transportation	€600 – €1,200	₹52,000 – 1.04 Lakhs
Books & Materials	€400 – €800	₹35,000 – 70,000
Personal Expenses	€1,200 – €2,400	₹1.04 – 2.08 Lakhs
Phone & Internet	€300 – €600	₹26,000 – 52,000
Total Living Costs	€10,600 – €22,400	₹9.2 – 19.5 Lakhs

Entrance Exam	Highlights	Accepted Score
IELTS	For English Proficiency	Minimum score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5
TOEFL	For English Proficiency	Minimum score of iBT 90–100
NEET	Exam for medical admission in India	Minimum qualifying marks
TCF	For French Proficiency	B2 Level
DELF	For French Proficiency	Minimum B2 Level

Tips to Crack IELTS/TOEFL Exam for MBBS in France

English Proficiency is a major and non-negotiable eligibility criteria for admission in MBBS in France. Here are some tips to crack the English Proficiency exam.

You must understand the exam pattern of both the English proficiency tests. IELTS conducts a time bound test separately for listening, speaking and reading while in TOEFL, it is combined in one.
The best path to crack the exam is practice. Daily practice the questions, previous years and give mock tests.
Analyze your strengths and weaknesses. After every practice do a thorough self-analysis to understand the areas you are lagging at.

Tips to Crack NEET Exam for MBBS in France

Here are some tips to crack the NEET Exam.

Practice previous year papers to understand the paper pattern.
Make a proper tracker to ensure that you are keeping check of your strong and weak areas.
Thoroughly practice the weak areas.

Tips to Crack French Proficiency Exam for MBBS in France

The French proficiency exam is crucial for admission in MBBS in France. The most common French proficiency exams are TCF and DELF. Here are some tips to crack the French proficiency Exam.

Thoroughly go through the syllabus to understand the weightage given to each section in paper and understand the exam pattern.
Practice previous year papers to understand the paper pattern and types of questions asked.
Practice reading, writing, listening and speaking French on a daily basis.
Use audio to listen to French and grab the French accent

MBBS in France is a two-year degree. Check the table below to understand what curriculum students study during the 8 to 11 years of MBBS in France.

Cycle	Year	Syllabus
Cycle 1	2 Years (PCEM)	Anatomy, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Physiology
Cycle 2	4 Years (DCEM)	Pathology, Pharmacology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics
Cycle 3	3–5 Years (Residency)	In-depth clinical training within a specific medical specialty

Accommodation:

Student life is relatively affordable in France. In cities like Toulouse, Lyon, Bordeaux, students can manage with 850 to 1,000 euros per month, including accommodation. In smaller towns, living expenses can be lower. However, in Paris, students may need to budget at least 1,250 to 1,400 euros per month for living expenses.

Food:

French cuisine is renowned for its taste and sophistication but can be somewhat expensive. Grocery costs average around 250 - 300 EUR/month in Paris, and less in other provinces. Prices for food and goods vary significantly between big cities and small towns across France.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

In France:

Practice as a licensed physician after completing residency
Average salary: €30,000 - €60,000 per year (₹26 - 52 Lakhs)
Specialists earn significantly more: €60,000 - €120,000+ per year
Can work in public hospitals, private clinics, or research
Challenge: French language fluency essential for medical practice

In India:

CRITICAL LIMITATION: Due to NMC's requirement that the entire course be taught in English, most French medical degrees may NOT be recognized for practice in India. Students would need to:

Verify their specific university is NMC-approved
May need to pass FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) - Pass rate only 15-20%
Face potential complete non-recognition if degree not in English

To do medical studies in France, Indian students must fulfil the following requirements:

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in France
Applicants must have a 12th degree in science subjects i.e physics, chemistry, and biology from a recognized university.
Must have at least 65% marks in intermediate.
Applicants should clear the NEET exam with a good score.
Transcripts;
CV/Resume
Statement of Purpose
Passport
2-3 Letter of Recommendation;
Application fee
GRE or GMAT score
Personal Statement
Standardized tests in France

Additional Documents

10 and 10+2 marksheet
Passport
France Student Visa
IELTS/TOEFL Score card
DEFL/TCF Score card
NEET Score card
Funds Proof
University admission Letter
Passport size photographs
LORs (2-3)
SOPs

Most colleges and universities in France accept online applications from students. Students are required to create an account on the college's website, providing basic information, uploading scanned documents, and paying the application fees. Application fees vary depending on the college/university and the chosen course, so students should verify the fees with each institution.
Common steps for applying to MD colleges in France include:"

Step 1: Research colleges and courses- one should always take his/her time and research for what is the best option.
Step 2: Contact schools and visit their websites for information-while searching one should contact the universities they are having interest in.
Step 3: Narrow down the list of preferred schools-after taking information one must shortlist the best possible options.
Step 4: Take required entrance exams such as French language tests, GMAT/GRE-after finalising where to take admission one must clear this exam.
Step 5: Write SOPs and request LORs.
Step 6: Apply to colleges based on preferences-now one should apply for the admission in order of the preference.
Step 7: Participate in video interviews with shortlisted colleges-the college for which a person is shortlisted, the person shall join their video interview.
Step 8: Upon acceptance, apply for a student visa-after the confirmation of the admission one must apply for the visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MBBS taught in English in France?

What is the duration of MBBS in France?

Are there any entrance exams for MBBS in France?

What are the tuition fees for MBBS in France?

Can international students work while studying MBBS in France?

Ready to Plan Your Career?

Team GetMyUniversity is here to guide you every step of the way. Let's make your medical dream a reality.

How Get My University Helps You

Medical admission is a complex journey requiring pre-planning and a data-driven approach. Get My University simplifies this by:

Detailed college profiling with insights into academics & environment.
Smart budget planning with complete transparency.
State-wise counselling guidance and documentation help.
Cutoff analysis and predictive admission trends.
End-to-end counselling & seat confirmation support.

Tap to Read More

Request a Callback

Call Us

For international queries, replace '0' with '+91'.

+91-7678676001

Email

Drop us your query and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

info@getmyuniversity.com

Chat with our experts for quick assistance!

Chat on +91-7678676001