Overview:
Medical education in France falls under regulations established collaboratively by the Ministry of Education and Health. The medical faculties within universities oversee medical studies in France, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical training.
France's esteemed medical tradition enjoys global recognition. Despite being a top study-abroad destination, access to medical studies for international students is highly competitive and restricted. The allocation of spots in the country's medical schools for all degree programs is determined annually through a complex quota system.
Medical programs in France encompass a range of options available within French medical universities under the Public Health and Animal Husbandry category.
Here is a list of medical studies in France along with their respective durations:
- General Medicine: A 6-year program
- Dentistry: A 5 to 6-year program
- Nursing: A 3 to 4-year program
- Veterinary Medicine: A 6-year program
- Physiotherapy: A 3 to 4-year program
- Pharmacy: A 5 to 6-year program
Subsequently, medical specialization follows, which is a 3 to 6-year program. These programs lead to qualifications approved by various regulatory bodies such as GMC, GDC, RCVS, HCPC, and NMC in the UK, and are recognized worldwide.
The structure of medical education in France is characterized by a highly selective progression. Divided into three cycles, a General Medical degree in France typically requires nine years of postsecondary study. Below is the duration of the MBBS course in France:
1. First Cycle (PCEM) - 2 Years
The first cycle of medical studies spans two years. At the end of the first year, a competitive examination is held, with only 15 to 20% of students passing. This examination is a prerequisite for advancing to the second year of medical study in France, given at the end of the first year of core medical education, known as PACES. Subjects covered in the first two years are common for Medicine, Odontology, Pharmacy, Physiology, and Nursing students in the French medical study system.
2. Second Cycle (DCEM) - 4 Years
The second cycle of Medical Studies in France lasts four years. Fourth-year students must have completed the second cycle, passed theoretical course exams, validated all in-hospital training periods, and participated in required seminars to progress to the third cycle. Access to a specialty is granted through a nationally ranked examination, with the choice of specialization determined by the rank obtained.
3. Specialized Studies Diploma (DES) - 3 Years
The third cycle consists of two study programs: general medicine Residency or other specialties, both leading to a Specialized Studies Diploma. General medicine residency lasts three years and includes hospital service as well as a six-month placement with a practitioner. Training for other specialties varies from four to five years, depending on the chosen field.
Following DES programs, students may pursue further specialized medical training in France, leading to the DESC Further Specialized Studies Diploma after an additional twelve to eighteen months of study. The DESC, along with a short medical thesis, culminates in the awarding of a national Doctor in Medicine (MD) diploma.
Regarding the availability of MBBS programs in English in French medical universities, it's essential to note that most medical programs are conducted in French, with only a few exceptions where universities offer a mix of English and French instruction. Therefore, proficiency in French is typically required, with universities often demanding a B2-level proficiency in French for the Medicine Program in France. According to NMC's new guidelines from 2021, completing the entire Medicine course in English is mandatory for the degree to be recognized in India. Unfortunately, none of the medical schools in France offer MBBS courses entirely in English, making it challenging to meet NMC requirements. Thus, if you intend to return to India for Medical PG or practice after completing MBBS in France, you may need to explore other destinations that offer MBBS courses in English.