University Admission

Admission to Medical Study in France 

Medical studies in France are divided into three cycles (PCEM, DCEM and general medicine residency or other specialties) leading to a State Doctor of Medicine Diploma. The procedure to apply to medical university studies in France depends on where he is from

The first cycle (First cycle of Medical studies: PCEM: Premier Cycle d'études Medicales”) last two years. By a competitive examination (Numerous Clauses) at the end of the first year, only about 15 to 20 % of first year students go into second year. The first two years are common for student of Medicine, Pharmacy, Odontology, Nursing and Physio-kinetotherapy in French medical study system.

The maximum number of foreign students from outside the European Union accepted by each medical faculty or department is limited to 8 percent of total admissions, with the condition that the rank of the last foreign student is equal to or higher than that of the last French student admitted. The competitive examination is common to medicine, odontology (dentistry) and midwifery. It is not possible to enroll more than twice in the first-year program.

The second cycle (Second Cycle of Medical Studies: DCEM : ‘’ Deuxième Cycle des Etudes Médicales’’) last four years. In order to go on to the third cycle, fourth-year students must have successfully completed the second cycle and passed the theoretical course exams, validated all in-hospital training periods and participated in required seminars. A nationally ranked examination gives access to a specialty, the choice of which is determined by the rank obtained.
The third cycle includes two programs of study, general medicine or other specialties, both of which lead to a Diplôme d’Études Spécialisées (DES: Specialised Studies Diploma “Diplômes d' Études Spécialisées ”).

The internship for general medicine lasts three years and includes hospital service as well as a six-month placement with a practitioner. The Residency (internship) for other specialties lasts four to five years, depending on the field.

DES programs may be followed by a further specialized training program leading to the Diplôme d’Études Spécialisées Complémentaires (DESC, Further Specialized Studies Diploma) after another twelve to eighteen months of study. The DESC, combined with a short thesis in medicine, leads to a nationally state diploma of Doctor in medicine (MD).

Application for admission to medical study in France

The procedure to apply to medical university studies in France depends on where he is from.
Anyone from an EU /EEA (European Economic Area) member state won’t need a visa to study, and can apply directly to the university or graduate school of their choice.

Otherwise, non- EU /EEA member state need a student visa and can get one either at a French consulate or via Campus France.

During the first year of studies,international student only need to show his visa as proof of his residency status. However, he still needs to register with the immigration office within 30 days of his arrival and undertake a medical examination to validate your visa. From his second year of studies onwards, he must apply for a residency permit (‘’ Carte de Séjour’’).