France is home to some of the world’s most famous scientists who have made significant, timeless, and relevant contributions to the medical industry. It is, therefore, not surprising why it is a popular country of choice to study medicine.
For the past years, the number of international students in France has been increasing. French universities have a reputation and record for producing doctors and healthcare professionals in the field. Medical training in French universities is similar to being immersed in the practical, historical traditions and practices that have helped shape the world of medicine as it is today.
Are you an aspiring medical student? If you’re planning, you can also consider studying in France to widen your learning opportunities and have the best experience in the field. To help you with this, we listed the best universities in France for medicine. We hope that it will help you!
Can International Students Enroll in Medical Schools in France?
International internship or exchange programs have become popular in most universities. Medical universities in France are no exception. Most schools offering graduate and postgraduate studies in medicine in France have opened their gates to international students. These students are afforded the same quality education that local students enjoy.
Sorbonne University in Paris is one example of a university that accommodates foreign students. Through the university’s student exchange program, international students may choose to complete one degree, or attend short-term classes.
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What is the Medical Curriculum Like in Medical Schools in France?
Medical schools in France are known to provide the longest and most rigid training and study program in order to earn a degree in medicine. Studying medicine in France takes nine whole years to complete. Medical study in France is generally divided into three stages. The first stage includes two years of studying under a general or common health curriculum.
After the first stage, students are required to take an examination. If they pass, they may continue to the second stage where medical students are introduced to major disciplines and gain a deeper understanding of medical principles.
After the second stage, students will again undergo an assessment which will determine whether they may continue to residency. The third stage includes hospital training, thesis defense, and a national examination. Only after passing all these stages can students earn their medical degree.
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Top Medical Schools in France
1. Sorbonne University
Although founded recently in January 2018, Sorbonne University is not a novice in educational institutes. The name Sorbonne itself is almost synonymous to the scientific revolution, having housed laboratories that are home to notable inventions. Historically, the Sorbonne refers to the structure that later became known as the University of Paris.
It was only in 2018 when leading universities Paris-Sorbonne and Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) finalized the merger, and paved the way for the creation of a new, world-class university.
Prior to the union of these education systems, Paris-Sorbonne and UPMC have already established names for themselves and were known leaders in medical and physical science education. These universities’ reputations and expertise have been carried over to and are now part of Sorbonne University’s foundation. As a result, Sorbonne University is the best medical school in France.
2. Université de Paris
Due to another merger (Paris Diderot, Paris Descartes, and Institut de physique du globe de Paris), Université de Paris is an internationally acclaimed university offering clinical medicine.
This top medical school in France teaches the three cycles of medical studies. Apart from medical courses, Université de Paris holds an impressive academic reputation as a university that applies up-to-date teaching methodologies across multiple disciplines, which are structured to prepare students for global competition.
3. Claude Bernard University Lyon
Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 is a key player in French innovations holding the record for the most number of patents filed by a French university. Lyon 1 fosters a community of diversity, not only with its multiracial campuses but also with its multidisciplinary education system. In fact, Lyon 1 is not only known to excel in medical courses. Its expertise is spread across other fields such as science and technology, and sport.
Despite its intensive academic program, Lyon 1 does not compromise students’ lifestyles and makes sure its learners have a venue for self-expression and leisure. Lyon 1 has The Lab, which refers to a dedicated team of medical students that aims to provide academic assistance to other students studying medicine.
4. Aix-Marseille University
Composed of five campuses, Aix-Marseille University, one of the best medical schools in France, is the biggest French-speaking university with a multidisciplinary education program, as evident in the large number of international enrollees granted admission every year. The Aix-Marseille University upholds an internationally competitive platform for research and education throughout all disciplines, which include Health, Languages, and Human Sciences.
AMU also offers opportunities for continuing education in medicine. Some of the opportunities offered in AMU’s medical program are General Training Diploma in Medical Sciences, Advanced Diploma in Medical Sciences, a Diploma of Specialized Studies, and a Doctorate in Medicine.
5. Université Montpellier
Université Montpellier is one of the top medical universities in France that seamlessly fuses traditional teaching and contemporary approaches to medical training. Being the sixth largest university in France, UM is one of the country’s leading universities in academic excellence and research initiatives. It was established in 2015 during the merger of the two Montpellier (1 and 2) universities.
Complementing its strong historical background, especially in the field of medicine, UM also excels in other fields such as agriculture, engineering, economics, and political science. Its wide-ranging multidisciplinary study program is tied up with a good network of partnerships, providing its students a competitive training ground.
6. University of Strasbourg
With a history that dates back five centuries, the University of Strasbourg was born in 2009 when the three universities Louis Pasteur University (Strasbourg 1), Marc Bloch University (Strasbourg II), and Robert Schuman University (Strasbourg III), decided to unify into one academic community.
This unification did not only produce a powerful institution but one that offers a diverse and comprehensive range of disciplines. The University of Strasbourg maintains international distinction in the field of medicine and research, with the help of facilities, such as the Clinical Investigation Center, that are accessible to students.
7. University de Bordeaux
In the league of schools offering higher education, another medical school to make a reputable name is the University of Bordeaux. With a considerably large range of courses offered, the University of Bordeaux welcomes applicants looking to complete a degree or enroll in one of its exchange programs.
In addition to undergoing radical training in the main fields of discipline, students are taught to develop social awareness and involvement through their participation in various university activities and elections. As a top medical school in France, the University of Bordeaux remains true to its principle of providing quality education by employing doctorate degree holders and instructors who exhibit expertise in the medical field.
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8. University of Lille
The University of Lille was established in 2018, via the merger of three institutes; the University of Science and Technology, the University of Health and Law, and Charles de Gaulle University.
It is one of the biggest educational institutes in France and is also among the largest French-speaking universities.
The faculty of medicine hones the largest research and medical training center in France. The institute is partnered with the best university hospitals in France, cultivating a faculty that greatly benefits from excellent care.
The University of Lille has been successfully delivering an education of standard quality that consists of theory, partnered with intensive clinical practice, conducted in partnered university hospitals. Programs at Lille are constructed and administered by faculty that are internationally recognized and are also actively involved in maintaining international partnerships, which bring in benefits such as advanced educational tools.
9. Paris-East Créteil University
The Paris-Est Créteil University (UPEC) is situated in Paris. It is an easily accessible institute that consists of up to 38,000 students. It is a renowned public institution that receives support from both the government and Europe.
Students from UPEC also benefit from its diverse relationships with businesses, which has improved its presence among locals. Its students are therefore favored when it comes to career opportunities.
UPEC further boasts of a diverse international population, welcoming up to 3700 international students each year, in addition to other guests like lecturers, and researchers. International students are also provided with great facilities like language courses, healthcare access, and administrative support for any issues they may face.
UPEC offers a range of excellent programs of international standard, paired with state-of-the-art facilities, to its students, making it one of the leading medical schools in France. The programs successfully incorporate scientific, academic, and technological culture.
10. University of Nantes
The current University of Nantes was established in 1970 and replaced the former university of the same name that was founded in 1460. It is a public institute situated in Nantes, France.
The University is quite popular among the international community, as it holds partnerships with up to 500 institutes in up to 60 nations around the world. This is with the idea of developing mobility among students and lecturers and encouraging joint programs and joint research programs.
Nantes is also ranked among the 500 top universities globally, by the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, in 10 disciplines, including clinical medicine.
Nantes University follows the LMD European system, in which post-secondary education comes in 3 divisions; the Licence, Master’s, and Ph.D. (License refers to a bachelor’s degree). While credits provided at the institute are according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
11. University of Lorraine
The University of Lorraine was established in 2012, following the merger of several institutes; Paul Verlaine University – Metz, the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine (INPL), the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine (INPL), and Henri Poincaré University.
Lorraine is also committed to nurturing a “cross-border culture” via its cooperation with its 7 partner universities, within the region referred to as the ‘Greater Region,’ by facilitating the mobility of its students and faculty members between its partner institutes.
The faculty of medicine at Lorraine University goes above and beyond simply producing medical professionals. Lorraine has been committed to improving Lorraine’s health system and elevating the overall level of health of Lorraine’s citizens, via quality training and active involvement in innovative health missions.
The medical faculty at Lorraine, which makes it one of the top medical schools in France, has been actively involved in Lorraine’s economic development, via its innovations and research in the health field, along with its apt training of health professionals especially tailored to the needs of its territory.
12. Normal Superior School
Normal Superior School traces back to 1794 when it was first founded to provide training for teachers. The school was later re-established in 1826. It is a public higher education institute that works parallel to the main structure of the public universities in France.
The school is referred to as a ‘Grande Ecole’ in France, which is a term given to elite academic institutions in France. Hence, students are admitted via a highly competitive selection process.
Degrees at the institute are highly valued, and students generally go on to serve in prestigious government positions, administrations, and in elite businesses in France.
The medical program at the university goes to great lengths to prepare its students for research. Students are provided with medical and scientific tutors. They also engage in training alongside their studies and get involved in internships in laboratories. Students are also encouraged to finish up a research thesis before the completion of their education in medicine.
13. University of Angers
The University of Angers (UA) roots back to the 11th century when it was initially formed under the name School of Angers, and only came to be known as the University of Angers in 1337. It was later re-established in 1971, after being closed for nearly 2 centuries.
UA today offers courses that are career-oriented and original. The institute is also known for having the greatest range of vocational bachelor’s degree programs in the Western region of France. UA is also very much internationally aligned, due to its 300-plus international partners.
AU offers a great range of courses in the medical field such as; medicine, midwifery, and pharmacy. Thus, it’s one of the top medical schools in France. Additionally, the medicine program AU offers consists of medical studies from 2nd to 6th-year medicine. Students with the necessary entry requirements can enroll in the program.
France has been at the top of its game when it comes to medical degrees. It offers excellent degrees at a cost that is affordable when compared to several similar programs from other countries.
France is also home to some of the best globally ranked universities that have showcased great innovation and advanced learning methods. Hence anyone pursuing a medical degree in France would be receiving a highly valued degree of international standard.
France also offers a great student lifestyle, with plenty of beautiful cities and activities to experience. Students would certainly be walking out with plenty of precious experiences and memories.
We hope that this article on the best medical schools in France was helpful. To know more information like this, check out the Programs in Europe for International Students.
