Studying MBBS in France in 2026 is an exceptional choice for Indian students seeking high-standard medical education at a fraction of the cost found in other top destinations. With prestigious institutions like Sorbonne University and Université Paris-Saclay, France offers a unique, government-subsidized path to a medical career.
This guide details the complex PASS/L.AS system (Parcours d’Accès Spécifique Santé and Licence Accès Santé) updated 2025–2026 tuition fees, and critical (National Medical Commission) NMC compliance rules to ensure your degree is recognised for practice back in India.
Why Study MBBS in France
France’s healthcare system is globally celebrated, ranking 6th on the 2024 Health Care Index. This performance is driven by a vast network of modern medical facilities and a robust infrastructure that ensures high-standard care is accessible to all citizens. For medical students, this translates to a world-class training environment that integrates cutting-edge innovation with a patient-centered approach.
- Heavily Subsidized Fees: The French government assumes the majority of the true educational cost, estimated at €10,000 (INR 10,58,800) annually per student.
- Top-Tier Global Rankings: Several French medical schools rank among the world’s best, with Sorbonne University reaching the 48th position globally for medicine.
- Extensive Clinical Training: From the second cycle of studies, half of a student’s time is dedicated to clinical traineeships within the structured environment of University Hospital Centers (CHUs).
- Global Mobility: French medical degrees are widely recognized by the WHO, the ECFMG, and medical councils across the European Economic Area (EEA).
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The French Medical Education System: PASS vs. L.AS
Medical studies in France are divided into three cycles and typically last between 9 to 12 years. Access to these studies has been reformed into two parallel pathways. (Parcours d’Accès Spécifique Santé PASS) (a health major with a disciplinary minor) or (Licence Accès Santé L.AS) (a non-health license with a health minor). Both routes are highly selective, with progression to the second year determined by competitive year-end examinations.
1. PASS (Parcours d’Accès Spécifique Santé)
This is the primary track for students dedicated to a health major.
- Curriculum: Focused on basic health sciences combined with a disciplinary minor from a non-health field.
- Constraint: Students cannot repeat the PASS year if they do not succeed.
2. L.AS (Licence Accès Santé)
This pathway serves as a critical academic safety net.
- Curriculum: A standard Bachelor’s degree (Licence) in a subject like Biology or History paired with a "health minor".
- Advantage: If a student fails to qualify for the medical track, they can continue their standard degree, avoiding a complete loss of academic progress.
Cost of Studying MBBS in France 2026
French public higher education remains one of the most affordable options globally due to state subsidies. The French government heavily subsidizes the true cost of education. While the actual cost of training a medical student is approximately €10,000 (INR 10,58,800) per year, the state covers the vast majority of this amount for students in public universities.
Tuition Fee Breakdown
| University Type | Annual Fees (EUR) | Annual Fees in INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities (Medicine) | €178 – €1,000 | INR 18,846 – INR 1,05,880 |
| Private Universities | €6,000 – €25,000 | INR 6,35,280 – INR 26,47,000 |
Bachelor’s Level (Cycle 1) registration fees range from €178 (INR 18,846) to €2,895 (INR 3,06,523) Master’s Level (Cycle 2) fees range from €254 (INR 26,894) to €3,941 (INR 4,17,273) per year.
Currency Conversion Note: All INR values are calculated using the fixed rate of 1 Euro = 105.93 Indian Rupee.
Monthly Living Expenses (2026 Estimates)
While tuition is minimal, students must budget for living costs, which are higher in major cities like France.
- Accommodation: €300 – €1,000 (INR 31,764 – INR 1,05,880)
- Food & Groceries: €200 – €400 (INR 21,176 – INR 42,352)
- Transportation: €40 – €110 (INR 4,235 – INR 11,646)
- Health Insurance: €20 – €100 (INR 2,117 – INR 10,588)
Currency Conversion Note: All INR values are calculated using the fixed rate of 1 Euro = 105.93 Indian Rupee.
Top Medical Universities for Indian Students
These universities are recognized for academic excellence and relative affordability.
| France MBBS College | QS Subject Rank 2025 (Medicine) | Annual Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Sorbonne University | 48 | €10,000 (INR 10,58,800) |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 58 | €380 (INR 40,234) |
| Université Paris Cité | 78 | €490 (INR 51,881) |
| Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 | 160 | €178 – €2,895 (INR 18,850 - INR 3,06,581) |
| Université de Montpellier | 251 | €380 (INR 40,234) |
| University of Bordeaux | 201 | €170 (INR 17,999) |
Eligibility and Admission Requirements (2026)
Securing a medical seat in France is a rigorous process involving academic excellence, language mastery, and regulatory compliance. To succeed, Indian students must meet high standards set by both French universities and the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Documents Required:
- NEET-UG Qualification: Indian students must qualify for NEET before starting foreign medical studies to remain eligible to practice in India.
- Academic Prerequisites: A minimum of 50% in Class 12 (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) for General Category students (40% for reserved categories).
- Language Proficiency: French is the mandatory language for clinical training. A minimum B2 level (DELF/DALF) is required for entry, but C1 proficiency is strongly recommended for functional competence in hospitals.
- Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.
NMC (National Medical Commission) Rules for MBBS in France 2026
To practice medicine in India with a French degree, you must follow the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations. These rules ensure that your foreign medical education matches Indian standards, allowing you to legally register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or a State Medical Council.
- Mandatory NEET: Qualification must be obtained prior to departure.
- Course Structure: The program must consist of at least 54 months (4.5 years) of academic and clinical training.
- Linguistic Standards: While the primary instruction in France is French, students must ensure their clinical documentation aligns with Indian standards.
- Licensing Exams: Graduates must clear the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) (or its successor, the NExT) to obtain a license to practice in India.
- Internship: You must complete a 12-month internship in France followed by a supervised 12-month Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) in India.
Scholarships for MBBS in France
France offers several financial aid programs to help Indian students cover their costs. These merit-based awards often go beyond tuition, providing monthly pocket money, health insurance, and flight tickets to make your medical journey more affordable
| Scholarship Name | Annual Value (Approx. INR) | Key Benefits & Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship | INR 22,88,088 (Up to €21,600) | Monthly stipend (€1,181–€1,800), return airfare, health insurance, and cultural activities. |
| Université Paris-Saclay Scholarship | INR 10,59,300 (Up to €10,000) | Annual grant for Master's students, plus up to €1,000 for travel and visa expenses. |
| Émile Boutmy Scholarship | INR 13,77,090 (Up to €13,000) | Significant tuition fee waivers and living allowances for non-EU students at Sciences Po. |
Conclusion
Is MBBS in France the Right Choice for You?
Choosing to study MBBS in France is more than just a medical degree; it is a long-term investment in a world-class career. With tuition fees at public universities as low as €178 (INR 18,850) per year, France offers a unique combination of high-prestige education and unmatched affordability that is rare in the Western world.However, success in France requires a specific mindset.
The 9–12 year journey is longer than the Indian MBBS, and mastering the French language is non-negotiable for clinical success. For students who are committed to academic rigor, want early clinical exposure in advanced European hospitals, and seek a global medical career, France stands as one of the best destinations for the 2025–2026 session.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I study MBBS in France in English?
No, the core medical curriculum is taught strictly in French. While some introductory science modules may be available in English, you must provide proof of French proficiency (minimum B2 level) to enroll. Mastery of the language is essential for clinical rotations and interacting with patients in hospital settings.
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Can I work part-time as a medical student in France?
Yes, Indian students are legally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. During university breaks, you may be permitted to work full-time. While this can help cover personal costs, your primary focus must remain on the highly competitive PASS/L.AS ranking exams.
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How much does MBBS cost in France?
In public universities, tuition is heavily subsidized, with registration fees for the 2025/2026 academic year ranging from €178 (INR 18,846) to €2,895 (INR 3,06,523) per year. Private institutions are more expensive, typically costing between €6,000 (INR 6,35,280) and €25,000 (INR 26,47,000) annually.
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Are French medical degrees valid in India?
Yes, provided you comply with National Medical Commission (NMC) regulations. You must qualify for the NEET exam before starting your studies in France. After graduation, you must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the upcoming National Exit Test (NExT) to obtain an Indian license. Additionally, your course must include at least 54 months of study and a 12-month internship.
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Can Indian MBBS doctors work in France?
Yes, but the process is strictly regulated. Non-EU graduates must pass the EVC (Épreuves de Vérification des Connaissances) licensing exam, complete supervised hospital training for one to two years, and demonstrate French fluency at a B2 or C1 level.
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How to get admission in MBBS in France?
Indian students must apply through the DAP or Parcoursup platforms, providing proof of French proficiency (minimum B2) and strong Class 12 science grades. Success requires passing the highly competitive PASS or L.AS first-year ranking exam to progress to the second year.
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Is France a good country to study MBBS?
France is an excellent choice for dedicated students due to its world-class clinical facilities and low public tuition fees. However, it requires a long-term commitment of 9–12 years and near-native mastery of the French language.
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