MBBS in France

Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours 2025-26

France

Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours The history of medical education in Tours goes back to the Gallo-Roman period of the 3rd and 4th centuries, when Emperor Gatien founded an academy in Casehardened, the Roman colony which became the city of Tours.

About Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours

This institution passed on medical knowledge bequeathed from the Greeks to the Latins and then to the natives. Under the Franks, the school slowly developed into an Episcopal School, and learning continued to thrive.

In the days of Norman raids, the art of medicine found shelter in monasteries and cloisters, with the Abbey of Marmo tiers becoming famous for the variety of its learning, especially in medicine, as it treated a great many patients in its infirmary.

Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours – Table Of Contents

About
Advantages
Ranking
Departments And Course Duration
Facilities And Infrastructure
Fee Structure
Required Documents
Eligibility Criteria
Admission Process
Benefits
Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students
FAQ’s

One of the biggest milestones in the institutionalization of medical practice in Tours was in 1408 when King Charles VI gave statutes to the city’s Barbers’ community. This signaled the onset of formal, corporate medical training in the area. Afterwards, in 1594, King Henry IV licensed the founding of a university in Tours; but its establishment was hindered by financial constraints.

Progress was rekindled on July 5, 1766, when a royal proclamation, enrolled in Parliament on September 2 of the same year, established the College of Surgery, providing a strong push for the development of medical education in the city.

Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions

The French Revolution introduced sweeping reforms, eliminating all Colleges and Faculties in existence and proclaiming liberty in the pursuit of professions. Nonetheless, misuses as a result of the unregulated practice of pharmacy and medicine led to the government passing two key pieces of legislation in 1803, bringing regulation back into place and enabling Tours to recover a Free School of Medicine.

Secondary schools of pharmacy and medicine were allowed to develop into preparatory schools from 1825 onwards, although Tours initially saw no advantage in this.

It was through the seminal work of Pierre-Fidèle Bretonneau—famous doctor, professor at Tours School, and head doctor of the hospital—that medical studies were restored to an elevated level. Due to him, the royal ordinance of June 22, 1841, established the Preparatory School of Medicine and Pharmacy at Tours.

This school persisted with the same name until February 10, 1955, when it was designated the National School of Medicine and Pharmacy. On October 1, 1962, the school was formally established as the Joint Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy.

After the Orientation Law for Higher Education in 1968, the French system of universities was reorganized, and in 1969 the University of Tours was established by decree. The Medical Faculty broke away from Pharmacy in 1970 and became a public institution of scientific, cultural, and professional nature.

Only on October 1, 1995, did the Medical Faculty relocate to brand new premises covering 20,000 m² with the objective of hosting teaching, research, and administrative activity to continue to be a foremost center of medical education and research in the region.

Advantages of Studying in Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours

Quality Teaching:

The university is noted for its excellent teaching staff, providing a solid foundation for medical studies.

International Opportunities:

The University of Tours fosters academic excellence with a global perspective, indicated by a high number of international partnerships and the presence of students from around the world.

Diverse Student Body:

With a large international student population from many countries, the faculty provides a rich cultural exchange and broadens students’ perspectives.

Location & Lifestyle Advantages

Rich Cultural Environment:

The city of Tours is a historic and culturally vibrant center located in the Loire Valley, offering numerous cultural activities and associations to explore.

Beautiful Surroundings:

The city’s picturesque location, including the banks of the Loire River, provides a pleasant and scenic environment for both academic and personal life.

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Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours – Ranking

The Université de Tours Faculté de Medicine, based in the ancient city of Tours, is well known as one of the leading French medical faculties. The university itself has a regular strong position in national and international rankings, especially for its medical education, research, and health innovation.

The Faculty of Medicine is favored by its affiliation with the University Hospital of Tours (CHRU de Tours), one of the region’s largest and most technologically equipped hospitals, that adds to the standard of clinical practice training and scope of research opportunities for students.

Its position in international rankings is also supplemented by its involvement in ongoing collaborations, academic exchange schemes, and frontier biomedical research initiatives. It is also renowned for preparing highly competent, ethically sound, and research-focused healthcare professionals, for which reason it is a preferred destination for both French and international medical students.

Departments And Course Duration in Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours

Course Duration and Structure (Parcourse de Medicine)

The medical program in France, including at tenures, is a rigorous and largely structured course that lasts a minimum of 9 to 11 times to become a completely good specialist (e.g., cardiologist, surgeon) or a General Practitioner (Médecin Generalist).

The program is divided into three main cycles

1. Premier Cycle (First Cycle)- Duration 3 Times (PACES is now replaced)

Time 1(Portal Santé) This is the largely picky first time, now organized under a” Portal Santé” (Health Portal) or a” License avec Access Santé” (L.AS) system. scholars take core wisdom modules (biology, chemistry, drugs, deconstruction) alongside a chosen minor (e.g., law, psychology, biology). Success in the time- end examinations, grounded on both major and minor grades, determines entry into the alternate time for a limited number of spots.

Times 2 & 3(DFGSM2 & DFGSM3- Diplôme de conformation Générale en lores Medicals) These times concentrate on foundational medical lores. The class integrates theoretical knowledge with early patient contact and internships.

crucial Subjects Abecedarian deconstruction, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, semiology (the study of signs and symptoms), pharmacology, and preface to pathology.

2. Deuxième Cycle (Alternate Cycle)- Duration 3 Times

Also known as the” External”. scholars are now called externes and admit a paycheck. This cycle involves violent clinical reels in the university sanitarium (CHRU de tenures) alongside continued theoretical courses.

Times 4, 5, & 6(DFASM1, DFASM2, DFASM3- Diplôme de conformation Appolonia en lores Medicals)

scholars rotate through all the major medical and surgical departments.

The public ranking examinations (Prevue’s Class antes Nationals- ECNi, now called EDN- Prevue’s Dematerializes Nationals) are taken at the end of the 6th time. A pupil’s rank determines their choice of specialty and position for the third cycle.

3. Troisi me Cycle (Third Cycle)- Duration 3 to 5 Times

This is the specialization cycle, known as the” Internet”. scholars are now internes(resides) and are full- time paid workers of the healthcare system.

General Medicine (Medicine Générale) 3 times. Training occurs primarily in sanitarium departments and, crucially, in a general guru’s office.

Specialist Disciplines (e.g., Cardiology, Surgery, Pediatrics) 4 to 5 times. largely focused training in a specific field, leading to a Diplôme etudes Specializes (DES).

Crucial Departments for Clinical reels (Deuxième & Troisi me Cycles)

As an externe and interne, you’ll rotate through the colorful clinical departments of the Centre Hospitalier Regional Universitaire (CHRU) de tenures. The main departments include

Internal Medicine
Cardiology
Pulmonology
Gastroenterology
Nephrology
Neurology
Dermatology
Psychiatry
Pediatrics
Gynecology- Obstetrics
General Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology
Visceral Surgery
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Anesthesiology-ferocious Care
Oncology
Radiology and Medical Imaging
Emergency Medicine
Geriatrics

Important Notes for International Students (including on-French speakers)

Language of Instruction The entire program is tutored in French. A high position of proficiency (minimum C1, frequently C2) is obligatory to understand complex coursework and communicate effectively with cases and staff. You’ll need to give an honored French language instrument.

Admission for International Students The process is extremely competitive and managed centrally for the first time.

For EU Students You may apply via the standard French admission platform, Parcourse.

For Non-EU scholars (hours space UE) you must apply through a specific procedure called the” Demanded admission Peelable (DAP)” or via the Etudes en France platform, depending on your country of hearthstone. The number of spots is veritably limited by a public share.

Degree Names You don’t admit an” MBBS” degree. The French medical degrees are the DFGSM, DFASM, and eventually the DES (Diplôme d’Études Spécialisées) which allows you to exercise as a specialist or general guru.

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Facilities And Infrastructure in Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours

The Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine benefits from modern and comprehensive facilities, deeply integrated with one of France’s major university hospitals. Here is a detailed overview of its facilities and infrastructure.

1. Primary Location: Campus Grégoire Mendel / Parc de Grandmont

The main faculty buildings for the first cycle (Years 1-3) and administration are located at this campus, which it shares with the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Lecture Theatres (Amphithéâtres): Large, modern auditoriums equipped with audio-visual technology for lectures.

Tutorial Rooms (Salles de TD): Smaller classrooms for group work, tutorials, and practical sessions.

Libraries:

Bibliothèque Universitaire (BU) Medicine-Sciences: A dedicated library for medical and science students. It offers extensive collections of textbooks, reference works, scientific journals (both physical and digital access via university subscriptions), quiet study areas, group workspaces, and computer stations.

Research Laboratories: The faculty is affiliated with several high-level research units, most notably the UMR Inserm U1253 iBrain (Imaging and Brain). While primarily for researchers and postgraduate students, this connection informs teaching and offers research opportunities in neuroscience, neuroimaging, and neurology.

Campus Amenities: Students have access to the wider university campus facilities, including a university restaurant (CROUS), cafeterias, and sports facilities (SUAPS).

2. The University Hospital: CHRU de Tours (Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire)

This is the core of the clinical training infrastructure for students in the 2nd and 3rd cycles (Years 4-11). The faculty and the hospital are intrinsically linked. The CHRU de Tours is a sprawling complex with several sites, the main ones being:

Hospital Bretonneau: The historic and main university hospital site, hosting many major specialties including emergency, internal medicine, cardiology, and surgery.

Hospital Trousseau: A modern facility specializing in maternity, gynecology-obstetrics, pediatrics, and neonatology.

Hospital Cloche Ville: Dedicated almost entirely to pediatrics.

Hospital Gatien de Cloche Ville: Specializes in psychiatry.

Clinical Training Facilities within the CHRU:

Skills Lab (Laboratories de Competences Medicals): A critical facility for modern medical training. This is a simulated clinical environment where students can practice procedures on high-fidelity mannequins and simulators before performing them on real patients. This includes:

Surgical simulators for suturing and laparoscopy.

Patient simulators for learning resuscitation, auscultation, and childbirth.

Standardized Patient programs (actors trained to simulate illnesses) for honing clinical examination and communication skills.

Anatomy Lab (Salle de Dissection): A modern anatomy laboratory where students learn human anatomy through cadaveric dissection, a fundamental part of the medical curriculum.

Clinical Departments: As an externe and interne, you will train within all the hospital’s clinical departments (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, etc.), which are your real-world classrooms.

Simulation Center (Centre de Simulation): Often going beyond the skills lab, a full-scale simulation center can recreate entire operating rooms or emergency scenarios for team-based training.

3. The University Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Professions (IFSI/IFMK)

While separate from the medical faculty, the Institute de Formation en Soins Informers (IFSI) and the Institute de Formation en Masso-Kinesitherapies (IFMK) are often located nearby or on hospital grounds.

This proximity facilitates interprofessional education, where medical students learn to collaborate with future nurses, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals—a crucial aspect of modern healthcare.

4. Digital and Technological Infrastructure

Virtual Learning Environment (ENT – Environnement Numérique de Travail): The university provides a comprehensive online portal. Students use it to access course schedules, lecture notes (podcasts, slides), grades, email, and digital library resources.

E-Learning Platforms: Extensive use of platforms like Moodle for quizzes, submitting work, and accessing online learning modules.

Digital Medical Resources: The university provides access to major medical databases like PubMed, Cochrane Library, and subscription-based clinical decision support tools.

Official site For Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours: Click Here

Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours Fee Structure

Approximately Estimated fee will be 70 lakhs to 80 lakhs.

Required Documents For Admission in Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours

Valid passport (minimum 18 months validity)
10th and 12th-grade certificates and mark sheets
Birth certificate (translated into French if required).
Ten passport-sized photographs
Official invitation letter from the university
Receipt of first-year tuition fee payment
Medical fitness certificate
Proof of French language proficiency (DELF/DALF, TCF, or equivalent, usually B2 level minimum).

Eligibility Criteria For Admission in Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours

Completion of higher secondary education (10+2) or equivalent with strong performance in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Mathematics.

Minimum age: 17 years at the time of admission.

French language proficiency (B2 level is generally required since the program is taught in French).

International students must also meet Campus France requirements and secure a long-stay student visa.

Admission Process For Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours

Application Submission
- French & EU students apply via the Parcourse platform.
- International (non-EU) Students apply via Études en France (Campus France).
Document Verification
- Submission of transcripts, language proof, and other required documents.
Entrance Pathway
- Students must enroll in the PASS (Parkours daces Specified Santé) or LAS (License Access Santé) system for the first year.
- At the end of this year, students sit for competitive examinations to qualify for entry into the second year of medicine.
Selection & Admission Confirmation
- Admission is highly selective; only top-ranking students’ progress to the medical program.
- Selected students confirm their seat by completing formalities with the faculty.
Visa & Enrollment
- International students obtain a student visa through Campus France and finalize university enrollment in Tours.

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Benefits of Studying at Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours

Prestigious Institution – One of the well-recognized medical faculties in France, with a strong academic and research reputation.

Comprehensive Medical Training – Structured MBBS-equivalent program (Doctor of Medicine) with progressive stages covering theory, clinical practice, and specialization.

Integration with CHRU de Tours – Direct training opportunities at the Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHRU), one of the largest teaching hospitals in the region.

Advanced Facilities – Access to simulation centers, modern laboratories, digital platforms, and research facilities.

International Collaboration – Student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and links with international universities.

Strong Clinical Exposure – Extensive hospital rotations in diverse medical departments such as surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, psychiatry, and emergency medicine.

Affordable Education – Public university with low tuition fees compared to many countries, especially beneficial for international students.

High Employability – Graduates are well-prepared for careers in France, Europe, and beyond due to the globally respected French medical system.

Support for International Students – Guidance through Campus France, language training opportunities, and structured integration programs.

Pathway to Specialization – Wide range of residency (internet) opportunities after the national ranking exam (ECN), allowing students to pursue desired specialties.

Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students in Université de Tours Faculté de Médecine Tours

Globally Recognized Degree – The Diplôme d’État de Docteur en Medicine (equivalent to MBBS) from France is highly respected worldwide and can open opportunities for postgraduate studies or practice abroad.
Affordable Tuition Fees – As a French public university, tuition costs are much lower compared to private medical universities in many countries, making it financially accessible for Indian students.
Quality Medical Education – French medical training is rigorous, clinically oriented, and research-driven, ensuring Indian students gain strong knowledge and practical experience.
Clinical Exposure at CHRU de Tours – Students get hands-on training in one of France’s leading teaching hospitals, which adds immense value to their clinical skills.
Research & Innovation Opportunities – Indian students can participate in biomedical and clinical research projects, enhancing their academic and professional profile.
Cultural Integration Programs – The university and Campus France provide support for international students, including French language courses, cultural orientation, and student networking.
Pathways for Specialization – After the national exam (ECN), Indian students can pursue specialization or residency in diverse fields like surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, cardiology, etc.
Multicultural Learning Environment – Studying alongside French and other international students exposes Indians to diverse medical practices and cultural perspectives.
Opportunities in Europe & Beyond – Graduates can explore careers across the EU or return to India for licensing exams such as the NExT (National Exit Test) or pursue USMLE/PLAB pathways.
Personal Development – Living in Tours, a city known for its student-friendly atmosphere, rich history, and safe environment, helps Indian students adapt comfortably while pursuing higher education.

FAQ’s

What support services are available for international students?

The university provides orientation programs, French language support, academic advising, healthcare services, and cultural integration activities through Campus France and student associations.

Are there scholarships for Indian students?

Yes. Students may apply for Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, French government grants, or regional scholarships, along with Campus France support programs.

Is accommodation available for international students?

Yes. The university, along with CROUS (student housing services), provides affordable residences. Private housing options are also available in Tours.

What is the medium of instruction?

The medical program is taught entirely in French. International students must demonstrate at least B2 level proficiency in the French language (DELF/DALF/TCF).