Studying in the medical field in Spain An alternative to PASS and LAS for French students
Medical studies in France are renowned for their selective and elitist nature. Although recent years have seen a diversification of access routes with the PASS and LAS, many French students continue to turn to universities abroad to pursue their dreams of becoming a dentist, physiotherapist, pharmacist or doctor.
In this article, we try to understand why so many students choose this path, the advantages that universities in Spain offer and some of the challenges that French students face if they make this choice.
You'll discover how and why training in the medical field in Spain can be a smart alternative for French students looking for a quality learning opportunity in Europe.
Medical studies in France
Medical studies in France are renowned for being selective and elitist.
However, numerous reforms have been put in place to make this training more accessible.
Among these, the creation of the PASS and LAS during the PACES reform in 2020 gave students an alternative to the old system. In addition, the abolition of the numerus clausus in 2021 has opened up new prospects in terms of the number of places available.
These reforms aim to offer more opportunities to students with a passion for the medical profession.
Advantages of private medical universities in Spain
Spain's private medical universities offer several advantages to French students:
- Firstly, they enable students who have failed in France to continue their studies in physiotherapy or dentistry, thus circumventing the ban on repeating a year introduced by the PACES reform.
- What's more, admission to these private medical schools is often by application, Spanish and/or English test, giving motivated students a chance to realize their dream of becoming a doctor if they have a very good academic record and a very good level of Spanish. This is the case, for example, for those who have followed a Bachibac section.
Adapting to life in Spain for French students
French students who choose to pursue their medical studies in Spain are not disoriented, as they often find a French community already present in the country.
This allows them to support each other, review together and create strong bonds in an expatriate context.
Although educational systems and learning approaches differ (especially between French universities and private universities in Spain), French students adapt easily to Spanish private universities, which offer :
- a very high quality of teaching,
- modern equipment in the faculties of dentistry and physiotherapy,
- and above all, relationships and exchanges with their professors that are nothing like what they experienced in medical school in France.
Advantages of studying in Spain
Studying in Spain offers many additional advantages for French students:
- Firstly, it enables them to learn a new language and become bilingual, which is always a considerable asset,
- What's more, theexperience of studying abroad and living in a sunny country creates unforgettable memories and shapes students' personalities. Some of them even decide to stay on in Spain and go on to specialize in a Master's degree, which opens up wider professional opportunities within the European Union.
Disadvantages of studying in Spain
It's important to consider the disadvantages of studying the medical field in Spain.
One of the main disadvantages is the high financial cost. Registration and tuition fees can vary considerably from institution to institution, which can represent a significant financial burden for students and their families.
Moreover, the workload is considerable, with teaching in a language that is not the mother tongue of French students.
To this can be added the stress of failing and having to retake subjects...bearing in mind that subjects not taken within the year stipulated in the university study plan have to be paid for (sometimes at a high price: 6 times the initial fee for the subject!), both in private and public universities.
You should also be aware that some French students cannot afford this option because of financial constraints.
However, among the latter, those with a very good academic record and a very good level of Spanish may consider applying to study at public universities in Spain.
Access to these universities is difficult, as they are highly selective, but not impossible. Every year, FEEduc assists students entering public universities in Spain).
How to become a student in Spain
Before you leave to study in Spain, it's essential to take certain steps.
French students must convert their baccalaureate through UNED, which is in charge of this conversion and issues the recognized accreditation, called credencial. For further information, click here.
It's also important to have at least B1 or B2 proficiency in Spanish before departure, as all courses will be taught in this language.
Having DELE or SIELE certification can be an excellent reference for preparing your departure and attesting to your language skills.
Growing interest in studying abroad
Over the years, there has been a growing trend increasing tendency for French students to study among French students, particularly in the medical field (physiotherapy, dentistry, pharmacy).
Spain is one of their preferred destinations, but other countries such as Romania and Belgium are also attracting considerable interest. Beware, however, of disparities in teaching quality between countries and universities!
This trend is not exclusive to medical studies, as Spanish architecture and business schools are also in high demand. French students are attracted by the quality of teaching, modern facilities and the opportunity to experience cultural immersion in a country new to them: Spain.
In conclusion, private medical universities in Spain offer an interesting alternative for French students wishing to pursue studies in the field of medicine. Despite disadvantages such as high fees and intense workloads, there are many advantages to consider, such as the possibility of bypassing the difficulties of access in France, easier adaptation, the acquisition of a new language and the possibility of obtaining a recognized European diploma.
Choosing tostudy in Spain represents an opportunity for personal and professional enrichment for French students, opening up new perspectives in many fields, including medicine.
Your questions about medical studies in Spain 📚 FEEduc's FAQ about health studies in Spain
French students often opt for private universities in Spain because of the ease of access to medical courses and the possibility of bypassing the difficulties of the French system.
What's more, Spanish universities offer excellent teaching quality, modern facilities and enriching cultural immersion.
Physiotherapy studies, followed by dental studies, are the most popular among French students studying in Spain.
Medical studies, veterinary studies and dental studies are in order the 3 most difficult to access in the medical field in Spain.
Spain's reputation, which has been generating growing interest over the past 10 years, and the small number of places available in both public and private universities in Spain, make it one of the 3 most selective healthcare courses in Spain, and therefore the most difficult to access.
Admission requirements may vary from one university to another, but applicants may have to undergo a selection process based on a portfolio, language tests (Spanish and/or English), scientific tests and motivational interviews.
A minimum level of competence in Spanish of B1 or B2 is recommended.
Medical universities in Spain are renowned for their superior teaching quality and state-of-the-art facilities.
What's more, obtaining a European diploma enables students to practice their profession in any country of the European Union.
Disadvantages include high tuition and fees at private universities, as well as an intense workload.
In addition, adapting to a new education system and language can be an initial challenge for some students.
Yes, French students who obtain a medical degree in Spain can return to France and practice their profession.
Spanish diplomas are generally recognized in other European countries, enabling students to obtain the necessary authorizations or to register with the professional association for the profession for which they have obtained a diploma in Spain.
Before leaving, French students must convert their Baccalauréat through UNED to obtain a recognized accreditation.
They must also ensure that they have an adequate level of Spanish proficiency, and can take the DELE test to certify their language skills.
We recommend that you take a look at all the steps to be taken on our dedicated page.
Yes, there are specialized agencies that can help French students with their studies in Spain.
These agencies offer advice on universities, administrative procedures, accommodation, etc.
FEEduc, for example, has over 10 years' experience and insight into higher education and universities in Spain, and can therefore give you the best advice and support for your project to study in Spain, whether in the medical field or any other field of study in Spain.
