Even if France is one of the world's most popular study abroad destinations, the access to medical studies for foreign students is very competitive and limited. Transfer student must pass by first year medical exam. Regardless of their level of medical training, international students wishing to obtain a medical degree in France must pass the examination given at the end of the first year of medical study (PACES). Students who pass the exam may then transfer to their appropriate level in the curriculum. A medical residency competition governs entry into the third (doctoral-level) stage of medical education. Registration for the competition must be completed by the end of March. Eligibility tests are administered in September by France’s embassies (cultural office) and consulates. Admission tests are given in December. In 2012-13, a total of 17 residencies were offered in the 11 specialties. Physicians (general practitioners or specialists) who have received their medical degree abroad may earn a specialized or advanced specialized diploma in France. The forms needed to register for the DFMS (Diplôme de formation médicale spécialisée: Specialised Studies Diploma ) or DFMSA (Diplôme de formation médicale spécialisée approfondie: Further Specialized Studies Diploma) are available from the cultural office at France’s embassies. The number of places available is limited by discipline and specialty for each region of the world. Source
