If you have a diploma in podiatry obtained outside the European Union, you can apply to a training institute with a specific procedure.

Prepare in particular:

• your diploma in pedicure-podiatry;
• documents about your training;
• transcripts, if you have them;
• documents about your internships;
• documents about your professional experience;
• your CV;
• a cover letter;
• an identity document (residence permit, passport...);
• a certificate of French language proficiency;
• the translation into French of the requested documents.

Read the Refugees.info fact sheet " Requesting an official translation of a document "

If you have refugee status, you do not have to provide the detailed transcript of study program normally required of other applicants.

The selection process includes a written test, an oral interview, and a practical exercise.

Places are limited. The number of places open to candidates holding a diploma obtained outside the European Union is limited to 5% of the number of places in the first year of the institute.

To find out precisely the content of the tests and the skills assessed, consult the decree relating to the State diploma of chiropodist-podiatrist.

You can, in particular, review:

• the anatomy and physiology of the lower limb and foot;
• dermatology and pathologies of the skin and nails;
• biomechanics and gait analysis;
• the main pathologies treated in podiatry;
• clinical examination and clinical reasoning;
• podiatry care;
• orthotics and podiatric devices;
• hygiene and prevention of infectious risk.

You can contact the institute to which you wish to apply to ask if there are past papers, practice questions or a recommended bibliography to prepare for the selection tests.

There are 15 training institutes for podiatry in France. You can find the complete list here.

If the procedure for exemption from studies is not indicated, contact the institute directly and specify your situation.

You can apply directly to one or more institutes.

Admission requirements may vary depending on the institution: application to download, online application or submission of the application.

Training institutes with a specific procedure:

• IFRES - Alençon
• Bordeaux University Hospital - Institute for Training in Podiatry
• Institute of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Orthopedics - Lille
• Aix-Marseille University
• National Institute of Podiatry - Paris
• National Institute of Podiatry - Grand Est
• Toulouse University Hospital - Institute for Training in Pedicure-Podiatry

Another possibility: entering after a year at university

In Rennes, it is possible to apply for the IFPEK pedicure-podiatrist training after a first year of university, particularly in PASS or L.AS , or after certain STAPS courses.

After your application has been reviewed, you will have to undergo selection tests.

The selection includes:

A written eligibility test

This is a clinical case study.

It allows, in particular, the evaluation of:

• your professional knowledge;
• your analytical skills;
• your ability to offer appropriate care.

Admission tests

If you are deemed eligible, you then proceed to:

• an oral interview;
• a practical exercise.

These tests allow us to assess:

• your professional background;
• your motivations;
• your knowledge;
• your professional skills;
• your ability to analyze a clinical situation.

The complete training program lasts 3 years.

It includes:

• theoretical teachings;
• practical exercises;
• internships.

After your admission, the institute may exempt you from certain teaching units and periods of clinical training depending on your initial training, your results in the selection tests and your professional experience.

Depending on your situation, you may have to complete the entire training course or only a part of it .

Training costs depend on the institution chosen.

They cost around 2,000 euros in public institutions and
9,950 euros in private institutes.

Before registering for a paid training course, it is recommended to check:

• the annual cost of training;
• the cost of materials;
• registration fees;
• scholarship opportunities;
• financing options.

If you are a job seeker

Discuss your project with your France Travail advisor before starting the training.

Depending on your situation, you can search for aid to finance your training.

Aid from your region

The Regions can propose aid or scholarships for certain health and paramedical training programs.
The conditions depend on your region and your situation.

When you graduate , you can work:

• in private practice;
• at the hospital;
• in a clinic;
• in a medical-social establishment;
• in a health center.

Continue your studies

The diploma allows one to have a bachelor's degree level qualification.

You can continue your studies at university, particularly in related fields:

• public health;
• biomechanics;
• educational sciences;
• ergonomics.

After gaining professional experience, you have the opportunity to pursue further training to specialize in:

• sports podiatry
• podiatry
• geriatric podiatry
• ...