Individuals holding an occupational therapy degree obtained outside the European Union may apply to join an occupational therapy training institute.

You must pass the selection tests organized by the institute.

After your admission, the institution reviews your educational background and may grant you an exemption from part of the coursework .

If you are a refugee, special provisions may apply if you do not have all the documents relating to your education. For example, you do not have to provide the detailed program of studies (hours, subjects, internships).

There are 28 institutions offering occupational therapy training throughout France.

Here is the list of cities with the possibility of admission for holders of an occupational therapy degree obtained outside the European Union:

• Paris - ADERE
• Créteil - Paris-Est Créteil University (UPEC)
• Berck-sur-Mer - Institute for Occupational Therapy Training
• Lille / Loos-Eurasanté - Institute for Occupational Therapy Training
• Nevers - Institute for Occupational Therapy Training
• Bordeaux - Institute for Occupational Therapy Training
• Limoges - ILFOMER
• Lyon - ISTR
• Montpellier - Institute for Occupational Therapy Training
• Marseille - Aix-Marseille University

The dates of the exams, the number of places available, and the required documents may change each year. Please check the institution's website directly before submitting your application.

Do you want to study in another city?

You can find a list of the 16 other institutions offering the State Diploma in Occupational Therapy on the Onisep website. You should contact the institutions listed to see if they offer admissions for graduates from outside the European Union.

Training costs depend on the institution and your situation.

Before starting your training, contact the institute to inquire about:

• the cost of training;
• your possible support from the Region;
• the financial assistance you may be entitled to.

If you are a job seeker, contact your France Travail advisor before starting any training. Depending on your situation, the training may be funded by the Region, France Travail, or another organization.

You can also consult occupational therapy training courses on France Travail. The site provides information on open sessions and may indicate:

• financing options;
• support and remuneration during training;
• any remaining costs that you will be responsible for.

Students enrolled in healthcare training may also, depending on their region and situation, apply for a regional scholarship or other financial aid .

The documents required vary depending on the institution.

But, in general, you will need to give:

• your occupational therapy degree;
• documents relating to your training, if you have them;
• your CV;
• a cover letter;
• documents relating to your professional experience;
• an identity document (residence permit, passport...);
• a French translation of some documents.

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

If you are a beneficiary of international protection , indicate this in your application.

You will then need to take:

• a written eligibility test: study of a clinical situation (3 hours);
• admission tests, including an interview and a practical test.

Please note: the number of places available outside the standard admission procedure via Parcoursup is limited.

You will therefore need to prepare for the tests.

You can consult the subjects studied in article 12 of this decree.

After your admission, the institute reviews your background.

Depending on your education and experience, you may be eligible for an exemption from part of your schooling.

You must follow the required courses and validate your path to obtain the French state diploma in occupational therapy.

Once you have obtained this diploma, you can practice as an occupational therapist in France.