The University of Montpellier's Faculty of Medicine is one of the oldest continuously operating medical schools in the world, founded in 1220 (predating most European universities). It is where Rabelais, Nostradamus, and numerous historical physicians trained. Today it remains one of France's leading medical faculties, with clinical rotations at the CHU Montpellier — a 2,600-bed university hospital centre that is the largest employer in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and a national reference centre for rare diseases, organ transplantation, and neuroscience.

Research strengths include the Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy (IRMB), the Institute of Functional Genomics, and cancer biology. Montpellier is France's fastest-growing city, offering Mediterranean climate, vibrant student life (one-third of residents are students), excellent food, beaches, and proximity to both mountains and Spain. Living costs are significantly lower than Paris.

For UK students with French proficiency, Montpellier offers historic prestige, excellent research opportunities, Mediterranean lifestyle, and affordable living — with an EU-recognised medical degree qualifying for GMC registration.