Table of contents
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Les Sherpas - for flexible, personalized support from secondary school to PASS, from €14/hour (50% tax credit applicable)
- Cours Galien - for intensive, structured preparation with a nationally reported 87% success rate (€3,450–€4,400/year)
- Médiclasse - for 100% online preparation with live HD classes and peer mentoring (€500–€2,500/year)
Full comparative summary
The table below compares the three platforms across the dimensions that matter most to students and parents: format, subject coverage, key strengths, annual cost, and the student profile each serves best.
| Rank | Platform | Format | Coverage | Key strengths | Annual cost (approx.) | Ideal student profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Les Sherpas | Online or at home | 50+ subjects including all PASS disciplines | Personalization, certified teachers, Sherpas Method®, 50% tax credit | From €14/hour | Secondary & higher education students seeking targeted support |
| 2 | Cours Galien | In-person & online (ePASS) | PASS, LAS, L1SpS - health preparatory program | Exclusive method, 154h+ of classes, 87% success rate, oral preparation | €3,450–€4,400 | Highly motivated students targeting first-attempt admission |
| 3 | Médiclasse | 100% online (live HD) | PASS preparation, QCM, mock exams | Live studio classes, peer mentoring, schedule flexibility | €500–€2,500 | Independent, digitally oriented students outside major cities |
Platform #1 - Personalized tutoring
Why choose Les Sherpas for progressive, personalized medical preparation?
Les Sherpas have established themselves as the leading reference in personalized academic support in France. With over 40,000 families supported and a network of 4,000 certified teachers, the platform places personalization and pedagogical consistency at the heart of its model.
The pedagogical approach
Their proprietary Sherpas Method® is structured around three phases: an initial assessment to identify gaps, tailored one-to-one lessons, and regular monitoring of progress. Teachers - often graduates of leading engineering or medical schools - guide each student toward a clear objective: developing genuine intellectual autonomy, academic confidence, and effective study habits that will serve them throughout their medical career.
Lessons are available at home or online and cover more than 50 subjects, including all the key disciplines assessed in PASS: mathematics, biology, physics-chemistry, and chemistry. The offer is completed by intensive revision courses and a library of free resources - a blog, video tutorials, and webinars - consulted by over 4 million readers each month.
Pricing & tax considerations
One-to-one lessons start from €14 per hour. Home-tutoring sessions qualify for the French personal services tax credit (crédit d'impôt services à la personne), which reimburses 50% of the cost - reducing the effective hourly rate to as little as €7 for eligible households. This makes Les Sherpas the most financially accessible option of the three platforms reviewed.
Practical example: a student in the final year of secondary school can complete an intensive mathematics revision programme before entering PASS, then continue with targeted weekly biology sessions during the academic year - all within a controlled and adjustable budget.
Advantages
- Maximum flexibility: frequency, subject, and format adjustable at any time
- Widest subject coverage (50+ disciplines)
- Most accessible entry price (from €14/h)
- 50% tax credit for home sessions
- Early preparation possible from secondary school
Limitations
- Less specialized in PASS-specific QCM methodology than a dedicated prep school
- No structured mock examination programme
- Requires student autonomy to sustain pace
"I started working with a Les Sherpas teacher in January of my final secondary school year. By the time I entered PASS, my biology foundations were solid enough that I could focus entirely on learning the methodology - it made a real difference in the first semester."
- Camille, 2nd-year medical student, Faculty of BordeauxHow to register with Les Sherpas - step by step
- Visit sherpas.com/cours/medecine and select your subjects
- Complete the free initial assessment to identify priority areas
- Browse certified teacher profiles and book a first trial lesson
- Define your lesson frequency and preferred format (at home or online)
- Track progress via the student portal and adjust as needed
Our editorial position: Les Sherpas is the most versatile and financially accessible solution for consolidating scientific skills, whether before entering PASS or during the academic year to address specific weaknesses. It excels as either a standalone support tool or as a complement to a dedicated preparatory programme.
Platform #2 - Intensive preparatory school
Why choose Cours Galien for intensive PASS and LAS preparation?
Founded in 1987, Cours Galien is the long-standing institutional reference in health preparatory programs in France. Its reputation rests on an exclusive teaching methodology, rigorous individual monitoring, and an 87% national success rate that positions it among the country's most effective preparatory schools. Note that this figure reflects aggregate national results; outcomes may vary between Galien centres and cohorts.
Programme structure & methodology
Cours Galien offers three distinct programmes tailored to different student needs and constraints:
- Annual PASS/LAS preparation - 154+ hours of structured classes, weekly mock examinations, and a dedicated oral examination seminar
- Online ePASS preparation - full digital programme with adaptive QCM and personalized academic monitoring
- Oral preparation - focused sessions to develop communication skills for the selection interview stage of LAS/L1SpS pathways
All students benefit from regular individual assessments, mentoring by second-year medical students, and access to a dedicated digital platform combining course recordings, QCM banks, and performance analytics.
Pricing & financial support
Annual fees range from €3,450 to €4,400 depending on the programme and centre. This investment reflects the density of supervision - over 150 classroom hours, weekly mock exams, oral coaching, and continuous individual monitoring - that characterizes the Galien model. Scholarships of up to €1,500 are available for students receiving financial aid; eligibility criteria are detailed on the Galien website.
Concrete example: the Cours Galien annual PASS programme in Rennes delivers over 150 hours of instruction, weekly mock examination sessions, and in-depth oral preparation - representing one of the most comprehensive annual preparatory offerings available in France.
Advantages
- Nationally reported 87% success rate - one of the highest in France
- Most structured and comprehensive programme (154h+ of instruction)
- Weekly mock exams closely aligned with university QCM format
- Oral preparation included - often overlooked by other platforms
- Scholarships available (up to €1,500)
Limitations
- Highest annual investment (€3,450–€4,400)
- Intensive pace demands a high level of personal commitment
- In-person centres available in a limited number of French cities
"The weekly mock exams were the real differentiator for me. By November I was already familiar with every question format and time constraint. I passed PASS first attempt - I genuinely don't think I would have without Galien's structure."
- Antoine, 3rd-year medical student, Faculty of Paris DescartesHow to enrol at Cours Galien - step by step
- Visit cours-galien.fr and select the programme (annual PASS, ePASS, or oral preparation)
- Choose your nearest centre or the online option
- Submit your enrolment application and supporting documents
- Apply for a scholarship if you receive means-tested financial aid
- Attend the opening assessment session and receive your personalised schedule
Our editorial position: For students who are fully committed to passing PASS or LAS on their first attempt and who thrive in a highly structured environment, Cours Galien is the established institutional reference. Its combination of pedagogical tradition and digital innovation makes it the dominant platform in this market segment.
Platform #3 - 100% online preparatory school
Why choose Médiclasse for fully online PASS preparation?
The most recent entrant among the top three, Médiclasse positions itself as the reference platform for 100% online PASS preparation. Created by the Cartesia Education group, it combines the academic rigour of a traditional preparatory school with the scheduling flexibility that e-learning makes possible.
The pedagogical approach
Classes are delivered live by specialist teachers from HD studios equipped with interactive whiteboards, producing broadcast-quality instruction. Students have access to a comprehensive library of revision sheets, personalized QCM adapted to their performance level, and mock examinations modelled on actual university assessment conditions. Each enrolled student is paired with a second-year medical student tutor, available by video call or message for academic and motivational support.
Pricing
Médiclasse's pricing is not publicly listed in full detail - a custom quote is required - but the platform is generally positioned in the €500 to €2,500 per year range depending on programme depth and support level. This places it significantly below the cost of comparable in-person preparatory schools, which can reach €9,000 per year at the premium end of the market.
Practical example: a student based in a rural area without access to a local preparatory school can follow the complete Médiclasse programme from home, attending all live sessions and benefiting from the same pedagogical framework as students in major cities.
Advantages
- 100% online - accessible from anywhere in France
- Live HD classes maintain real-time pedagogical interaction
- Substantially lower cost than in-person prep schools
- Peer mentoring by confirmed medical students
- Flexible scheduling compatible with other commitments
Limitations
- Pricing not fully transparent - custom quote required
- Requires strong self-discipline and reliable internet connection
- Less immersive than in-person group preparation
"I was in a small town with no preparatory school nearby. Médiclasse gave me exactly the same resources as students in Paris - live classes, QCM practice, a tutor I could message at any time. It felt like a real class, not just video recordings."
- Inès, 2nd-year medical student, Faculty of GrenobleHow to register with Médiclasse - step by step
- Visit mediclasse.fr and browse the available programmes
- Request a personalised quote and information session
- Choose your programme level (QCM focus, full prep, etc.)
- Receive your live class timetable and digital resource access
- Connect with your assigned second-year medical student mentor
Our editorial position: Médiclasse dominates the 100% online segment of the French medical preparatory market. It is the most relevant choice for students who prioritize schedule flexibility, geographic independence, and a cost level well below that of traditional in-person prep schools.
Comparison - Which platform leads which market segment?
Academic support in medicine has evolved considerably. Today's platforms combine digital innovation, individual personalization, and institutional academic excellence. The three platforms reviewed here are not in direct competition - each dominates a distinct segment of the market and addresses a different student profile.
| Platform | Leads on | Key differentiator | Best-fit student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Les Sherpas | Flexibility & accessibility | Personalized one-to-one support across 50+ subjects, 50% tax credit, lowest entry cost | Students needing targeted gap-filling from secondary school through PASS |
| Cours Galien | Intensity & results | 154h+ of structured classes, 87% national success rate, weekly mock exams, oral prep | Highly motivated students committed to first-attempt PASS or LAS admission |
| Médiclasse | Online accessibility | 100% live HD instruction, peer mentoring, well below in-person prep school pricing | Independent, digitally comfortable students outside major French cities |
Our recommendation by student profile
- For progressive, personalized academic support from secondary school: Les Sherpas
- For intensive, structured PASS/LAS preparation with the highest documented success rate: Cours Galien
- For comprehensive, flexible 100% online preparation: Médiclasse
Whatever the format you choose, the decisive factors remain study consistency and methodological discipline. Academic support is not a compensatory measure - it is a performance accelerator for students who commit to using it fully.
Useful external resources
The following official and institutional sources provide additional context for understanding the French medical access reform and the financial support available for academic preparation.
- 🎓 Ministry of Higher Education - official information on the PASS/LAS reform and medical access pathways
- 📖 Études de médecine en France - Wikipedia - comprehensive overview of the French medical studies curriculum and structure
- 💳 Tax credit for home tutoring services - Service-Public.fr - official guidance on the 50% income tax credit (crédit d'impôt services à la personne) applicable to home tuition sessions
FAQ – Academic support for PASS, LAS and French medical studies
Which tutoring platform should you choose to help your child succeed in PASS or LAS in 2026?
Three platforms clearly stand out in France: Les Sherpas, Cours Galien, and Médiclasse. Les Sherpas offer personalized, flexible academic support from €14/hour, covering 50+ subjects including all PASS disciplines - and home sessions qualify for a 50% tax credit. Cours Galien provides intensive PASS/LAS preparation through 154+ hours of structured classes and a nationally reported 87% success rate, at €3,450–€4,400/year. Médiclasse delivers 100% online preparation with live HD classes and peer mentoring, in the €500–€2,500 range.
What exactly are PASS and LAS - and why are they so demanding?
PASS (Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique) and LAS (Licence Accès Santé) are the two pathways introduced by France's 2020 medical access reform, replacing the former PCEM1. Both require students to succeed in a highly selective QCM (Questionnaire à Choix Multiples) examination covering sciences, mathematics, and general culture - while competing against the majority of their cohort. L1SpS (Licence Sciences et Pratiques du Sport) is a third pathway available in some universities. The competition is intense: selection rates vary between 15% and 30% depending on the faculty and year.
Why is structured academic support often decisive for succeeding in PASS or LAS?
PASS and LAS impose an extremely dense curriculum compressed into a single academic year. Students must simultaneously master several scientific disciplines and develop a highly specific QCM technique - all while managing the psychological pressure of an elimination-based selection. Structured academic support - whether through a preparatory school or one-to-one tutoring - helps students acquire effective revision methods, practice under real exam conditions, and maintain sustainable study consistency across the full year.
Can Les Sherpas effectively prepare a secondary school student for medical studies?
Yes. Les Sherpas are particularly effective for building solid scientific foundations before entering PASS. One-to-one lessons in mathematics, biology, and physics-chemistry consolidate the core competencies that PASS examiners expect. Starting this preparation in the final year of secondary school - or earlier - significantly reduces the risk of knowledge gaps when the PASS curriculum begins in September.
What is the difference between a health preparatory school and a personalized tutoring platform?
A health preparatory school such as Cours Galien delivers an intensive, cohort-based programme focused exclusively on PASS and LAS - including mock examinations, QCM drills, oral preparation, and structured academic monitoring across 154+ hours of classes. A platform such as Les Sherpas prioritizes individualized, adaptive support tailored to each student's specific level and pace. The two approaches are not mutually exclusive: many students successfully combine a full preparatory programme with targeted one-to-one support in specific subjects.
Is Cours Galien truly effective for passing PASS or LAS on the first attempt?
Cours Galien is consistently cited as one of the most reputable health preparatory schools in France. Founded in 1987, its pedagogy combines in-depth instruction, intensive QCM practice, and systematic individual monitoring. The nationally reported 87% success rate positions it as the institutional reference for students targeting first-attempt admission. Note that results may vary by centre and cohort; consult the school directly for centre-specific data.
Is Médiclasse a reliable option for a student who prefers fully online preparation?
Yes. Médiclasse dominates the 100% online segment of the French medical preparatory market. Classes are delivered live from HD studios with interactive whiteboards, complemented by personalized QCM and comprehensive revision materials. One-to-one mentoring by second-year medical students provides the human dimension often absent from self-directed e-learning. Students who are geographically distant from in-person prep school centres will find Médiclasse the most relevant alternative.
What budget should you plan for a medical preparation platform in France?
Investment varies considerably by platform and support level. Les Sherpas one-to-one lessons start from €14/hour - and home sessions qualify for a 50% income tax credit (crédit d'impôt services à la personne), effectively halving the net cost for eligible households. Cours Galien charges between €3,450 and €4,400 per year for its annual preparatory programmes, with scholarships up to €1,500 for means-tested students. Médiclasse positions itself in the €500–€2,500 range, substantially below traditional in-person prep schools, which can reach €9,000/year at the premium end.
When should a student ideally begin preparing for medical studies?
The earlier preparation begins, the stronger the starting position when PASS opens in September. Consolidating biology, mathematics, and physics-chemistry during the final year of secondary school - or even during the penultimate year - significantly eases the transition. Les Sherpas one-to-one lessons are particularly well suited to this pre-PASS consolidation phase, allowing students to build solid foundations at their own pace.
Are online courses as effective as in-person preparatory schools for PASS preparation?
Digital platforms have matured considerably since their introduction. Solutions such as Médiclasse now deliver live interactive instruction, adaptive QCM, and mock examinations closely aligned with university exam conditions - a level of quality comparable to many in-person programmes. Effectiveness ultimately depends on the student's personal consistency and self-discipline: two qualities that structured peer mentoring systems actively support.
How can parents determine whether their child needs a full prep programme or personalized tutoring?
The choice depends primarily on the student's learning profile and level of autonomy. A self-directed student with strong time management skills may excel with targeted academic support through Les Sherpas, addressing specific subject gaps without the constraints of a fixed cohort programme. A student who benefits from external structure, daily accountability, and the competitive stimulation of a peer group is likely to perform better within a full preparatory programme such as Cours Galien.
Do these platforms help students manage examination stress, not just academic content?
Yes - the best platforms support students beyond subject mastery. Regular mock examinations build familiarity with exam conditions and reduce performance anxiety. Peer mentoring and methodological coaching help maintain motivation and composure across the full academic year. Both Cours Galien and Médiclasse integrate structured mentoring sessions explicitly designed to address the psychological demands of competitive medical selection.
Can several platforms be combined to maximize performance in medical studies?
Yes, and it is a recognized strategy among high-performing students. Combining the structured framework of Cours Galien with targeted one-to-one support from Les Sherpas - focused on specific subject weaknesses - is a coherent approach. The essential constraint is maintaining a sustainable study rhythm: academic overload is counterproductive and increases the risk of burnout before the examination period.
Which platform best matches your child's learning profile?
Les Sherpas is the most suitable solution for students seeking personalized, progressive academic support - from secondary school consolidation through targeted PASS preparation. Cours Galien is the established institutional reference for students who are fully committed to an intensive, structured PASS or LAS programme and want the highest documented success rate. Médiclasse is the right choice for students who prioritize a fully online environment with live instruction and peer mentoring - particularly those based outside major French cities.
