Overview
PASS (Parcours d'Accès Spécifique Santé) and LAS (Licence Accès Santé) are the two French first-year university routes into health studies — medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, midwifery and, for PASS, physiotherapy. Both replaced the old single PACES year and are offered by universities that have a health training and research unit (UFR santé). PASS is a first-year license built around a health major with a non-health minor; LAS is an ordinary first-year license in another subject with an added health-access option.
Who can apply
Both are entered after a general baccalauréat, through Parcoursup, generally with a science-leaning profile (physics-chemistry, life and earth sciences, or mathematics specialities are recommended). Applicants choose PASS or a LAS course as their Parcoursup choice; within PASS, applicants also pick one non-health minor from a set list (for example biology-physics-chemistry, law, economics, mathematics-physics, or sport-health).
Structure or exam pattern
| Route | Composition | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PASS | Health major (health-focused core teaching units) plus one non-health minor, chosen at application and fixed for the year | 60 ECTS total (48 major + 12 minor) |
| LAS | An ordinary first-year license in a non-health subject, with a health-access option added | 60 ECTS total |
What it covers
The PASS major covers common health teaching units plus one field-specific unit; assessment includes a first, written exam group and a second group with oral exams for some candidates.
Scoring and results
Students who validate the year and rank well enough are admitted to the second year of one of the five health fields (medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, midwifery, or physiotherapy for PASS). Students who validate their 60 ECTS but are not selected for a health field can continue into the second year of a LAS licence instead. Students who do not validate the 60 ECTS must reapply through Parcoursup for a different course.
How to register
Applications go through Parcoursup, generally between January and March, with PASS counted as a single Parcoursup choice regardless of how many minors a student is considering.
FAQs
What is the difference between PASS and LAS?
PASS is a license built mainly around health subjects with a smaller non-health minor; LAS is an ordinary license in another subject with a health-access option added on top.
Which health fields can PASS or LAS lead to?
Medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and midwifery for both routes, and physiotherapy for PASS specifically.
What happens if I don't get into a health field after PASS?
If you have validated your 60 ECTS but were not selected for a health field, you can continue into the second year of a LAS licence instead of health studies.
How do I apply to PASS or LAS?
Through Parcoursup, generally between January and March, choosing PASS (with a non-health minor) or a LAS course as your Parcoursup choice.