Will there be new medical education programmes in Luxembourg?

Piron Guillaume, Unsplash

On 14 January 2025, members of the Commission for Research and Higher Education discussed the development of medical programmes in Luxembourg with Minister Stéphanie Obertin.

Currently, students can pursue a Bachelor in Medicine (Bachelor en médecine) and choose to specialise in one of three disciplines: general medicine, neurology and oncology. For the academic year 2024/2025, 178 students are registered for undergraduate studies, of which:

50 chose general practice medicine;
8 - neurology;
8 - oncology.

The minister said that the working group is already studying the possibility of introducing new specialities: paediatrics and psychiatry. These areas were chosen because of the shortage of specialists in these fields.

In addition, the conditions for the establishment of a Master's programme in Medicine at the University of Luxembourg are being analysed. The main issues include:

The willingness of Luxembourg hospitals to accept students for practical training;
The impact of the MA on current agreements with neighbouring countries.

The outcome of the groups' work is expected by autumn 2025, after which the concept will be presented to Parliament.

Issues and challenges

Language requirements

The baccalaureate is taught in French by 70 per cent, German by 20 per cent and English by 10 per cent. The Minister emphasised that doctors must be able to speak French and German at C1 level, as medical records in hospitals are written in these languages.

Competition with foreign countries

Some MPs expressed concern that the level of pay for resident doctors makes Luxembourg less attractive to young professionals. In response, the Minister confirmed that a new bill is being drafted to reform the status of resident doctors.

Strategy for the future

The Minister said that a long-term strategy for 10-15 years is being developed to strengthen medical education and research in cooperation with the University of Luxembourg.

The expansion of medical education is an important step towards reducing the shortage of specialists in Luxembourg. The planned changes will not only improve the training of doctors, but will also strengthen the national health system.

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