France has set an ambitious goal to attract 30,000 Indian students by 2030, aiming to strengthen educational and economic ties between the two nations. The initiative includes specialized programs like “classes internationales” to facilitate language learning and academic integration, along with enhanced post-study work opportunities and affordable education options through scholarships and public universities.
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The French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, revealed this vision during a recent discussion, emphasizing the significant increase in Indian student enrollment in French business schools. With over 800 French companies employing more than half a million Indians, France aims to foster long-term collaboration rather than brain drain, encouraging students to contribute to India’s growth upon their return.
France has partnered with 35 universities to introduce exclusive one-year foundation programs, known as “classes internationales,” specifically tailored for Indian students. These programs blend intensive French language training with foundational coursework to ensure a smooth academic transition for Indian students, who now represent the largest group of foreign nationals in French business schools.
Indian students pursuing higher education in France can benefit from streamlined visa procedures, expanding bilateral education agreements, and the newly established “international classes,” making France an attractive destination for quality and affordable education abroad. The top fields of study for Indian students in France include engineering, business management, hospitality, fashion, design, data science, and artificial intelligence.
The “Classes Internationales” program offers Indian students a unique pathway to higher education in France, focusing on French language acquisition and academic integration. This initiative, launched in 2024, provides a preparatory course followed by direct access to over 200 French-taught undergraduate programs across various disciplines, fostering employability and financial sustainability through apprenticeship opportunities and industry connections.
France also offers robust post-study pathways for international students, such as the “Recherche d’Emploi ou Création d’Entreprise” residence permit, enabling graduates to seek employment or start businesses in France for up to 24 months. Many French universities facilitate internships and job placements, ensuring a smooth transition from academia to the workforce, while the France Alumni network provides ongoing support for career development and global opportunities.
Studying in France is cost-effective, with public universities charging modest fees for international students and various scholarship programs offering financial aid. The Charpak Scholarship Program, Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, and university-specific grants provide significant relief for deserving Indian students, making France an accessible destination for quality education.
France’s educational strategy emphasizes quality, diversity, and reciprocity, aiming to attract the best students and encourage them to return to India, fostering a strategic partnership rather than a one-way migration pipeline. By investing in tomorrow’s leaders, France and India are building a strong academic bridge for mutual growth and collaboration.
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