In the 2023/24 academic year, France achieved a significant milestone, hosting 430,466 international students, marking a 4.6% increase compared to the previous year. This uptick continues a steady growth pattern, following a 3% rise in 2022/23.
For comparison, other countries also reported notable increases in foreign student enrolment, with Canada experiencing a 29% surge, and the UK and US each seeing 12% growth in the past year. Meanwhile, Germany saw a 5% rise, reflecting heightened competition in the global education market. According to Donatienne Hissard, Director-General of Campus France, “France, like any other major host country, continues its growth of mobilities and the competition to attract talent is fiercer than ever.”
International Student Distribution in France: Asia-Pacific on the Rise
Currently, one out of every six students in French higher education comes from abroad, with the Asia-Pacific region playing a significant role in this year’s growth. Interest from China increased by 6%, and India by 12%, highlighting their growing influence as key markets.
France’s top 10 source countries remained consistent, with Morocco leading despite a 4% decrease. Notably, Algeria grew by 7%, while Italy, Spain, Cameroon, and Lebanon have all seen a 40%+ growth over five years. Particularly striking is Lebanon’s increase of 90% in student numbers compared to five years ago.
Top 10 Countries Sending Students to France in 2023/24:
- Morocco: 43,350 (-4%)
- Algeria: 34,270 (+7%)
- China: 27,125 (+6%)
- Italy: 21,040 (+5%)
- Senegal: 16,955 (+11%)
- Tunisia: 15,255 (+7%)
- Spain: 12,090 (+4%)
- Cote d’Ivoire: 11,770 (+10%)
- Lebanon: 11,235 (-3%)
- Cameroon: 10,880 (+11%)
Business Schools and Engineering Programs See Increased Demand
While universities continue to host the majority of international students, growth has been modest at 2%. However, business schools and engineering institutions experienced substantial growth, with enrolments rising by 11% and 9%, respectively. Business schools now represent 15% of all foreign student enrolments, up from 10% over five years.
France’s Academic Excellence in Global Rankings
The latest Shanghai university rankings emphasize the prestige of French higher education. France ranks third globally for the number of institutions in the Top 50 for the fifth consecutive year, with 25 institutions featured in the Top 1,000 and 18 in the Top 500. The University of Paris Saclay stands out, rising to 12th worldwide, the highest ranking ever achieved by a French institution.
Growing Appeal to Indian Students
France is gaining momentum as a study destination for Indian students, who are increasingly considering options beyond Canada and the UK. According to a recent QS report, France saw a 12% rise in Indian student enrolment last year, with business programs being particularly attractive. Approximately 31% of Indian students interested in France aim to study Business and Management, and nearly half are considering postgraduate programs.
Indian students also place a high value on university rankings and reputation, with 51% citing these factors as crucial in their decision-making, compared to the global average of 33%. Employment prospects are another significant concern, with 50% associating high graduate salaries with teaching quality in French institutions, far above the global average.
France’s continued growth in international enrolment and its appeal to students from diverse regions reflect the country’s rising stature as a global education hub.
