France is set to welcome approximately 10,000 Indian students for the 2024 academic year as part of an ambitious drive to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, consul general of France in Mumbai, recently announced the progress at the Mumbai Choose France Tour, affirming that the country is on track to attract a record number of Indian students this year. With 8,000 Indian students already studying in France, the country’s education representatives are actively engaging students across India to meet their new targets.
Strengthening India-France Diplomatic Ties Through Education
India and France are increasingly strengthening diplomatic ties, particularly in sectors such as defense, nuclear energy, and space. Education has also become an important part of this strategic relationship. French President Emmanuel Macron, during India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations, reaffirmed the commitment to bolstering educational exchanges, aiming to host 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030. Experts regard this target as challenging but achievable, given the country’s globally respected universities and comparatively affordable education system.
English-Taught Programs Boost Appeal for Indian Students
France has invested significantly in making its higher education more accessible to international students, including Indian students, by offering over 1,700 programs in English. According to Philippe Maurin, attaché for scientific and academic cooperation at the French Consulate in Mumbai, English-taught programs have been especially popular among Indian students pursuing master’s degrees. While most Indian students currently focus on master’s programs, France is also working on enhancing the appeal of its bachelor’s programs for international students.
Choose France Tour 2024 and the Launch of the Classes Internationales Program
The Choose France Tour 2024 has expanded its reach, with 58 French institutions participating in events across five Indian cities, up from 48 last year. Eloïse Ondet, national coordinator of Campus France India, highlighted the value of these events, which allow prospective students to meet with representatives from French institutions directly and gain insights into study options and life in France.
France has also recently launched the Classes Internationales program, which aims to address language barriers faced by Indian students with limited French proficiency. Through this initiative, students complete a foundation year in France, learning French along with thematic courses related to their field. Upon completion, students may qualify for scholarships and are equipped to pursue their bachelor’s programs in French.
Institutional Collaborations and Knowledge Exchange Agreements
To further strengthen academic ties, leading institutions in India and France have signed new agreements. Notably, École Polytechnique, a top science and engineering institution in France, has partnered with IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi to encourage not only student mobility but also collaborative research opportunities. Philippe Maurin noted the mutual interest in these collaborations, which aim to enhance academic ties and research initiatives over the next few decades.
Encouraging French Students to Study in India
Although the flow of Indian students to France has grown steadily, the trend has yet to emerge in the opposite direction. In April 2024, a panel titled “India, Place of Talents and Innovation” engaged over 2,000 French students across 65 institutions, with 75% expressing an interest in studying or working in India. The consul general of France in Mumbai, Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, hinted at the possibility of a “Choose India Tour” to promote Indian academic opportunities to French students and foster bilateral academic links.
Visa Policy and Simplification of Application Processes
To facilitate student mobility, the French government introduced a visa policy in July 2023 that allows Indians holding a master’s degree or higher from a French institution to qualify for a five-year short-stay Schengen visa. Although initially aimed at helping 1,000–1,500 students annually, the response has been slower than expected, with the French Consulate emphasizing the need for clear communication on required documents and application processes to avoid confusion.
Tackling Misconceptions About French Education
France’s reputation as an affordable study destination has sometimes led to misconceptions about the quality of its education. Eloïse Ondet pointed out that while low tuition costs are due to government subsidies, French institutions remain highly regarded internationally. Despite being the world’s sixth-largest host country for international students, France faces the challenge of raising awareness of its world-class institutions among Indian students.
France’s commitment to fostering educational exchanges with India aligns with its diplomatic goals, making education a central pillar in the evolving relationship between the two countries.
