Indian students- France is increasingly emerging as a preferred study destination for Indian students. During the 2023-24 academic year, 7,344 Indian students were enrolled in French institutions. French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that his government aims to raise this number to 30,000 by 2030.
However, what factors are driving students to choose France over other popular destinations like the US or Canada?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced his three-day visit to France, drawing attention to Paris as he co-hosts the pivotal AI Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
This visit, Modi’s sixth to France, holds great significance for India. In addition to leading the AI Summit, he is expected to finalize important defence and nuclear energy agreements with Macron, further deepening India-France relations.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Paris will also introduce favorable visa and work permit policies to attract Indian students, aligning with France’s goal of enrolling 30,000 Indian students by 2030.
France — Indian students’ new higher education destination
In the past, Indian students primarily chose the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia—the so-called Big Four—for higher education. However, this trend has shifted in recent years, with Europe, particularly France, emerging as a top destination.
France is home to over 75 prestigious institutions, including HEC Paris Business School, Sorbonne University, and École Polytechnique, offering world-class programs in business, arts, technology, and sciences. Given these academic opportunities, it is no surprise that more Indian students are choosing France for their studies.
Data from the 2023-24 academic year shows that 7,344 Indian students were enrolled in French institutions, and this figure is expected to grow by 200% by 2030. During his two-day state visit to India in January 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his country’s ambition to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030.
A past QS report, which surveyed over 8,500 Indian students about their preferred study destinations, found that 31% were drawn to France for a career in business. The report also revealed that nearly 50% of the respondents were considering postgraduate programs in France, while 21% expressed interest in undergraduate courses.
Why Indian students Choosing to France Universities- Key Factors
What has made France a top choice for Indian students seeking higher education? Several factors have contributed to the growing preference for French universities.
Both public and private French universities are known for their high academic standards and strong support for international students. They offer a wide range of programs, spanning fields such as business, data analytics, fashion, and hospitality, giving students diverse options to pursue their interests.
Beyond academic excellence, France is also an affordable study destination. Public universities have low tuition fees, making them an attractive choice for many Indian students. Additionally, various financial aid programs, including the Charpak and Eiffel Excellence scholarships, provide further support.
Former French Ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain, told the Indian Express that France offers scholarships worth over ₹15 crore specifically for Indian students, making education even more accessible and cost-effective.
As reported by NDTV, the cost of living in France is relatively affordable. In Paris, expenses average around €1,723 (₹1.54 lakh) per month, while Lyon presents a more budget-friendly option at €1,130 (₹1.01 lakh). Other cities have an average living cost of approximately €1,105 (₹98,000).
Pragya Sancheti, a Master’s in Management student at NEOMA Business School, echoed this sentiment in an interview with Free Press Journal, stating, “I chose France for its budget-friendly education system. Opting for a two-year course that grants two degrees was financially sensible compared to other countries.”
Additionally, French universities offer strong placement programs. Rijutosh Chakrabarty, a Doctorate in Economics student at Sciences Po University, emphasized this point, telling Free Press Journal, “One major factor every student considers when choosing a university is placements.
French universities are providing better placement rates and salary packages than many other countries. That, along with a high-quality education system, was the main reason I chose France for my PhD.”
France attracting Indian students-
Recognizing Indian students as a key market—projected to spend up to $70 billion on overseas education by 2025—France is actively working to attract them through various initiatives and streamlined visa processes.
To make higher education more accessible, French universities now offer courses in English, encouraging more students to enroll. Additionally, the Classes Internationalis program provides Indian students, regardless of their proficiency in French, with the opportunity to enter French-taught undergraduate programs after completing a foundational year of language training and academic preparation.
Launched by the French government, this initiative is available at over 30 institutions across France, covering diverse fields such as arts, engineering, social sciences, and design. Students who successfully complete the Classes Internationals program gain direct entry into more than 200 academic programs taught in French.
Additionally, several French universities now offer dual degree programs. For example, Sciences Po introduced a dual master’s program with TISS in Mumbai last year. Likewise, postgraduate students enrolling in the Department of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at Mumbai University will receive a dual degree, jointly awarded by Mumbai University and the University of Technology of Troyes in France.
Furthermore, during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in 2023, the French government announced a five-year Schengen circulation visa for Indian alumni. This allows Indian students who have earned a Master’s degree or higher and have completed at least one semester in France to qualify for a five-year short-stay Schengen visa.
France provides a two-year post-study work visa for graduates with a French Master’s degree. Initially issued for one year, this visa can be renewed for an additional year, allowing students to stay and work in the country for a total of two years.
Given these opportunities, it is no surprise that Indian students are increasingly choosing France for their higher education.
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