France expands educational opportunities for Indian students; aims to welcome 30,000 students by 2030
France
is aiming to strengthen educational ties with India by aiming to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, a sharp rise from the current 8,000 enrolled for the 2023–24 academic year. This goal, stated by French ambassador Thierry Mathou to The Times of India, is part of a broader plan to deepen people-to-people connections under the India-France strategic partnership.
According to the report by Times of India, to support this initiative, France has introduced tailored measures to attract Indian students. These include special one-year 'classes internationales' across 35 French universities. The programme is designed for Indian students completing high school and includes intensive
French language
training alongside introductory courses in their chosen field of study.
The official stated that this approach is unique to India and not extended to students from other countries. 'It means that after one year, there will be no language problem,' the official said to TOI. France's business schools, many offering programmes entirely in English, have seen a rise in Indian enrolments — now the top foreign nationality in these institutions.
The French government emphasised that it does not aim to attract large volumes of students but is focused on quality. 'We want to attract the best. And we want those students to come back to India,' he added, that student mobility is seen as an extension of the strategic partnership.
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In addition to academic opportunities, Indian graduates returning home will find job prospects with French companies already operating in India. France currently has about 800 companies in the country, employing over 500,000 Indians.
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Visa procedures have also been streamlined. For Indian tourists, students, and professionals, the Embassy of France in India aims to process Schengen visa applications within 48 hours of receiving complete documentation. While France is bound by Schengen rules, efforts are underway to improve access and experience for Indian travellers.
French authorities highlighted that these moves are not just administrative changes but part of a longer-term effort to strengthen bilateral ties through education and mobility.
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