France Sets Ambitious Goal: 30,000 Indian Students by 2030
Subheadings:
- France's Vision for Educational Diplomacy
- "Classes Internationales": Bridging Cultures and Curriculum
- Top Fields of Study: Where Indian Students Excel
- Cost, Scholarships, and Apprenticeship Opportunities
- A Gateway to Global Careers
- A Strategic Academic Partnership
France's Vision for Educational Diplomacy
In a bold step toward strengthening Indo-French academic ties, French Ambassador Thierry Mathou announced France's target to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030. This initiative, shared during a roundtable with The Times of India editors, aims to triple the current enrollment figures. With approximately 8,000 Indian students having registered for the 2023–24 academic year, the country is poised to surpass the 10,000 mark in 2025.
Ambassador Mathou emphasized, "Our president gave us a very ambitious target, to very rapidly have 30,000 Indian students," underscoring France’s deepening commitment to educational collaboration with India. The initiative enhances student mobility and sets the stage for long-term academic and economic exchange.
"Classes Internationales": Bridging Cultures and Curriculum
To achieve this ambitious goal, France has introduced “Classes Internationales” — a tailored one-year foundation program specifically designed for Indian students. Currently rolled out through partnerships with 35 French universities, this program combines intensive French language instruction with academic coursework, ensuring students are well-prepared to integrate into full-fledged undergraduate programs by their second year.
Ambassador Mathou highlighted this as a unique initiative, stating, “We haven’t done this for other countries.” The program caters to students across all language proficiency levels, admitting them based on academic merit rather than French fluency. Upon completion, students gain direct access to over 200 French-taught undergraduate programs across disciplines such as arts, engineering, social sciences, and design.
Top Fields of Study: Where Indian Students Excel
Indian students are increasingly gravitating towards a diverse array of disciplines in France. According to Campus France’s 2023 report, the most popular fields include:
- Engineering and Information Technology
- Business Management and Finance
- Fashion, Design, and Fine Arts
- Hospitality and Culinary Arts
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
French institutions are earning global recognition, with universities such as INSEAD, HEC Paris, Sciences Po, and École Polytechnique ranking prominently in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Cost, Scholarships, and Apprenticeship Opportunities
One of France's strongest appeals lies in the affordability of its education. Public universities charge international students a relatively low annual tuition fee, typically between €2,770 and €3,770. Additionally, several scholarship schemes such as the Charpak Scholarship Program and the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships provide financial assistance to meritorious students.
The Classes Internationales program also includes options for apprenticeship-based learning. In this model, students alternate between academic classes and company work. This provides valuable work experience, and in many cases, companies also sponsor tuition and offer monthly stipends, significantly easing the financial burden for international students.
A Gateway to Global Careers
France offers generous post-study work opportunities, allowing students to build careers within and beyond the country. Graduates can apply for the "Recherche d'Emploi ou Création d'Entreprise" (RECE) residence permit, which allows them to stay for 24 months after graduation to seek employment or start a business.
Further, many universities maintain strong industry partnerships, enhancing access to internships, apprenticeships, and job placements. The France Alumni network offers continued career support, helping students transition smoothly into the workforce through job fairs, workshops, and employer connections.
A Strategic Academic Partnership
France’s drive to attract Indian students is rooted in a vision of mutual benefit. With over 800 French companies employing more than 500,000 Indians, the country sees education as a key component of its broader economic and diplomatic ties with India.
Ambassador Mathou stressed the goal of creating an academic bridge rather than facilitating a one-way migration. “We want the best… and we want those students to return to India,” he said, indicating France’s interest in collaborative development rather than talent drain. By nurturing skilled professionals who can contribute both in France and upon their return to India, the initiative supports a shared future built on education, innovation, and economic partnership.
Conclusion
France’s goal to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030 is more than just a number — it’s a strategic vision to forge lasting educational and economic ties. Through initiatives like Classes Internationales, affordable education, scholarship support, and robust career pathways, France is not only opening its doors to Indian students but also building bridges that span continents and industries.
