In a recent announcement, France has unveiled an ambitious plan to open its doors to a growing number of international students from India. According to the plan, the country targets bringing 30,000 Indian students by 2030. With this initiative, France aims to enhance academic and cultural collaboration with India.

Besides providing opportunities to a greater number of aspiring international students, the upcoming plan offers much more. These include new courses and programmes, expansion plans, scholarships, and growth plans. It is great news for Indian students because France occupies the second place in the “Global University Employability Ranking” by Times Higher Education.

Here are a few facts study abroad aspirants should know about this initiative:

• A five-year Schengen circulation visa to Indian alumni having completed their courses from France to keep them connected with the country and fellow students
• New “International Classes” in French universities to be taught in English to provide assistance to Indian students for a smooth transition to the French education system
• Additional staff and resources to strengthen the Campus France network in India for better support to students planning to choose France as their international education destination

As a part of the initiative, the French government will run a programme called “Choose France Tour 2023” in four cities across India. Students and parents can attend the event to learn more about studying in France. The cities and corresponding dates are as follows:

• Chennai - October 8
• Calcutta- October 11
• Delhi- October 13
• Mumbai- October 15

At these events, students and parents will have a chance to meet French university representatives in person and discuss their options for programmes, universities, and scholarships. The initiative will likely increase the influx of Indian students to France by presenting the country as an excellent destination beyond the conventional favourites such as the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Notably, France offers a broad and unconventional range of academic disciplines and programmes such as art and design, social sciences, culinary arts, and hospitality management. Additionally, it has several scholarships to make education more accessible and affordable for international students.