In a significant move to deepen Indo-French ties, French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou, while speaking to The Times of India editors during a recent roundtable, outlined France’s vision to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, nearly tripling current numbers. "Our president gave us a very ambitious target, to very rapidly have 30,000 Indian students," Mathou told TNN, noting that around 8,000 Indian students registered for the 2023–2024 academic year, with the 10,000 mark likely to be crossed this year.
France has already signed agreements with 35 universities to launch what it calls “classes internationales,” exclusive one-year foundation programs tailored for Indian students. “We haven’t done this for other countries,” said Mathou, emphasizing France’s commitment to not only educating Indian students, but also removing language barriers by combining intensive French learning with foundational coursework. These pathways are designed to ensure Indian students are fully integrated into French academia by their second year.
According to Mathou, Indian students are now the largest group of foreign nationals in French business schools, a trend he attributes to English-taught curricula and the rising global reputation of French institutions. "It suggests that Indian students find France attractive," he told TNN. With over 800 French companies already employing more than 500,000 Indians, France is seeking not just student mobility but long-term academic and economic collaboration, avoiding “brain drain” and encouraging students to return and contribute to India’s growth.
What This Means for Aspiring Indian Students
The French government’s initiative provides Indian students greater access to world-class education, rich cultural exposure, and career opportunities across Europe. With its streamlined visa policies, growing bilateral education ties, and the newly introduced “international classes,” France is positioning itself as a top destination for Indian students seeking high-quality, affordable education abroad.
Top Fields of Study for Indian Students in France
According to the Campus France 2023 report, Indian students in France most commonly pursue:
• Engineering and Information Technology
• Business Management and Finance
• Hospitality and Culinary Arts
• Fashion, Design, and Fine Arts
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
French institutions are increasingly recognized globally. QS World University Rankings 2024 lists INSEAD, HEC Paris, École Polytechnique, and Sciences Po among the top choices for Indian and international students alike.
‘Classes Internationales’: A Tailored French Welcome for Indian Students
France's Classes Internationales program offers a unique pathway for Indian students to pursue higher education in France. Launched in 2024, this initiative provides a one-year preparatory course focusing on French language acquisition and academic integration. The program is open to all Indian students, regardless of their current proficiency in French, with selection based solely on academic merit. Upon successful completion, students gain direct access to over 200 French-taught undergraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, engineering, social sciences, and design.
Participating institutions offer programs in both traditional and apprenticeship formats. In apprenticeship programs, students divide their time between academic study and practical work experience in a company, with many employers covering tuition fees and providing stipends. This model not only enhances employability but also ensures financial sustainability for international students.
Post-Study Pathways: From French Classrooms to Global Careers
France offers robust post-study opportunities for international students, facilitating a seamless transition from academia to the workforce. Graduates from French institutions can apply for a "Recherche d'Emploi ou Création d'Entreprise" (RECE) residence permit, allowing them to stay in France for up to 24 months to seek employment or start a business. This extension is particularly beneficial for students in fields with high demand, such as engineering, information technology, and business management.
Moreover, many French universities and grandes écoles have established strong ties with industries, offering students access to internships and job placements. The apprenticeship model integrated into the Classes Internationales program further enhances employability by providing practical experience and professional networking opportunities. Additionally, the France Alumni network offers ongoing support, including career services and connections with potential employers, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to embark on successful careers globally.
Cost and Affordability
One of the key advantages of studying in France is affordability. Public universities in France charge modest fees for international students — typically between €2,770 and €3,770 per year for undergraduate and master's programs, according to Campus France. The Charpak Scholarship Program, Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, and university-specific financial aid offer substantial relief for deserving Indian students.
A Strategic Academic Bridge, Not a Brain Drain
France’s education policy reflects a long-term vision: it is not just about numbers but quality, diversity, and reciprocity. As Ambassador Mathou emphasized, "We want the best… and we want those students to come back to India" — positioning student mobility as part of a strategic partnership, rather than a one-way migration pipeline.
France has already signed agreements with 35 universities to launch what it calls “classes internationales,” exclusive one-year foundation programs tailored for Indian students. “We haven’t done this for other countries,” said Mathou, emphasizing France’s commitment to not only educating Indian students, but also removing language barriers by combining intensive French learning with foundational coursework. These pathways are designed to ensure Indian students are fully integrated into French academia by their second year.
According to Mathou, Indian students are now the largest group of foreign nationals in French business schools, a trend he attributes to English-taught curricula and the rising global reputation of French institutions. "It suggests that Indian students find France attractive," he told TNN. With over 800 French companies already employing more than 500,000 Indians, France is seeking not just student mobility but long-term academic and economic collaboration, avoiding “brain drain” and encouraging students to return and contribute to India’s growth.
What This Means for Aspiring Indian Students
The French government’s initiative provides Indian students greater access to world-class education, rich cultural exposure, and career opportunities across Europe. With its streamlined visa policies, growing bilateral education ties, and the newly introduced “international classes,” France is positioning itself as a top destination for Indian students seeking high-quality, affordable education abroad.
Top Fields of Study for Indian Students in France
According to the Campus France 2023 report, Indian students in France most commonly pursue:
• Engineering and Information Technology
• Business Management and Finance
• Hospitality and Culinary Arts
• Fashion, Design, and Fine Arts
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
French institutions are increasingly recognized globally. QS World University Rankings 2024 lists INSEAD, HEC Paris, École Polytechnique, and Sciences Po among the top choices for Indian and international students alike.
‘Classes Internationales’: A Tailored French Welcome for Indian Students
France's Classes Internationales program offers a unique pathway for Indian students to pursue higher education in France. Launched in 2024, this initiative provides a one-year preparatory course focusing on French language acquisition and academic integration. The program is open to all Indian students, regardless of their current proficiency in French, with selection based solely on academic merit. Upon successful completion, students gain direct access to over 200 French-taught undergraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, engineering, social sciences, and design.
Participating institutions offer programs in both traditional and apprenticeship formats. In apprenticeship programs, students divide their time between academic study and practical work experience in a company, with many employers covering tuition fees and providing stipends. This model not only enhances employability but also ensures financial sustainability for international students.
Post-Study Pathways: From French Classrooms to Global Careers
France offers robust post-study opportunities for international students, facilitating a seamless transition from academia to the workforce. Graduates from French institutions can apply for a "Recherche d'Emploi ou Création d'Entreprise" (RECE) residence permit, allowing them to stay in France for up to 24 months to seek employment or start a business. This extension is particularly beneficial for students in fields with high demand, such as engineering, information technology, and business management.
Moreover, many French universities and grandes écoles have established strong ties with industries, offering students access to internships and job placements. The apprenticeship model integrated into the Classes Internationales program further enhances employability by providing practical experience and professional networking opportunities. Additionally, the France Alumni network offers ongoing support, including career services and connections with potential employers, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to embark on successful careers globally.
Cost and Affordability
One of the key advantages of studying in France is affordability. Public universities in France charge modest fees for international students — typically between €2,770 and €3,770 per year for undergraduate and master's programs, according to Campus France. The Charpak Scholarship Program, Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, and university-specific financial aid offer substantial relief for deserving Indian students.
A Strategic Academic Bridge, Not a Brain Drain
France’s education policy reflects a long-term vision: it is not just about numbers but quality, diversity, and reciprocity. As Ambassador Mathou emphasized, "We want the best… and we want those students to come back to India" — positioning student mobility as part of a strategic partnership, rather than a one-way migration pipeline.
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