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France expands Classes Internationales to 7 countries; applications for 2026 intake open

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open. Students can apply via classesinternationales.org

2 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Jan 16, 2026 09:56 AM IST

Images from Classes Internationales

France has extended its Classes Internationales initiative to seven countries across the Indo-Pacific and Africa. Classes Internationales initiative will now be available in countries including India, Vietnam, China, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Indonesia. The development, according to an official statement, underscores France’s long-standing commitment to academic cooperation, student mobility and shared educational opportunities with partner nations across these regions.

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open. Students can apply via classesinternationales.org, or contact their nearest Campus France office for guidance. In India, the programme is coordinated jointly by Campus France and the French Institute in India.

This strengthened regional presence aligns closely with France’s Indo-Pacific vision, which places education, youth engagement and intercultural dialogue at the heart of long-term cooperation. By offering students a structured pathway into French-taught Bachelor’s programmes, Classes Internationales supports a growing global demand for international learning experiences and helps expand access to high-quality higher education.

The programme offers a year-long immersive academic experience in France, combining intensive French language instruction, cultural familiarisation and foundational academic preparation. Its integrated approach equips students with the linguistic, methodological and cultural tools required to succeed in French universities.

More than 30 French institutions now participate in the initiative, together offering access to over 200 undergraduate programs in fields such as engineering, sciences, design, arts, management and social sciences.

Classes Internationales seeks to welcome learners with varied levels of French proficiency. Students who require language preparation are supported through the Alliance Française network to achieve the A2 level before departure, ensuring they are well-prepared for the academic environment in France. Several participating institutions also offer apprenticeship-based tracks and industry-linked academic modules, enabling students to gain exposure to professional settings alongside their studies.

The initiative’s extension to seven countries reflects not only rising interest among students seeking structured international academic pathways, but also France’s sustained commitment to working collaboratively with partner nations across the Indo-Pacific and Africa to support student mobility and academic success.