‘France aims to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030’: Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain

Q: France is often seen as an expensive study abroad destination for Indian students, however, it aims to welcome 30,000 students from India by 2030. What is the French government’s roadmap for Indian students — new courses and programmes, enrolment figures, growth curve, expansion plans and scholarships?

There are many reasons for Indian students to choose France for their higher education. As far as the cost of studies is concerned, the tuition fees are meagre in public higher education institutions (maximum of 2700 €/year for Bachelor’s degree and 3700 €/year for Master’s degree), as the French government heavily subsidises higher education by bearing a large share of the cost, even for non-EU students, not to mention benefits such as social security, rental assistance, public transport, etc, offered by the government to international students.

Moreover, every year, France offers scholarships of over Rs 15 crore specifically designed for Indian students, making education even more accessible and affordable. These scholarships cover various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their desired academic fields without financial constraints.

Q: What is the concept behind “International Classes”? 

Currently, almost 95 per cent of Indian students studying in France opt for one of the 1,600+ English-taught programmes offered in our higher education institutions. Certainly, students also have the option to engage in French-language studies while pursuing academic excellence.

To inspire Indian students in this pursuit, the establishment of “International Classes” in France represents a stride towards seamless integration and academic achievements. These specialised programmes, imparting comprehensive training in the French language and various academic disciplines, illustrate our commitment to facilitating a smooth transition for these students. Our aspiration is for all Indian students to feel at home in France, to thrive in their studies, and to contribute significantly to the academic landscapes of both our nations.

Q: Please tell us a little more about the five-year Schengen circulation visa for Indian alumni. Why was it brought in and how will it help Indian students?

France believes that when an Indian student spends even just a semester in France, it creates a connection that is treasured, and which we help nurture. That is why, Indian students who hold a Master’s degree or above and have spent at least a semester studying in France are eligible for a five-year short-stay Schengen visa. This is a special provision for Indian alumni to enable them to maintain close links with France and their French counterparts.

Q: Which courses have been more popular among Indian students? 

Indian students choose a wide variety of subjects for their higher education in France.

(Graphic by Abhishek Mitra)

We have observed some trends: many Indian students are choosing to study management and business in France (close to 75 per cent) reflecting the excellence of management studies in our country. Other disciplines have gained popularity too. There is an increasing proportion of students who are studying engineering (12.5 per cent), science and technology, arts, design, sport, hospitality, culinary arts, and fashion, which are available in French or English.

(Graphic by Abhishek Mitra)

Student mobility is highest at the Master’s level (more than 80 per cent), followed by the Bachelor’s level (13 per cent).

Q: What are the visa requirements for Indian students looking for study visas?

Students wishing to pursue long-term studies in France (longer than 3 months) must go through the Etudes en France procedure before applying for their visas. This procedure, monitored by Campus France, offers prospective students the benefit of guidance and support at every step in the admission process, from application to enrolment. It even allows applicants to apply for their visa online and to track the progress of their electronic application. Do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our Campus France managers in the city closest to you.

Q: What is the current scenario for a post study work visa in France?

Regarding the post-study visa policy, the two-year post-study work visa for post-graduates with a French Master’s degree enables Indian students to gain valuable work experience, and explore career options in France. This visa is issued for one year, and renewable for one more year for a total of two years.

We do not have a precise figure on how many graduates stay in Europe to start their careers. However, France ranks second in the “Global University Employability Ranking” published by Times Higher Education is a strong sign of the employability of Indian graduates in Europe.  Moreover, with 570 French companies employing more than 4,00,000 staff in India, there are many opportunities for those who decide to come back.

Q: What kind of opportunities are available on-campus for international students? 

French law allows foreign students to work up to 964 hours per year, or the equivalent of 60 per cent of the maximum working hours permitted. When working in France, whether a student or not, a minimum wage is guaranteed by law. This statutory minimum wage is commonly called the Smic (salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance or guaranteed minimum wage).

Q: Does France have a strong Indian community that can help Indian students?

According to Indian MEA data, some 19,000 non-resident Indians are registered in France, to which must be added 90,000 persons of Indian origin, making a total of 1,09,000 overseas Indians in metropolitan France.

Q: Considering that the UGC is now inviting foreign universities to set up campuses in India, is any French university planning to take this step? 

As highlighted during PM Modi’s visit to Paris on the occasion of the French National Day celebrations on July 14, 2023, India and France recently created an Indo-French life sciences campus for health for the Indo-Pacific. From the outset, this initiative brings more than 60 institutions (universities, research institutes, industry partners, startups, medical groups, hospitals) from both countries.