Key Takeaways:
- President Macron’s invitation to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030 marks a significant milestone in educational collaboration between France and India.
- English-taught programs and proficiency assessment options make academic pursuits accessible to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
- The “Choose France Tour 2023” initiative offers students and their parents the chance to personally explore study opportunities in France.
France has long been celebrated as a global epicenter of arts, philosophy, and culture. Renowned for its rich history and commitment to intellectual pursuits, the country stands tall as a coveted destination for international students seeking academic excellence. With global rankings placing France at 8th globally and 5th in Europe among the world’s premier study destinations, the nation’s universities have become a beacon for knowledge seekers worldwide.
Currently hosting 250,000 international students, France has emerged as a frontrunner in fostering a multicultural and intellectually vibrant academic environment. Among these, 10,000 students hail from India, a testament to the growing popularity of French institutions among Indian scholars. The allure lies not only in the academic prowess of these universities but also in the unique cultural experience that France offers.
However, language remains one of the most challenging factors for students who wish to pursue their academic journey in France. The good thing is that we are seeing streams of positive reinforcements from the said study destination.
The Invitation to 30,000 Indian Students
President Macron’s announcement to welcome 30,000 Indian students to study in France by 2030 is a significant milestone in fostering educational collaboration between the two nations. Building upon France’s current intake of approximately 10,000 Indian students annually, this initiative represents a threefold increase, signifying a deepening partnership in the realm of higher education.
Taking into consideration the language barrier aspiring students face in the country, France introduced a program that complements its aspirations. Central to this initiative is the “French for All, French for a Better Future” program, which underscores France’s commitment to promoting linguistic proficiency and cultural integration. Through this program, new pathways are being established in public schools to facilitate French language learning, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds have access to quality education in France.
Through this, France reaffirms its commitment to providing Indian students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
What Indian Students and Education Leaders Should Know
Now that France is on the verge of opening its door to more aspiring Indian students in the country, it is best to analyze what lies ahead in their global education journey.
Firstly, France boasts over 3,500 public and private institutes of higher education, offering a wide array of programs across various disciplines. From universities and engineering schools to business management institutions and post-secondary schools of art, there’s something for everyone. Notably, more than 1,200 courses are taught in English, ensuring accessibility for students who may not speak French fluently.
Moreover, the streamlined visa process, including the provision of a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa for postgraduates, simplifies administrative hurdles, allowing students to focus on their studies without undue stress.
Additionally, the affordability of education in France, with moderate tuition fees and government subsidies, makes it an economically viable option for aspiring scholars. The French government heavily subsidizes higher education, keeping tuition fees low and affordable for students. The true cost of education in France is approximately €10,000 per year. For non-European Union (EU) students, differentiated registration fees are applicable, with the French government covering two-thirds of the cost of studies.
While French proficiency is advantageous, many programs are offered in English, making it accessible to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. For courses taught in French, proficiency levels are assessed through recognized examinations like DELF, DALF, TCF, or TEF, ensuring students are adequately prepared for their academic journey.
In addition to its esteemed universities and diverse academic offerings, France distinguishes itself by its proactive approach to engaging with prospective students and their families. The French Government’s initiative, “Choose France Tour 2023,” is a testament to its commitment to transparency and accessibility in higher education. This tour, spanning four major Indian cities, provides students and their parents with a firsthand opportunity to explore the myriad study options available in France.
Moving Forward
As we envision the future for the target 30,000 Indian students and educational leaders embarking on the journey of the “French for All, French for a Better Future” program, we are filled with optimism and excitement.
With President Macron’s vision of enhancing educational ties between India and France, the future holds immense promise for Indian scholars embarking on their academic journeys in France. With determination, dedication, and the unwavering support of both French and Indian educational leaders, we are poised to embark on a transformative journey toward academic excellence and cultural exchange. (RAGHWA GOPAL)
RAGHWA GOPAL
MSM CEO
Raghwa Gopal is a serial entrepreneur, academic, and software engineer by profession. Drawing from extensive business experience, Raghwa joined MSM from British Columbia’s Innovate BC, serving as president and CEO and helping companies start and scale to fuel technology development, commercialization, and adoption. As Accelerate Okanagan’s (AO) former CEO, he was a driving force in development of the tech sector, with a CA$1.6-billion economic contribution.
Raghwa studied at New Zealand’s Central Institute of Technology, Australia’s Collier MacMillan School, and the University of the South Pacific. He has strong ties to higher education as a former lecturer of business at UBC Okanagan, computer science at the School of Arts and Sciences, and entrepreneur-in-residence at Okanagan College School of Business.
His board memberships span across multiple organizations, such as the University of British Columbia, the India Canada Innovation Council, the Women’s Enterprise Centre, and the Province of British Columbia’s Emerging Economy Task Force.
Sources:
- 2024. France to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030: President Macron on 75th Republic Day. Hindustan Times. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/france-to-welcome-30-000-indian-students-by-2030-president-macron-on-75th-republic-day-101706237249460.html
- 2024. President Macron’s invite: What Indian students should know about France as a study abroad destination. Hindustan Times. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/president-macron-s-invite-what-indian-students-should-know-about-france-as-a-study-abroad-destination-101706256846956.html
- 2023. Study Abroad: France invites 30,000 Indian students by 2030. Times of India. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/study-abroad/study-abroad-france-invites-30000-indian-students-by-2030/articleshow/103364271.cms