France is strategically positioning itself as a premier destination for Indian students, offering easier visa and work permits in an effort to attract more international talent. This move comes amid tightening immigration policies in the United States and strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada, providing an opportunity for France to capitalize on its appeal to students seeking higher education abroad.
Isabelle Huault, President of Emlyon Business School, highlighted in an interview with Deccan Herald that the French government recognizes the value of attracting Indian students, signaling a clear shift in France’s higher education strategy. The French government is expected to announce new measures during the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France in February, where discussions between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will focus on strengthening academic collaboration. A potential key announcement could include streamlined visa rules and work permits for Indian students.
The groundwork for France’s student outreach was laid in 2018 when it signed an agreement with India for the mutual recognition of degrees. Since then, France has expanded English-language programs at its institutions and set an ambitious goal of welcoming 30,000 Indian students by 2030—three times the current number. According to Huault, this target is achievable, especially with the continued growth of Indian students in France over the past year. To further support this initiative, France plans to offer more scholarships and research grants, along with increasing the number of English programs offered by French universities.
France is positioning itself as a viable alternative to traditional higher education destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The growing trend of Indian students studying in France highlights a shift in preferences, fueled by more accessible academic offerings and favorable immigration policies in European countries like France, Germany, and Italy, which are increasingly competing for international talent.
With approximately 10,000 Indian students currently studying in France, this number is expected to rise, reflecting both the expansion of France’s higher education opportunities and the country’s broader diplomatic and economic ties with India. The two nations share a deep economic relationship, with French companies investing over $10 billion in India between 2000 and 2023, further solidifying their strategic partnership.
As India and France continue to strengthen their bilateral cooperation, the French government’s efforts to ease the path for Indian students are likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education and international collaboration between the two nations.
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