(FRANCE) France recorded a 17% rise in Indian students for the 2024–2025 academic year, lifting the number in the country to about 10,000 and moving closer to its 2030 target of 30,000 Indian students. French officials say the trend reflects steady growth over several years and a clear policy choice: India remains a priority for higher education ties and wider economic partnership.
The growth also comes as some other destinations face visa uncertainty, which has pushed students and parents to look closely at France’s stable rules and expanding course options. French Ambassador Thierry Mathou and Counsellor Gregor Trumel have both said that India is a priority country and that there is no change in France’s student visa policy for Indians.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the current policy stance, along with targeted outreach and more English-taught programs, is helping keep the momentum. The latest 17% increase follows a 25% jump two years ago, suggesting the pipeline is not only growing but doing so at a healthy pace.
Key policy initiatives and programs
The French government and its higher education agencies have rolled out several measures aimed at Indian students:
- “Choose France” Tour 2025
- Set to visit major Indian cities, bringing more than 50 French institutions directly to prospective applicants.
- Offers hands-on guidance about programs, scholarships, and the student visa process.
- Enables families to ask practical questions; particularly helpful for final-year undergraduates and working professionals considering master’s programs.
- “Classes Internationales” (launched 2024)
- A one-year foundation course designed to help Indian students settle into academic life in France.
- Blends language training with academic preparation, easing the transition into full degree programs.
- Targets students who want time to build French skills while adapting to French teaching styles and expectations.
- Expansion of English-language offerings
- There are now 1,600+ English-taught programs, directly addressing a major concern for Indian students and parents.
- Starting in English lowers the barrier to entry and opens access to institutions across France, not only in Paris.
Changing academic and sector interests
- Subject mix
- Management and business remain dominant: about 85% of Indian students in France enroll in management and business programs.
- Growing interest in: engineering, science, social sciences, humanities, hospitality, culinary arts, fashion, design, and data science.
- The expanding subject spread helps distribute Indian student presence across campuses and regions, and connects students with a broader range of French employers.
- Career and employer links
- More than 1,000 French employers operate in India and often recruit graduates familiar with both markets.
- Students who build language ability and secure internships can move into roles requiring cross-border skills in sectors like tech, automotive, energy, luxury goods, and services.
Visa policy and applicant support
- French officials emphasize a steady policy line and a streamlined, supportive visa process.
- The government reiterates: no change in student visa policy for Indian applicants.
- Applicants can review requirements on the France-Visas official site: https://france-visas.gouv.fr, which outlines steps for student visas, expected documents, and timelines.
France’s approach: set clear rules, expand course choice, and encourage campus-to-career pathways.
Admissions, outreach, and the 2030 target
- Counsellors say the 2030 target of 30,000 Indian students is ambitious but reachable if current trends continue.
- Growth trajectory:
- Base rose from roughly 8,000 in 2022–2023 to about 10,000 today.
- 17% year-on-year jump this cycle, following a 25% jump two years ago.
- The “Choose France” Tour 2025 is expected to boost the next intake by creating direct links between schools and students from cities beyond the usual hubs.
- Face-to-face interactions with admissions staff often convert hesitant applicants into applicants who apply.
Return on investment, internships, and alumni networks
- Financial and career considerations:
- Tuition at public universities in France tends to be lower than at many private schools; scholarships are available.
- English-medium options allow students to start strong while they build French language skills.
- Internships and school-industry ties are integral to many programs and can lead directly to hiring opportunities.
- Alumni networks in India are growing, providing new graduates with contacts for job hunts both in India and across the region.
Student life, housing, and regional choices
- Common concerns include housing, daily life, and city adjustment.
- Indian students tend to cluster in cities with strong management and engineering programs.
- Popular choices beyond Paris: Lille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nantes, Grenoble, Bordeaux.
- The “Classes Internationales” foundation year helps students adjust by:
- Providing language and academic support.
- Easing practical matters such as accommodation, banking, and city navigation.
- Schools often run welcome weeks and buddy systems that match newcomers with senior students for additional support.
What stands out for Indian students choosing France
Three main points now stand out:
- The number of English-taught courses has grown rapidly.
- The government is actively inviting students through tours, scholarships, and foundation programs.
- The outlook to 2030 suggests increasing demand from companies for graduates who can operate across both India and France.
VisaVerge.com reports that Indian students are using these changes to widen their options beyond traditional English-speaking destinations. Many plan to gain work experience in France and then choose between staying on or returning to India with new skills and contacts. Either route reinforces ties that started on campus.
Institutional plans ahead
Admissions offices are preparing for the next cycle with a focus on maintaining growth while keeping a personal touch:
- Increase one-on-one counseling during the “Choose France” Tour 2025.
- Expand webinars for families who can’t attend in person.
- Highlight alumni success stories across fields.
- Showcase regional campuses where housing costs can be lower and community life strong.
Conclusion
France’s steady rise in Indian students is more than a headcount. It signals a deeper education and industry bridge forming between the two countries.
If current growth continues, the 2030 target of 30,000 Indian students could come into view well before the end of the decade—driven by policy stability, targeted outreach, and practical study options that meet the needs of Indian families and employers.
This Article in a Nutshell
France reported a 17% rise in Indian student enrollments for 2024–2025, reaching roughly 10,000 and narrowing the gap to its 2030 goal of 30,000. Officials attribute growth to a steady student visa stance, expanded English-taught programs (1,600+), targeted outreach like the Choose France Tour 2025, and the Classes Internationales foundation year. Management and business fields dominate (about 85%), while interest increases in engineering, data science, and creative sectors. Strong employer links—over 1,000 French companies in India—plus internships and alumni networks enhance career prospects. Continued targeted recruitment and support could keep France on track to meet its 2030 target.
