Why Indian students prefer France for studies

Ranked as the third most popular choice globally, France is the educational destination that welcomes students with open arms, writes French ambassador Alexandre Ziegler

Be it in business administration or engineering, aeronautics or art - international exposure and experience is no longer an option - but a necessity. Studying abroad is a path to high-quality education and a promising career. Ranked year after year as the third most popular choice globally, France is the educational destination that welcomes international students with warmth.

India-France collaboration
Over the past few years, our country has taken several steps in this direction. The Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications between India and France - the first such agreement signed by India with any country - is one of these. A Franco-Indian Education Trust has also been set up to offer more scholarships and exchange programmes. In just a year, our measures have already translated into a 50% increase in student visas to France.

As a country that leads in innovation, France is acknowledged for its outstanding research in cutting-edge fields such as Biotechnology and Mathematics. Indeed, France has received 14 Fields Medals. French scientist Gérard Mourou from Ecole Polytechnique shared the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics with two other scholars. Further, French engineering and business schools fare particularly well in world rankings. In the latest Financial Times Rankings, three French business schools featured in the top five, while 25 made it to the top 100.

France offers its students access to topgrade academics, with small class sizes and intensive teaching, and that, too, at very competitive fees. In fact, France's very high educational standards and the French government's subsidies make studies affordable for the Indian students. Besides, one can also get financial assistance. Every year, 500 students benefit under the government's Charpak scholarship programme for excellence. Many scholarships are available from other sources, such as the institutions themselves, the French regional authorities, and Europe (Erasmus Mundus).

Language no bar

Moreover, language is not a barrier. More than 1,400 programmes are fully taught in English, mainly at the master's level, though there are more and more now at the Bachelor's level, too. In any case, surveys show that students who went to France with absolutely no knowledge of French were able to speak it fluently by the time they completed their studies. This is a great asset if you aim to join an international organisation or if you want to broaden your horizons globally because French is spoken by 200 million people in more than 30 countries across the world.

France values its culture and the role it plays in its economy. Be it heritage, tourism, the film industry, dance, theatre, art, or publishing, it offers excellent programmes in world-class institutions as well as valuable 360° exposure and experience in these fields.

Experience rich culture

Students really enjoy the social and cultural life in France. The quality of life a country offers greatly influences your overall experience. The health insurance system, male and female student safety, special benefits for international students, accommodation, transport, food - all these are important criteria for students when they choose their destination. And we excel in these.

With their international faculty and student body, French institutes enable Indian students to develop their own international network of contacts, while building a strong sense of European business culture. At the heart of Europe, France is a major gateway to the continent. Moreover, French companies are one of the biggest investors in India. Over 560 French companies are constantly seeking to hire French alumni - yet another reason why France is a smart choice for young Indians looking to build a fulfilling career.

Most of all, France wants to build a long-term partnership with you. Every Indian student who completes a Master's or higher degree in France can extend their stay for two years, allowing them to look for a permanent position in line with their studies, providing them with the international exposure they need in their professional life as well. Once back in India, alumni are eligible for a tourist or business Schengen visa with a long period of validity - up to five years. So are their spouses and children, thus making sure that France becomes a family story.