France aims for 30000 Indian students by 2030

Indian students aspiring for higher education in France have occasionally grappled with visa challenges. As expressed by Thierry Mathou, the French Ambassador to India, this scenario may soon change. Mathou highlighted that President Emmanuel Macron’s vision includes welcoming up to 30,000 Indian scholars in French academic institutions by 2030. He also elaborated on the latest updates surrounding the five-year short-stay Schengen visa. He emphasized that even a semester spent by an Indian student in France weaves a bond deserving of nurture and value.

From this summer onward, Indian postgraduates who’ve completed at least a semester in France qualify for this 5-year short-stay Schengen visa. This unique benefit allows Indian graduates to maintain robust ties with France and their French colleagues.

Ambassador Mathou shared insights on various subjects and articulated France’s educational strategy. Highlighted points from the conversation:

Impact of the five-year Schengen visa for Indian students

France perceives that even a brief academic stint in France by an Indian student establishes a bond worthy of continuous nurturing. Consequently, postgraduate Indian students who’ve engaged in at least one semester in France can now avail of the 5-year short-stay Schengen visa. This special arrangement fortifies the bridge between Indian graduates and France.

Streamlining the Visa application process

Streamlining the visa process tops our list. Comparative assessments suggest that obtaining a French visa is hassle-free vis-à-vis other nations. We’re committed to enhancing this convenience.

Preferred academic fields for Indian students

A considerable number of Indian students already enrich our business courses. However, we’re also keen to onboard students into our engineering disciplines. This syncs with our strategic association across various verticals, including engineering and design.

Prospective students can seek detailed insights from representatives of 50 premier French academic institutions. The offered courses span diverse disciplines, including 22 in business and management, 17 in engineering, three in arts and design, five in public academia, two centered on hospitality and tourism, and one dedicated to the French language.

Anticipated student intake for the upcoming academic year

Our vision for 2030 projects 30,000 students. The more, the merrier. The enthusiastic response to our initiatives underscores the youth’s growing interest in French education.

Enhancing Indo-French academic collaborations post PM Modi’s French visit

France and India have historically shared robust academic and research synergies. During PM Narendra Modi’s French trip, coinciding with Bastille Day last July, numerous initiatives were unveiled to augment this intellectual rapport.

President Macron has articulated his ambition to integrate 30,000 Indian learners into French academia by 2030. There’s also an intent to structure international classes within universities, allowing non-French-speaking students to transition into mainstream French bachelor courses after an initial year of linguistic training. This resolve is further bolstered by the inception of over 600 collaborations between French and Indian educational institutions.