France Targets 30,000 Indian Students with Easier Visas and Expanded Research Access

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a major expansion of educational opportunities for Indian students, setting a target to increase their numbers in France from around 10,000 annually to 30,000 in the coming years.

Speaking in New Delhi, Macron said France will simplify visa procedures and streamline admissions to make studying in the country more accessible. The announcement signals a renewed commitment to strengthening academic cooperation and student mobility between India and France.

He emphasised the importance of two-way exchange, noting that France aims to welcome more Indian students while also encouraging French students to study in India.

Policy Shift to Boost Student Mobility

The threefold increase in student intake reflects a strategic policy shift aimed at positioning France as a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad.

Indian outbound student mobility continues to grow rapidly, with thousands of students seeking global education opportunities each year. By easing visa processes and making admissions more predictable, France aims to reduce barriers and improve accessibility.

Simplified visa procedures are expected to shorten processing times and provide greater clarity for applicants.

Expansion of English-Taught Courses

To address language barriers, French universities and Grandes Écoles are expanding the number of programmes taught in English.

New and expanded Master’s programmes are expected in fields such as:

• Business and management

• Engineering and technology

• Artificial intelligence and data science

• Sustainability and environmental studies

This move is expected to significantly increase France’s appeal among Indian students who prefer English-medium education.

Strengthening Research and Academic Collaboration

France highlighted its strong research ecosystem as a major advantage for Indian students. The initiative will provide access to advanced research centres, interdisciplinary projects, and innovation hubs.

The expansion is also expected to strengthen:

• Joint research initiatives

• Dual-degree programmes

• Institutional partnerships between Indian and French universities

Education is increasingly becoming a key pillar of the broader strategic partnership between the two countries.

Internship Pathways and Post-Study Opportunities

Discussions between the two governments have also included smoother internship pathways and clearer post-study work options.

International graduates in France can apply for temporary residence permits that allow them to remain in the country while seeking employment after completing their degrees. This adds to the attractiveness of France as a study destination.

France Emerges as a Competitive European Option

France’s public universities offer relatively moderate tuition fees compared with destinations such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Combined with expanded English-language programmes and simplified visa processes, this makes France an increasingly competitive option for Indian students.

The announcement reflects a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen people-to-people ties and long-term collaboration between the two nations.

By raising its student target threefold, France is signalling that education, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange will remain central to its engagement with India in the years ahead.