France Promoted India as Exchange Destination for Students

France is recognised as one of the prominent and celebrated nation across the globe. India and France shares a friendly relation since a long time. With France gearing up to attract 30, 000 Indian Students by 2030 as a part of the Franco-Indian roadmap, India is being promoted as an exchange destination for French Students. France and India, who have traditionally maintained a strategic relationship are now promoting more people-to-people exchanges with higher education at the centre of it. This means aspiring students from India now have a chance to study in France and apply to colleges and universities in France.

What’s been talked in the Panel discussion: India, place of Talents and Innovation?

• The panel discussion was organised by CNCCEF India (French Foreign Trade Advisors) and the National Commission Training, providing a comprehensive perspective on modern India. This included insights into the cultural, economic, and educational aspects of the country, aimed at French Students who aspire to choose India for exchange semesters, internships, or volunteer for International Experience.
• Among the most talked-about topics on the "India, Place of Talents and Innovation" were a glimpse of higher education in India, an overview of the growing Indian economy, which is the 5th-largest in the world, a focus on tech innovation, promising and in-demand sectors such as aeronautics and defence, setting up enterprises in India, and how French people can work in India. These were a few of the key agendas of the Event.

"It's worth noting that the Event has drawn a diverse crowd, with more than 2000 French students from 65 institutions in France in attendance."

• There was a clear call to increase encouragement for French Students to study in India. To kick-start this process, the speakers emphasized the crucial role of more and stronger university collaborations. These collaborations, they stressed, should be based on reciprocity, ensuring that both French and Indian students benefit equally and a balance of exchanges, where the number of students going to each country is proportionate.

Anticipated Impact of the Panel Discussion on India: India, place of Talents and Innovation

• The number of Indian Students choosing France as their study-abroad destination is expected to rise to 25,000 by 2025 from almost 10,000 in the current scenario.
• This trend not only reflects the growing interest of Indian students in international education but also promises a stronger cultural and academic exchange between India and France.
• While many French students traditionally choose Latin American countries or China for their study abroad or exchange semesters, India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse academic opportunities, has yet to be a popular choice. This underscores the need to actively promote India as an attractive exchange destination for the young French community, offering them a unique and enriching experience.
• It's a win-win situation, as this initiative not only encourages the country for semester exchange without fees but also provides French students with a valuable learning experience in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• The survey predicts that the number of French Students proposing India as their exchange semesters, internships, or first jobs will rise.

"Over 412,000 international students study in France, making it the sixth most popular study destination."

In July 2023, India's Ministry of External Affairs announced a significant development for Indian students planning to study in France. They will now be eligible for a five-year validity short-stay Schengen visa if they hold degrees from French educational institutions (masters and above). This visa not only simplifies the visa application process but also allows students to explore other Schengen countries during their stay in France, enhancing their international experience.

Expanding the horizon of opportunities, as per sources in Campus France India, 1,000-1,500 Indian exchange students in France will also benefit from this short-stay Schengen visa, which was previously restricted to master students. This inclusive step ensures that a wider community of Indian students, regardless of their academic level, can now explore the educational landscape in France.

Moreover, French President Emmanuel Macron, who served as the Chief Guest for India's Republic Day 2024 on January 26, announced the launch of Classes Internationals. These classes are designed for Indian students who wish to learn French for a year in France before pursuing the degree of their choice. This program not only provides a strong foundation in the French language but also offers a unique cultural experience, preparing students for a successful academic journey in France.

France and India will also form a joint committee to promote advanced research and are set to create a joint Master's course in the healthcare sector through the Franco-Indian campus in the Indo-Pacific region.

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