Why Indian Students should consider France for Higher Studies?

France is a popular study destination for Indian Students. France’s rich academic tradition, diverse cultural experiences, world-renowned cuisine, modern educational system, and strong industry connections make it an increasingly popular study abroad destination for international students. Here’s a comprehensive guide on why Indian Students should consider France for Higher Studies?

Prospective students are increasingly exploring diverse opportunities beyond borders as globalisation continues to reshape the international educational landscape. According to a report published in early 2024, France has experienced a huge surge in the number of international students pursuing studies in France in the past decade.

A report from Campus France suggests that the surge is as high as 17 per cent in the past five years.

Why France stands out as a premier study destination for Indian students seeking to study abroad?

Amidst the traditional international destinations failing to attract international students, France is becoming a favourable study destination among Indians. France aims to bring in over half a million international students by 2027.

Over 10,000 Indian students enrolled in French Universities in the academic year of 2024-2025.

1. New Study Destination

• Noticeable shifts in international policies of Traditional popular study destinations for Indian Students like Canada, Australia, and a few have led prospective students to turn their attention to interesting new study destinations like France.
• Over the years, France has increased its investments in higher education, research, and development to attract more international students to join its impressive labour force.
• France boasts frequently featured internationally ranked prestigious universities. France offers top courses in Business, fashion, hospitality, and data analytics.
• When it comes to fashion, culinary excellence, and hospitality, the country’s influence is unmatched. France boasts the largest fashion houses in the world, and its headquarters are in Paris. International students opt to study fashion in France and study culinary arts in France from the best across the globe.
• The unmatched availability of top courses in France makes it an attractive study destination for Indian students.

2. Academic Excellence

• Universities in France are known for their high academic standards, specially equipped to support international students studying in France. French universities help students overcome language barriers with continued language courses in French universities and counselling services.
• The availability of language courses in France ensures a smooth transition for Indian students to adapt and excel in careers in France.

French is the third most business Language in the world

3. Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Career planning to study France is essential for studying abroad. France extends its helping hand to Indian students to make the journey of studying abroad more manageable. French universities provide extensive financial aid and scholarships to support Indian students.
• The cost of education in France is relatively affordable compared to other study destinations. There are numerous organisations in France that help international students with financial aid for housing, thus making it easier to manage living expenses.
• There are also many French banks which offer student loans with low interest rates and flexible repayment plans specifically designed for students studying in France. This makes France an economically favourable study destination for Indian Students.

4. Work Opportunities and Cultural Richness

• There's a common saying that "When in Rome, do as Romans do," which means that any traveller tries to conform to the culture of the people among whom she or he is visiting. France is a country that, in its forests, mountains, and seaside enclaves, has different regional groups with different histories, cultures, and ways of life, especially among students.
• National Museum of Natural History, Cité des Sciences and Cité de l’Art et de la Culture, Palais de la Découverte, The Palais Garnier is one of the major opera houses in the world among many others are available for any student who loves or has appreciated the arts.

From luxury brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton to tech giants like Dassault Systèmes, France is a hub of innovation.

• Indian students with a student resident permit in France are permitted to work for not more than 964 hours a year at a rate of 9.22 per hour, which is the lowest wage for a student in France. There are also chances of securing employment at a sister institution or a university.
• The culture of working in the environment of France also means that most of the work or tasks do not take all day, which enables students to obtain work experience while studying without affecting their studies in France.

5. Government Initiatives and Strategic Locations

• Students can access various grants and subsidies offered to foreign students, which ensures that money will not be a limitation in their academic dreams.

The French government recently announced a scheme to offer 30,000 Indian alumni a 5 years Schengen visa by 2030, a move that underscores President Macron's interest in Indian students. With its central position geographically, France has earned a reputation as a booming business centre and an attractive destination for investment across the globe.

• For young aspiring businessmen, entrepreneurs with degrees from universities in France have a blooming future, as there are career opportunities for them elsewhere in the world.
• In addition, the students aspiring to be entrepreneurs are able to enjoy even greater prospects owing to the government’s encouraging policies towards start-ups and innovation.

You might also like: 10 Tips to navigate Health emergencies when Studying Abroad

Conclusion

The commitment of France in creating a friendly environment to its students can be seen in very many ways; the policies in place, the structures and the overall approach to students. French history and culture, academic excellence, and opportunities in plenty make France an ideal study destination for Indian students wanting the best education and thinking beyond boundaries.

France is a country that guarantees every student something unique, progress, and learning as well as a bright tomorrow. France spells out opportunities from its centuries old cities to its research centres making it an attractive destination for Indian students hoping to explore more.

Reach out to SIEC for applications and queries.

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