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France has secured the second position in the prestigious "Global University Employability Ranking," a publication by Times Higher Education. This notable achievement has further solidified France's position as a sought-after destination for international students, particularly from India, following a recent pact signed between the two countries.

Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Emmanuel Lenain, discusses France's roadmap for Indian students, including the introduction of new courses and programs, rising enrollment figures, ambitious expansion plans, and a range of scholarships and opportunities aimed at nurturing Indian talent in France.

1. Cost of Education: France offers affordable education with meager tuition fees in public higher education institutions, even for non-EU students. Bachelor's degrees cost a maximum of 2700 €/year, while Master's degrees cost 3700 €/year.

2. Scholarships: Scholarships worth over Rs 15 crore are available each year, tailored for Indian students, making education more accessible.

3. International Classes: The introduction of "International Classes" helps Indian students pursue academic excellence with English-taught programs and comprehensive French language training.

4. Schengen Circulation Visa: Indian alumni holding a Master's degree or higher, with at least one semester of study in France, are eligible for a five-year Schengen visa, fostering connections with France and its counterparts.

Popular Courses Among Indian Students:

• Approximately 75% of Indian students in France opt for management and business studies.


• Other disciplines gaining popularity include engineering (12.5%), science and technology, arts, design, sport, hospitality, culinary arts, and fashion, available in French or English.


• Most Indian students pursue Master's degrees (over 80%), followed by Bachelor's degrees (13%).

Visa Requirements for Indian Students:

Students planning to study in France for more than three months should follow the Etudes en France procedure, managed by Campus France, offering support from application to enrollment, including online visa application.

Post-Study Work Visa

France offers a two-year post-study work visa for post-graduates with a French Master's degree, providing valuable work experience and career exploration opportunities.

Opportunities for International Students on Campus

• French law allows foreign students to work up to 964 hours per year (60% of maximum working hours).


• A statutory minimum wage, known as Smic (salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance or guaranteed minimum wage), is guaranteed by law when working in France.

Indian Community in France

France has a substantial Indian community, with approximately 19,000 non-resident Indians and 90,000 persons of Indian origin in metropolitan France, offering a support network for Indian students.

Indo-French Collaborations

India and France recently established an Indo-French life sciences campus for health in the Indo-Pacific region, involving more than 60 institutions from both countries, including universities, research institutes, industry partners, startups, medical groups, and hospitals.