The Government of France has opened its borders to Indian academicians and students having an objective to attain their aspirations and claims to be the first country to do so.

Emanuel Lenain, His Excellency the Ambassador of France, while mirroring the same confidence, stated that France is proud to reopen its borders to Indian academics and students to teach, study and/or to carry out research work in France. He also added that there are around 06 lakh students learning the French language in India and others who wish to study in English in France to study in higher education institutions and universities. He also assured to put everything in position for higher education.

In India, 07 visa centres namely Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, and Hyderabad have recommenced operations and have been accepting applications from learners for short/ long-term visa, visas for professors/ researchers invited by institutions in France and Talent Passport Holders.

The Talent Passport Holders have a multiyear resident permit of 04 years and is for highly proficient foreigners who want to stay in France. The passport is specifically designed for artists, researchers, scientists and stature of international repute.

The newly issued visa's validity period is the same as before such as for a 03-month or minimum duration course, short term visa will be issued whereas for a course having the duration of more than 03-months, long term visa will be issued for max. one year period which will be renewable.

He also added that the institutions have started classes keeping in mind the social distancing norms but the students who are yet to have their visas issued can take part through online classes. He also informed that certain measures have been taken to broaden the financial assistance to scholarship students during the pandemic.