Student enrolments in French higher education rose 17% to 9,100 in 2024-25, as France targets 30,000 Indian students by 2030
The matter also draws attention to concerns about personal safety, online harassment and the potential misuse of access to sensitive government information.
France’s growing appeal as a destination for Indian students has been reflected in more than 20,000 registrations for the 2026 Choose France Tour, which is bringing French higher education institutions to four Indian cities.
The event, organised by the Embassy of France in India in collaboration with the French Institute in India and Campus France, is providing students and their families with an opportunity to explore academic programmes, admission requirements and prospects for studying in France.
The tour has covered Mumbai, Pune and New Delhi, with its final stop scheduled in Bengaluru on October 17. The New Delhi edition, held at Le Méridien, brought together representatives of more than 50 French universities, business schools, engineering institutions and specialised schools.
The participating institutions presented courses in management, engineering, design, creative arts, hospitality and gastronomy. Campus France India also offered guidance on admissions, visa procedures, accommodation and student life.
Lisa Amon, deputy head of mission at the French Embassy in India, said education had become an increasingly important pillar of the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership. She highlighted the role of academic exchanges in strengthening cooperation in research, innovation, artificial intelligence and industry.
Indian enrolments on the rise
According to figures cited by the organisers, Indian student enrolment in French higher education increased by 17% to 9,100 in the 2024-25 academic year. The number of Indian students in France has risen by 63% since 2018, making India the 11th-largest source of international students in the country.
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The initiative comes amid efforts by India and France to deepen educational cooperation and expand student mobility
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For prospective students, the tour offers direct access to institutions and practical information to help them assess courses and plan their applications
France aims to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030. Its broader strategy to attract international students places particular emphasis on fields such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, biotechnology, energy, environmental studies and space.
France offers more than 1,700 programmes taught in English, including around 1,460 delivered entirely in the language, according to information shared for the event.
Students considering undergraduate courses taught in French were also introduced to Classes Internationales, a foundation-year pathway combining language training with academic preparation. The programme is available at more than 30 French institutions and offers access to over 200 undergraduate courses.
