With such initiatives in place, France and India are deepening their educational ties, promoting mutual growth and global collaboration
France is actively promoting India as a prime exchange destination for its students, while simultaneously aiming to attract 30,000 Indian students by 2030. This initiative, part of the broader Franco-Indian roadmap, was discussed at a recent panel titled “India, Place of Talents and Innovation.” The event, organized by the CNCCEF India (French Foreign Trade Advisors) and the National Commission for Training in France, sought to highlight India’s potential as a hub for education and innovation.
More than 2,000 students from 65 French institutions attended the session. Key topics covered included the quality of higher education in India, the nation’s booming economy as the world’s fifth-largest, and opportunities in sectors like tech innovation, aeronautics, and defense. French professionals currently working in India shared their experiences, addressing common concerns such as safety, cultural practices, and workplace dynamics.
Currently, around 8,000-10,000 Indian students study in France, with numbers expected to increase to 25,000 by 2025. In return, efforts are being made to boost the flow of French students to India
As Omnes Education’s South Asia Area Manager, Maud Le Bars, emphasized, a balanced exchange program is crucial for sustainability. “When France is focused on increasing the number of Indian students, it is important to encourage French students to consider India as well,” she said. Strong university collaborations based on reciprocity were identified as key to successful exchanges.
The panel revealed a growing interest in India among French students. While traditionally, countries like China and those in Latin America were preferred for exchange programs, the perception is shifting. After the event, 75% of participating students expressed a desire to prioritize India for their semester exchanges, internships, or job placements, compared to just 10% in a previous survey.
To strengthen these ties, India’s Ministry of External Affairs recently announced a five-year Schengen visa for Indian graduates of French institutions, while French President Emmanuel Macron introduced “Classes Internationales,” a program enabling Indian students to learn French for a year before pursuing higher education in France.
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