France offers an undeniable, unique and prime quality of life that’s the reason why +358.000 international students currently study in France. Located at the heart of Europe, France ranks 5th globally (and 3rd in Europe) in inbound student mobility and is a serious and quality destination for Higher Education.

That’s not all! In the recent 2020 US News Best Countries ranking List (in Collaboration with Wharton School) France is ranked 2nd worldwide for Cultural Influence, 4th in History & Heritage, and 6th for Global Policy & Power. France is the 2nd largest economy in Europe and is known for its high level of technological development, and innovation.

When it comes to history and heritage, France has around 30 sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage list and is home to the famous Louvre, which houses roughly 35,000 artifacts and attracts nearly 10 million visitors a year - more than any other museum in the world. By studying in France, Indian students will therefore discover a new and rich culture; from well-known French gastronomy to unending art galleries and museums, and from luxury fashion to cultural ethnicities and sporting actions. France “art de vivre” is something very special that will add tremendous value to your foreign student experience and help you grow as a person.

As a French Citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) it gives me great pleasure to highlight the incredible prospects that lie ahead for young Indian students looking to make their future, by leveraging French higher education opportunities.

What’s in it for you?

A reputed and affordable higher education system is a strong reason for you to consider France for increasing your lifelong employability value.

Welcome to France!

In recent years, France has made a great effort to attract and recruit international students. The French government has simplified the visa application process and for example France was the first country to reopen its visa section to facilitate the entry of Indian students after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Higher education in France: Highly affordable, high quality, high Impact!

France spends around 5,6% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on education, and it has always been a priority for the French Government. The French central and local authorities subsidize roughly 80% of education costs and in 2018 for higher education this represented around 11.500 Euros per student.

Numerous scholarships options:

On top and above the subsidized higher studies, the French administration, as well as universities, and “Grandes Écoles” offer numerous scholarships to international students to help them study in France. There are numerous public and private scholarships available for Indian students. Scholarships range from being fully funded, partially funded to tuition support.

SOME OF THE WELL-KNOWN PUBLIC SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR INDIAN STUDENTS ARE:

French Ministry Scholarships

Charpak Scholarship

Erasmus+

Merit Scholarships — Eiffel Excellence Program

UGAM Legrand Scholarships

Quality education:

France has a twofold structure for higher education: "Universities" and "Grandes Ecoles"; for medical and law studies, there are no Grandes Ecoles, but universities have a separate selection. More than 3,500 public universities and elite private schools (Grandes Écoles) offer a wide range of study options for students (most graduate engineering and business studies are in English).

High focus on employability

These elite French “Grandes Écoles” are constantly ranked among the best in the world in the major global rankings. For example, my alma mater emlyon business school is ranked 2nd B-School in France (after HEC) and 36th worldwide in the Global University Employability 2020 ranking by Times Higher Education. 2 B-Schools and 4 Engineering French institutions are among the top 40 Global University Employability 2020 ranking. This should not come as a surprise, for these elite institutions have constantly aimed at forming work-ready graduates, with the right skills, strong hybrid knowledge, and a growth mindset.

Staying back

Internships have become a compulsory part of the curriculum of many programs at French universities and of all programs at the “Grandes Écoles. International students in France can learn and benefit a lot from these internships in France but also in Europe for those studying at the prestigious “Grandes Écoles”.

At the end of your studies and after obtaining a degree from a French higher education institution, you can request a Temporary Resident Permit or APS (for "Autorisation Provisioire de Séjour") to look for work or start a company. During this period, you are entitled to look for a job (without restriction) or prepare for the creation of a company in a field corresponding to your training.

Until a work contract has been signed, for a fixed (CDD) or indefinite (CDI) period of time, foreign graduates with an APS are authorized to work under the same conditions as if they were students. Students from a country that concluded a bilateral agreement with France (regarding professional migrations or concerted management of flows) benefit from more favorable issuance conditions. Good news, India is one of such countries.