France is stepping up its higher education outreach in India as it seeks to attract more Indian students to French universities and institutions. A four city Choose France Tour featuring more than 50 French higher education institutions is being organised to provide students and families with detailed information about studying in France.
The initiative comes at a time when the number of Indian students choosing France for higher education is increasing. According to Campus France, the number of Indian students enrolled in French higher education reached 9,100 during the 2024 to 2025 academic year. The latest programme is part of France's wider effort to build stronger educational, research and innovation links with India.
The Choose France Tour is designed to give prospective students direct access to representatives from French universities and other higher education institutions. Students can obtain information about academic programmes, admission requirements, scholarships, visa procedures, accommodation and student life in France.
Campus France, the official French government agency responsible for promoting higher education internationally, is providing guidance to students and families through the initiative. The organisation assists international students with information relating to university applications and mobility to France.
The four city outreach programme reflects the growing importance of India in France's international student strategy. Education has become an important part of the broader India France relationship, alongside cooperation in science, technology, innovation and artificial intelligence.
France has set a long term target of welcoming 30,000 Indian students by 2030. The target was established as part of the countries' bilateral education and student mobility commitments. Both governments have repeatedly highlighted the importance of expanding academic exchanges and creating more opportunities for Indian students to study in France.
The 30,000 student target is significantly higher than the current enrolment level. The latest figure of 9,100 students shows that France still has substantial ground to cover before reaching the 2030 objective. Increasing awareness among Indian students and simplifying access to information about French institutions are therefore important elements of the strategy.
France has also introduced measures intended to make higher education more accessible to Indian students. One such initiative is the International Classes programme. These classes provide students with French language and academic preparation before they enter French taught university programmes. The initiative is intended to help students who may not already have sufficient proficiency in French to pursue higher education in the language.
France began implementing International Classes in September 2024, with the programme covering universities and institutions across the country. According to the Indian Embassy in Paris, the programme normally extends over two semesters and aims to bring participating students to approximately B2 level in French.
Student mobility between India and France has also benefited from changes in visa arrangements. France announced a five year Schengen visa facility for eligible Indian graduates who have studied at least one semester at master's level in a recognised French university, subject to the applicable Schengen requirements. The measure was intended to strengthen the Indian alumni community in France and support continued people to people links.
Academic cooperation between the two countries extends beyond student admissions. India and France have been working to expand joint training programmes, researcher mobility, dual degrees and joint degrees. The countries have also supported collaboration in science and technology, including areas such as health, digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
In February 2026, India and France reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening academic cooperation and student mobility. The two countries again highlighted the objective of welcoming 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030 and welcomed the creation of a Mumbai education hub involving ESSEC Business School and CentraleSupélec.
The growth in Indian student numbers is significant because France is seeking to position itself as an alternative destination for students looking beyond traditional English speaking study destinations. French universities offer programmes across business, engineering, science, technology, management, arts and other disciplines.
For Indian students, studying in France can also provide exposure to European research networks and international academic environments. The country's higher education system includes universities, engineering schools, business schools and specialised institutions with different admission structures and programme formats.
The Choose France Tour is therefore important not only as a recruitment initiative but also as an information platform. Students and parents can compare institutions, understand application procedures and obtain guidance before making decisions about studying abroad.
The growing interest from Indian students also reflects the wider expansion of India France cooperation. Both countries have described education, science and talent mobility as important components of their long term strategic partnership. Their broader Horizon 2047 framework includes cooperation in education, research, technology and people to people ties.
France's target of 30,000 Indian students by 2030 will depend on continued growth in enrolment, wider awareness of available programmes and the ability of French institutions to provide suitable academic and support services for international students.
For students considering France, the Choose France Tour provides an opportunity to learn directly from institutions rather than relying only on online information. Students can use such events to compare courses, tuition costs, admission requirements, scholarship options and career opportunities before applying.
As Indian enrolment in France continues to increase, education is becoming an increasingly important part of the bilateral relationship. The latest four city tour demonstrates France's intention to expand its presence among Indian students and strengthen the pipeline of future academic and professional exchanges.
With more than 50 institutions participating and a long term target of 30,000 Indian students by 2030, France is positioning India as a key source of international students. The initiative is expected to give Indian students greater visibility into French higher education while supporting the broader academic partnership between the two countries.