France Targets 30,000 Indian Students By 2030, Steps Up Education Outreach
France is stepping up its efforts to attract students from India, setting a target of hosting 30,000 Indian students by 2030 as enrolment from the country continues to grow. The initiative is part of a broader effort by India and France to strengthen collaboration in education, innovation and artificial intelligence. Campus France, the French government agency that promotes higher education…
France aims to attract 30,000 Indian students by 2030, increasing its efforts to foster education and innovation partnerships with the country. Campus France, the French government's agency promoting study opportunities abroad, reported 9,100 Indian students enrolled in French higher education during the 2024-25 academic year. This represents a significant rise, with India now ranking 11th among France's primary sources of international students, up from 13th.
The actual number of Indian students in France is estimated at around 12,000, including those on exchange programs and shorter courses.
This ambitious target is part of the broader education collaboration between India and France, with student mobility seen as a key area of cooperation. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France in June, the two nations signed 19 agreements to bolster their respective innovation ecosystems. They also adopted the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030 and established a Joint India-France AI Working Group.
Modi encouraged French universities to consider setting up campuses in India, signaling a push for deeper institutional ties.
In response, French universities and higher education institutions are ramping up their engagement with Indian students. Over 50 institutions plan to participate in the Choose France Tour in October, held across Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi, and Bengaluru. Attendees will include engineering and technology schools, business schools, and public universities, all offering STEM, management, and global learning opportunities.
Additionally, France is investing in specialized sectors, such as animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and immersive content (AVGC-XR). The Embassy of France in India and the French Institute in India launched the Desibel program to provide training, professional development, and international exchange opportunities for Indian artists and professionals in these emerging fields.
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