Amid PM Modi's France visit, know why more Indians are choosing the European nation for higher studies

The number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad has surged dramatically with over 9, 00,000 students studying in foreign universities in 2024. While the US, UK, Canada and Australia have traditionally been top choices, France is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for Indian students.

France’s appeal lies in its world-class education system, affordability, and extensive scholarship opportunities. The country hosts nearly 3 million students, of which around 320,000 are international, including over 7,300 from India. 

However, this number is expected to triple by 2030, as the French government actively encourages Indian student enrollment. President Emmanuel Macron has set a target of welcoming 30,000 Indian students by the end of the decade, introducing initiatives such as ‘Classes Internationales’ to provide language and academic training for non-French speakers.

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According to University Living's European Student Landscape report, France offers over 1,700 English-taught programs, making it accessible for Indian students. Renowned institutions like HEC Paris, Sciences Po, and Sorbonne University attract students in business, technology, and arts fields. 

Affordability is another major factor, with public universities charging as little as €2,770 per year for undergraduate programs and €3,770 for master’s degrees. This is significantly lower than tuition fees in the US and UK, where costs range from $20,000 to $50,000 annually. 

Living expenses in France, estimated at €10,000–€15,000 per year, further add to its attractiveness, along with generous scholarships exceeding Rs 15 crore annually for Indian students, stated the report.

France also offers post-study work opportunities, allowing international graduates to stay for a year to gain work experience. 

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The rise in Indian students studying abroad reflects broader concerns about India’s higher education system. Despite having top institutions like IITs and IIMs, no Indian university currently ranks in the world’s top 100, forcing many students to move abroad for higher education driven by the pursuit of quality education, global exposure, and better career opportunities.