Paris: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting France for a three-day tour, all eyes are on Paris. This marks his sixth visit to the country. During this trip, Modi will sign crucial defense and nuclear energy agreements with President Emmanuel Macron, further strengthening India-France relations. In addition, reports suggest that Paris is introducing student-friendly visa and work permit policies to attract Indian students.

Previously, the US, UK, Canada, and Australia were the top destinations for Indian students pursuing higher education. However, this trend has changed in recent years, with France emerging as a preferred choice. Over 75 globally renowned institutions, including HEC Paris Business School, Sorbonne University, and École Polytechnique, offer top-tier programs in business, arts, technology, and science. This has significantly increased Indian students' interest in higher education in France. In the 2023–24 academic year, 7,344 Indian students enrolled in French institutions, and this number is expected to rise by 200% by 2030. During his visit to India in January 2024, President Macron interacted with Indian students and reaffirmed France’s commitment to welcoming 30,000 Indian students by 2030. A recent QS report showed that 31% of Indian students prefer France, with nearly 50% opting for postgraduate programs and 21% for undergraduate courses.

To attract more students, France is simplifying its visa process and offering courses in both French and English. It provides international classes for students to learn French, which enables them to enroll in over 200 academic programs taught in the language. Many French universities also offer dual-degree programs. Indian students who complete a semester in France as part of a master's or higher degree program are eligible for a five-year Schengen short-stay visa. Additionally, those with a French master’s degree can avail a two-year post-study work visa. Lower education costs also make France attractive compared to the traditional "Big Four" countries. Government universities have lower tuition fees, and financial aid programs like Charpak and Eiffel Excellence provide scholarships exceeding ₹15 crore specifically for Indian students. The cost of living is also budget-friendly, with Paris averaging ₹1.54 lakh per month, Lyon ₹1.01 lakh, and other cities even lower. Additionally, French universities offer excellent placement programs, further enhancing career prospects for Indian students.