In a significant development for the Indo-French education corporations, a joint statement released by France and India on Wednesday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris predicted that there would be an unprecedented 10,000 Indian students studying in France by 2025. It would establish favourable circumstances for enhancing student mobility and achieving the goal of 30,000 Indian students studying in France by 2030.
According to a joint statement released following the meeting, both presidents praised the International Classes Scheme’s effective introduction last year. In this scheme, before enrolling in their selected programs in France, Indian students are given a year of instruction in French as a foreign language, methodology, and academic content at prestigious French universities in France.
H.E. Dr. Thierry Mathou, the French ambassador to India, highlighted the benefits of studying in France at the France Education Fair. “The Choose France Tour opens France’s doors to Indian students in a wide way,” he stated. “Selecting higher education in France entails selecting a quality and excellence guarantee that will improve your chances of landing a good job.”
He highlighted French universities are among the best in the world; according to the Shanghai Ranking, France is rated third in the world, and we have 15 Fields medal laureates and 76 Nobel laureates.
The educational partnership extends beyond student mobility. With an emphasis on the creation of safe, open, secure, and reliable artificial intelligence, Modi and Macron unveiled the India-France Roadmap on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has its roots in philosophical congruence.
Career opportunities
Santiago Garcia, the Vice President for International and Strategic Development at KEDGE Business School in France, explained the mutual benefit of this education exchange and how Indian students support the French economy. “France has a shortage of talent in areas like engineering and mid-to-high management,” Garcia stated. “India is consequently a key source to close this gap as it produces the most graduates in the hard sciences. Indian technical students play a crucial role in the expansion and advancement of French businesses. We also emphasise soft skills, such as management and social abilities, which are just as important for success in the workplace as hard capabilities. These improve Indian students’ employability and supplement the education they receive.”
Students perspective
Indian students cite various reasons for choosing France as their educational destination. Dhavani C, pursuing higher studies in France, shared, “I decided to pursue my master’s degree in France due to its world-class educational system, rich cultural heritage, and prestigious academic history. I wanted to experience French for myself because I was fascinated by the culture and studied it in school. Furthermore, France was the best location for me to develop my knowledge in these areas while immersing myself in a thriving academic and cultural environment because of its leadership in AI and data science as well as its strong emphasis on research and innovation.”
The country’s affordable education system is another significant draw. Pragya Sancheti, a Master of Management student at NEOMA Business School, explained, “France’s affordable educational system is the reason I selected it. Compared to other nations, choosing a two-year program that awarded two degrees was financially prudent. Additionally, France has many museums and historical significance that I found appealing as a passionate artist.”
For those pursuing specialised fields, France offers unique opportunities. “I explored the world of bread and viennoiserie during the lockdown,” said Rishika Khosla, a student at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris pursuing a diploma in pastry and bakery arts. I was curious to know more. The first pastry school in the world, Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, was the obvious choice for learning the craft of French pastries. The boulangerie and pastry diploma was just what I was searching for.
“Le Cordon Bleu, my school, is renowned for its international atmosphere,” she continued. It is a suggested choice for anyone who wants to learn more about French bread and pastries because of the welcoming atmosphere among students, industry insights, and the kind response to questions.
The two leaders also praised the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) being operationalised under the India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA), which will strengthen the friendship between the people of France and India by facilitating two-way professional and youth mobility.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote collaboration in the areas of skill development, vocational education, and training was emphasised by both leaders as it will provide both nations with chances to deepen their cooperation in these areas.
“They welcomed the inclusion of Indian startups at the French Startup Incubator Station F,” said the press release.
(Inputs from PTI)
