
Indian student enrolment in France has risen 55% over five years to about 9,100 in 2024-25, with France aiming to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030. Students are urged to assess programmes…
Indian student enrolment in France has risen 55% over five years to about 9,100 in 2024-25, with France aiming to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030. Students are urged to assess programmes beyond rankings, considering curriculum, language readiness, costs, scholarships, and career prospects.

Fields like AI, digital technologies, sustainability, and business analytics are reshaping roles. English-taught programmes have made France more accessible, but proficiency tests such as TOEFL iBT remain important. Financial planning should include accommodation, insurance, and living expenses beyond tuition.
Post-graduation career pathways, employer expectations, and practical experience opportunities should guide student choices. The advice comes from Karan Lalit, Executive Director, South Asia for TOEFL & GRE at ETS, published by Hindustan Times.
France's target of 30,000 Indian students by 2030, up from 9,100 now, reflects a deliberate push by both governments. The number is still modest compared to over 770,000 Indian students abroad, the bulk in Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Under the Ministry of External Affairs' data, France ranks far lower. The competitive edge France offers is cost: public university fees are subsidised, often under Rs 2 lakh a year, versus Rs 20 lakh-plus in the US. But the language barrier, even with English-taught courses, and stricter post-study work rules compared to Canada or Australia remain hurdles. The next metric to watch is whether actual enrolment growth stays on track to meet the 2030 goal.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.