30,000 students, simplified visas, research access: France's big India push

During his India visit, the French President announced major steps for Indian students. The focus is on exchange programmes, technology collaboration, and how France and India can come together for the benefit of both nations.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced that France will significantly expand opportunities for Indian students, setting a target of increasing their numbers from around 10,000 annually to 30,000 in the coming years. Speaking at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, Macron said France would simplify visa procedures and streamline admissions processes to make studying in the country more accessible.

“We want to welcome more Indian students and have more French students coming here,” Macron said, outlining what he described as a renewed push to deepen academic exchanges between the two countries.

Currently, an estimated 10,000 Indian students study in France each year. The new target of 30,000 marks a substantial increase and signals a policy shift aimed at positioning France as a stronger destination for Indian applicants.

The announcement comes at a time when Indian outbound student mobility is rising steadily, with lakhs of students pursuing higher education abroad each year.

Macron said France would simplify visa procedures and sourcing processes to align them with student expectations. The move is expected to reduce processing hurdles and make admissions more predictable.

Alongside visa reforms, France plans to expand the number of courses offered in English. This is a significant step, as language barriers have traditionally limited student inflow.