France is stepping up its efforts to attract Indian students through a four-city Choose France Tour, bringing more than 50 French universities and higher education institutions to India. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in higher education, innovation and artificial intelligence as the number of Indian students choosing France continues to rise.
Four Cities to Host French Institutions
The Choose France Tour will take place in Mumbai on October 11, Pune on October 13, New Delhi on October 15 and Bengaluru on October 17. Students and families will have an opportunity to interact directly with representatives from leading French institutions and explore study options.
Indian Student Numbers Rise
According to Campus France, the number of Indian students enrolled in French higher education reached 9,100 in 2024-25, making India the 11th-largest source of international students in France, up from 13th place previously.
France is also targeting 30,000 Indian students by 2030, reflecting its growing focus on education and student mobility as part of the broader India-France partnership.
Focus on AI Innovation and Technology
The education push comes as India and France expand their Special Global Strategic Partnership in areas including innovation and artificial intelligence.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in June, the two countries signed 19 agreements linked to innovation ecosystems, adopted the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030 and created a Joint India-France AI Working Group.
France has also invited Indian students and encouraged French universities to explore establishing campuses in India.
Leading French Institutions Join Tour
More than 50 French institutions are participating in the outreach programme, including engineering and technology institutions such as CentraleSupélec, Mines Paris-PSL and IMT Atlantique.
Business schools including ESSEC, ESCP and EDHEC, along with public universities such as Université Paris-Saclay and Université Grenoble Alpes, are also part of the tour.
The institutions offer programmes across areas such as artificial intelligence, engineering, aerospace, management, technology and innovation.
Support for Indian Students
Campus France India will provide guidance to students and families on courses, scholarships, visas, accommodation and student life in France.
French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou said the initiative is intended to build a stronger pipeline of future engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the expanding France-India partnership.
