Seeing as many of the Indian youth are travelling abroad to get a foreign education and degree, many countries are now investing in accommodating the increasing number. One such country is France, where Catherine Colonna, the French Foreign Minister, announced the goal of reaching 20,000 Indian students in France by 2025.
Calling the plan “very ambitious”, Colonna commented, "between India and France, the sky’s the limit”. As per reports, nearly 65,000 Indians reside in France at present and only 6,000 Indians are currently studying in France. However, with the primary language of instruction being French in its universities and colleges, aspirants often choose other countries over France.
As per requirements, international students are required to take French language exams, if they wish to study at French universities. Commonly, candidates will have the opportunity to take either the Test de Connaissance du français (TCF) or the Test dâ Evaluation de français (TEF) at a testing facility in either India or France.
Also Read: International Student Visa Exceed the Pre-Pandemic Levels in France
Nevertheless, it has been revealed that those wishing to study an international degree programme at any educational level will not be required to take the French language test. As the language of instruction is English in this case, candidates will, in fact, be required to present valid test scores of TOEFL or IELTS or any other accepted English proficiency test.
On the topic, several stakeholders and individuals commented their thoughts and opinions via Twitter. Many users stated that the French medium of instruction will be the primary challenge, however, some others are ambitious about the move.
Another user commented that since different countries are interested in attracting the Indian youth, they should invest in school education in India to groom them from a younger age.
Also Read: Germany Set to Welcome 2 Lakh Immigrants in Next Three Years
Currently, France is home to 82 public universities offering different undergraduate (License), masters, and PhD degrees. Moreover, there are 6,000 Indian students presently pursuing higher studies in France.
As per Campus France, a French agency promoting higher education among international students, the cost of studying in the country is relatively cheap. A bachelor’s degree at a public university in France will cost around EUR 2,770 per year, while a master’s will cost around EUR 3,770 per year.
Wish to Study in France?
Source: Livemint