France launches ‘Classes Internationales’ for Indian students

France has introduced a special initiative called ‘Classes Internationales’ (international classes), aimed at providing Indian students with the opportunity to learn French for a year in France before embarking on their chosen degree programmes.

French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled this programme during his state visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2024. The initiative is designed to facilitate access for India’s brightest high school graduates to the diverse and esteemed educational offerings in France, regardless of whether they are already French language learners or complete beginners.

According to the French embassy’s statement, Indian students can now gain admission to undergraduate programmes in French higher education institutions that are taught in French, after successfully completing a foundational year of language training at the respective institution.

The joint statement released after the meeting between President Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 26, 2024, highlighted their agreement to support the establishment of international classes. These classes, set to commence from September 2024, will provide Indian students with French language instruction, methodology, and academic content in reputed French universities for one academic year before they pursue their chosen curricula in France.

President Macron, during his visit, emphasised France’s commitment to expanding opportunities for Indian students, citing initiatives such as Classes Internationales and the introduction of a five-year short-stay Schengen visa for alumni. He also noted that India is now the largest recipient of French academic scholarships and expressed the goal of welcoming 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030.

Key features of the programme include its inclusivity, as it is open to all Indian students, regardless of their current proficiency in French, with academic excellence being the sole prerequisite for participation. President Macron expressed his enthusiasm, stating that achieving the goal of welcoming 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030 would make him the “happiest president.”