Education
France Launches ‘Classes Internationales’ Programme for Indian Students
In a significant move to strengthen Indo-French educational relations, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the launch of ‘Classes Internationales’ during his chief guest appearance at India’s Republic Day celebrations. This programme aims to equip India’s brightest high school graduates with the linguistic skills required to access France’s diverse and prestigious educational offerings.
Initiated during Macron’s state visit to India, ‘Classes Internationales’ is not confined to English-taught programmes, offering a broader spectrum of academic opportunities. “This initiative will allow Indian students to be taught French as a foreign language in highly reputed French universities,” stated the joint statement by Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The programme is inclusive, welcoming students at any level of French proficiency. After a foundational year of language training at a French institution, students can progress to undergraduate courses taught in French. Macron emphasized this commitment, saying, “We want to welcome 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030.”
During his tour at Amber Fort, Macron interacted with Indian students from Alliance Française de Jaipur, and alumni from French universities, highlighting France’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities for Indian students. The programme also includes a five-year short-stay Schengen visa for alumni, marking India as the largest beneficiary of French academic scholarships.
‘Classes Internationales’ offers a vast array of academic choices across various fields and is open to all Indian students, with academic excellence as the sole criterion. It immerses students in French culture and language, with language classes tailored to their chosen field of study, complemented by preparatory courses.
The French embassy is set to award scholarships to outstanding students for their higher education in France, reinforcing the bilateral commitment to educational exchange. Applications for this transformative opportunity are open until 31 March 2024 on www.classesinternationales.org, marking a new chapter in Indo-French academic collaboration.