Photo by: dustpuppy (Flickr Creative Commons)

Ensure a Quality Education. The country holds a position of prominence in mathematics and sciences which include physics, genetics, medicine, biology and astrophysics. This scientific community has received 26 Nobel prizes in the last century. Additionally, France’s technological achievements such as the Airbus, Concorde; the smart card, and the fully automatic rapid transit system, Val – make France an attractive destination for young scientists.

Unparalleled Cultural Capital. International students who choose to come to France also speak enthusiastically about the numerous attractions of France’s rich heritage: museums, theaters, opera, films, wine making, gastronomy and the road side cafés. Not to mention the popular monuments- castles of the Loire region, Versailles, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. The French language which isspoken by 270 million people across 5 continents adds to the cultural capital students acquire during their stay in France.

A World of Options. Indian student’s have a wide choice of programs and specializations to choose from in France. In fact, Francehosts more international students than any other country except the United States and the United Kingdom.France’s diversified network of more than 3,500 institutions of higher learning, both public and private, and its internationally renowned research centers deliver high quality educational programs giving international students ample options to pursue their higher education. The network comprises 88 universities, about 240 engineering schools or programs, more than 200 schools of business and management, 120 public art schools, and 20 schools of architecture. In addition, more than 3,000 specialized schools and institutes provide instruction in specific fields, such as social work, paramedical specialties, tourism, sports and physical education, fashion, and design.

Financial Support by French Government. More than a fifth of France’s national budget is devoted to education. France’s central government defrays a very large share of the true cost of education at public institutions —between €6,000 and €15,000 per student per year—thereby reducing the student’s tuition burden to as less as €250-€500. Additionally the French government grants numerous scholarships to international students through embassies in their respective countries. For example the French Embassy in India awarded 7.1 crore Indian rupees (1.1 million Euros)to more than 300 meritorious Indian students who will pursue a specialized Masters degree in France.

Indian/ International students who intend to come to France to study should obtain relevant information well at least 6-8 (if not 12) months before the beginning of the year in which they wish to start their program of study. For more information and please contact the nearest Campus France Desk in your city/ country.

Contributed by Campus France (www.campusfrance.org)