France launches special international programme on French for Indian students

France has introduced a special program, Classes Internationales (international classes), aimed at offering Indian students the opportunity to learn French for a year in France before embarking on their chosen degree.

This initiative was unveiled by French President Emmanuel Macron during his state visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. The program, outlined in a joint statement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to facilitate access to France's diverse educational landscape for India's brightest high school graduates.

The Classes Internationales program is specifically designed to cater to students, whether they are already proficient in French or complete beginners. Upon successfully completing a foundational year of language training at a French higher education institution, students can then enroll in undergraduate programs taught in French.

In a statement, the French embassy emphasized the program's inclusivity, stating that academic excellence is the sole prerequisite, making it accessible to all Indian students, regardless of their current proficiency in French. The initiative supports Macron's vision to welcome 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030.

During Macron's visit, he interacted with Indian students from Alliance Française de Jaipur, the French departments of Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and alumni who had returned from France after completing their studies. Macron underscored France's commitment to creating more opportunities for Indian students, citing initiatives like Classes Internationales and a five-year short-stay Schengen visa for alumni. Additionally, he noted that India has become the largest beneficiary of French academic scholarships.

The Classes Internationales program provides a range of educational choices, including access to prestigious French higher education institutions in various fields such as universities, grandes écoles, engineering, management, sciences, humanities, arts, and specialized schools. The curriculum is designed to immerse students in French culture and language, with language classes tailored to their chosen field of study.

Outstanding students participating in the program may receive scholarships from the French embassy to support their higher education endeavors in France. Interested students can submit their applications on www.classesinternationales.org until March 31, 2024.

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