Study in France: French Embassy launches ‘Classes Internationales’ for Indian students

The program is designed to create an exclusive pathway for Indian students into the prestigious French higher education system

Hyderabad: The French Embassy in India and Campus France have announced the launch of the second edition of Classes Internationales, a initiative unveiled by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Jaipur in January 2024 where he announced, “30,000 Indian students in France in 2030. It’s a very ambitious target, but I am determined to make it happen”.

The program is designed to create an exclusive pathway for Indian students into the prestigious French higher education system. Classes Internationales allows Indian students—whether complete beginners or advanced French learners—to access French-taught undergraduate programs after completing an immersive foundational year of French language training and academic preparation.

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This unique approach aims to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, offering students the tools they need to succeed in a globally renowned education system.

In its second edition, the program is being offered by 30 prestigious institutions across France, covering a wide range of disciplines (arts, engineering, social sciences, design and more).

Students who successfully complete the International Classes will get direct access to over 200 academic programs taught in French. Students are only required to focus on strengthening their French proficiency during the preparatory year.

Several academic programs are offered in the apprenticeship mode in France, allowing students to split their time: half at the university/school and half in a company in the concerned field.

In most cases, the hiring company not only pays the apprentices but also covers tuition fees for as long as the students are working/training with them. A foreign national can get an apprenticeship status after one year of presence on French soil, therefore if the university/school offers this status, any student completing a Classes Internationales can benefit from it.

The application deadline is March 31for students with no prior knowledge of French, allowing time for pre-departure language preparation through Alliance Française while it is

May 15 for students already proficient at the A2 level or higher, a press release said.

Students can explore programs and contact participating institutions directly through the official website: www.classesinternationales.org. Admission is based on academic background and motivation, with no entrance exam required.

On February 8, students dreaming of studying abroad can check opportunities at the Classes Internationales Education Fair. They can explore a wide range of study programs and gain personalized guidance on scholarships, visas, and life in France. To join the fair, they can register on https://www.choosefrance.in