French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the launch of Classes Internationals (international classes), a special programme for Indian students to learn French for a year in France before pursuing the degree of their choice.
This initiative is reflected in the Joint Statement issued at the just concluded State visit of Macron. “[…] both leaders have agreed to support the initiative of setting up international classes which will enable, from September 2024 onwards, Indian students to be taught French as a foreign language, methodology and academic contents in highly reputed French universities in France during one academic year, before entering their chosen curricula in France.”
The Classes Internationals programme has been designed to help India's brightest high school graduates access France's rich, diverse, and world-renowned educational offerings without being limited to English-taught programmes alone.
Regardless of already being a French language learner or a complete beginner, a student can now be admitted to French-taught undergraduate programmes of French higher education institutions after successfully completing a foundational year of immersive language training at that institution, according to a statement by the French government.
During his tour of Amber Fort in Jaipur Macron met Indian students from Alliance Française de Jaipur, the French departments of Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, and alumni back from France after graduation.
The President stressed France’s commitment to opening up more opportunities for Indian students, exemplified by initiatives such as Classes Internationales, 5-year short-stay Schengen visa for alumni and the fact that India is now the largest beneficiary of French academic scholarships. He reiterated: “We want to welcome 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030” and added that, if this goal is met, “I would be the happiest President”.
Key features of the programme are as follows:
Inclusivity: The programme is open to all Indian students, irrespective of their current level of French. Academic excellence is the only prerequisite.
Excellence and wide range of education: The programme offers access to world-renowned French higher education institutions across all fields - universities, grandes écoles, engineering, management, sciences, humanities, arts, and other specialised schools.
Immersion in French culture: Students are immersed in French culture and language and can partake in the student activities of the institution like all other students.
Academic focus: The French language classes are tailored to the field of studies chosen by the student complemented by preparatory courses in the field.
Scholarship opportunities: Outstanding students will be awarded scholarships by the Embassy of France in India to support their higher education in France. India is the largest beneficiary of French scholarships.
