Choose France Tour 2026: Delhi Students Flock to Explore Higher Ed in France
French universities and business schools connect with Indian students in New Delhi as France aims to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030.
The capital city witnessed a surge of academic ambition as the Choose France Tour 2026 descended upon New Delhi, drawing a massive crowd of students and parents eager to explore the horizons of French higher education. Held at Le Méridien, the event served as a bridge between Indian aspirants and the prestigious academic landscape of France, offering a rare chance for face-to-face interactions with representatives from over 50 leading institutions.
A One-Stop Hub for Global Ambitions
Moving beyond the limitations of online brochures and websites, the tour provided a tangible platform for students to engage directly with a diverse array of French institutions. The participating schools spanned multiple critical disciplines, ensuring that every type of learner found a path:
- Management and Business: Top-tier business schools showcasing global leadership programs.
- Engineering and Tech: Institutions focusing on cutting-edge innovation and technical expertise.
- Creative Arts and Design: Specialized schools for those pursuing artistic excellence.
- Hospitality and Gastronomy: World-renowned training in the culinary and hotel arts.
Students and their families received personalized guidance on the intricacies of the application process, including academic pathways, admission requirements, and the nuances of student life in France. Campus France India further supported the event by providing essential counseling on visa procedures and accommodation.
The Road to 30,000: A Strategic Vision
The event is not just a recruitment drive but a reflection of a deeper geopolitical and academic bond. Lisa Amon, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France in India, emphasized that education has become a cornerstone of the France-India Special Global Strategic Partnership.
"Our ambition to welcome 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030 reflects this long-term vision," stated Amon. "It is an investment in the future engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals who will carry this partnership forward."
This vision aligns with the broader cooperation in artificial intelligence, research, and industry, aiming to create a pipeline of professionals capable of contributing to the global economy.
Bridging the Language Gap: Classes Internationales
For students worried about the language barrier, the tour highlighted the Classes Internationales initiative. This foundation-year pathway allows students to combine intensive French language training with academic preparation before diving into their undergraduate degrees. Currently available across more than 30 French institutions, this program opens the doors to over 200 different undergraduate courses.
Rising Numbers and Diplomatic Momentum
The enthusiasm seen in New Delhi is backed by hard data. According to Campus France, Indian enrollment in French higher education saw a significant jump of 17%, reaching 9,100 students in the 2024-25 period. This growth has propelled India to become the 11th-largest source of international students for France, climbing from the 13th spot the previous year.
This academic surge follows high-level diplomatic engagement. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France in June 2026, both nations reaffirmed that student mobility is a priority. The Prime Minister even extended an invitation for French universities to establish their own campuses on Indian soil.
A New Era of Higher Education
The Choose France Tour 2026 is a key component of the national strategy presented in April 2026 by Philippe Baptiste, the French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space. Building upon the "Bienvenue en France" strategy started in 2018, this new phase aims to make France an even more attractive and accessible destination for the brightest minds from India.