- The initiative was introduced by French President Emmanuel Macron during his official state visit to India.
- The program aims to offer India‘s top high school graduates access to France’s educational opportunities.
- France is committed to providing greater chances for Indian students.
The initiative was introduced by French President Emmanuel Macron during his official state visit to India on January 26 as the main guest for the Republic Day celebrations.
A unique program called Classes Internationales (international classes) has been introduced by France to allow Indian students to study French for a year in France before obtaining a degree of their choice.
Special international programme
As the main guest at Republic Day celebrations, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the start of the Classes Internationales initiative during his state visit to India. The program’s goal is to provide India’s most talented recent high school graduates with access to France’s prestigious and varied educational options without having to settle for English-only courses.
After completing a foundational year of language study at that institution, Indian students are now eligible to apply to undergraduate programs taught in French at French higher education institutions. The idea was referenced in the joint statement that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron approved after their meeting on January 26.
Macron emphasized that through programs like Classes Internationales and a five-year Schengen visa for alumni, France is committed to providing greater chances for Indian students. He added that the majority of French academic scholarships currently go to India.
Many educational options are available through the Classes Internationales program, including admission to well-known French universities and grandes écoles in the fields of engineering, management, science, humanities, and the arts, among other specializations.
Scholarships to finance their further education in France will be given by the French embassy to deserving candidates. On www.classesinternationales.org, applications are accepted through March 31, 2024.
