France has set an ambitious goal to attract half a million international students by the year 2027[^1]. This initiative is part of a broader strategy initiated in 2019 to bolster France’s standing as a premier destination for study abroad. The country has seen a steady increase in the number of international students, with a total of 402,883 pursuing their studies in France, marking a 2.6 percent rise compared to the 2021/22 academic year and a significant 17 percent growth over five years[^1].
The French agency for higher education promotion, Campus France, has been instrumental in this effort. It notes that achieving this target would place France among the top host countries globally for international scholars[^1]. The strategy not only aims to enhance France’s reputation but also to contribute to the internationalization of its university system and invigorate French research.
To facilitate the influx of international students, France is simplifying the application process, particularly through the dematerialization of procedures[^1]. Campus France has announced plans to launch a new global communication campaign to further promote the country as a leading European study destination[^1].
The majority of international students in France hail from Morocco, followed by Algeria, China, Italy, and Senegal. These students are a boon to the French economy, contributing approximately 5 billion euros annually[^1]. A survey by Campus France revealed that an overwhelming 90 percent of international students would recommend French institutions for education, which speaks volumes about the quality of French higher education[^1].
France offers several benefits to international students, including health insurance and social security advantages. Following the new immigration law, tuition fees at public universities for international students have been standardized: €2,770 for a Bachelor’s degree, €3,770 for a Master’s degree, and €380 for a PhD[^1]. To obtain a student visa, non-EU students must demonstrate they have €615 per month, or €7,380 per year, available for expenses unless they receive a grant covering educational costs[^1].
In the context of European mobility programs, France ranked second in popularity within the Erasmus+ program for student and staff mobility in 2021, trailing only Germany and surpassing both Italy and Poland[^1]. This popularity underscores France’s appeal as a study destination within Europe.
Suggested Reading:
[https://erudera.com/news/france-aims-to-attract-half-a-million-international-students-by-2027/](https://erudera.com/news/france-aims-to-attract-half-a-million-international-students-by-2027/)
