In the 2022/23 academic year, France welcomed a significant number of international students, totaling 412,000. This marked a 3% increase from the previous year, showcasing France’s continued appeal as a destination for higher education among foreign students[^1]. This growth, although modest compared to the double-digit increases seen in countries like Canada (+30%) and the UK (+16%), adds to a total increase of 17% over the past five years in France’s international student population[^1].
The primary sources of these international students were Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and North Africa, with notable growth particularly from sub-Saharan Africa, which saw a 34% increase, amounting to 95,285 students. North Africa also contributed significantly with a 10% increase, bringing its total to 91,865 students. The European Union (EU) countries followed with a 24% increase, totaling 73,310 students[^1].
Interestingly, while there was an overall growth in the number of international students, some regions experienced a decline. For instance, the number of students from Asia/Oceania decreased by 3%, totaling 51,992 students. Despite this, the Middle East showed a remarkable 50% increase, contributing 22,445 students to the international student body in France[^1].
Among the top sending countries, Morocco and Algeria took the lead, with Morocco sending 45,160 students (a 13% increase) and Algeria 32,145 students (a 5% increase). However, China, which has been a major source of international students globally, saw a 15% decrease in the number of students going to France, with a total of 25,605 students. On the other hand, Italy and Senegal showed strong growth, with Italy sending 20,030 students (a 50% increase) and Senegal 15,250 students (a 39% increase)[^1].
The data also highlighted that 21 of the top 25 source countries for France’s international students saw increases in 2022/23. This included significant rises in the number of students from Italy, Spain, Lebanon, Congo, and India. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine led to a doubling of Ukrainian students in France within a single year, marking a 111% increase[^1].
This steady growth in France’s international student population, despite being more modest than in some other countries, suggests a sustainable pattern of expansion. This could potentially shield France from the need for rapid policy shifts aimed at curbing foreign student admissions, which have been observed in Australia, Canada, and the UK due to pressures on public infrastructure and net migration concerns[^1].
[^1]: https://monitor.icef.com/2024/04/france-hosted-412000-foreign-students-in-2022-23/
Suggested Reading:
[https://monitor.icef.com/2024/04/france-hosted-412000-foreign-students-in-2022-23/](https://monitor.icef.com/2024/04/france-hosted-412000-foreign-students-in-2022-23/)
