France to Offer 5-Year Schengen Visa, Plans to Welcome 30,000 Indian Students by 2030

In a groundbreaking move aimed at fortifying academic excellence, deepening cultural ties, and nurturing enduring friendships, France has declared its intention to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030.

This visionary initiative, unveiled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Paris, encompasses a range of innovative strategies designed to roll out the proverbial “red carpet” for Indian scholars and alumni.

France – 5-Year Schengen Visa for Indian Students

Underpinning this initiative is a five-year Schengen circulation visa tailored for Indian alumni. The program, meticulously crafted to facilitate seamless academic and cultural connections, underscores France’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cross-cultural educational exchange.

The French embassy, an enthusiastic proponent of this program, asserts that even a brief sojourn by an Indian student in France engenders a profound connection that warrants cultivation.

“We firmly believe that the ties formed during an Indian student’s semester in France are invaluable and should be nurtured,” the embassy declared.

To this end, Indian students holding a Master’s degree or higher, who have spent at least one semester studying in France, are entitled to a five-year short-stay Schengen visa, specially tailored to strengthen their enduring bonds with France and their French counterparts.

Specialized Programs for Indian Students

In addition to the five-year visa, France will also offer specialized programs for Indian students. These programs will provide comprehensive training in the French language and other academic disciplines, enabling Indian students to excel in their studies and adapt seamlessly to the French education system.

The embassy said that the decision reflects France’s commitment to making life as easy as possible for Indian students.

The ‘Choose France Tour 2023’ will be held in four major Indian cities: Chennai, Calcutta, Delhi, and Mumbai. The education fair will provide an excellent opportunity for Indian students and their parents to interact with the representatives of more than 40 French higher education institutions and explore a wide range of study options.

With 570 French companies employing more than 400,000 staff in India, graduates with French qualifications gain access to a wide spectrum of career prospects, and the chance to work with globally renowned organisations.

This is a great opportunity for Indian students to study in France and gain a world-class education. I encourage all interested students to apply for the program.

Additional Details

Here are some additional details about the program:

• The five-year Schengen circulation visa will be valid for all 26 Schengen countries.
• The specialized programs will be offered in a variety of fields, including engineering, business, and the arts.
• The ‘Choose France Tour 2023’ will be held from October 8-15.
• For more information, please visit the French embassy website or the Campus France website.