Expanding Horizons: France Aims to Draw 30,000 Indian Students with 5-Year Schengen Visa

A few weeks back France announced a 5 year post study visa for Indian students, which was a huge step towards the relations between the two nations. Today France announced that Indian students who have spent even one semester studying in France, and learning their culture will be eligible for a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa. The France embassy said to be aiming to welcome 30,000 students from India by 2030.

“France believes that when an Indian student spends even just a semester in France, it creates a connection that ought to be fostered and cherished. That is why, Indian students who hold a Master’s degree or above and have spent at least a semester studying in France are eligible for a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa. This is a special provision for Indian alumni to enable them to keep close links with France and their French counterparts,” the official statement from the French Embassy read.

According to the official notification, to be eligible for this 5 year visa, applicants need to showcase that they have studied in France for at least one semester, and have pursued Master’s degree level education or above at a recognised university in India, France or a third country. Applicants will also have to submit a duly filled visa application and follow the usual Schengen visa requirements.

“Our teams are working double time to implement the decisions taken by President Macron and Prime minister Modi in Paris to benefit students. France has always been an inclusive and diverse country, eager to share our rich cultural heritage and world-class education opportunities with Indian students. My message for Indian students: France will always be your friend, and we will do everything possible to ensure you have an amazing academic and life experience in our country,” the Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Emmanuel Lenain, said.

And to promote this message across the country, the embassy and the French Institute announced the ‘Choose France Tour 2023’, which will be held in different parts of India during the month of October.