France Expands Classes Internationales to 7 Countries; 2026 Intake Open

France has expanded its Classes Internationales programme to seven countries, including India, as part of a wider push to strengthen international student mobility and academic cooperation. Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, according to an official statement.

The programme will now be available to students from India, Vietnam, China, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Indonesia, marking a significant expansion across the Indo-Pacific and Africa. Interested students can apply through classesinternationales.org or seek guidance from their nearest Campus France office. In India, the initiative is jointly coordinated by Campus France and the French Institute in India.

What Classes Internationales Offers

Classes Internationales is a one-year academic pathway programme designed to prepare international students for entry into French-taught Bachelor’s degrees. The year combines:

• Intensive French language training
• Cultural orientation and academic familiarisation
• Foundational subject preparation aligned with university coursework

The programme aims to equip students with the linguistic, academic and cultural readiness required to succeed in French higher education.

Access to Over 200 Undergraduate Programmes

More than 30 French higher education institutions currently participate in Classes Internationales, offering access to over 200 undergraduate programmes across disciplines such as engineering, sciences, management, design, arts and social sciences.

Several participating institutions also provide apprenticeship-linked tracks and industry-integrated modules, allowing students to gain exposure to professional environments alongside academic study.

Language Support for Beginners

The initiative is open to students with varying levels of French proficiency. Those requiring additional language preparation are supported through the Alliance Française network to reach at least A2-level French before departure, ensuring they are academically prepared upon arrival in France.

Why This Matters for Indian Students?

The expansion reflects France’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which places education, youth engagement and intercultural exchange at the centre of long-term cooperation. For Indian students, Classes Internationales offers a structured and supported entry route into French universities, especially for those seeking international undergraduate education outside English-speaking destinations.

While the programme does not guarantee admission, it provides a clear academic pathway into France’s public higher education system, which continues to attract students looking for high-quality education and diversified study abroad options.