Why Should Indian Students Pick France For Higher Education?

The government of France has planned to announce over 300 excellence scholarships worth more than million euros for 2014-2015 academic year.

Eligibility:

• Students from all fields and subjects belonging to bachelor's, master's and PhD levels can apply for these scholarships.
• A spokesperson from the embassy said, "The French government is keen to welcome Indian students in a wide range of fields like engineering, management, and design."

Benefits of the scholarships:

• Monthly striped to aid for the daily expenses
• Free student visa
• Medical insurance
• Assistance in finding affordable accommodation in France.

Other scholarships on offer:

* Charpak scholarship programme provides 3 types of funding. They are:

• Research internship programme
• Exchange programme
• Amaster's programme

* Eiffel scholarship programme offers benefits like:

• Living expenses (1,200 euros/ month)
• Travel expenses
• Health insurance
• Accommodation

France has evolved into a much sorted after destination for education for Indian students of late. The major attractions of this nation an internationally acclaimed academic heritage, well developed research facilities and small classroom sizes.

Francois Richier, Ambassador of France to India said, "With over 800 courses being taught in English, there has been a spurt of 50% in the number of Indian students going to study in France in the last two to three years. Today, more than 2,600 students opt to study in France and we hope to see this figure doubled over the next five years."

Simplified visa rules:

Students from India can go to France on a student visa which is valid for the whole of Schengen area. If the students want to seek employment, then they can stay for up to one year.

The ambassador informed that, "Earlier, international students were allowed to stay for just six months. The French government however, extended the period in June last year to foster cooperation. And finally, it was decided that any Indian student who has a graduate or postgraduate degree from a French institute of higher education will be automatically eligible for a short stay tourist and business Schengen visa with five-year validity. Even if one has obtained a degree prior to this decision, he/she can still apply for the alumni visa. This visa can be extended to spouses and children."

Opportunities for jobs:

A temporary work permit for 60% of the normal work time amounting to 18 hours per week is given to the international students. Richier said, "Studying in France stands one in good stead when it comes to securing placement. A French degree is valued by corporate sectors and countries across the globe. Thus, many Indian students who've graduated from French institutions go on to work with MNCs in the UK or the US."

Additionally, France offers a large number of scholarships for numerous academic disciplines. Further, France has almost 800 courses which are taught in English in many French universities.

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