France is set to introduce a number of new measures designed to attract more international students to the country.
In addition to significantly increasing the number of English-taught courses on offer in France, the country is also looking to increase the tuition fees for non-European students. Presently, all students pay the same tuition fees regardless of where they are from.
However, French authorities believe that the relatively low tuition fees on offer are being misinterpreted by students around the world as a sign that French higher education is of low quality.
Fees will rise from 170 euros a year for a Bachelor’s degree to 2,770 euros, while, the current fees of 243 euros for Master’s and PhD courses will be raised to 3,770 euros.
The extra revenue from these increases will also go towards providing better facilities and boosting the number of scholarships offered by the foreign ministry. The new tuition fees will be implemented from September 2019 onwards.
Student visa procedures and regulations will also be simplified, making it easier for international students to study in France. Moreover, those graduating with a Master’s degree from a French university will be able to obtain a residence visa to find work or set up a business in France.
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said these measures are being implemented because the international student population has fell by 8.5 per cent between 2011 and 2016.
The PM said, “Many countries are already building global attractivity strategies, linking studies, the job market, tourism, which explains the influence of Asia or monarchies in the Gulf. In this field just as in other economic ones, the world’s balance of power is shifting. That’s why we need to welcome more foreign students.”
Article published 12th December 2018