France’s higher education system has reached a new milestone in the 2023/24 academic year, with international student enrollment soaring to 419,694—an increase of 4.5% from the previous year. This growth is largely attributed to rising numbers from Sub-Saharan Africa and a resurgence of students from Asia, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
Additionally, 10,772 foreign apprentices have enrolled in advanced technician studies this year. Over the past five years, international enrollment in French higher education has risen by 17%, according to Campus France, which presented the data at the EAIE 2024 Conference in Toulouse.
International students now represent 14% of all higher education students in France, maintaining a steady ratio from the previous year. “These figures underscore the continued appeal of French higher education and its institutions,” remarked Donatienne Hissard, Director-General of Campus France. She noted that the latest Shanghai ranking also supports this trend, with 25 French universities and schools featured.
Morocco remains the largest source of international students in France, with 43,354 enrolled, despite a 4% decrease from last year. Algeria follows, showing a 7% increase to 34,269 students. The top five source countries are rounded out by China (27,123 students, up 6%), Italy (21,037, up 5%), and Senegal (16,955, up 11%).
While enrollment increased across all global regions, the Americas experienced a slight decline of 1%. Sub-Saharan Africa saw the most significant growth at 9%, and Asia rebounded with a 5% increase, largely driven by a 12% rise in Indian students. This uptick aligns with President Macron’s goal to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030 as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
The MENA region remains the largest source area, contributing 115,863 students, with moderate growth of 1%. European students increased by 4%, including notable rises from Ukraine (14%) and Romania (10%).
All types of institutions experienced enrollment growth, with business schools leading at 11%, followed by engineering schools at 9%. Although universities accounted for nearly two-thirds (63%) of international students, their growth was modest at just 2%. Over the past five years, the proportion of students enrolled in universities has decreased from 69%, while the share attending business schools has risen from 10% to 15%, reflecting a 70% increase in enrollments during this period.
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