France stands third globally among the countries who welcome overseas students for higher studies. The target set by French President Emmanuel Macron, is to welcome as many as 10,000 Indian students annually by 2020. For this he signed an agreement with India for the Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications, in his last visit in March 2018, during the India - France Knowledge Summit which was held for scientific, university and technological cooperation. The French Government has invested around 1 million Euros in various scholarship schemes for Indian students.
The four Indian academic qualifications (from government approved institutions) which are now recognised by the French Government are:
1) All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE, CBSE, State Boards, Pre university or any equivalent qualifications)
2) Bachelor’s Degree after completing undergraduate course.
3) Master’s Degree after completing postgraduate studies
4) PhD Degree
Professional Degrees, regulated by a professional council are excluded. These are Medicine, Law and degrees of a few other professions. Similarly, those French students who have equivalent degrees like Baccalaureate (similar to AISSCE), License (Equivalent to Bachelor’s in India), Master’s and Master’s Level Qualifications ( same as Master’s in India) and Doctorate ( Equivalent to PhD in India) can Study in India as the Indian Government will recognise these Degrees.
The Visa rules have also been relaxed by France. After the completion of post graduation in France the students will have an option of 2 year employment visa in France. Also, Indian alumni who have a master’s or higher degree from France will have a privilege of getting a 5 year short stay visa.
The students of India and France will have more mobility and this will also strengthen the links. This initiative will promote an excellence in higher education and a vaster outlook. There are many French companies operating in India and they prefer Indians who hold French degrees. Also the job opportunities for Indians in other countries has increased manifold. With this MOU and visa policy, a milestone has been reached for the two countries and their students.
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