France announced a new policy to welcome 30,000 Indian students annually by 2030. Following the 2026 Special Global Strategic Partnership talks between President Macron and Prime Minister Modi, the French government is slashing bureaucracy to create a “Fast-Track” study visa process. The goal is to make Europe’s top-tier academic landscape more accessible than ever.
The new system aligns the student visa for Indians with the full length of their degree. If you’re pursuing a three-year PhD, you’ll receive a three-year visa from day one. This move ends the constant headache of annual renewals and lets you focus on your research instead of paperwork.
Applying for an easy visa is now faster thanks to a fully digitized portal. You can upload documents online, significantly cutting down wait times and physical appointments. It’s a direct effort to dismantle the “immigration obstacle course” that previously slowed down talented applicants.
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English speakers have more options than ever. France has expanded its catalog to over 1,700 programs taught entirely in English, with a heavy focus on AI, sustainability, and luxury management. A new “International Classes” initiative also offers a one-year foundation for students to learn French while transitioning into their degrees.
The standout perk remains the five-year alumni visa. Master’s graduates who spent at least one semester in France are eligible for a five-year, multi-entry Schengen visa. This allows for seamless travel across 29 European countries for business and networking long after graduation.
To begin, Indian students must register via Campus France and secure an institutional acceptance letter. This initiative solidifies France as the premier European destination for students looking to bypass the complex immigration systems of other European countries.
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J. Maham is a specialized travel and immigration analyst with a focus on European work permits and South Asian’s mobility. With over 5 years of experience tracking global visa policy shifts, Maham provides verified, actionable insights for professionals seeking legal pathways to the EU and beyond.