France Announces Visa-Free Transit for Indian Students, Targets 30,000 Enrolments by 2030

France has announced a visa-free transit facility for Indian students who want to study in France. The French Republic has also reiterated its target of admitting 30,000 Indian students by 2030. The initiative is an advantage of study abroad for Indian students. 

French President Emmanuel Macron visited India from 17 to 19 February 2026. The announcements were made in this visit. The move will strengthen the education ties.  This way, both countries can deepen diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. The ease in the visa policies and high enrollment show how Paris is communicating the bilateral agenda with New Delhi.

At AIIMS Delhi, Macron said that every year around 10,000 Indian students come to French universities. And the plan is to triple this number. He mentioned future policies to make long-term visas available. Both leaders also unveiled the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation.

The message is practical, not symbolic. The real change lies at the visa desks. In a globalised era, a visa is no longer just a travel document. It is a smart recruitment tool. When entries become easier in study abroad, the partnership grows. And that’s exactly what’s intended here. 

Recently, the Union Budget cut tax on Overseas Education Funds, making study abroad cheaper.

If you are weighing the options, this is your must-read: Study Abroad 2026: Why Four Leading Countries Are Toughening Visa Policies and Costs

What Was Announced?

India-France bilateral talks and the AI Impact Summit 2026 witnessed many vital education and mobility initiatives.

Announcements for Students

Let’s explore the new announcements:

Global Education Policy Shifts Impacting Indian Students

We have curated global education trends:

Why This Matters for Students Planning to Study Abroad

If you are an Indian students who wish to study abroad in 2026, France has announced significant steps. These objectives make study in France easier:

• Visa hurdles reduced
• Long-term residence options
• More academic partnerships
• Mobility promotions through structured pathways

Rankings play an important role: 

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• Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026

India–France Education Cooperation Enters a New Phase

Both countries have maintained a strong trajectory of bilateral ties. This visit has marked an elevation in the existing ones. A Special Global Strategic Partnership will make the ties solid.  It will also improve the overall relations between France and India. Education, research, innovation, and student mobility are central pillars here.

The move will aim at:

• Science and Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Healthcare
• Sustainable Development
• Research and Education

AI and Innovation: A New Academic Focus

Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held talks on the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The collaboration in this emerging arena came as a result.

Indo-French Campus on AI in Global Health has been inaugurated at AIIMS Delhi. The campus will support:

• AI-based healthcare research
• Disease detection innovation
• Digital health technologies
• Joint research programs

France will also open a binational digital sciences centre between INRIA (France) and India’s Department of Science and Technology.

Classes Internationales Expanded for Indian Students

The Classes Internationales initiative of France has been expanded across the Indo-Pacific region. India also gets a central place here.

What are Classes Internationales?

The quick overview is presented here:

Visa-Free Transit: What It Means

Under France free-visa initiative:

• Indian nationals can use visa-free transit in French airports.
• A six-month pilot program will be held first.
• Connectivity enhancement for students traveling to France or other European destinations is the main idea.
• Reduces travel complexity 
• Improves mobility for study abroad.

Education, Innovation and Mobility: Main Developments at a Glance

Let's take a look at the major announcements:

Growing Opportunities to Study in France

France has become an alternative to traditional study abroad destinations.

Advantages of Studying in France:

• Globally ranked universities
• Affordable public education system
• Growing English-taught programs
• Strong research ecosystem
• Expanding AI and innovation hubs
• Simple visa procedures

The Bigger Picture: India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership

Mobility of professionals and experts will be ensured via: 

• India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) 
• Young Professional Scheme (YPS)

The joint statement of India and France emphasizes:

• Research and education
• Skill development and vocational training
• Student and youth mobility
• AI and digital technologies
• Mutual recognition of academic qualifications

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What Happens Next?

France will review the visa-free transit facility after six months. Other sourcing efforts and academic outreach will try to get 30,000 students.
The India-France Year of Innovation 2026 will mark a multitude of collaborative events.

Study abroad in 2026 for Indian students are choosing France as a stable option.

Bottom Line

The India-France education push comes at a time when the Big 4 countries are tightening their grip on visa approvals and migration policies. The move is a turning point as it extends relief for study abroad for Indian students. Now studying in France becomes a stronger citadel because of visa reforms, AI campuses, and student mobility programs. 

A clear target of 30,000 Indian students by 2030. The long term acacedemic partnership and student-friendly policies position France as a more attractive option.