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• France expands its Classes Internationales programme to seven countries across the Indo-Pacific and Africa, including India
• The initiative offers a one-year immersive pathway with French language, cultural training and academic preparation for undergraduate studies
• The expansion underscores France’s focus on strengthening global education partnerships, student mobility and people-to-people ties

France has expanded its Classes Internationales initiative to seven countries across the Indo-Pacific and Africa, marking a significant step in strengthening its global education partnerships. The programme will now be available to students from India, Vietnam, China, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Indonesia, reflecting France’s continued focus on academic cooperation, student mobility and shared learning opportunities with partner nations.

Announcing the expansion, a French government official associated with international education said the move reflects France’s long-standing belief that education is a powerful driver of global engagement and mutual understanding. “By widening the reach of Classes Internationales, France is reaffirming its commitment to supporting talented students from diverse regions and helping them access high-quality higher education”, the official said.

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, and students can apply through the official Classes Internationales website or seek guidance from their nearest Campus France office. In India, the programme is jointly coordinated by Campus France and the French Institute in India. A senior representative from Campus France India noted that interest among Indian students in French higher education has been steadily growing. “Indian students are increasingly looking for structured and reliable pathways into international education. Classes Internationales offers exactly that, while also providing strong language and cultural preparation”, the official said.

The expansion aligns closely with France’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which places education, youth engagement and intercultural dialogue at the centre of long-term international cooperation. According to a representative from the French Institute in India, education partnerships are not just about degrees but about building enduring people-to-people ties. “When students study in France, they carry back not only academic knowledge but also cultural understanding that strengthens long-term relationships between countries”, the representative said.

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At its core, Classes Internationales offers a one-year immersive academic experience in France. The programme combines intensive French language training, cultural familiarisation and foundational academic coursework designed to prepare students for entry into French-taught Bachelor’s programmes. This integrated approach ensures that students develop the linguistic, methodological and cultural skills required to succeed in French universities.

More than 30 French higher education institutions currently participate in the initiative, collectively offering access to over 200 undergraduate programmes. These span a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, sciences, design, arts, management and social sciences. Several institutions also provide apprenticeship-based pathways and industry-linked academic modules, allowing students to gain early exposure to professional environments alongside their studies.

Importantly, the programme is designed to welcome students with varying levels of French proficiency. Learners who require additional language preparation are supported through the Alliance Francaise network to reach at least an A2 level before departure. This ensures that students arrive in France better prepared to engage with academic life and integrate into their new environment.

The extension of Classes Internationales to seven countries reflects rising global demand for structured international education pathways. It also highlights France’s sustained commitment to working collaboratively with partner nations across the Indo-Pacific and Africa to promote student mobility, academic success and inclusive access to world-class higher education.