Published in March 2025, this report by the Court of Auditors offers an in-depth analysis of the policy for welcoming foreign students in France. Faced with increased global competition and rapid changes in student mobility, the document provides a detailed overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the French system. Here are the key points to remember.
Student Mobility in Full Expansion
The report highlights the spectacular growth of international student mobility. While the number of students in mobility has exploded – from a few hundred thousand in 1975 to over 6.4 million in 2021 – France, once at the forefront of host countries, sees its rank declining against competitors such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The diversity of origins remains marked, with a predominance of French-speaking students from the Maghreb and Africa, but a notable increase in numbers from Asia and other regions.
Administrative and Coordination Challenges
The report highlights several obstacles hindering French attractiveness:
- Complexity of administrative procedures: The journey, from application to settling in France, is slowed by late admission deadlines, cumbersome visa and residence permit renewal procedures, and insufficient coordination among multiple actors (ministries, universities, immigration services).
- Measurement difficulties: Harmonising statistics on international students remains problematic. The strict application of UNESCO’s definition often leads to less favourable figures than in other countries adopting different accounting methods.
The « Bienvenue en France » Strategy: An Ambitious but Incomplete Approach
In the face of these challenges, the « Bienvenue en France » strategy aimed to coordinate the actions of different ministries and institutions to improve the reception of foreign students. While this initiative has initiated some improvements, the report notes:
- Quantitative objectives without qualitative declination: The stated goal of welcoming 500,000 foreign students is not accompanied by clear priorities on courses, regions, or targeted skills.
- Lack of interministerial coordination: The actions of ministries (Education, Interior, Economy, etc.) remain poorly synchronised, limiting the overall impact of reforms.
- Effects of the health crisis: The pandemic has exacerbated administrative difficulties and highlighted the need to modernise the tools for managing applications and residence permits.
Recommendations for Strategic Recovery
The report makes nine recommendations aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of French higher education:
- A global strategy under the authority of the Prime Minister: Involve all relevant ministries for a shared vision.
- Periodic review of courses with a high rate of international students: Ensure quality and alignment with market needs.
- Extension of the « Études en France » platform: Increase the number of referenced institutions and improve information transparency.
- Adaptation of differentiated tuition fees: Reserve these measures for priority groups to encourage diversity.
- Precise measurement of economic and social impact: Better quantify the effects of student mobility on employment, research, and the economy.
- Revision of the required resource threshold for obtaining visas: Make access to visas more equitable and attractive.
- Modernisation of the digital platform: Ensure real-time tracking and optimised management of applications.
- Increase in scholarship offerings: Strengthen financial support for foreign students, both by institutions and the government.
- Harmonisation of visa policy: Facilitate access to a multi-year residence card from the first admission for priority categories.
Conclusion
The report by the Court of Auditors presents a mixed picture of the attractiveness of French higher education. While France benefits from cultural influence and a tradition of academic excellence, administrative challenges and fragmented coordination hinder its ability to compete effectively on the international stage. To revitalise its attractiveness, it is essential to modernise procedures, clarify objectives, and strengthen collaboration among public actors. These measures could allow France to regain its place among the most sought-after study destinations in the world.