PM Modi Announces 5-Year Post-Study Work Visa for Indian Students Pursuing Masters in France

Students from India could obtain only a two-year work visa earlier before this decision was taken. Speaking on the occasion, he stated that when he came to France last time it was planned that those from India will be given a two-year visa. He further added that it has now been decided that these students will now be able to get a long-term post-study visa, with a duration of five years. Terming his visit to France ‘special’, he also extended his good wishes to the citizens of France as the country was celebrating their National Day. Learn more about the France Student Visa Guide here.

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LATEST UPDATE: France has come up with a new initiative according to which 30,000 Indian alumni would obtain a 5-year Schengen visa by the year 2030. The objective behind this is to nurture academic excellence, tighten cultural ties, and enhance the friendship between the two countries. Under this programme, Indian students will get a five-year Schengen circulation visa. The announcement regarding this was made by the French President Macron. 

The French Embassy shared that this is a specialised programme through which students will obtain comprehensive training in the French language and other academic disciplines. This way they will be able to do well in their studies and adapt to the French education system smoothly.

Masters in France

France has many renowned higher academic institutions which rank high and offer a plethora of master's degree programmes. Multiple options are available along with their individual specialisations which students can opt for. Some of the popular Masters's degree courses available for overseas students include MSc in Data Science, Master in Finance, MA in International Relations, Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering, Master in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Master in Architecture, Master in Fashion Management, etc. 

Indian students planning to pursue education in France have the opportunity to apply for various available scholarships and financial aid which help ease their burden associated with the cost of studying and living. The country has various MNCs which pay great emphasis on research and innovation, thereby offering good employment prospects to students from abroad as well as growth opportunities. Learn more about Scholarships for France here.

French Student Visa Types and Rules

Many types of French student visas are available for international students wishing to relocate to France for study purposes. Each of these has built-in eligibility for work permissions after completing studies. As per the existing rules, those who want to pursue short-duration courses in the country cannot stay there once their programme ends. Only those are permitted to remain there who are pursuing a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, which are long-term courses. They should also be holding a Long Stay Study Visa for France or a Visa de Long Sejour Etudes. In case of expiry of the visa’s validity, one has to apply for a residence permit at a prefecture if he/she wishes to stay longer.

Till the time it is valid, this visa is considered equal to a Schengen visa. Students are permitted to commute and remain in the Schengen Area located outside of France for not more than 90 days over any duration of 180 consecutive days, like it would have been had they held a Schengen visa.

Indian Tourists can now pay through UPI in France

PM Modi attended France’s National Day Parade along with the French President, Emmanuel Macron, calling it a reflection of the ‘unbreakable friendship between India and France’. He also praised India’s progress in UPI while addressing everyone. He highlighted another decision taken during his visit for the benefit of Indian tourists. According to it, tourists will be able to pay in Rupees, through UPI in Eiffel Tower from where it will begin. He also said that most people are unaware of India and France co-working on archaeological missions for a long duration.

PM Modi will also act as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade where he has been invited by France’s President. The visit also commemorates India-France Strategic Partnership’s 25^th anniversary.

For more information on studying in France, admission procedure, or any other query related to studying abroad, connect with Shiksha counsellors for a free consultation here.