"VAN" (International Desk) :: France has announced plans to simplify visa procedures, reform tuition fees and boost English courses at French universities in an effort to more than double the number of foreign students over the next decade.
Unveiling the new measures on Monday, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said increasing the number of foreigners studying in the country would help build French influence overseas.
Home to centuries-old universities such as the Sorbonne in Paris and some leading business schools, France is the world's top non-English speaking student destination, but it ranks behind the United States, Britain and Australia.
The number of foreign students at French universities fell by 8.5 percent between 2011 and 2016 and the country has seen increased competition from Germany, Russia, Canada and China, the prime minister's office said.
"Many countries are already building global attractivity strategies, linking studies, the job market, tourism, which explains the influence of Asia or monarchies in the Gulf," Philippe told reporters as he presented the government’s “Welcome to France” plan.
"In this field just as in other economic ones, the world's balance of power is shifting. That's why we need to welcome more foreign students," he added
Philippe said the number of courses taught in English, which have been increased fivefold since 2004, would be further boosted – mirroring steps already taken by other European countries.
More French classes will also be on offer for foreign students and student visa applications will be made available online.
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