France ranks as the 7th largest economy in the world, with a GDP per capita of $46,792 (2025), demonstrating its robust economic foundation. It is home to 67 Fortune Global 500 companies, including iconic brands like LVMH, Airbus, Renault, L'Oréal, BNP Paribas, and Schneider Electric. The country’s industrial landscape spans across aerospace, automotive, luxury goods, agriculture, and finance. Additionally, France is the world’s top tourist destination, with tourism contributing €60 billion annually and supporting 2.9 million jobs. Its commitment to innovation in sectors like AI, green tech, biotech, and deep tech makes it a strategic hub for future-ready careers.

France is a Top 5 global destination for international students, attracting over 400,000 international students year on year. Enrollments from the Asia-Pacific region have steadily increased with Indian students choosing France over other traditional study abroad destination due to a strengthening of bilateral initiatives between both the countries. France has set an ambitious goal to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030 as part of a broader strategy to strengthen educational and cultural ties between both the countries.  Educationally, France stands as a prominent hub for academic excellence,  with 80 globally ranked institutions and over 30 universities listed in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The country is also ranked #2 in the world for the number of Triple Crown-accredited business schools (19), second only to the UK. Leading schools like HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC, and Rennes School of Business offer top-tier programs in business, engineering, luxury, arts, and philosophy, making France a top tier study abroad destination. 

International students in France enjoy a high standard of living supported by generous government benefits. Indian students have access to free public healthcare, while private healthcare costs are reimbursed up to 70%. Students also receive housing allowances that cover at least 30% of their rent—for instance, a rent of €450/month would be subsidized by €135. Families benefit as well, with free education for minor children up to age 18. Moreover, France is known for its strong emphasis on work-life balance, offering a 35-hour work week, mandatory overtime pay, and up to 5 weeks of paid vacation, fostering a student-friendly and employee-supportive environment.

France offers excellent post-study pathways for international students. Graduates of master’s programs are eligible for a 2-year post-study work visa (APS) that enables them to seek employment in France. Furthermore, non-EU international graduates can avail the 5-year Talent Passport – Alumni visa, a special long-stay residence permit that allows them to live and work in France for up to five years post-graduation, opening doors to long-term career and settlement opportunities in a leading European economy.

GlobalGrads partners with top-tier French institutions offering MBA, MSc, and Undergraduate  programs in fields such as Management, Data Science, Hospitality, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance and Luxury Brand Management. These institutions offer world-class education, industry-focused curriculums, and strong international student support.