France welcomes over 700 Pakistani students for higher education

ISLAMABAD, Aug 07 (APP): France ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey on Friday said that Pakistan and France continue to strengthen academic ties as more than 700 Pakistani students head to France this year for higher education.

Speaking at a send-off event in Islamabad, French Ambassador highlighted the growth in educational exchange between the two nations. Four years ago, fewer than 200 Pakistani students were enrolled in French institutions. That number has grown to thousands, supported by joint efforts from Campus France, the French Embassy, and Pakistani universities.

Ambassador Nicolas said that many Pakistani scholars are participating in the European Union Erasmus Mundus program, with a majority choosing France as their primary destination.

He said among this year’s cohort, 33 students earned merit scholarships funded by the French government or the European Union. Notably, half of these scholarship recipients are women, reflecting a shared focus on equal opportunity.

The ambassador further said, to assist departing students, Campus France provides support throughout the process, including program selection, visa applications, and pre-departure orientation. The orientation covers practical topics such as housing, healthcare, administrative procedures, and daily life in France. Students also met with alumni members who shared practical advice on adjusting to life abroad, cultural integration, and building professional networks.

The event featured support from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which restored direct flights between Islamabad and Paris last year. PIA offered two return tickets as prizes for attending students to visit their families during their academic term.

French representatives wished the departing students success in their academic endeavors, encouraging them to serve as cultural ambassadors while building international networks during their stay.

Speaking at the event, PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat said that this cooperation would open new avenues for Pakistani students. He further noted that the resumption of direct flights would make travel to France easier for Pakistanis.

The ceremony concluded with a lucky draw in which three students won return air tickets. The tickets were presented by the French Ambassador and the Education Officer of Campus France at embassy.