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The French Embassy in India has issued a clarification regarding "misleading and false information" about Campus France branch offices in India, emphasising that such allegations negatively impact the reputation of a widely recognised university.
The French Embassy in India stated, "The French higher education system is diverse, offering a wide range of academic and professional programmes. Its institutions include public universities, which provide various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across numerous fields; Grandes Ecoles, prestigious institutions offering specialised training in areas such as engineering, business, and public administration; and specialised schools (Ecoles Specialisees), which focus on specific sectors such as art, architecture, and hospitality." The embassy added, "Additionally, some private higher education institutions in France, often registered as companies, are recognised as training centres by the Education Code and civil authorities. These institutions may issue their own certificates and diplomas, which do not have government recognition. While these certificates are accepted in the labour market, they do not carry the academic value that comes with State recognition." The French Embassy in India highlighted that Campus France is the public agency of the French government responsible for promoting international mobility. It noted that there are 200 Campus France centres and branches in 134 countries worldwide. The embassy further clarified, "As in any other country where its offices are established, Campus France India, which reports directly to the French embassy in India, is tasked with promoting France as a premier destination for higher education and facilitating student mobility. The office is responsible for providing information to Indian students and researchers about the French higher education system and the visa application procedures." The French Embassy in India also stated that Campus France India operates impartially and is not affiliated with any specific educational institution, whether public or private. Part of its mission includes offering free counselling sessions to students who wish to study in France and providing general guidance on choosing the right institution before applying. The embassy advised prospective students to thoroughly understand the credentials of the institutions they are considering for their studies, particularly when entering into contractual agreements with private higher education institutions. It urged students to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of their applications. The embassy stated that reliable and trustworthy information about various courses offered by French universities is available online in the catalogue on the "Etudes en France" platform and the Campus France website. The embassy added, "If there is any uncertainty regarding the reliability of an institution, Campus France India's counsellors are available to assist. It is also worth noting that the 'Bienvenue en France' label guarantees the quality of the French higher education institutions to which it is awarded." The French Embassy in India clarified that higher education institutions in France generally do not require the full tuition fee to be paid before students arrive on campus after obtaining a student visa. It noted that students typically need to pay only a fraction of the tuition fees to secure the registration process during the application. The embassy advised prospective students to ensure they are fully informed of all the terms and conditions of their application before making any payment to a school. It stressed that Campus France India is available to advise students in case of any doubt, particularly when reliable and independent information is needed. The French Embassy in India expressed the French authorities' commitment to maintaining the high quality of France's higher education, which enjoys global recognition, and "firmly rejects" any institution that may tarnish this reputation through deceptive or abusive commercial practices targeting students, whether national or international. The embassy noted that fraud control authorities are systematically alerted and official letters are dispatched to the institutions involved if such practices are uncovered. It added, "For students in dispute with institutions based in France, Campus France India can provide support and counselling on the administrative and legal procedures but cannot be a legal party to the dispute." The French Embassy in India stated that French authorities are engaged in promoting and facilitating student mobility and youth exchanges between France and India. It added that several unprecedented mechanisms have been established to achieve the ambitious goal set by French President Emmanuel Macron during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in July 2023, which is to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030. The embassy highlighted that these initiatives include a five-year Schengen visa scheme for Indians who have pursued studies in France for at least one semester and who hold a Master's degree or higher from a recognised university in India, France, or a third country, as well as the introduction of international classes. Earlier in 2023, Prime Minister Modi visited France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He was the Guest of Honour at France's National Day celebration, observed annually on 14 July. Notably, India and France marked the 25th anniversary of their Strategic Partnership in 2023. (ANI)
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