France welcomes over 700 Pakistani students to French universities

The French Embassy in Pakistan held a pre‑departure orientation for Pakistani students heading to France. French Ambassador Nicolas Galey praised the growing academic cooperation, noting that more than 700 Pakistani students will begin studies in France this year. Thirty‑three of them have received prestigious scholarships funded by the French Government and the European Union, half of which are women.

Galey highlighted that a French degree is globally recognised and offers exposure to innovation, entrepreneurship and cultural diversity. The event also provided practical guidance on accommodation, health insurance and student life. Pakistan International Airlines, which resumed direct Islamabad‑Paris flights last year, offered two return tickets to each student to enable family visits.

France hosts over 400,000 international students from 180 countries, underscoring its role as a leading destination for higher education.