Why France Should Be on Every Malayali Student’s Shortlist

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If you’ve ever wandered around Mahe and stood at Tagore Park watching the sunset, you’ve probably seen her — Marianne, the French emblem of liberty, standing quietly by the river. That tiny patch of France inside Kerala is a cheeky reminder: France and Malayalees have history. So why not study there?
France is no longer just croissants and couture. It’s quietly becoming one of the smartest, most practical choices for Kerala students who want a world-class education —free education, without the sky-high price tag. And the cherry on the cake is the recently signed India-France agreement, which gives Indians preferential treatment to study in France! That means ‘Study in France’ is no longer a dream!

Quick facts 

  • France hosts roughly 2.5 million students, with about 12–15% coming from abroad — the country is serious about international education.
  • Over 1,000 programmes are taught in English, so you don’t need to be fluent in French to begin.
  • Post-study perks: Graduates can apply for work options (commonly up to 24 months), and eligible alumni may qualify for a 5-year Schengen circulation visa that eases travel across Europe.
  • Universities: France has thousands of institutions — public universities, Grandes Écoles, and private schools — offering choices across fields. 

Why Kerala students love France — the short version

  • Affordable (or lower) tuition at public universities compared with many Anglophone options.
  • Strong industry links — from fashion houses in Paris to tech labs and hospitality groups offering internships.
  • Scholarships & support programmes are growing, especially after the France-India push to welcome more Indian students.
  • Family-friendly & culture-wise — safe cities, vibrant student life, and easy travel in Schengen for weekend getaways (or a quick trip home via cheaper flights).
  • It’s familiar — Mahe’s French footprint proves how close our cultures already are.

Top courses that make France a smart pick (for Malayalis)

If you’re deciding where to apply, these sectors stand out in France for career prospects and practical training:

  1. Business & Management — world-class B-schools and strong ties with multinational firms.
  2. Engineering & Tech — especially AI, aerospace and energy sectors. France invests heavily in research.
  3. Computer Science & AI — labs, startups, cross-border projects.
  4. Fashion & Luxury Brand Management — no place teaches haute couture like France.
  5. Hospitality & Tourism — with France topping visitor charts, training is industry-rich.
  6. Culinary Arts — yes, this is the place to learn from the legends.
  7. Life Sciences & Pharma — strong research networks and internship pipelines.
  8. Finance & Strategy — Paris is a European hub for international finance.

A practical checklist for Kerala students (short & useful)

  • Look for English-taught master’s programmes and check whether they’re public/private.
  • Confirm scholarship windows and early-bird application timelines. IRS Study Abroad Consultants will help you with that.
  • Prepare documents: transcripts, SOP, English test (if needed), and funds proof.
  • Ask about post-study work rules and the alumni visa eligibility if you plan to travel across Europe later.
  • Talk to our counsellor — planning early from Kottayam makes everything smoother.

Final word — from IRS Study Abroad, Kottayam

France is not just fashionable — it’s practical. For Malayali students who want affordable tuition, English-taught programmes, European mobility, and real internships, France is no longer “the other option” — it’s a top option.

At IRS Study Abroad, Kottayam, we’ve helped Kerala students find the right French programmes, apply for scholarships, and navigate visas and travel plans — including students who used Mahe as their small, local reminder that France and Kerala go way back. And IRS Study Abroad is one Study Abroad Consultancy where you are not just a number; we focus on giving you the right solution and see you through the entire process.

Ready to explore candidacies in France? Let’s map a plan that fits your dreams and your family’s budget.
📞 Call us: +91 96561 21000 
📍 Visit: 3rd Floor, Above Trends, Nagampadom, Kottayam