France Vs Canada: Know Which Is A Better Destination For Indian Students

France and Canada have long been coveted study destinations for international students, offering renowned education systems, prestigious universities, and promising employment prospects. However, recent developments, including Canada’s decision to reduce the number of international students, could significantly impact Indian students. With over 10 lakh international students in Canada, approximately 37 per cent are from India.

In response to Canada’s policy shift, French President Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to India for Republic Day celebrations, has extended a warm invitation to Indian students. Macron announced plans to increase the number of Indian students in France to 30,000 by 2030, nearly tripling the current count of around 10,000. This move aims to position France as an attractive alternative for international students.

Examining the educational landscape in both countries, here are the top universities in France and Canada-

Top 5 Universities in France (World University Rankings 2024):

PSL University Paris: 24

Polytechnic Institute Paris: 38

Soborn University Paris: 59

University of Paris-Saclay: 71

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon: 184

Top 5 Universities in Canada (World University Rankings 2024):

University of Toronto: 21

McGill University: 30

University of British Columbia: 34

Montreal University: 141

University of Alberta: 111

When it comes to the financial aspect, studying in France is a more economical option. According to Campus France, the average cost for international students is around 10,000 euros per year (around Rs 9 lakh) for undergraduate programs and 14,000 euros per year (around Rs 12.6 lakh) for master’s programmes. Notably, the French government covers two-thirds of the expenses for all international students studying at public universities.

Average Tuition Fees:

France:

Undergraduate: 2,770 Euros per year (approximately Rs 2,50,128)

Master’s: 3,770 Euros per year (approximately Rs 3,40,427)

Canada:

Undergraduate: 36,100 Canadian dollars (Rs 22.35 lakh)

Master’s: 21,100 Canadian dollars per year (Rs 13 lakh)

With France actively encouraging Indian students and offering competitive tuition fees, prospective international students are urged to consider the evolving dynamics between these two prominent study destinations.