International students in France: study plan and success

The Ministry or Higher Education, Research and Innovation published an annual Information Notice entitled “Parcours et réussite des étudiants étrangers en mobilité internationale” (Study plan and success of foreign students in international mobility). The study explains that in 2018-19, 358,000 international students were registered in the French higher education, 13% of all students.

The ministry explains that with a 19% increase in 5 years, the number of international students registered in France has multiplied by 2.1 in 18 years. 

Strongest growth of international students

The population of students in international mobility showed an average annual growth rate of 3%, stronger than the rate of all students (+2%). The Info Note says that over the past few years, “the number of international students never stopped growing until it reached 358,000 in 2018, a 33% increase over 10 years, while on the same period the number of French students increased by 17%”.

Region of origin of foreign students: Africa and Asia as leaders

In 2018-19, about one international student out of two was of African origin, 26% of which from Northwest Africa. 23% of international students in France come from Asia, before Europeans (19%, including 16% from the EU), and Americans (9%).

Moroccan students were the most present in France in 2018-19 (34,900 students, 12%). They are more present than Chinese students (26,300, 9%) and Algerian students (26,000, 9%).

Most attended institutions: universities, business schools and engineering schools

In addition to general statistics, the Info Note offers several points of detail. Foreign students tend to prefer universities, business schools and engineering schools, in all cases more than French students (six students out of ten, compared to seven international students out of ten). However, the origin of students defines the choice of institution: 53% of students registered in university are African, 19% Asian, 19% Europeans, and 9% American.

Field of study are different depending on the origin

Foreign students in international mobility tend to register more frequently than French students in designated fields of study: Economics, Economic and Social Administration (“AES” in French), Sciences and Sports (“STAPS”).  However, they are less to attend courses in Health and Social Sciences study plans, or short training courses (“IUT” and “BTS”). The Info Note also stresses that the choice of study plan differ depending on the geographical area.

Good success rates in Licence course

Overall, the success rate of students in diploma international mobility is higher than the rate of French students in Licence course, but French students fare better in Master’s course. The success rate in Licence course of foreign students is 46% for the 2018 session, a better result than French students (40%).  However, the Info Note stresses that success rates strongly differ depending on the field of study, the continent or the gender.