France to Welcome 30,000 Indian Alumni Under 5-Year Schengen Visa Scheme

In a significant move to strengthen academic and cultural ties between the two countries, the French government will now offer a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa to Indian students who have completed at least one semester of study in France. The French government aims to welcome approximately 30,000 Indian students through this initiative. This follows closely on the heels of France's announcement of an extended 5-year post-study work visa for Indian students completing their master’s. Earlier, only a 2-year stay was allowed. 

The new policy, as outlined in an official notification, states that Indian students who have studied for a minimum of one semester in France and have attained a master's degree level or higher from a recognized university in India, France, or any other country, will now be eligible to apply for the 5-year Schengen visa. These candidates will need to submit a duly completed visa application fully compliant with the usual Schengen requirements.

In an official statement released by the French Embassy, it was noted, "France believes that when an Indian student spends even just a semester in France, it creates a connection that ought to be fostered and cherished. That is why, Indian students who hold a Master's degree or above and have spent at least a semester studying in France are eligible for a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa. This is a special provision for Indian alumni to enable them to keep close links with France and their French counterparts."

With this announcement, the embassy, along with the French Institute, also unveiled the forthcoming 'Choose France Tour 2023'. Coordinated by the French government and Campus France, this educational exposition is a platform wherein Indian students will get the opportunity to explore and interact with representatives of 40+ French institutes. The tour is scheduled to take place across four prominent Indian cities,  Chennai (8th Oct), Calcutta (11th Oct), Delhi (13th Oct), and Mumbai (15th Oct).