Point d'étape des inscriptions en première année de Licence des étudiants internationaux

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The procedure for pre-enrolment in the first year of an undergraduate degree (DAP) in French public higher education for international students from 42 countries subject to the “Études en France” (Studies in France) platform, managed by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, officially closed on 1 February 2019 in most countries. Campus France has decided to publish the first consolidated figures.

2019, year of the launch of the “Bienvenue en France” (“Choose France”) strategy

The year 2019 was marked by the introduction of the strategy designed to attract students, Bienvenue en France (Choose France), the goal of which is to turn France into the main host country for international students in Europe, with a target figure of 500,000 international students welcomed by 2027. To do this, strong commitments have been made to create a favourable framework for receiving non-EU students by multiplying services made available to them (visas, accommodation, reception, etc.), all the while introducing differentiated tuition fees and a wider scholarship system.

Different effects, limited decrease

While the enrolment process for 2019 is open for another 15 days in some places, several countries have witnessed an increase in the number of applicants, including Senegal (+11.34%), Mali (+5.66%), Benin (+8.21%), Russia (+8.95%) and China (+8.62%); others, however, have recorded a decrease in the number of applications submitted through the “Études en France” (Studies in France) platform, such as Algeria (-22.95%), Vietnam (-19.72%), Tunisia (-16.18%), Morocco (-15.5%), Côte d’Ivoire (-10.39%), Mexico (-7.69) and Turkey (-6.62%).

Overall, a comparison of the provisional 2019 figures and the figures at the end of the 2018 procedure highlights a 10% decrease in applicants, i.e. 28,294 applications submitted at this stage, compared to 31,532 applications in 2018. As a reminder, only 8,379 applicants were accepted into the first year of an undergraduate degree in 2018.

By publishing this progress report today, Campus France wanted to address the concerns voiced over the last few days. In accordance with its commitment, the agency will publish a consolidated progress report after the end of the enrolment process. In the meantime, it will continue to promote French higher education worldwide.