COVID-19 Disrupts International Student Enrollment in France, Jeopardizing 2027 Goals

Before the appearance of the coronavirus, the number of foreign candidates increased by 20% on the Campus France registration platform. However, the Covid-19 pandemic does not provide a certain visibility on the return of foreign students. France is also far from reaching its goal of having 500,000 international students by 2027.

Campus France admits that "the prospects are more uncertain". Pessimism is gaining ground. "The health crisis will certainly have an impact. But we hope that the drop in the number of foreign students will not exceed 25% to 30%. It will all depend on the evolution of the health situation in many countries, particularly in Africa," says Michaël Hauchecorne, from the network of vice-presidents of International Relations of universities.

Faced with the situation, some establishments are proposing an "unprecedented" return with a dual campus: digital (any student can remotely follow the entire training) but also physical (with activities in small groups), reports Le Journal du Dimanche. This is the case of the management of Sciences-Po. There, 50% of the students come from 130 countries, an increase of 16%. 78% of international undergraduate students are ready to come, according to a survey conducted in early July.