Morocco remains France’s top source of international students
Morocco retains its position as the leading country of origin for international students in France. According to the OECD, Moroccan students account for 12% of the total, ahead of Algeria and China, in a ranking based on 2024 data.
France’s country profile in Education at a Glance 2026, published on 29 September, confirms this position. Algeria ranks behind Morocco, accounting for 10% of the total, followed by China at 8%. Together, these three countries account for nearly a third of international students in France.
On Bladi.net : Applications to study in France open in Morocco, with a November 15 deadline
The ranking covers students who have left their home country to pursue a degree abroad. It therefore measures student mobility, a category distinct from a simple count of foreign nationals enrolled in French institutions.
Senegal joins the top five countries of origin
While Morocco remains in first place, the rest of the ranking is changing. Senegal now accounts for 5% of international students in France, entering the top five countries of origin as Italy drops out.
These arrivals are part of student mobility, whose share in France has remained stable since 2015. International students accounted for 10% of students enrolled in French higher education in 2024, compared with an average of 12% across OECD countries.
On Bladi.net : Moroccan students in France: the bill can rise to 2,160 euros per month
In the other direction, French students most often go to Canada, which hosts 17% of those pursuing their studies abroad. Belgium follows with 12%, ahead of Spain at 11%. The United Kingdom is no longer among their top three destinations.
