Destination: France is the latest report based on data from the QS International Student Survey 2024. We’ve analysed the perspectives of 8,511 international students interested in France as a study destination. What can you learn from their perspectives?
Key findings from 8,511 students interested in studying in France
A welcoming environment is the number one draw for students interested in France
When choosing a country, town, or city, a welcoming environment is the most important factor to students.
YouTube is the top social platform for finding a higher education institution (HEI)
60% of those interested in France use YouTube to research HEIs. The second most common platform is Instagram (48%).
Financials are what worry prospective students most
Cost of living and availability of scholarships are the top two most common student concerns. These worries are more pronounced among Indian students.
WhatsApp crucial for communicating with prospective students
After email, WhatsApp was the second most identified communication channel students would like to use.
Indian students looking to study in France seek strong ranking and graduate outcomes
When choosing a course, a good ranking and reputation are more commonly cited as an important factor by Indian students than the global average.
Our recommendations for French universities
- Continue to use video as part of your student recruitment strategy. YouTube and Instagram are the most used platforms – be present on these platforms and deliver the messages students want to hear – about high-quality teaching and a welcoming environment – using engaging visual content.
- Prospective students are concerned about their financials. Evidence the return on investment a degree from your institution provides through your employability messaging, and highlight any scholarship opportunities or methods to save money on cost of living.
- Ensure WhatsApp is an available communication channel. Using the platform as part of the conversion and marketing matrix is key to reaching the students that want to study in France.
- Improve institutional performance and global reputation to reach new audiences and recruit more international students.
- Promote your welcoming environment. Students want to see a welcoming environment in their study destination. Consider how you can actualise a welcoming environment and use that messaging in your marketing.
Discover more insights
Read Destination: France to gain more student insights about:
- How they perceive France as a study destination
- Explore what they want from the teaching and learning experience and the application process
- Plus, get a specific look at the perspectives of students from India looking to study in France.
