France keen to strengthen educational ties with Pakistan

LAHORE:France and Pakistan are poised to deepen cooperation in higher education following a high-level meeting at the French Embassy in Islamabad between renowned career counsellor Syed Abidi and the embassy’s cultural and education team.

Under the stewardship of French Ambassador Nicolas Galey, bilateral relations have entered a new phase of vitality, with education singled out as a strategic pillar. During the recent meeting, Mr Abidi outlined his three-decade record of guiding Pakistani students abroad and of partnering with foreign universities to expand their footprint in emerging markets.

Embassy officials Ms Sabeen — who heads education outreach — and Mr Mark Pit said Paris is eager to attract more Pakistani students but faces several hurdles, notably limited awareness of France’s English-taught programmes and the absence of local regulations for dual-degree arrangements. French universities are increasingly interested in offering split-site degrees, with the first year in Pakistan and the remainder in France; however, Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission has yet to create a framework for such initiatives.

Mr Abidi proposed targeted student seminars, promotional campaigns and campus visits by French universities to bridge the information gap. Drawing on his experience boosting German enrolments and running the Finland-Pakistan Business Summit, he offered to coordinate nationwide student fairs and faculty networking sessions, placing particular emphasis on compliance and transparent visa guidance.

Ms Sabeen welcomed the plan, underscoring the need for ‘closer, face-to-face interactions’ between French academics and prospective students. She also asked for support in identifying reputable education agents; Mr Abidi pledged to create an authentication system so universities engage only qualified representatives.

Both sides agreed to explore specialised fields where France enjoys global renown, including engineering, fashion design and forensic science — and to organise French university delegations to Pakistan in the coming months.

Mr Abidi expressed readiness to travel to France to compile an in-depth market report and build institutional partnerships through his consultancy, Falcon Education. For Pakistani students, France remains an attractive yet under-explored destination. Tuition fees at public universities are modest by European standards, and the quality of instruction ranks among the continent’s best. Nevertheless, students must verify that their chosen programmes are offered in English, as English-medium options are still limited outside private business schools.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to promote France as a premier study hub, expand transnational education pathways and enhance agent training. As Ambassador Galey’s tenure continues to elevate Franco-Pakistani relations, the education sector stands to reap significant benefits.