Campus France has just published the final figures for the reception of international students for the 2024-2025 academic year, which has just ended.
In total, 443,500 international students enrolled in French higher education, including 10,800 apprentices in higher technician sections.
Six African countries, including Tunisia, are among the top 10 most represented African nationalities, totaling 133,692 students. This represents nearly one third (30.1%) of all international students in France.
By region, North Africa and the Middle East are the most represented, accounting for 27% of the total, ahead of Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (26% each), Asia-Oceania (13%), the Americas (8%), and other unspecified regions (1%).
Tunisia in the Top 10
In 2024-2025, Tunisia ranks as the 6th African country by number of students sent to France, with 15,949 enrollees, representing 4% of all international students.
Compared to the previous academic year, this figure shows an increase of 5%, and over five years, the growth reaches +22%.
In the Maghreb region, Tunisia is behind Morocco, in the lead with 42,015 students, and Algeria, which sends 34,758 students. Outside of Africa, China is in third place with 26,327 students, followed by Italy with 22,044, while Senegal completes the Top 5 with 17,722 students.
Regarding the types of institutions attended, out of the 432,670 international students (excluding apprentices), 63% are enrolled in universities, far ahead of business schools (15%) and engineering schools (8%).
However, it is in business schools where the most spectacular growth is observed. The number of international students has jumped by 52% over the last five years.
