33 win French, EU scholarships; Ambassador Galey urges students to become ‘brilliant representatives’ of Pakistan
ZUBAIR QURESHI
More than 700 Pakistani students will begin their higher education in France this year, including 33 outstanding students awarded prestigious scholarships funded by the French Government and the European Union, Ambassador of France Nicolas Galey said on Friday.
Addressing a pre-departure session for Pakistani students selected to study in France, the French envoy said the growing number of Pakistani students choosing France reflected the strengthening academic and educational cooperation between the two countries. Addressing the ceremony held at the Mövenpick Hotel, the French ambassador said that just four years ago, very few Pakistani students were studying in France, whereas today there were thousands, largely due to the efforts of the French Embassy’s Cultural Department, Campus France and cooperation with Pakistani universities.
He congratulated the students that their selection followed a highly competitive process and represented a significant achievement. He said their departure for France would mark “the beginning of an exciting new chapter” in their lives.
“France offers high-quality higher education and research, innovation and culture,” he said, adding that a French degree was recognized worldwide and could open doors to international careers.
He said studying in France was not merely about obtaining an academic qualification but also about becoming part of an ecosystem promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking and scientific research while providing opportunities to establish international friendships and professional networks.
According to the French ambassador, more than 400,000 international students from over 180 countries choose France for higher education every year, making it one of the world’s leading destinations for international students.
He particularly highlighted the gender balance among Pakistani scholarship recipients, noting that half of the 33 students receiving French Government and EU-funded scholarships this year were women. He described it as a reflection of the shared commitment of France and Pakistan to academic excellence and equal opportunity.
Galey appreciated the Campus France Pakistan team and the Embassy’s Cultural Department for arranging the pre-departure session, saying Campus France, through its three offices in Pakistan, supported students throughout their journey—from selecting recognized academic programmes and preparing applications to visa procedures and preparations for life in France.
The session also provided students an opportunity to interact with France Alumni members and receive practical guidance on accommodation, health insurance, administrative procedures and adjusting to student life in France.
Encouraging the students to embrace the experience beyond academics, the ambassador said going abroad was always an adventure, particularly for young people leaving Pakistan for an extended period for the first time.
He urged them to be curious and bold and discover France’s language, history, culture, cuisine and diverse landscapes.
“You will be the brilliant representatives of your country,” Galey told the students, urging them to help people in France learn more about Pakistan, which he said was not yet particularly well known there.
The ambassador also acknowledged the support of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which resumed direct Islamabad-Paris flights last year and had regularly supported activities of the French Embassy.
Adding a lighter note to the farewell, he said students attending the event would have the opportunity to win two PIA tickets to return to Pakistan during their studies, allowing them to visit their families and enjoy their favourite Pakistani food.
