ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of France in Pakistan hosted the \u201cChoose France\u201d event at the French Residence in Islamabad, highlighting the growing academic cooperation between France and Pakistan. The event, held under the aegis of Campus France Pakistan, brought together French Embassy officials, visiting representatives of French universities, Pakistani academics, and students who have recently studied in France. Speaking on the occasion, French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey said that while media attention often gravitates toward breaking news and major events, it was equally vital to focus on long-term initiatives such as educational cooperation the real foundation of bilateral relations. \u201cThese sustained academic and cultural engagements are the seeds of the future relationship between Pakistan and France,\u201d the ambassador remarked, welcoming the visiting French higher education delegation. DNA
\nHe noted that the Choose France initiative, launched by the French Embassy in Pakistan, serves as a bridge connecting Pakistani and French universities and creating durable academic partnerships. The platform also enables talented Pakistani students to meet directly with representatives of French institutions and explore opportunities for study and research in France.
\nReflecting on the evolution of the initiative, Ambassador Galey shared those four years after the first Choose France Education Tour was held in Pakistan, its impact has become \u201cstrong, visible, and structured.\u201d He emphasized that higher education cooperation now stands among the top priorities of the France-Pakistan bilateral roadmap, a framework signed between the foreign ministries of both countries in January 2023.
\nHe further highlighted the remarkable rise in Pakistani students\u2019 interest in studying in France. \u201cFive years ago, only around 200 students applied to French universities. This year, nearly 7,000 applications were registered through Campus France Pakistan,\u201d he said. \u201cMost of these students have been awarded scholarships either from the French government, the Erasmus Mundus program, or directly from French institutions.\u201d
\nAmbassador Galey proudly noted that France has become the leading European Union destination for Pakistani students under the Erasmus Mundus program. He described this trend as \u201ca sign of growing trust and mutual interest\u201d between the two nations.
\nReiterating the importance of Campus France as the official channel for aspiring students, he said it provides free and reliable guidance for selecting recognized institutions and applying for scholarships. \u201cWe strongly encourage students and families to use this official platform to ensure a successful educational experience,\u201d he stressed.
\nThe ambassador also underlined that Choose France events allow French delegates to visit Pakistani universities, explore joint programs, and strengthen institutional collaboration.
\nAccording to the ambassador, twelve bilateral agreements between French and Pakistani universities have already been implemented as a direct outcome of the Choose France initiative. Several new exchange programs have started, with institutional ties evolving into long-term partnerships.
\nHe noted that this year\u2019s event gave special importance to student voices those who had experienced life and learning in France. \u201cBeyond numbers and agreements, the heart of our cooperation remains human meeting, discovering, and understanding each other\u2019s cultures,\u201d he said. \u201cThese students are the real ambassadors of friendship between France and Pakistan.\u201d
\nAmbassador Galey concluded by expressing gratitude to all contributors French and Pakistani university officials, embassy staff, and students for helping deepen the academic and cultural bonds between the two countries.
\nThe event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Iman, Project Manager at Campus France Pakistan and Ms. Sabine Vermillard, the Scientific and Higher Education Attach\u00e9 at the French Embassy in Pakistan.
\nPanelists included Noheila Eladj from Epitech (a French institution that recently launched student mobility programs with Pakistan), Dr. Sahar, Director of the International Office at NUST, and two students, Hanal and Hayan, who shared their experiences of studying in France through partnerships between Epitech\u2013FAST and NUST\u2013Rohan School of Business.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of France in Pakistan hosted the \u201cChoose France\u201d event at the French Residence in Islamabad, highlighting the growing academic cooperation between France and Pakistan. The event, held under the aegis of Campus France Pakistan, brought together French Embassy officials, visiting representatives of French universities, Pakistani academics, and students who have recently studied […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-509618","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n