France happens to be the second largest market for foreign students in the world, but a majority of the 125,000 students enrolling annually in French Grand Ecoles and schools are from former French colonies. With an insignificant Indian presence, the French government is anxious to tap talent from here.

Says Christian Vuillez, chairman of the Paris Chamber of Commerce, ``We are keen on having Indian students in our universities. At present, the number of Indians is less than 200. We want students from all over the country andnot just Pondicherry. I am sure our low cost of education, high quality and an international exposure will make students look at management education in France. The education forum will become an annual event to provide information on French study options.''

Adds Jean Pierre Helfer, professor at the Institute of Business Management, Paris University, ``There are 30 universities and 20 business schools in France offering management courses in both French and English. There are 10 months' full-time programmes, and 18-24 months' part-time programmes. To pursue an MBA in a specialised field like marketing, finance or HRD, you need an undergraduate degree in management or economics. Otherwise, you can look at a general management degree and later specialise in your chosen area of interest.''

Depending on the university you opt for, the tuition fees can range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 34,000 per annum. The tuition fees at the Public Competitive Universities (the Grand Ecoles) are approximately Rs 26,000. The ratesvary from Rs 190,000 to Rs 760,000 for private schools. The cost of living also varies from place to place. Accommodation expenses in towns, especially private lodgings, vary from Rs 15,000 to Rs 31,000 per month.

In the University residence halls, the expenses vary from Rs 5,500 to Rs 8,000 per month, depending on the city. On the whole, food, transportation and pocket money would amount to about Rs 19,000-27,000 per month. While the tuition fees are subsidised by the government, you do end up paying an average Rs 25,000 for other expenses.

To cushion the cost of education, students are allowed to work 20 hours a week. But most university dons say that the courses are short and very intensive and it will be judicious for students to concentrate on studies and later look for placements in French companies. Says Dominique Antoine, inspector general at the Ministry of Education, ``The French government is working towards giving work permits to students after they have completed studies. Once this comesthrough, it will be easier for students to stay on and reimburse their costs.''

But before students eye French institutes, they should be aware of placement opportunities and how acceptable the course will be outside France. Says Jean Claude Pfeffer, professor of Law & Management, Lyon University, ``You will have a competitive advantage. A number of French companies are world leaders in their field and they will definitely look at management graduates from France. Also, in France, you will be exposed to European and Asian management practices and hence, you can look at opportunities beyond France, not only in the European Union, but also in Asia.''

Some French companies such as Alstom, Alcatel, Thomson, Suez Lyonnaise Des Eaux and Credit Lyonnais have operations in India and students returning home can hope to be placed in these multinationals.

The majority of French business schools are managed by the French Chambers of Commerce and Industry or the private sector. The admission procedure is based onan entry exam. Though some colleges look at GMAT scores, these may not be part of the final selection criteria. Says Pfeffer, ``GMAT is an American way of thinking. A good score in GMAT is commendable, but those who clear the entrance exam of French universities will stand a better chance of getting admission.''

The French education fair was a good experience for Indian students. But many students were confused as the admission criteria were not very clear and a ranking of the management institutes was not available. Also conspicuous by their absence were courses on fashion and architecture, for which France is well known. The French authorities need to look into these issues if they want to increase intake of students from India.