The France education tourism sector is expected to witness strong growth, with the estimated value increasing from USD 35.6 billion in 2025 to USD 114 billion in 2035, registering a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period. Growth is fueled by the rising number of foreign students who want world-class academic programs, specialized professional training courses, and cultural immersion experiences in France's legendary cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse. Besides, France's world-famous art, history, and language programs remain the magnet for international learners.
Market Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated France Industry Size (2025E) | USD 35.6 billion |
| Projected France Value (2035F) | USD 114 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 12.3% |
This growth is fueled by the demand for study-abroad opportunities in France, where international students enroll in diverse programs ranging from art history and culinary studies to engineering and business. Short-term immersive programs like language courses and cultural exchange initiatives are also gaining traction, contributing to the country's robust educational tourism sector.
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The following chart compares the changes in CAGR for the base year 2024, and the current year 2025, reflecting the evolving trends in the market.
CAGR Values for France Educational Tourism Market (2024 to 2025)
It is projected that the France educational tourism market will see a steady growth rate of 11.3% in the first half of 2024, with an increase to 11.5% in the second half. The growth is expected to rise further to 12.1% in H1 2025, propelled by an uptick in international students attending language schools in Paris and Bordeaux, and by the increasing popularity of art-focused programs in cities like Paris and Marseille.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Value | The French educational tourism industry is projected to generate USD 32 billion in 2024, contributing 30% of Europe’s educational tourism market. |
| Domestic Market Share | Domestic tourists make up 40%, with many French students opting for language exchange programs or cultural experiences across the country. |
| International Market Share | International students account for 60%, with top source countries including China, the U.S., Germany, and Brazil, drawn to the country's top universities and language immersion programs. |
| Key Destinations | Paris for art and language programs, Lyon for business and engineering, and Nice for culinary studies. |
| Economic Impact | Generates billions annually through tuition, accommodation, transportation, and cultural activities in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse. |
| Key Trends | Rising demand for short-term intensive language programs, business seminars, and specialized courses in art, fashion, and technology. |
| Top Travel Seasons | Summer and winter break programs are peak seasons, especially for language immersion courses and short-term academic exchanges. |
France continues to lead in Europe as a premier destination for international students, particularly those seeking courses in art, fashion, engineering, and culinary arts. The country's prestigious institutions such as Sorbonne University, École Normale Supérieure (ENS), and Sciences Po attract students from all over the world.
Popular academic destinations include Paris for its academic diversity, Lyon for its business and technology programs, and Bordeaux for wine studies. The demand for cultural exchange and language programs continues to grow, with students from regions like Asia and the Americas enrolling in French language schools for immersion experiences.
Key trends include an increasing number of students seeking short-term professional development programs, such as the ones offered at HEC Paris, which focuses on leadership and entrepreneurship. Students from Latin America and the USA are particularly drawn to business programs at prestigious institutions in Paris and other French cities.
| Date | Development & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | New Culinary Arts Program at Le Cordon Bleu Paris: Le Cordon Bleu Paris, renowned for its culinary education, launched a new one-year diploma in advanced pastry arts. This program targets students from Europe, North America, and Asia, offering hands-on training in one of the most prestigious culinary institutions in the world. |
| Dec 2024 | Business Leadership Program at INSEAD: The renowned business school INSEAD in Fontainebleau expanded its executive education offerings, launching a 3-month leadership and strategy program. This program caters to professionals from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, looking to enhance their career trajectories. |
| Nov 2024 | New International Language Immersion Center in Nice: A new language immersion facility in Nice opened its doors to foreign students in search of short-term French courses. It plans to draw U.S., Canadian, and South American students with its blend of intensive language studies and Mediterranean culture. |
| Oct 2024 | Hybrid Learning Model at Sciences Po: Sciences Po introduced a hybrid learning model for international students in its graduate programs, combining virtual seminars with in-person internships and study trips across France. This approach caters to students from Asia and Africa looking for flexible study options. |
| Sept 2024 | Art and Culture Exchange at the Louvre Museum: The Louvre Museum introduced a collaborative art history exchange program, providing students from across the globe with an opportunity to enroll in specialized courses and internships while discovering France's rich cultural heritage. |
Post-graduation programs are also fundamental in the pursuit of driving France's revenue within the field of educational tourism because of their unique curriculum, considerable tuition, and international interest for advanced certification. These post-graduation programs have appeal on an international basis for students to further develop their careers by undertaking some of the best universities France has to offer. With a range of disciplines available, such as business, law, fashion, and engineering, these courses not only offer first-class education but also generate huge economic impact through fees, accommodation, and ancillary services.
A good example is the world-famous MBA course at INSEAD in Fontainebleau. Famous for its international draw, INSEAD has some of the top students from Europe, Asia, and North America. The exclusivity of the program and selective alumni network are major draws for students, and they pay well over €80,000 for tuition. This high fee is not merely a function of the quality of education but of the rich resources and international association that INSEAD graduates are exposed to and can tap, making them world leaders in industry. Most students from abroad also invest extra on accommodation, flights, and industry networking sessions, adding to the local economy further.
Likewise, another top French business school, HEC Paris, continues to experience increasing enrollment levels from foreign students, especially from nations such as China, India, and Brazil. The highly valued post-graduate programs by HEC, including specialized master's degrees in management and finance, also bear a high cost, at times exceeding €90,000. The economic and professional gains associated with such schemes make huge contributions to France's education tourism economy, as the students not only spend on their study material but also in terms of the city's realty, food industry, and tourism sector. Being a source that draws in highly skilled workers worldwide, France's post-graduate courses are the main income sector for its educational tourism market.
One-year programs represent a lucrative segment within France’s educational tourism market, catering to students seeking specialized knowledge or cultural experiences in a condensed period. These programs, ranging from language immersion courses to professional certifications and short-term art or business programs, attract both domestic and international students eager to enhance their skills or gain a unique cultural experience in just a year.
The University of Paris-Sorbonne's French Language and Culture program is a prime example of the popularity of one-year programs in France. The program attracts students from North America, Asia, and elsewhere, giving them the chance to completely surround themselves with the French language and culture. Tuition is complemented by income earned through student accommodation, which may comprise stays in Parisian homes or homestays, and fares for commuting within the city. In addition, the program incorporates cultural activities such as guided historical site tours, cooking classes, and museum visits, giving students a well-rounded experience that goes beyond academics. This model of immersion keeps the program economical, with far-reaching impacts for the local economy.
Similarly, Paris has become a hub for students pursuing fashion and design programs, especially at prestigious institutions such as the Paris College of Art and the Institut Français de la Mode. International students, particularly from countries like China, Japan, and the United States, are drawn to these specialized programs, paying high tuition fees to study in one of the world’s fashion capitals. These students invest in both their education and living expenses, with many renting apartments in Paris or participating in internships that often require additional travel and accommodation costs. The resulting economic impact from these students extends to the local fashion industry, where they attend shows, workshops, and engage in collaborations with Parisian designers, boosting both educational and cultural tourism revenues.
The France educational tourism market is competitive, with leading institutions such as Voyager School Travel, MIJE, and Prométour Educational Tours driving the majority of the market share. Additionally, specialized providers such as the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and Le Cordon Bleu offer niche programs that cater to specific industries like fashion and culinary arts.
2025 Market Share of France Educational Tourism Players
Leading players in the market include Voyager School Travel, MIJE, and Prométour Educational Tours, followed by various other universities and specialized institutions offering tailored educational programs for international and domestic students.
The France educational tourism market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2025 to 2035.
The market is projected to reach USD 114 billion by 2035.
Key drivers include France’s world-class education system, rising demand for language immersion and professional development programs, and an increasing number of students seeking both academic and cultural experiences.
Key players include Voyager School Travel, MIJE, and Prométour Educational Tours, along with specialized institutions like Le Cordon Bleu and the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.
The industry is segmented into Primary, Secondary, Graduation, and Post-Graduation.
The market is segmented into One Week and Less, One Month, One Year, and More than a Year.
Segmentation includes Less than 12 Years, 13 - 18 Years, 19 - 25 Years, 26 - 40 Years, and Over 40 Years.
The industry is divided into Domestic and International.
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France Educational Tourism Market
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