Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-02-22 07:26:38
The new French immigration law has been a topic of concern for many, particularly for African students who feared that it would affect their ability to study in France. However, the Deputy Director of Campus France, Ms Beatrice Khaiat, assured that the law would not impact international students.
The law, passed by the French Parliament in December of last year, was criticized for its potential to make it impossible for non-European Union (EU) nationals to waive tuition fees, which had significantly increased in 2019. Ms Khaiat addressed these concerns by stating that the new immigration law would not have any effect on international students, emphasizing that they are not the target of this law.
Speaking at the 6th France-Ghana Higher Educational Conference at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in Accra, Ms Khaiat provided further information about the opportunities available to international students in France. She noted that approximately 500 students were currently studying in France and that the country had implemented a policy known as “Welcome to France” in 2018. This policy aims to attract 500,000 international students by 2027, showcasing the country’s commitment to international education.
Additionally, Ms Khaiat highlighted the lower cost of studying in a public university in France compared to Anglo-Saxon countries, as well as the availability of over 1,500 programs taught in English. These factors make France an attractive destination for students seeking quality education abroad.
The French Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Jules-Armand Aniambossou, used the conference as an opportunity to encourage Ghana to become a hub for innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He emphasized that developing innovation and AI capabilities would positively impact various sectors in Ghana, including health, agriculture, finance, and education. Mr Aniambossou expressed his belief in the brilliance of Ghanaians and encouraged the country to position itself as a leader in innovation and AI.
Highlighting the importance of the conference, the French Ambassador mentioned that it indicated France’s commitment to developing partnerships with African countries, including Ghana. This commitment is based on principles of equity, respect, and reciprocity, as articulated by President Emmanuel Macron in 2017.
The conference garnered significant interest from Ghana’s high education sector, with over 1,500 participants in attendance. The Deputy Minister of Education, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, acknowledged this robust participation and expressed gratitude to the organizers for their efforts in mobilizing such a large gathering of stakeholders in the education sector.
Dr. Augustina Akonnor, Acting Deputy Director of GIMPA, extended her gratitude to the French Embassy and Campus France for their partnership in hosting the conference. She emphasized the longstanding relationship between her institution and higher educational institutions in France.
The conference included a student fair and the inauguration of a new Campus France office, showcasing the commitment to fostering educational opportunities and collaborations between France and Ghana. This event is a testament to the ongoing efforts to strengthen international education partnerships and opportunities for students.
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