French universities may teach more in English

01 Apr, 2013

French academics are protesting a plan to change some of the country’s education laws to make it easier to teach university courses in English.

At present this is only allowed under exceptional circumstances, such as foreign language courses or lessons by foreign lecturers.

The change is designed to attract more English mother-tongue students to French universities. This would help French higher education establishments compete for English mother-tongue students with colleges in the UK and with German universities, which are also now offering more degree courses in English.

Overseas students are finding UK universities less attractive since fees have increased and student immigration procedures have become more restrictive.