The popularity of French schools in China continues to grow, and this phenomenon can be explained by several economic, cultural and educational trends. Learning French is no longer just an academic hobby: it has become a cultural and professional strategy for millions of young Chinese.
First, France remains an attractive destination for higher education. Between renowned universities, English-language or bilingual programs, and Sino-French university partnerships, many students see French as the key to accessing master’s degrees, engineering schools, or management training. Double degrees and scholarships also facilitate this orientation, reinforcing interest in language courses before departure.
Secondly, the influence of “made in France” in luxury, fashion, gastronomy and tourism is fuelling demand. The major French brands are recruiting profiles with a good command of French for positions in international trade, marketing or customer relations. Knowing how to speak French is perceived as a differentiating asset on the CV, especially in high-end sectors where knowledge of French culture is as important as the language.
At the same time, the rise of cultural tourism to France encourages the learning of French to travel more authentically. Chinese families looking for educational and cultural experiences choose language programs for their children, including language stays and intensive courses during the holidays.
Digital technology is also accelerating the phenomenon: online courses, applications and virtual classrooms make French accessible everywhere in China. On Douyin, WeChat, and other platforms, native influencers and teachers share micro-lessons and testimonials of settling in France, which inspires and reassures learners.
Finally, the growing institutional and economic ties between China and France—academic collaborations, cultural exchanges, Francophone events—create an ecosystem conducive to the teaching of French. Alliances françaises, language centres and private schools are developing to meet this demand, offering professional courses, preparation for certifications (DELF/DALF) and tailor-made training for companies.
In summary, the influx to French schools can be explained by a combination of motivations: study opportunities, career prospects in valued sectors, attraction to French culture and digital accessibility. For many Chinese, speaking French opens doors to Europe — academic, professional, and personal — and remains a profitable investment in the medium to long term.
