You can complete an MBA in France in just 1 year, compared to 2 years in most American programs which saves both time and money.
France also provides a 2-year post-study work visa (APS - Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) to non-EU students after gaining an MBA.
There are many best MBA colleges in France which is why it is fast becoming the global centre of management education, with students from all over the world coming to study in France. With more than 14 French institutions included in the QS Global Executive MBA Rankings 2025 and a growing emphasis on AI, sustainability, and diversity, France is no longer an exclusive European base, it's a global innovation center for business education.
Use this guide to choose the top universities in France and plan your next move with clarity and confidence.
Top 10 Business Schools in France
France has some of the world's leading business schools, which remain consistently ranked among the best in the world through global rankings for MBA programs.
Here is a list of the top 10 business schools in France and their global ranking, their popular degree courses, and some basic eligibility requirements:
Top Business Schools in France: Eligibility Criteria
To enroll in a top business school in France, the majority of top business schools such as INSEAD, HEC Paris, ESSEC, etc., have a pretty similar set of admission criteria:
Bachelor's Degree:
The students should have a recognized bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The field of degree is not a major issue, but some colleges want a degree in the field of business, economics or engineering background.
Work Experience:
The majority of top business schools in France have at least 2 to 5 years of full-time professional experience as a mandatory requirement. INSEAD and HEC Paris prefer applicants with global exposure and leadership exposure.
GMAT/GRE Scores:
A good GMAT or GRE score is generally required and a good GMAT score ranges between 600 and 720, depending on the college. Some colleges also accept their own entrance tests or provide waivers under certain circumstances.
English Language Proficiency:
For overseas applicants, particularly those whose prior study was not conducted in English, evidence of English proficiency is needed:
A good SOP with your career objectives, reasons for pursuing an MBA, and why specifically a school is important.
Resume / CV:
An organized, current professional resume with achievements, leadership positions, and career advancement is necessary.
Interview:
Selected candidates are called for a personal interview, which could be online or in-person. This allows for evaluating communication skills, leadership potential, and program suitability.
How to Apply for Top Business Schools in France?
Missing key documents or deadlines is one of the most common reasons why international applications get rejected. Top business schools and MBA programs in France follow a strict review process that values academic performance, language proficiency levels, and motivation. Understanding the exact steps helps you avoid costly delays or rejections.
Follow the application steps below to increase your chances of admission.
1. Choose Your Application Path
Option A: Campus France – Direct Applications
Ideal for applying to specific business schools individually.
Option B: Join a School in France – Single Application for 5 Schools
Apply once to be considered by five top business schools: HEC Paris, ESCP Business School, Emlyon business school, Audencia Business School, and SKEMA Business School.
2. Prepare Required Documents: Ensure all documents are in English or French.
Complete your profile and upload the required documents.
Pay the Campus France fee of ₹18,500 online.
Schedule and attend an academic interview with your local Campus France office.
Option B: Join a School in France
Start your application on the Join a School in France website.
Upload all required documents.
Pay the application fee of €220 (INR 21K).
Choose your preferred interview location.
4. Attend the Interview
If shortlisted, attend a single interview (in-person or online) that covers all five schools in the Join a School in France consortium.
The interview assesses your motivation, personality, and suitability for the programs.
5. Receive Admission Decisions
Admission results will be communicated by each school individually.
You may receive offers from one or more schools.
Choose the school you wish to attend and confirm your acceptance.
6. Apply for a Student Visa
Once you have your acceptance letter, begin the visa application process.
Follow the steps outlined in the France Student Visa Process.
Once your application is accepted, the next step is securing your student visa for France.
Top Business Schools in France: Scholarships
Top business schools in France have created a variety of scholarships for Indian students in order to offset the expenses of pursuing an MBA or MiM. Below is a list of scholarship opportunities that are relevant to Indian applicants:
Scholarship Name
Value & Benefits
Indian Alumni Scholarship
Up to €25,000(22.5 Lakhs INR) off tuition, awarded based on essay submissions
L'Oréal Scholarship
€10,000((10L INR)) award to one outstanding candidate per intake .
MBA Scholarship for Excellence (including Forté)
Up to 50% tuition waiver for high-achieving candidates; Forté Foundation adds value for women .
Excellence Scholarship
Up to 40–50% tuition reduction for candidates with strong profiles & GMAT ≥650 .
Swati Kansal Memorial Scholarship (Women)
€10,000 (10L INR)stipend over 10 months (€1,000/month) for a high-impact female Indian student .
Women in Leadership Scholarship
€15,000 (15L)for self-funded female MBA applicants .
NGO/Non-profit Scholarship
€15,000 (15L)for candidates working in NGOs/non-profits .
Entrepreneurial Scholarship
€15,000 (15L)awarded to applicants with startup/entrepreneurial ambitions .
Charpak Excellence Scholarship
Monthly stipend of €700–€860(₹63,000 to ₹77,400 INR), visa fee waiver, Campus France support .
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Monthly €1,181(1.18L), plus travel, insurance, housing assistance; for Master’s (MBA eligible) .
*Note- INR conversions are indicative, please check the current exchange rate for precise values.
Scholarship Tips:
When considering scholarship opportunities, it is important to apply early in order to maximize your opportunities for scholarships.
Having a good GMAT score, such as 650 or higher, or having exceptional work experience will help your opportunities for better scholarship amounts.
If you graduate from one of the top MBA colleges in France, you will have access to a multitude of high-paying and diverse career opportunities worldwide. French B-schools have great relationships with multinational corporations, luxury brands, and startup companies.
The main points about prospects after a business school in France are:
Top recruiters for Graduates
Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and Capgemini
Finance: BNP Paribas, Société Générale, AXA
Luxury & Fashion: LVMH, L'Oréal, Chanel
Technology: Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Dassault Systèmes
Startups and Entrepreneurship: Growing startup ecosystem with funding and incubators.
Salary after an MBA
France presents solid post-MBA career prospects, especially in consulting, finance, tech, and luxury/marketing. While there are many high-paying opportunities, globally-recognized firms are actively recruiting MBA graduates from top business schols in France.
Job Role
Approximate Annual Salary (EUR + INR)
1. Management Consultant
€90,000 – €135,000 (₹81 – ₹121 lakhs)
2. Investment Banker
€95,000 – €150,000+ (₹85 – ₹135+ lakhs)
3. Product Manager (Tech)
€85,000 – €120,000 (₹77 – ₹108 lakhs)
4. Finance Manager / Director
€85,000 – €125,000 (₹77 – ₹112 lakhs)
5. Technology Project Manager
€85,000 – €125,000 (₹77 – ₹112 lakhs)
*Note- INR conversions are indicative, please check the current exchange rate for precise values.
Post Study Work Visa (APS)
International graduates can apply for a two-year post-study work visa (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) to seek employment or start a business in France.
Networking and Alumni Support
Top business schools in France have strong alumni networks (throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America- which is a big plus for those internationally mobile).
Permanent residency and long-term careers
Following relevant employment experience in France, students can also look to secure permanent residency avenues based on employment.
With great placement support, top business schools in France interact with global recruiters.
Studying for a top business schools in France is a great choice if you are an aspiring global professional. You'll find quality institutions with a global reputation, a diverse range of programs, and strong industry connections. The MBA colleges in France are an optimal blend of education and career opportunities.
France is a great study destination in general, from more affordable tuition to work opportunities after graduation, France has everything an international student could want to have a successful global career.
FAQs
Why choose France for an MBA?
France has a selection of the world’s best MBA programs when it comes to the world rankings, and they are delivered globally recognized, in English. And, France has strong majorities of global links to industry, plus lower business school fees, a lively international student community.
Does France have very cold weather?
France has a temperate climate, which may vary depending on which region you travel to. In Winter, it can be cold in the north and eastern regions. In those regions, the temperature can drop below 0 degrees Celsius as well.
Which is better, an MBA from France or India?
An MBA from France provides global exposure, international faculty, and more post-study work options, while an MBA from India is cheaper and locally recognized. If you want a global career, France is better. If you are pursuing a career in India, a top Indian MBA can also work.
Can I do part-time work in France?
Yes! As an international student in France, you can work part-time while studying up to 964 hours a year (approx. 20 hours a week), which can help you to pay for living expenses and obtain work experience—and remember that your student visa and course load must allow for part-time work.
Can I pursue an MBA without knowing French?
Yes, you can do an MBA in France without knowing French. Many of the top schools in France offer MBA courses taught entirely in English. It is suggested that you learn basic French skills for daily living, networking ,and for expanding your chances of getting a job once you graduate, especially if you intend to work afterwards in France.
Is an MBA from France globally recognized?
Definitely, an MBA degree from France is recognizable in many different countries and opens a door for the student to work in different countries. It also helps in getting a job in top recruiting companies.
Is work experience mandatory to apply for an MBA in France?
In general, work experience is typically required for MBA programs in France. Generally, top business schools in France expect students to have 2 to 5 years of experience. That said, some schools do offer early-career or specialized MBA programs with more flexibility.
Is health insurance mandatory for MBA students in France?
Yes, health insurance is required for MBA students in France. Non-EU students must either register for the French public health insurance (or obtain private health insurance), which is about €30-€50/month. EU students get access to healthcare services under their EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card).
Can I settle in France after MBA?
You can immigrate to France post-MBA. You will be eligible to apply for a two-year post-study work visa. Graduates with a work contract may apply for residence or work permit, leading to long-term residence or a pathway towards permanent residency.
When should I apply for an MBA in France?
When it comes to applying for your MBA in France, you should aim to apply 6–12 months ahead of your actual starting date. Most business schools in France have more than one entry period to start their programs, which usually take place between October and May.
What is the teaching style in French MBA programs?
The teaching style in French MBA is practical, collaborative, and global. You will experience a lot of case studies, reports, group projects, real business simulations, and purposes and the emphasis on classroom practicum.
Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to c...
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