Not only is France an ideal country to pursue higher education because of its cultural and culinary delights, but it’s one of the best places to pursue business as well. Locations like Paris, Lille, and Bordeaux are home to many hiring companies, while the country also boasts great links to other economic hubs in Belgium, the UK, and Germany. But if you want to study business here, what are the best business schools in France?
Universities in France offer degrees that are comparable in rigour and practical applications to other top universities in Europe. Here, you’ll be able to find something catering to your specific needs, whether you’re interested in a Bachelor’s programme, Master’s or Doctorate degree.
Though France is an artisan’s hub (think of famous French filmmakers, writers, and artists), now more and more students are opting to study business in the country. France now has 19 triple-accredited business schools, more than in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands combined!
In the latest QS World University Rankings, over 30 French universities were featured in the list, out of which 6 universities ranked in the top 250 in the world. Recently, the Financial Times European Business School ranking featured 23 business schools based in France.
Now, EDUopinions is going to highlight 13 of our top business schools in France. The schools we’ve chosen consistently receive high student satisfaction ratings on our platform.
Top French Business Schools
1. HEC Paris
The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry founded HEC Paris in 1881. Since then, the school has established locations worldwide, including Montreal in Canada and Lausanne in Switzerland. HEC is considered one of the best business schools in the world.
HEC Paris places a special focus on Management studies, offering a master’s degree in the area as well as an MBA and eleven specialised MSc programmes all taught entirely in English. The school is also highly regarded for its executive programmes of study. An extremely international learning environment, HEC Paris also holds the coveted ‘Triple Crown’ accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS). The school’s Master in Management degree was ranked number one worldwide by the Financial Times in 2023.
2. ESSEC Business School
ESSEC Business School is a top-tier global institution renowned for its rigorous academic programs and innovative research. ESSEC has campuses not only in France, but also in Singapore and Morocco, cementing its reputation as a place for global outlooks.
This business school is particularly esteemed for its Grande École program and Master in Management, and it is consistently ranked among the best worldwide. The school’s diverse student body, cutting-edge facilities, and strong industry connections foster a dynamic learning environment. With a focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, ESSEC equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the complex global business arena.
3. ESCP Business School
ESCP Business School was founded in 1819. The school has chosen to teach responsible leadership, be open to the world, and be based on European multiculturalism. Six campuses in Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Turin, and Warsaw are the stepping stones that allow students to experience this European approach to management.
Every year, ESCP welcomes 7100 students and 5000 managers from 120 different nationalities. Its strength lies in its many business training programmes, both general and specialised (Bachelor, Master, MBA, Executive MBA, PhD, and Executive Education), all of which include a multi-campus experience.
4. EDHEC Business School
Another ‘Triple Crown’ accredited business school, EDHEC Business School, is located in the French cities of Lille (its headquarters), Paris, and Nice. It also maintains campuses across the globe. The school was founded over a century ago, in 1906, by a group of entrepreneurs.
BBAs, MBAs, and MScs are taught at the school in English. The fields of study are Business and Management. Students at EDHEC range from undergraduates to seasoned professionals. EDHEC produces graduates who are leaders with renowned qualifications to their name.
5. EmLYON Business School
emlyon Business School is consistently ranked among the best business schools in France, Europe and the world and is renowned for its innovative approach to business education. The school is triple-accredited, and the Financial Times ranked it as the 10th-best business school in Europe in 2023.
The Times Higher Education Employability Survey has ranked emlyon 2nd among French business schools and in the top 45 worldwide since 2017, highlighting the high employability of its graduates and the School’s strong reputation. In addition to a campus in Lyon, France, the school has campuses in Paris, Saint-Étienne, Shanghai, and Casablanca, providing a dynamic and multicultural learning environment.
6. INSEAD Business School
Consistently ranked as one of the top French business schools in the world, INSEAD Business School is found in Fontainebleau, near Paris. The school offers programmes of study for graduates only, meaning you’ll have to have a Bachelor’s degree to gain entry.
INSEAD campuses can also be found in Singapore and Abu Dhabi, and, unsurprisingly, students and staff at the school are from all over the world. In fact, INSEAD was among the first business schools to use a multi-campus model for optimised learning, enabling students to get a truly global view of business. INSEAD graduates tend to be leaders thanks to their education.
7. GEM Alpine Business School
Founded by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Grenoble, GEM Alpine Business School – also known as GEM Alpine Business School (GEM) – is a leading business school in France. Founded in 1984, it offers programs at the undergraduate and doctorate levels.
GEM Alpine Business School is one of the few institutions to hold triple accreditations, which distinguish the leading international business schools. They have an ambitious international vision and offer 15 international programmes in Grenoble, Paris, and around the world.
8. SKEMA Business School
SKEMA Business School is a higher education institution in France, which is the result of the merger between two French schools, CERAM Business School and Groupe ESC Lille, which took place in 2009. It is a private establishment with the legal status of a non-profit association. SKEMA is a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles. SKEMA offers a BBA, Master’s degree, MBA, and doctoral programs as well. Since 2016, the school holds triple accreditation by AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB.
In order to provide its students with a fully international outlook, SKEMA Business School has 6 campuses worldwide. It has ties with more than 100 foreign universities, with most of them holding AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS/EPAS accreditation.
9. KEDGE Business School
KEDGE Business School is one of France’s “Grandes Écoles”. KEDGE’s locations in France are Bordeaux, Marseille, Toulon and Paris. It’s the largest business school in France and is constantly ranked by the “Financial Times” among the top 10 business schools in the country and is one of the best 30 business schools in Europe.
The undergraduate and graduate programmes offered in Marseille are the International BBA and Master in Management. Postgraduate programs are offered in Paris. The university also presents international students with the opportunity to attend one of its International Summer Schools in Bordeaux, Marseille, and Toulon.
10. Rennes School Of Business
Rennes School of Business is a global school of management in France, and it is considered to be one of the most international schools in this field in Europe. That’s not only because of its programmes being taught in English but also because of its international students and staff. In fact, close to 90% of the school faculty are international.
Rennes School of Business is also well-known for the quality of its degree courses—the school is triple-accredited by EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. Due to its international focus, 20 double degrees are offered at Rennes School of Business.
11. IÉSEG School of Management
IÉSEG School of Management has campuses in Lille and Paris and has developed a reputation for its comprehensive and innovative programs. Offering a wide array of degrees, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, and Executive Education, IESEG emphasises academic excellence and international exposure.
The school is highly ranked globally, particularly for its Master in Management and Master in Finance programs. IÉSEG’s commitment to research, diverse student body, and strong corporate partnerships provide a rich, multicultural learning experience. With a focus on ethics, social responsibility, and leadership, IÉSEG equips students to excel in the global business landscape
12. EM STRASBOURG BUSINESS SCHOOL
EM Strasbourg is the only business school in France that is part of an academic centre of excellence, the University of Strasbourg. Its identity is defined by a forward-looking and innovative vision of the socio-economic world and its environment. The school advocates the development of critical thinking skills, allowing students to think freely, discern, examine, and act better, whatever their future may be.
EM Strasbourg actively takes part in revealing and amplifying what makes each student unique. The school prides itself on having obtained five nationally and internationally recognised accreditations, quality labels, and certifications such as AACSB, EPAS and AMBA accreditation.
13. ICD Business School
Founded in 1975, ICD Business School values humanism, entrepreneurship and professionalism. They hope to guarantee successful professional integration and sustainable employability for each of their students. Students can choose from a wide range of courses across everything from management to human resources.
The studies are personalised and help students discover a whole new world. 89% of companies are ready to recruit a graduate of- your Certificate of Incorporation or Confirmation Statement- your IBAN with the bank logo the IGS Group again. They have 6 campuses: Paris, Toulouse, Dublin and Shanghai.
Conclusion
EDUopinions is a unique platform where you can read real, verified student reviews about universities from all over the world and request free information about institutions. Any student can submit a review of their university, and we welcome reviews from both home and international students.
If you’re looking for more insights into studying business in France, check out the following blogs:
- What’s It Really Like to Be An International Business Student in France?
- The Best Student Cities in France in 2026
- How Do Students Rate the Global Exposure and Overall Satisfaction in French Business Schools
Editor’s note: This article was first published on the 5th of April 2019. We’ve updated it for current readers on 1st August 2024.
Related Posts :
Recent Posts
We created the EDUopinions Student Reviews Guide to highlight students' opinions of universities. All of the rankings we produce as part of the Guide ...
The University of Pécs in Hungary ranks among the top 1,000 universities in the world, and in the top 300 in Europe. Located in one of Hungary’s best ...
Want to boost your skills with an MBA, but don’t want to take time out from your job to study – or move abroad? An Online MBA means you can study the ...
North-West University is globally recognised for its strong teaching and research; it is ranked seventh in Africa and among the top 1,000 ...