Not only is France a prolific country to pursue higher education because of its cultural and culinary delights but is also actually one of the best places to pursue business as well.
Due to the Bologna Process agreement, universities in France offer various programmes and courses catering to the needs of every student, whether it’s a Bachelors Programme, Master’s or Doctorate. Though France is an artisans hub, now more and more students are opting to stud Business. France now has 11 triple-accredited Business schools. Recently, the esteemed Financial Times European Business School ranking revealed 22 top business schools that are based in France. In the QS World University Rankings, over 40 French universities featured in the list, out of which 11 universities ranked in the top 250.
What are the best French business schools according to student opinions?
Now, EDUopinions is going to take a look at our top 13 French business schools. Those schools have been chosen because of their students’ satisfaction excellence.
EDUopinions is a unique platform where you can read real, verified student reviews about universities from all over the world as well as get free information about them.
Top Business schools in France
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).
2. 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.
INSEAD campuses can also be found in Singapore and Abu Dhabi. Unsurprisingly, the student 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. INSEAD graduates tend to be leaders thanks to their education. Master’s programmes, Executive programmes, and PhD courses of study are available at this prestigious institution.
3. ESCP Business School
ESCP Business School was founded in 1819. The School has chosen to teach responsible leadership, open to the world and 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 more than 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 an internationally-renowned qualifications to their name.
5. Montpellier Business School
Founded in 1897 by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montpellier, France, Montpellier Business School tops the list. The university-level school is one of the “Grandes Écoles” and is one of the oldest business schools in France. They offer various degree programs: Bachelor, Grande Ecole Programme, Masters of Science, and Executive MBA. This school aims to train students with skills that are looked for in employees both locally and globally.
70% of students are recruited before they graduate. The employment rate among graduates is very high – 97% find a management position within 3 months after receiving their diplomas.
6. The American Business School of Paris
The American Business School of Paris offers an international study experience in France. It was founded in 1985. Ever since then, the institution welcomes students who want to study through American educational methods while experiencing the French way of life at the same time. The school offers BBA, MBA, DBA and many more. It’s part of the IGS Group and is accredited by the IACBE. The courses are fully taught in English. In addition to receiving an American degree at the end of their studies, students get a French degree certified by the Government. The multicultural campus which offers students training in a cross-cultural environment is another advantage of studying at the American Business School of Paris.
7. Grenoble École de Management
Founded by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Grenoble, Grenoble School of Management – also known as Grenoble École de Management (GEM) – is a leading business school in France. Founded in 1984 it offers programs at the undergraduate as well the doctorate level. Grenoble School of Management 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 and has ties with more than 100 foreign universities, with most of them holding AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS/EPAS accreditation. The school was ranked 26th in the Financial Times Master in Management ranking.
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. Post Graduate programs are offered in Paris. The university also presents international students with the opportunity of attending 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. 53 % and 91% of the faculty are international. Rennes SB is well-known for its degree courses which are accredited by EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. Due to its international focus, 20 double-degrees are being offered at Rennes School of Business.
11. ESC PAu Business School
ESC Pau BS is a member of the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles (made up of 40 leading French business schools) and delivers diplomas ranging from an A-level to a 5-year higher education diploma, all recognized by the State. Today, 3,000 students pursue their studies at ESC Pau BS, with 30% being international students. Since 2017, ESC Pau BS has been developing an original pedagogical concept, called For Tomorrowers®, based on experimentation and coach learning. ESC Pau BS’s campus is located (close to the restaurants and the university residences), next to a shopping centre, and the hospital and is 10 minutes from the city centre by bus.
12. EM STRASBOURG BUSINESS SCHOOL
EM Strasbourg distinguishes itself by being 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 5 nationally and internationally recognized 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. They have many courses which students can opt for. From Management and Human Resources Development to Management of Health Industries. The studies are personalised and help students discover a whole new world. 89% of companies are ready to recruit a graduate of the IGS Group again. They have 6 campuses: Paris, Toulouse, Dublin and Shanghai.
Also read:
- The Best Student Cities in France (Student Ratings)
- The Best Business Schools in France for International Students
- Students’ Rankings from the Best Business Schools in France
Editor’s note: This article was first published on the 5th of April 2019. We’ve updated it for current readers in January 2021.
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