École Polytechnique Paris vs Rennes School of Business vs Université de Bretagne Sud - UBS vs Excelia Business School vs ESSCA School of Management

Side-by-side comparison from 180 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: Forward College (4.90)
École Polytechnique Paris: wins 1/6 categories
Rennes School of Business: wins 0/6 categories
Université de Bretagne Sud - UBS: wins 0/6 categories
Excelia Business School: wins 0/6 categories
ESSCA School of Management: wins 0/6 categories
Forward College: wins 4/6 categories
RUBIKA: wins 1/6 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Mathematics and Computer Science
Best programme: Management
La Rochelle, France
4.10
Read more reviews
61 reviews
×
Best programme: Master of Science (MSc)
Best programme: Programme Grande Ecole (PGE)
Paris, France
4.90
Top
Read more reviews
16 reviews
×
Best programme: Politics and International Relations
Valenciennes, France
4.40
Read more reviews
15 reviews
×
Best programme: 2D Animation
Category ratings
Facilities
3.59
4.03
Not rated
3.97
3.81
4.47
4.47
Location
3.06
4.22
Not rated
4.27
4.17
5.00
Win
3.13
Professors
4.24
4.21
Not rated
3.93
3.94
5.00
Win
4.27
Internationality
4.29
4.34
Not rated
4.30
3.88
4.75
Win
3.87
Student life
4.06
4.37
Not rated
4.25
4.13
4.73
Win
4.20
Value
4.29
4.11
Not rated
3.93
3.75
4.63
4.67
Win
Accommodation
4.35
Win
3.76
Not rated
3.59
3.41
4.33
4.33
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +Strong academic programs and international career/further study opportunities.
  • +Supportive and international student community with a family-like atmosphere.
  • +High-quality professors and engaging learning experiences despite demanding workloads.
  • +Practical, business-focused education with experienced professors
  • +Diverse and inclusive international community and learning environment
  • +Excellent academic quality and supportive facilities

Nothing to show

  • +Diverse, multicultural environment and global opportunities
  • +High-quality teaching and practical, well-structured curriculum
  • +Strong alumni network and enriching student experience
  • +Strong academic programs with international focus and practical experience.
  • +Approachable and supportive teachers fostering a positive learning environment.
  • +Vibrant campus life and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • +Engaging learning environment with interactive methods
  • +Diverse and international student community
  • +Unique multi-city European study experience
  • +Industry-active instructors and professional preparation
  • +Supportive and welcoming atmosphere
  • +Emphasis on practical, project-based learning
Cons
  • -Administrative and communication issues hinder problem-solving.
  • -Lack of social integration, particularly for non-French speakers.
  • -Administrative and management issues are prevalent and unhelpful.
  • -Poor English communication and resources are a significant barrier for international students.
  • -Professors' English proficiency is a recurring concern.

Nothing to show

  • -Superficial course content and lack of practical value were disappointing.
  • -The program's focus did not align with student expectations or career goals.
  • -High tuition costs were not justified by the perceived quality of education and career support.
  • -Ineffective and unprepared professors with poor language skills.
  • -Poor organization and irrelevant, expensive courses.
  • -Lack of student engagement and focus on partying.
  • -Administrative & management issues cause frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and equipment are a concern.
  • -Lack of transparency and communication is prevalent.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause frequent problems.
  • -Facilities are frequently described as outdated and in poor condition.
  • -Teaching quality and curriculum relevance are inconsistent and often disappointing.
Rating summary
What students say

A closer look at the university's performance reveals strong areas in Accommodation, Internationality, and Value, all receiving scores above 4.29. Professors also scored highly at 4.24. Conversely, Location stands out as the weakest category, with a score of 3.06. Facilities received a moderate rating of 3.59, while Student Life sits comfortably in the middle at 4.06.

Student life and internationality stand out as the university's strongest aspects, both scoring above 4.3. Professors and location also received very favorable reviews. Accommodation emerged as the weakest area, with a rating of 3.76, though overall value and facilities were rated well above average.

Nothing to show

Internationality, Location, and Student Life emerge as the university's strongest attributes, each scoring above 4.25. The university also received a solid rating for its facilities and professors. Conversely, accommodation presents the weakest area, with a score of 3.59. Overall, the university demonstrates a well-rounded profile with notable strengths in student experience and international appeal.

Evaluations reveal a university with particularly strong offerings in **location** and **student life**, both exceeding a 4.1 rating. Conversely, **accommodation** stands out as the weakest area, scoring significantly lower at 3.41. Other aspects like professors, facilities, internationality, and value fall within a solid mid-to-high range, generally between 3.75 and 3.94.

This university garners excellent reviews, particularly excelling in its **professors and location**, both achieving perfect scores. Student life and internationality also stand out with scores above 4.7. Areas with slightly lower, though still strong, ratings include **facilities and accommodation**. Overall, the university presents a well-rounded positive student experience with high marks across most aspects.

This institution demonstrates exceptional strengths in its **Value** (4.67) and **Facilities** (4.47), indicating high satisfaction in these key areas. **Accomodation** (4.33) and **Student Life** (4.20) also received positive scores. However, the university's **Location** (3.13) stands out as a comparatively weaker aspect, with **Internationality** (3.87) also receiving a moderate rating.

Reviews summary
Highlights

Most reviews are highly positive (~82%), praising strong academic programs, international opportunities, and a supportive student body. A small portion of feedback (~6%) notes issues with university organization, administration, and social life, particularly for non-French speakers.

Over 97% of reviews are positive, highlighting strong teaching methods, practical learning, and global faculty. A small amount of negative feedback concerns administrative support and language accessibility for international students.

Nothing to show

~95% of reviews are positive, highlighting multicultural environments, enriching experiences, and good quality teaching. A small portion of feedback (~5%) expresses disappointment with academic depth and practical value.

Approximately 74% of reviews are positive, highlighting enriching experiences, approachable teachers, and good knowledge transfer. A small percentage of negative feedback mentions unprepared professors and irrelevant courses.

Students highly praise the interactive learning, international community, and opportunities for academic and personal growth. There are no negative reviews.

With a 4.4/5 average rating from 15 reviews, ~93% are positive. Students praise quality teaching from industry professionals and a supportive, welcoming atmosphere. The heavy workload and project-focused curriculum prepare them well for professional careers.

Rating distribution
5★
59%
38%
0%
33%
34%
94%
47%
4★
24%
54%
0%
52%
41%
6%
47%
3★
12%
5%
0%
11%
19%
0%
7%
2★
6%
0%
0%
3%
3%
0%
0%
1★
0%
3%
0%
2%
3%
0%
0%
Most useful review
Most liked
Academic, Professional, and Creative Growth

Academic Opportunities: Building Connections and Research Experience Studying both my Bachelor's and Master's at École Polytechnique has been an incredibly enriching experience, particularly in terms of academic development and networking. The school provides exceptional opportunities to connect with academic officers who offer valuable guidance on CV-building and career pathways. Additionally, the support from the economics department and faculty members has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations. Currently, I am working as a research assistant, and I am about to embark on my fifth research experience. My journey so far has included both voluntary and contractual positions under the guidance of two professors. These experiences have spanned multiple disciplines, including economics, statistics, mathematics, and coding. The interdisciplinary nature of these projects has allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set and a deep appreciation for research. With aspirations to pursue a PhD, I find the academic environment at École Polytechnique highly supportive. The connections I have built with faculty members and researchers have been invaluable in shaping my future career path. The guidance and mentorship provided by the faculty have significantly contributed to my academic and professional growth. During my Bachelor's, tutoring sessions taught by engineering students were incredibly helpful in improving my understanding of difficult mathematics concepts. These sessions have often been a lifesaver, helping me grasp complex topics and ultimately succeed in exams. Communication Challenges and Professional Development I participate in English programs, but some projects in collaboration with the city of Paris involve French professionals and authorities. As a non-native French speaker with Chinese as my mother tongue, communication with professionals at École Polytechnique has sometimes been challenging, especially when some professors or professionals are more comfortable speaking French rather than English. However, through group projects, navigating complex team dynamics, and facing tough situations with professionals, I have developed essential communication skills. These experiences have allowed me to gradually build my professional toolbox, equipping me with the necessary skills to adapt and thrive in an international academic and professional environment. Extracurricular Engagement: Fostering Creativity and Community Beyond academics, École Polytechnique has been a vibrant space for my passion for the arts. The school's strong support for extracurricular activities has allowed me to work alongside like-minded, art-loving peers and receive guidance from faculty members who facilitate event organization and club development. During my Bachelor's, I established the Art Committee, and in my Master's, I co-founded MX-ARTS, an art and performing arts club. Through these initiatives, we organized showcases, art exhibitions, and talent shows, gradually expanding our network to collaborate with 12 different clubs across Bachelor's, Master's, and Engineering programs. Career Support: Training and Professional Opportunities École Polytechnique provides comprehensive career training and consulting services to prepare students for professional success. The school's company forums and networking events serve as excellent platforms for students to connect with industry professionals and secure internships. Many of my classmates have successfully leveraged these resources to find rewarding internship opportunities in top firms and research institutions. Conclusion: A Transformative Experience Overall, my time at École Polytechnique has been transformative, offering a perfect balance between academic rigor, research exposure, creative expression, and career development. The institution's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, mentorship, and extracurricular engagement has played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional journey. As I continue toward a PhD, I am grateful for the incredible support system and the opportunities that this institution has provided.

Exemplary institution

The school stands out as an exemplary institution with commendable features. The accommodation facilities are not only comfortable but also designed to foster a conducive learning environment. The faculty comprises diverse, highly qualified educators, ensuring a high standard of education. The emphasis on practical learning prepares students effectively for real-world scenarios. The institution offers a top-notch academic experience combined with excellent living standards, making it a highly recommended choice for those seeking quality education.

Nothing to show

Nothing to show

Well-rounded programme

Overall, I had a positive experience at ESSCA. The programme is well organized and provides a solid foundation in business and management. The courses were generally of good quality and covered a broad range of topics, helping students develop both academic knowledge and practical skills. One of the aspects I appreciated most was the international exchange during the third year. ESSCA has a good network of partner universities, and the opportunity to study abroad was a valuable part of the programme. Student life is also a real strength of the school. The associative environment is active and offers many opportunities to get involved outside the classroom, meet new people, and gain additional experience. Like any programme, some courses were more engaging than others, but overall I found the experience enriching and would recommend it to students looking for a business school with a strong international dimension and a good balance between academics and extracurricular activities.

Great modern university approach

I am currently a 3rd year student at Forward College and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to other students. The interactive approach of Forward where questions, debate, and discussion were encouraged enhanced my learning so much and I feel like I genuinely enjoyed every class. Having the experience of living in 3 different cultures, surrounded by people from all over the world made this experience even more special and helped me develop and grow in so many ways. Another aspect I have loved are the professors. Speaking with friends at other university I am so grateful to have teachers that actually know us, are excited to teach and interact with us, and will always take the time to help you.

Nothing to show

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Review our Privacy Policy for more details.
Close