Top Universities & Business Schools in France: Popular Programs

France has emerged as a leading destination for international students in recent years. During the 2024–25 academic year, the country welcomed over 443,500 international students, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous year and a 17% rise over five years. Students from across the globe continue to choose France for its world-class education and vibrant academic environment.

As part of efforts to strengthen Indo-French relations, French authorities have set a target of hosting 30,000 Indian students by 2029, nearly tripling the current figures. In addition, students from Sub-Saharan Africa make up 24% of the international student population, marking a 34% increase over the last five years.

The increasing presence of international students has driven French universities to innovate their programs and teaching approaches, ensuring a globally relevant education.

Top Reasons to Study in France in 2025-26

As of July 2025, 163 higher education institutions in France have been awarded the ‘Bienvenue en France’ label, recognizing their commitment to improving services and support for international students. This initiative ensures a smooth transition into student life and creates a welcoming environment for students from around the world.

Beyond easing your integration, studying in France offers several other compelling reasons. Let us explore some.

✅ Ambitious International Student Mobility Goals

France plans to welcome 500,000 international students by 2027 under the ‘Bienvenue en France’ initiative. This demonstrates the country’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

✅ Recognition of French Higher Education Institutions

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, 80 French institutions were ranked across 51 disciplines, maintaining France’s fourth-place position globally in terms of the number of institutions ranked. This reflects the country’s strong presence in various academic fields.

✅ Scholarship Opportunities

Leading institutions offer a variety of scholarships and tuition waivers for international students, making the cost of education in France more accessible and affordable.

✅ Post-Study Work Opportunities

France offers post-study work visas allowing international graduates to stay and work in the country. This provides valuable international work experience and enhances employability in the global job market.

✅ High Retention and Graduation Rates

France boasts impressive retention and graduation rates, with 92% of international doctoral graduates finding employment within one year of completing their studies. This statistic highlights the effectiveness of French higher education in preparing students for the global job market.

✅ Short-term Stay for Indian Graduates

Indian nationals who complete a Master’s degree or higher and study at least one semester in France, a special short-stay visa is available. Valid for five years, this visa allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per stay, enabling continued academic and professional connections with France, though it does not permit employment

✅ Rich Cultural Experience

Studying in France provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s art, history, and vibrant cultural life, enriching their experience beyond academics

To make the most of France’s higher education, it is important to pick the right university or business school. In the next section, we will look at the top institutions that can guide your studies and career.

*Note: In this article we will be focusing on Universities and Business Schools for which KC Overseas provides admission assistance.

List of Top Universities & Business Schools in France

Given below are some of the top universities in France along with some recognized business schools, renowned for their prominence in the country for high-quality education and excellent career prospects.

1. Queen Mary University of London, Paris

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) established its Paris campus in 2018, extending its global presence beyond its five London campuses and medical school in Malta. The Paris campus offers specialized postgraduate programs in collaboration with renowned institutions like Panthéon-Sorbonne University. Situated in the heart of Paris, the campus provides students with access to a vibrant academic and cultural environment. Additionally, QMUL Paris facilitates career development through its extensive network of industry partnerships and alumni connections.

Popular Courses	LLM in Banking and Finance LawLLM in Comparative and International Dispute ResolutionLLM in Energy and Natural Resources LawLLM in Intellectual Property LawLLM in Technology, Media, and Telecommunications LawSorbonne Law School – Queen Mary University of London Double LLM
Study Levels	Masters and Bachelors
Average Tuition Fee	EUR 21,333- EUR 31,500

2. Schiller International University, Paris

Schiller International University (SIU) was founded in 1964 by Dr. Walter Leibrecht to offer an American-style liberal arts education in Europe. Its Paris campus, established in 1967 in the 8th arrondissement near the Arc de Triomphe, provides a vibrant urban environment. The campus emphasizes experiential learning and provides career support through its global network, enhancing students’ professional prospects.

Popular Courses	Computer ScienceData ScienceGlobal FinanceInternational BusinessInternational Relations and DiplomacyInternational MarketingBusiness AnalyticsApplied Mathematics and Artificial IntelligenceBusiness Administration
Study Levels	Masters and Bachelors
Average Tuition Fee	EUR 15,400- EUR 19,560

3. NEOMA Business School

NEOMA Business School was established in 2013 through the merger of Reims Management School (1928) and Rouen Business School (1871). The Reims campus combines urban vibrancy with modern facilities, close to Paris and Champagne heritage. The Rouen campus offers a serene, green environment with advanced learning spaces, rich cultural life, and strong connectivity to Paris.

Popular Courses	ManagementBusiness AnalyticsSupply Chain ManagementInternational Finance – Asset Management & Investment ResearchInternational Finance – Corporate Finance & Investment BankingInternational Finance – Financial Markets & Risk ManagementMarketing – Luxury MarketingGlobal Management
Study Levels	Masters and Bachelors
Average Tuition Fee	EUR 11,000- EUR 20,000

4. Skema Business School

Skema Business School was founded in 2009 through the merger of Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Lille (ESC Lille) and CERAM Business School (Sophia Antipolis). The Paris campus, located in Suresnes, occupies the historic site of Louis Blériot’s aeronautical factories and later served as the headquarters for Airbus. The campus emphasizes experiential learning and provides robust career development support through its extensive industry network.

Popular Courses	Global ManagementArtificial Intelligence for Business TransformationCorporate Financial ManagementFinancial Market & InvestmentsDigital Marketing and Artificial IntelligenceLuxury & Fashion ManagementSustainable Finance & Fintech
Study Levels	Masters and Bachelors
Average Tuition Fee	EUR 14,000- EUR 27,000

5. ESCE International Business School

ESCE International Business School, founded in 1968 by Business France, is a private institution located in the heart of La Défense, Paris’s largest business district. The Paris campus, situated in the Cœur Défense building at 90–110 Esplanade du Général de Gaulle, offers a dynamic environment for students pursuing their academic and professional goals. Students benefit from proximity to over 500 international companies, enhancing career opportunities and industry connections.

Popular Courses	Management – Corporate FinanceManagement – Financial MarketsGlobal Supply Chain ManagementInternational Business DevelopmentInternational Corporate FinanceInternational Marketing
Study Levels	Masters and Bachelors
Average Tuition Fee	EUR 9,650- EUR 12,650

6. INSEEC Business School

INSEEC Business School, established in 1975 by José Soubiran in Bordeaux, is a private institution recognized as a Grande École and a member of the OMNES Education group. The Paris campus, located at 37 Quai de Grenelle, Building Pollux, 75015 Paris, offers a range of programs in fields such as International Business, Digital Marketing, and Finance. The campus emphasizes experiential learning and provides robust career development support through its extensive industry network.

Popular Courses	International BusinessGrande Ecole (Master in Management)International Business ManagementInternational ManagementLuxury and Fashion Marketing & Customer ExperienceMarketing & Brand Management
Study Levels	Masters and Bachelors
Average Tuition Fee	EUR 9,850- EUR 16,650

7. Montpellier Business School

Montpellier Business School (MBS) was established in 1897 by the Montpellier Chamber of Commerce and Industry, making it one of France’s oldest business schools. The Paris campus, located at 57 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris, offers programs in International Business, Digital Marketing, and Finance. MBS is triple accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The Paris campus provides students with access to a dynamic professional network and career opportunities in the French capital.

Popular Courses	International Business AdministrationGrande Ecole – Management ProgramBig Data & Artificial Intelligence For BusinessGlobal Finance in a Sustainable WorldInternational BusinessSupply Chain ManagementLuxury Marketing in a Sustainable World
Study Levels	Masters and Bachelors
Average Tuition Fee	EUR 9,650- EUR 14,500

8. Rennes School of Business

Rennes School of Business, established in 1990 by the Rennes Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is a private French business school. The Paris campus, inaugurated in September 2021, is located in the 9th arrondissement at 9 Rue d’Athènes, 75009 Paris. The campus emphasizes experiential learning and offers extensive career development support. It provides access to a strong professional network, helping students build valuable industry connections in France’s capital.

Popular Courses	Data and Business AnalyticsFinancial Data IntelligenceInternational Accounting, Management Control and AuditingInternational FinanceInternational Management – Luxury MarketingInternational Management – MarketingLogistics, Supply Chain & PurchasingLuxury Marketing & Brand Management
Study Levels	Masters and Bachelors
Average Tuition Fee	EUR 11,000- EUR 18,200

9. KEDGE Business School

KEDGE Business School, established in 2013 through the merger of Bordeaux Management School (BEM, founded in 1874) and Euromed Management (ESC Marseille, founded in 1872), is a leading French business school. The Paris campus, located at 40 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris, is situated in the Lumière Building, one of Paris’s largest business centers. KEDGE is triple accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.

Popular Courses	International Business AdministrationBanking and FinanceData Analytics for BusinessGlobal Supply Chain ManagementInternational Business MSc Marketing
Study Levels	Masters and Bachelors
Average Tuition Fee	EUR 9,500- EUR 30,000

10. Burgundy School of Business

Burgundy School of Business (BSB) was founded in 1899 by the Dijon Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Paris campus, located at 17 Rue Juge, 75015 Paris, offers specialized programs in cultural industries and wine & spirits business. BSB is triple accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, placing it among the top 1% of business schools globally. The Paris campus provides students with access to a dynamic professional network and career opportunities in the French capital.

Popular Courses	ManagementArtificial Intelligence & Digital Strategy ManagementCorporate Finance and Investment BankingInternational Business DevelopmentLuxury Management & Innovation
Study Levels	Masters and Bachelors
Average Tuition Fee	EUR 9,500- EUR 34,000

Many other institutions in France offer distinctive programs, so you are encouraged to explore them based on your interests. Next, we will look at the period available after graduation, which allows you to explore career opportunities and gain valuable work experience in France.

Post Study Work Visa after Studying in France

After completing your studies in France, you have several options to extend your stay and explore career opportunities. If you complete a Master’s degree or equivalent at a recognized French institution, you can apply for the ‘Job Search / Business Creation’ residence permit, allowing you to stay for up to 12 months to find a job or start a business. You must apply within four years of graduation, and once employed in your field, you can transition to a long-term work visa.

For Bachelor’s degree graduates, no specific France student visa. To stay in France, you need to secure a relevant job offer and apply for a work visa or continue your studies, such as pursuing a Master’s degree.

These options enable you to build an international career, gain valuable experience, or stay connected with France beyond your studies.

Global Career Prospects after Studying in France

France’s strong industrial base spans diverse sectors such as automotive, chemicals, metallurgy, electronics, and textiles, with key industrial hubs in Centre-Val de Loire, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, and Normandy. The country is also advancing in innovation and sustainability, demonstrated by TotalEnergies’ expansion in wind energy and EDF’s challenges in nuclear production.

Graduates benefit from the strategic advantage of France’s location within the European Union, allowing easier mobility and access to employment opportunities across member states. To facilitate job searches, platforms like Pôle Emploi and APEC offer targeted listings for job seekers.

To facilitate your journey toward studying in France, KC Overseas offers personalized, end-to-end support. Our European experts facilitate every step, from application to settling in, ensuring you face no hurdles along the way.

With over 700,000 students guided worldwide, you could be the next success story we celebrate!

FAQs

1. How is campus accommodation arranged at Universities and Business Schools in France?

Universities and business schools in France typically offer on-campus dormitories or assistance in securing private student housing nearby. Facilities often include furnished rooms, shared kitchens, and access to study spaces. International offices at these institutions help students navigate rental agreements and ensure a safe and convenient living environment.

2. Are there English-taught programs available at Universities and Business Schools in France?

Yes, most top universities and business schools in France offer English-taught programs, especially at the master’s level. These programs cater to international students and often include specialized courses in business, law, management, data science, and finance. English-taught programs allow students to gain a global education while studying in France.

3. What kind of student support services are available at Universities and Business Schools in France?

Most universities and business schools provide comprehensive student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, mental health support, and language assistance. These services are designed to help international students adapt to academic and cultural life in France.

4. Are there opportunities for cultural and extracurricular activities at Universities and Business Schools in France?

Yes, students at universities and business schools in France can participate in clubs, student organizations, sports, and cultural events. These activities help students integrate socially, develop leadership skills, and experience French culture beyond the classroom.

5. How do Universities and Business Schools in France assist with post-graduation career planning?

Many universities and business schools have dedicated career centers that offer internship placements, recruitment fairs, networking events, and mentorship programs. These resources help students secure employment in France or internationally and prepare them for careers in industries aligned with their fields of study.