IAE University Vs. Business School: What’s the difference?

You want to study business. You've heard of business schools and IAEs. But you're a little confused: what are the differences between an IAE and a business school? What opportunities are there? What do they have in common? We'll tell you everything in this article.

IAE and business school: definition

Would you like to know the differences between an IAE and a business school? Why go to a business school rather than an IAE, or vice versa? To begin with, let's take a look at exactly what these two establishments are and what their specific features are.

 

What is a business school?

A business school in France is a private institution where French and international students will seek out a quality education for bachelor and master level courses. To enter a business school it is necessary to have completed American high school, or UK sixth form or college, and completed a baccalaureate (or equivalent). As graduate business schools are privately run, they provide advanced business degree courses, so successful students receive a certified diploma that is widely recognised.

 

French Universities

In France, universities are public organisations, akin to England’s old polytechnic universities. But what is an IAE? The IAE, or Institute of Business Administration, is essentially a public business school. These schools constitute a component of the French universities and are attached to the LMD system (License, Master, Doctorate). They are newer than French business schools, and are more or less the same as university courses, offering courses in Management, Finance, Auditing and Marketing. Although business school students have the opportunity to choose different options in addition to their initial training.
 

Common Points Between IAE and Business School

IAEs and business schools have many things in common. The first of these lies in the content of their courses. However, they so focus on different fields of study, such as Management and International trade.

The training offered is accessible post baccalaureate, after completing a competitive admission process. The admissions test is a requirement for all future students, made up of a mix of written and oral exams. In all cases, the admissions exams are compulsory for all future students of business schools and IAE universities.

The IAE university vs. business school comparison is similar for the importance they place on their international partners. A collaborative network is present across both establishments, although IAE universities currently offer limited partnerships.

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Finally, the professional integration rate is as good in IAE as in any respected business school, which; on average, is above 80%. The average gross salary of former students at the start of their careers, as reported by the IAE, is around €30,000 on average. This is also the average amount of a student graduating from a business school.
 

The differences between an IAE university and business school

So, is there any credence behind the University vs. Business school debate? The major difference concerns the cost of schooling. Business schools, investing more than IAE to provide quality services and optimal environment to their students, are generally more expensive. Between €5,000 to 20,000 per year in tuition fees for a business school, compared to against €300 per year for an IAE. Since business schools are private establishments, they do not benefit from state subsidies, although this will ensure a more bespoke education. Either way, the tuition fees in France are very competitive compared to the UK and USA’s cost of tuition for a degree.

In addition, many business schools grant scholarships to students or allow them to follow a work-study program. In this case, students earn money in business, dividing their time between work in the workplace and learning in school. This experience will then contribute towards the degree, so there are often more opportunities in business schools. Generally more advanced than IAE, the large network of large business schools and their active alumni (former students) provide a sense of community that can aid in a students career. In addition, the majority of business schools have international accreditations.

IAEs are newer, public universities that focus on business related subjects. They offer qualitative education, are inexpensive, but do not enjoy the same prestige or the same network as a good business school. A classic business schools are traditional, renowned, promote international collaboration, and offer their students support. Choosing the best place for your business degree will also depend on the offerings of the suitable courses. Browse our variety of internationally recognised programmes at IPAG Business School, and our available student organisations you can get involved in!

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