How to choose universities in France for a Masters course?

Choosing from universities in France for your master’s business course can be overwhelming, especially as an international student, as you’ll need to decide course, location, tuition, international student support and suitability for a long list of schools you may have never heard of.

Choose your business school based on the reputation and accreditations

 

Recognition of the school at national level

Studying at a university means you’ll spend at least a year there for an international degree that can shape your future career. You should check if your business school or university is recognised by the state (Ministry of Education) or accreditations (such as CCIs), and that your degree qualification is recognisable internationally. This means the institution has been assessed and regulated for equipment, material, premises, teaching, funding, diplomas and more.

At IPAG Business School, our Grande École Program is targeted for high school students. The 5-year Masters' degree because our school is authorised to issue this grade for a maximum of 5 years. Essentially, the world-renowned GEP course is equivalent to a Bachelor and Master business degree in one.

Check your desired training courses, as they may be listed in the RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications). These are not diplomas that will give you ECTS credits and the possibility of continuing to a higher level, but rather a title certifying your skills, aptitudes, and knowledge to enter the professional world.
 

International recognition of the school

The top business schools and universities in France for masters courses are typically recognised worldwide. This will also ensure a good network of partner universities around the world, to provide you with great opportunities to study in alternative countries for a term or course year. These aspects are particularly important if you plan on having an international business career.

Certain international accreditations can attest to the recognition of a school, the most prominent accreditations are; EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA and EPAS. This measures the teaching methods, the content of the available programs, the international and general student support, professional integration after graduation, and more. These accreditations can help you direct you to the school that best suits you according to your priorities and course criteria.

IPAG Business School is recognised worldwide thanks to its membership in the Conférence des Grandes Écoles and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) as well as its EPAS accreditation issued by the EFMD.
 

Review the masters courses offered by the school

The programs offered by a school are one of the first criteria that influence the choice of the future student. Some specialised schools offer some unique programs for students seeking a specific, niche course focus.

If you have chosen a career in a particular field, you can choose a variety of specialisations offered by select universities in France for various masters courses. For example, IPAG Business School offers the following masters courses based in France and taught in English:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) - a 1-2 year degree in Paris offers the following specialisations/majors; International Business Development, Finance & Investments, Project Management & Organisational Innovation, Digital Strategy Design & Transformation, Management of Sustainability Transformation or Entrepreneurship & Family Business
• MSc Digital Marketing & Data Analysis - a 1-2 year in Paris or online
• MSc Digital Transformation Manager - a 1-2 year in Paris or online
• MSc Digital Entrepreneur & Project Management - a 1-2 year in Paris or online

Check the available scholarship fees

Joining a top business school comes at a cost, although the quality of education and the many benefits are attractive, it can be difficult for some students to finance their studies. The cost of training and student life is sometimes a barrier for students to their desired masters university choice.

Take the time to find out about the cost of the masters course you want, including the registration fees, international travel, and visa applications, as well as costs of daily living in France. You can then contact the school to find out about possible payment terms and facilities, for example by paying in several instalments.

• Related article:  How to finance your studies?

Consider the possibility of doing internships or work-study programs

Having a diploma is good, but a degree along with professional experience is better! In order to facilitate your employability and your professional integration as soon as you leave school, it is preferable to employers to have a professional background to showcase your skills and knowledge in practice.

You can thus choose your business school based on the available work placement options, the quality of their network of partner companies, and the support provided to students to arrange these business relations.
 

Access the university's suitability for international students

Reviewing the support for international students is an important step when accessing different business schools and universities in France for a master’s course. Check the accessibility of services and if there are support for certain steps to study abroad, such as applying for a visa.
 

Research the ranking of the business school

Finally, although their evaluations differ according to their selection criteria, certain  rankings of business schools and universities in France for masters courses can guide you on the choice of your future school, these can be measured by academic excellence, student life, international opportunities, quantity of courses available, and student satisfaction. Although for some students the rankings do not have a real impact on their final decision, they can help you make a choice when you are hesitating between several institutions!