FREE MOVER
Free Mover programme
Join the Free Mover programme to study in France outside of an exchange agreement, with dedicated support.
Business certificates available in five specialisations:
- General Management
- Marketing Management
- Financial Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Luxury Management
- Courses taught in English
The benefits of a Free Mover programme
We offer different levels of French language instruction, tailored to both beginners and those wishing to specialise.
Depending on the courses you choose, you will participate in various interactive learning formats: lectures, workshops, tutorials and group work, business challenges, case studies, practical sessions, discussions, visits or seminars.
Assessments take several forms: assignments, reports, presentations, participation, and group projects.
You can obtain a certificate in business studies in your chosen specialisation: entrepreneurship, luxury goods, management, finance, marketing or general management. Each certificate is worth 30 ECTS credits.
IPAG will provide you with all the essential information. All academic information and the latest news will be published on IPAGORA, our Moodle platform. There you will find course timetables, learning materials and a selection of links to useful online resources to help you get the most out of your academic experience.
You can study at IPAG for one or two semesters, either in the autumn semester (September to December) or the spring semester (January to May). Each semester, you must earn between 6 and 30 ECTS credits. Most courses are worth 6 ECTS credits.
The Bienvenue en France label
This presentation highlights the quality of the welcome services offered by accredited institutions and encourages prospective students to contact these institutions as well as Campus France offices.
Free Mover programme highlights
- Flexible academic mobility (1 semester or 1 year)
- Bachelor's or Master's courses
- Club life and full integration with regular students for a successful international experience
- Personalised guidance, academic support, student wellbeing
- Administrative and academic support
- Campuses located in the heart of the city
- Internationalisation on site
More than 100 international students are welcomed each year from countries such as Mexico, the United States, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany.
Admission process
1. Submit your application online
2. Send the required academic documents
3. Application reviewed by IPAG Business School – International Relations Office – international.office@ipag.fr
4. Admission decision
5. Payment of tuition fees + mention CGV
6. Official letter of acceptance sent
⏱️ Average processing time: 2 to 3 weeks
Useful information
IPAG offers personalised support in finding accommodation on all its campuses, through partners, international student platforms, private residences and CROUS.
- International study programmes: Free Mover and short summer programmes.
- Apply directly to IPAG or via your home university.
- One semester is equivalent to 30 ECTS credits and is open to students who have completed at least one year of post-secondary education.
- Tuition fees are paid to IPAG for Free Movers and to the home university for exchange students.
Student experiences
My Erasmus exchange in Barcelona, at EAE Business School, was one of the best experiences of my student life. I was lucky enough to live in a sunny city, full of energy, between the sea, tapas, terraces and a unique atmosphere.
At school, the classes were dynamic, with lots of group work and discussions, which allowed me to progress in a different way. I also improved my Spanish and English on a daily basis.
But what I remember most are the people I met: students from all over the world, with whom I shared unforgettable moments. Erasmus is much more than just studying abroad, it's a real human adventure, which I highly recommend!
I am a third-year student in the American Track Grande École Programme at IPAG Business School in Nice. I had the opportunity to study abroad in London at the University of Greenwich during the first semester of this year. This experience was extremely enriching, both academically and personally.
I took very interactive classes in an international environment, which allowed me to improve my English and develop my confidence in speaking. Life in London is dynamic, cultural, and full of wonderful encounters. I highly recommend this destination! It is the perfect city to grow in an English-speaking environment while having access to many opportunities.
My advice for future Ipagians: dare to step out of your comfort zone, enjoy every moment and get to know other international students!
A memorable moment: the student parties where people of all nationalities mingled, it was a real cultural treasure.
I am a third-year student at IPAG Business School in Nice, enrolled in the Grande École Programme (Main Track). For my university exchange, I spent five months in Malaysia at the University of Utara Malaysia (UUM), accompanied by two other IPAG students.
The university is huge, located in the middle of the jungle, with snack bars, cafés, deer, ostriches (yes, really) and buses to get around the campus because it is so big. I took courses in English focused on marketing and events, in an atmosphere very different from that of IPAG, but just as enriching.
In terms of accommodation, it's shared and fairly basic, so you have to adapt and lower your standards of living. Life there is very affordable, which allowed us to travel extensively: Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Malaysian islands... An unusual anecdote: as we were the only Europeans, the local students often took photos of us discreetly and, for the less shy ones, they asked us directly to take selfies as if we were stars.
We were introduced to the Chancellor in a huge lecture theatre during a welcome ceremony in our first week, and were even chosen for a video call with the Prime Minister from among all the international students (who never showed up, but anyway...).
Une expérience pas comme les autres, mais qui fait aujourd’hui office de bonne anecdote !"
I am a third-year student at IPAG, in the American Track programme. I had the opportunity to go on an unforgettable experience in the United States, in Los Angeles, where I studied at California State University Long Beach. Academically, the courses were fascinating, very focused on international business, with an interactive approach that I really enjoyed. The campus was huge, very modern, and full of activities.
But what I remember most is the Californian atmosphere: the sun, the cultural diversity, the incredible landscapes... between beaches, mountains and deserts, I discovered a lifestyle that was both cool and stimulating, in the heart of a hyper-dynamic economic ecosystem.
This expatriation allowed me to gain independence, improve my English, and experience true immersion. If I had to give one piece of advice to future Ipagians: be curious, expand your comfort zone... and above all, eat burgers and enjoy yourself to the fullest!
One of my fondest memories?
A road trip to Las Vegas with friends, with breathtaking scenery and memories to last a lifetime.
FAQ
Free Mover / Study abroad at IPAG Business School
A ‘Free Mover’ student is an international student who applies independently to IPAG Business School, outside of an exchange agreement between institutions. Free Movers pay their tuition fees directly to IPAG and can choose their courses based on availability and eligibility.
Students currently enrolled in a recognised higher education institution and who meet IPAG's academic and language requirements may apply as Free Movers. Applications are subject to academic review and availability of places.
The application file generally includes:
• A duly completed application form
• A copy of your passport or identity document
• Official transcripts
• Proof of language proficiency (English and/or French, depending on the programme)
• A CV and cover letter
A detailed checklist is provided once the application process has begun.
Applications are accepted for both the autumn and spring semesters. Deadlines may vary depending on the semester and the student's nationality (visa requirements). It is strongly recommended that you apply early.
Applications are reviewed by the International Relations Office and academic departments. Admission is based on academic background, programme consistency, language proficiency, and course availability.
Free Movers may enrol in undergraduate or postgraduate courses taught in English and/or French, subject to academic prerequisites and timetable compatibility. A course catalogue and provisional timetable are provided before final enrolment.
Yes. Once the application has been approved and all administrative formalities have been completed, IPAG issues an official letter of acceptance that can be used for visa purposes if necessary.
Tuition fees depend on the level and duration of studies and are reviewed annually. Fees must be paid in full before the start of the semester. Accepted payment methods and the current fee schedule are communicated during the admission process.
IPAG does not have student residences on campus. However, the school provides structured advice to help students find accommodation on all campuses. Our teams are here to help you and can recommend private partners, student residences, dedicated accommodation platforms and, where applicable, CROUS options.
Yes. IPAG offers French as a Foreign Language (FLE) courses to international students. These courses can be taken alongside academic courses to facilitate linguistic and cultural integration.
Yes. The International Relations Office assists Free Mover students with important administrative procedures, including registration, visa-related documents (if applicable), health insurance information, and arrival preparations.
Yes. Courses taken at IPAG comply with the ECTS system. At the end of the semester, students receive an official transcript.
Yes. Independent students have full access to IPAG's student services, including academic support, student associations, career guidance services and student life activities.
The International Relations Office is your main point of contact throughout the application and study period. You will be provided with their contact details when you apply, and our teams are available to assist you before and during your stay international.office@ipag.fr.
Talk to an advisor
Ms Caroline FERRERO - Head of International Relations Office
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 93 13 39 20
Email: c.ferrero@ipag.fr
Mr Jaime GARCIA - International Experience Officer
Telephone: +33 (0) 1 53 63 36 00
Email: j.garcia@ipag.fr
Or contact an advisor via this email address: