Undergraduate Business Schools in Paris for International Students

The many international students who wish to obtain a business school diploma tend to start their course immediately after leaving US high school, or UK sixth form and college, at the age of 18. If you’re considering completing an undergraduate business degree in France, we can advise you on finding the best business schools in Paris for international students, and what you’ll need to consider finding the right course for you. 

What to expect from an undergraduate business school course

An undergraduate course at a business school will typically cover subject topics such as Management, International Trade, Marketing, and Communications, to a high level. This provides a wide variety of relevant skills across all industries. Having a business relative degree can also provide an advantage to those with less relevant experience or practical skills.

International undergrad business school students will gain unrivalled professional experience as a result of being immersed in the business world from the start of their course. The additional benefit of being an international student will also benefit any career goals in international business, as such individuals prove themselves to be adaptive, adventurous, and experienced.

Furthermore, study in an exciting international city such as Paris offers many exciting opportunities. The city boasts a vibrant student life, while the renowned Paris business schools offer a rewarding campus life with many extra-curricular activities to immerse yourself into French student life. All the top business schools in Paris for international students ensure their students receive support and opportunities in their educational, social, and professional endeavours. This is something IPAG is passionate about.
 

Who can join an undergraduate business school course in France?

As their name suggests, higher educational business schools can be joined by undergrad students in all business related fields. Some students will also join via referrals for parallel admissions. But whatever the level of entry into the course (post-baccalaureate, third or fourth year), students must take a competitive examination.

This is open to all students from all countries, however courses taught in English will require a substantial understanding of the English language. France is well-equipped for English-speaking students, but business schools in Paris for international students are particularly popular, as nearly 60% of the city’s population can speak English to a ‘reasonable proficiency’. 
 

How to be admitted to a post-baccalaureate business school?

There are many admissions exams that are required to enter undergraduate business school courses, these include written and oral tests. At IPAG, as with other large business schools, the requirements are different depending on the entry level. So, how can one enter an undergraduate business school degree? There are a few ways:

• To enter the first year at IPAG, registration for the SESAME competition is essential (apart from title admissions for international students). This competition is common to 14 management and business schools and integrated into Parcoursup.
• To enter the third or fourth year at IPAG, students with a bac + 2 or bac + 3 must take the AMBITIONS + competition (joint competition with three other private schools).

The writings and oral tests (which are similar to interviews) must be prepared beforehand if you want to join the most selective schools. Some organise preparation sessions for this process, to help students to secure a place on their dream course. Business schools in Paris for international students are very popular, which can mean there is a lot of competition for you. However, while there aren’t unlimited places on each course, a student’s educational history and experience will be taken into account.
 

How to choose the right business school?

How to choose your business school? Or rather, how to join the school which perfectly matches your aspirations and your values? The task isn’t always easy, so before applying to a particular management course or business school, ask yourself the right questions:

• Is the international business school in a place I can live in if I can’t speak the local language very well?
• Does the program you plan to join have internationally recognised labels or accreditations? 
• Does this course allow you to specialise in a niche industry or pursue international business roles? 
• Does the school have a good network of partner universities or partner companies, locally and internationally?
• Is it possible to work in this country with an international student visa?

Find out more about IPAG Business School in Paris, and get in touch to find out more about being an international student with us!