Top 9 Business Schools in France in 2025: Fees, Scholarships, & More

Latest Update Upcoming application deadlines for top business schools in France include ESCP (Round 11: 26 May 2025), Emlyon (30 June 2025), and INSEAD (Round 1: 16 September 2025). Apply early to strengthen your chances of admission.

France hosts over 1,700 English-taught degree programs, including more than 1,400 master's options. With over 430,000 international students, France remains one of the top education destinations in Europe. Today, 14% of its student population comes from outside the country, reflecting its global appeal and academic diversity.

If you're aiming to study in France, this guide helps you focus on what matters. It covers the top business schools in France in 2025, their tuition fees, scholarships, career opportunities, and application steps. Use this guide to choose the top universities in France and plan your next move with clarity and confidence.

 

Top 9 Business Schools in France in 2025

France has more than 3,500 public and private higher education institutions, many of which rank globally for management studies. The QS Rankings 2025 highlight several institutions that stand out for MBA and master’s programs. Over the years, business schools in France have consistently drawn international students seeking quality and credibility.

Here is a quick comparison using QS Rankings 2025 and tuition fee details.

Business School	QS Rankings 2025	Tuition Fees
HEC Paris	1 (for Master's in Management)	€55,800 (INR 53.51L) for the full program
INSEAD	6 (for full-time MBA)	€107,600 (INR 103.15L) for the full program
ESSEC Business School	14 (for full-time MBA)	€50,000 (INR 47.95L) for the full program
EDHEC Business School	17 (for full-time MBA)	Business Management track: €15,100 (INR 14.48L) per year Global Business track: €23,050 (INR 22.09L) per year
SKEMA Business School	17 (for Master’s in Management)	€37,000 (INR 35.4L) for the full program
Audencia Business School	19 (for Master’s in Management)	€35,000 (INR 33.56L) for the full program
ESCP Business School	27 (for full-time MBA)	€60,500 (INR 57.99L) for the full program
Emlyon Business School	51 (for full-time MBA)	€13,000 (INR 12.47L) per year
ESSDES Business School	151+ (for Master’s in Management)	€13,000 (INR 12.47L) per year

Note: INR amounts are approximate conversions and may vary based on current exchange rates.

Also Read: Financial Times Best European Business Schools Ranking

Now take a closer look at each of the Top business schools and MBA programs in France, starting with HEC Paris.

HEC Paris

HEC Paris is one of the oldest and most competitive business schools in France. Founded in 1881, it continues to attract high-performing candidates from across the world. For its recent MBA intake, 2,231 applicants competed for just 391 places, and the class size was 268 students. Such numbers reflect the demand and prestige the school holds globally.

Here are the essential admission details you must review before applying.

Criteria	Details
Acceptance Rate	17.5%
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor's degree (for Master's) High school graduation (for Bachelor's)
Application Deadline	Round 1: 16 March 2025 (Closed) Round 2: 20 April 2025 (Closed) Round 3: 18 May 2025 (Closed) Round 4: 22 June 2025 Round 5: 17 August 2025 Round 6: 21 September 2025 Round 7: 19 October 2025 Round 8: 23 November 2025
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 100 PTE: 72 DET: 135

Note: Minimum scores listed are general requirements. Specific programs may set higher or different criteria based on their admission standards.

INSEAD

INSEAD is among the most recognised business schools in France with a strong global outlook. Established in 1957, it enrolls around 900 to 1,000 MBA students annually. Nearly 95 to 96% of the MBA cohort consists of international students, making it one of the most diverse MBA programs in Europe. The school is known for its intense academic structure and competitive admissions.

Review the following admission details before starting your application. 

Criteria	Details
Acceptance Rate	31%
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor's degree (for Master's) High school graduation (for Bachelor's)
Application Deadline	Round 1: 16 September 2025 Round 2: 04 November 2025 Round 3:  20 January 2026 Round 4: 10 March 2026
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: 7.5 TOEFL: 105 PTE: 72

Note: Minimum scores listed are general requirements. Specific programs may set higher or different criteria based on their admission standards.

Also Read: HEC Paris vs. INSEAD for MBA: Which Has Better ROI

ESSEC Business School

Founded in 1907, ESSEC Business School stands out for its diversity and competitive admission process. It hosts learners from over 30 countries, maintains 50% female enrollment, and offers two intakes per year in August and September, giving you flexible entry options.

Below are the key admission details to consider while applying to ESSEC

Criteria	Details
Acceptance Rate	6%
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor's degree (for Master's) High school graduation (for Bachelor's)
Application Deadline	Round 7: May 19, 2025 (Closed) Round 8: June 16, 2025
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 95 CET: 175

Note: Minimum scores listed are general requirements. Specific programs may set higher or different criteria based on their admission standards.

EDHEC Business School

EDHEC Business School is a respected name among business schools in France, known for its strong academic foundation and international reach. Established in 1906, the school serves over 9,400 students, with 35% of them coming from international backgrounds. With representation from more than 130 countries, 

Review the following admission details carefully before submitting your application

Criteria	Details
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor's degree (for Master's) High school graduation (for Bachelor's)
Application Deadline	23rd June 2025
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS Band Score: 6.5 TOEFL: 95

Note: Minimum scores listed are general requirements. Specific programs may set higher or different criteria based on their admission standards.

SKEMA Business School

SKEMA Business School is one of the newer business schools in France but has quickly gained global recognition. Its Master in Management is officially recognised by the French state and endorsed as a ‘Master’ degree. The program ranked 22nd in the Financial Times Global Master in Management Rankings (2021) and 19th in the QS Rankings 2023. 

Check the essential admission details before starting your application.

Criteria	Details
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor's degree (for Master's) High school graduation (for Bachelor's)
Application Deadline	15th of each month
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL: 71 TOEIC: 830 Duolingo: 105.

Note: Minimum scores listed are general requirements. Specific programs may set higher or different criteria based on their admission standards.

Audencia Business School

Audencia Business School is one of the oldest business schools in France, founded in 1900. It hosts over 7,800 students from more than 90 countries, including around 3,200 international students. With a strong alumni network of over 37,000 graduates worldwide.

Take note of the key admission details listed below to prepare your application for the MBA in France at Audencia. 

Criteria	Details
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor's degree (for Master's) High school graduation (for Bachelor's)
Application Deadline	January 31st, 2025 (Closed)
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	TOEFL iBT: 84 TOEIC: 650 IELTS: 6.5 DET: 100

Note: Minimum scores listed are general requirements. Specific programs may set higher or different criteria based on their admission standards.

ESCP Business School

Founded in 1819, ESCP Business School is one of the oldest business schools in France. It enrolls over 9,700 students each year and brings together learners from 135 to 136 nationalities. With 21% of its student body being international, ESCP gives you access to a truly multicultural classroom that mirrors global business environments.

Go through the admission details below to align your application with current expectations.

Criteria	Details
Acceptance Rate	20% to 30%
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor's degree (for Master's) High school graduation (for Bachelor's)
Application Deadline	Round 10: 5 May 2025 (Closed) Round 11: 26 May 2025 Round 12: 12 June 2025
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	CET: 175 IELTS: 6.5 TOEIC: 900 TOEFL IBT: 90

Note: Minimum scores listed are general requirements. Specific programs may set higher or different criteria based on their admission standards.

Emlyon Business School

Established in 1872, Emlyon Business School is a well-known institution among business schools in France. It serves around 9,000 to 9,260 students from 121 to 130 nationalities, offering a culturally rich academic environment. The school is also working toward a target where 30% of students will hold fully-funded scholarships by 2025, reflecting its commitment to greater accessibility.

Go through the essential admission details below before applying to Emlyon.

Criteria	Details
Acceptance Rate	40%
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor's degree (for Master's) High school graduation (for Bachelor's)
Application Deadline	June 30, 2025
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 95 TOEC: 800

Note: Minimum scores listed are general requirements. Specific programs may set higher or different criteria based on their admission standards.

ESSDES Business School

France offers strong financial support to international students aiming to study at top institutions. ESSEC, for example, has around 7,550 students from over 100 nationalities, with 38% of its student population being international. Its alumni network spans more than 71,000 graduates across 85+ countries, opening doors for global opportunities. 

Make sure to check these ESSDES admission details before you apply.

Criteria	Details
Acceptance Rate	NA
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor's degree (for Master's) High school graduation (for Bachelor's)
Application Deadline	17 Feb 2025 (Closed)
Required English Proficiency Test Scores	IELTS: 5.5 TOEFL: 90 TOEC: 785

Note: Minimum scores listed are general requirements. Specific programs may set higher or different criteria based on their admission standards.

Explore the types of scholarships you can apply for while planning your business studies in France.

Scholarships for International Students in France

International students may find it challenging to cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses at top business schools in France. Some applicants postpone their plans due to financial uncertainty. However, support is available. The average scholarship amount for MBA students in France ranges from €5,000 to €25,000 (INR 4.79L to INR 23.97L) and, in some cases, covers up to 50 percent or full tuition.

Start by exploring the internal scholarships in France offered directly by leading institutions across France. 

Internal Scholarships for International Students in France

Studying at Top business schools and MBA programs in France can be expensive, but students can seek financial support to reduce this burden. INSEAD provides over 150 scholarships, averaging €22,100 (INR 21.20L) per award, while HEC Paris offers up to €26,000 (INR 24.94L) through the Forté Foundation Scholarship.

Explore the following internal scholarships offered directly by top institutions that will help you study in France for free or at lower tuition fees.

Scholarship Name	Provided by	Benefits
Forté Foundation Scholarship	HEC Paris	Up to €26,000 (INR 24.94L) tuition reduction Aimed at women demonstrating leadership in academics, community work, or creative activities
INSEAD Scholarships	INSEAD	Over 150 scholarship funds available Average award: €22,100 (INR 21.20L) Categories: need-based, merit-based, and spot scholarships
Sustainable Entrepreneurship Scholarship	ESSEC Business School	Grants between €3,000 and €5,000 (INR 2.87L to INR 4.79L) For students aiming to become entrepreneurs
Excellence Scholarship	EDHEC Business School	Up to 40% tuition fee reduction Based on academic excellence and extracurricular achievements
Early Application Scholarship	Audencia Business School	€4,500 (INR 4.31L) tuition fee waiver For applicants who submit their applications by January 31, 2025 (Closed)

Now see which external scholarships can help you further reduce your study costs in France.

External Scholarships for International Students in France

Tuition waivers alone may not cover your full expenses, especially when living costs and travel are considered. External scholarships offer broader financial support for international students. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €1,181 (INR 1.13L), while Erasmus Mundus covers full tuition and living costs. 

Here are the key top abroad scholarships you should consider when applying to Top business schools and MBA programs in France. 

Scholarship Name	Provided by	Benefits
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship	French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs	Monthly stipend: €1,181 (INR 1.13L) for Master's students  Coverage of international travel, health insurance, and cultural activities Tuition fees not covered; institutions may offer waivers or reductions
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters	European Commission	Full tuition coverage Monthly stipend: €1,000 (INR 95K) Travel and installation allowances Health insurance
Émile Boutmy Scholarship	Sciences Po	Tuition grant up to €13,100 (INR 12.56L) per year for Master's programs Renewable for the second year based on academic performance

Now learn how to apply to Top business schools and MBA programs in France with the right documents and deadlines in place.

How to Apply for Top Business Schools in France?

Missing key documents or deadlines is one of the most common reasons why international applications get rejected. Top business schools and MBA programs in France follow a strict review process that values academic performance, language proficiency levels, and motivation. Understanding the exact steps helps you avoid costly delays or rejections.

Follow the application steps below to increase your chances of admission.

1. Choose Your Application Path

• Option A: Campus France – Direct Applications
  • Ideal for applying to specific business schools individually.
• Option B: Join a School in France – Single Application for 5 Schools
  • Apply once to be considered by five top business schools: HEC Paris, ESCP Business School, Emlyon business school, Audencia Business School, and SKEMA Business School.

2. Prepare Required Documents: Ensure all documents are in English or French.

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Proof of current enrollment (if applicable)
• Management test scores: GMAT, GRE, TAGE MAGE, or CAT
• English proficiency test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or Cambridge
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume (CV)
• Passport or ID card copy
• Passport-sized photograph
• Motivation letter or essays (as required)

3. Submit Your Application

• Option A: Campus France
  • Create an account on the Études en France portal.
  • Complete your profile and upload the required documents.
  • Pay the Campus France fee of ₹18,500 online.
  • Schedule and attend an academic interview with your local Campus France office.
• Option B: Join a School in France
  • Start your application on the Join a School in France website.
  • Upload all required documents.
  • Pay the application fee of €220 (INR 21K).
  • Choose your preferred interview location.

4. Attend the Interview

• If shortlisted, attend a single interview (in-person or online) that covers all five schools in the Join a School in France consortium.
• The interview assesses your motivation, personality, and suitability for the programs.

5. Receive Admission Decisions

• Admission results will be communicated by each school individually.
• You may receive offers from one or more schools.
• Choose the school you wish to attend and confirm your acceptance.

6. Apply for a Student Visa

• Once you have your acceptance letter, begin the visa application process.
• Follow the steps outlined in the France Student Visa Process.

Once your application is accepted, the next step is securing your student visa for France.

Student Visa Process for France

Students lose valuable time or miss intakes due to incomplete or incorrect visa applications. The rejection rate for Indian students ranges from 15% to 25%, mostly due to documentation errors or lack of clarity in intent. Getting your documents and timelines right is essential to avoid delays or denials.

Follow the French student visa process below to ensure a smooth approval experience.

1. Register with Campus France India

• Create an account on india.campusfrance.org.
• Fill in academic details, language proficiency, CV, and Statement of Purpose.
• Upload required documents: passport, admission letter, academic transcripts, etc.
• Pay the Campus France fee (₹18,500) via payment.ifindia.in.

2. Attend the Academic Interview

• Schedule an interview with your local Campus France office.
• Bring originals and photocopies of all documents.
• Receive an interview completion certificate.

3. Apply for a Student Visa via France-Visas

• Complete the visa application on france-visas.gouv.fr.
• Create an account and fill in the application form.
• Schedule an appointment with VFS France to submit your application and biometric data.
• Submit required documents: passport, visa application form, acceptance letter, proof of funds, accommodation details, SOP, travel insurance, etc.

4. Validate Your VLS-TS Visa Upon Arrival in France

• Within 3 months of arrival, validate your visa online at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr.
• Provide visa details, date of arrival, French address, and pay the residence permit fee.

5. Apply for a Residence Permit (if extending stay)

• If you plan to stay beyond the validity of your VLS-TS visa, apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) at your local prefecture at least two months before your visa expires.

Once your visa is secured, you can start planning for the career opportunities available in France after graduation.

Career Opportunities in France After Graduation

France has a strong hiring record for business graduates, but only if you align your skills with market demand. Students struggle to land roles due to weak networking or language barriers. 

However, the outlook is promising; over 90% of MBA graduates in France secure jobs within three months of finishing their program, especially in roles like finance, marketing, and analytics.

Here’s a snapshot of high-paying roles you can target after studying at business schools in France.

Job Role	Average Annual Salary (€)	Annual Average Salary (INR)
Investment Banker	€80K	INR 76.73L
Finance Manager	€65K	INR 62.34L
Product Manager	€50K	INR 47.95L
Marketing Manager	€50K	INR 47.95L
Business Analyst	€45K	INR 43.15L

Source: Glassdoor

Note: INR amounts are approximate conversions and may vary based on current exchange rates.

Also Read: Part-Time Jobs in France for Indian Students

Now explore which top recruiters in France are actively hiring international graduates from top institutions.

Top Recruiter in France

Getting a degree is not enough if it doesn’t lead to strong job placements. Graduates sometimes face delays in securing offers because they don’t target employers aligned with their skill set, like Accenture or Ubisoft. 

The following recruiters regularly provide job opportunities in Europe to French business school graduates.

Recruiter	Industry
L'Oréal	Consumer Goods
BNP Paribas	Banking
Capgemini	IT Consulting
Amazon	E-commerce
Deloitte	Consulting
Société Générale	Financial Services
Renault	Automotive
Accenture	Management Consulting
Ubisoft	Gaming
Danone	Food Production

Now learn how to choose the right business school in France that fits your goals and strengths.

How Do You Select the Best Business School in France?

France offers globally ranked business schools, but not every school suits every student. Some schools are highly selective, like ESSEC, for instance, has an acceptance rate of just 6%, making it one of the toughest to enter. Along with selectivity, factors such as course structure, recruiter network, and fee structure vary significantly. 

To make the right choice, you need to compare key elements that match your academic and career plans. Use the checklist below to evaluate your options carefully.

• Check International Accreditations: Employers trust accreditations as they ensure strong faculty, curriculum, and outcomes. Choose only schools with one or more of the following accreditations:
  • EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System)
  • AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
  • AMBA (Association of MBAs)
  • Example: HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC, and EDHEC are Triple Crown accredited.
• Review Rankings from Recognised Bodies: Rankings use data like salary uplift, career progress, and alumni network strength, key indicators of valueFocus on rankings published by:
  • Financial Times (FT)
  • QS World Rankings
  • The Economist
  • Example: INSEAD ranks at #6 globally for full-time MBA programs in QS World Rankings 2025.
• Understand Specialisations Offered: Specialised programs offer industry exposure, international internships, and job placements in your desired field. Match your goals with what the school focuses on:
  • Finance: EDHEC Business School
  • Entrepreneurship: Emlyon Business School
  • Luxury Brand Management: ESSEC
  • International Business: Audencia
  • Tip: Each school’s official website outlines program tracks, electives, and industry focus.
• Compare Admission Criteria and Class Profile: Check required documents, test scores, average age, years of experience, and diversity. Focus on:
  • Required test scores (GMAT, GRE, TAGE MAGE)
  • Average work experience and age
  • English/French language requirements
• Check Location and Networking Opportunities: 
  • Big cities mean better access to recruiters, alumni events, and part-time work. 
  • A strong local ecosystem increases access to recruiters, alumni, and real-world learning. 
  • Paris-based schools like ESCP, INSEAD (Fontainebleau), and HEC offer strong exposure.
• Review Tuition Fees and Available Scholarships: Understanding the total cost of living and studying versus earning potential helps you make a financially sound decision. Evaluate tuition structure and scholarship opportunities carefully.
  • INSEAD: €107,600 (INR 103.15L)
  • HEC Paris: €55,800 (INR 53.51L)
  • Audencia Business School: €35,000 (INR 33.56L)
  • Most top schools offer merit-based and need-based scholarships  Example: HEC Paris offers the Excellence Scholarship covering up to €26K (24.94L)
• Evaluate International Exposure: A globally diverse environment builds cross-cultural skills and improves chances for international placements. Look for programs that offer international campuses, exchange options, and global alumni connections. Focus on:
  • Student diversity (nationality mix)
  • Global study options or exchange partnerships
  • Dual degrees or overseas internships. 

Once you have clarity on your preferred schools, explore how upGrad can guide your study plans for France.

How Can upGrad Help You Study in France?

upGrad offers end-to-end support to help you study in France with confidence. You can access expert guidance to shortlist top business schools in France based on your goals, academic background, and course interests. Every step is tailored to your profile.

From preparing your SOP and CV to collecting transcripts and LORs, upGrad helps you present a strong application. You also get assistance with English proficiency tests, application timelines, and interview preparation. This makes your admission process smooth and deadline-ready.

Not sure where to begin? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad. Get expert help with shortlisting universities, understanding visa steps, and finding the right scholarships for your budget. Your study in France journey starts here.