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MS in France: Top Universities, Courses, Eligibility, Fees
France is becoming a popular destination for studying abroad. In France, the postgraduate Master’s level is an academic degree and a grade. It is the last university grade to be studied, and it is completed before the License, that is, the undergraduate level’s Bachelor’s and Ph.D.
\The level of a Master’s was added to set a common framework in all the universities of Europe. The LMD, License, Master’s, and Doctorate are practiced in all European universities.
The MS in France lasts two to six years and depends on your chosen university's curriculum. The number of international students who opt to study in France is increasing.
Some of the top universities of France offering MS or Masters have their details below.
Why should you study in France?
- France has globally reputed business organizations.
- The education system of France is well-funded.
- Education at every level is research-oriented.
- France offers a quality education at inexpensive tuition fees.
- The country is a hub for research and innovation.
Top 10 universities for MS in France
The top 10 Universities for an MS degree in France are listed in the table below:
| Top Universities for MS Degree in France | |
| Rank | University |
| 1 | IESEG School of Management |
| 2 | Skema Business School – Paris Campus |
| 3 | EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science |
| 4 | EDHEC Business School |
| 5 | EMLYON Business School |
| 6 | Audencia Business School |
| 7 | Montpellier Business School |
| 8 | Pierre and Marie Curie University |
| 9 | TBS Education |
| 10 | University of Nantes |
The MS degree was started in 1985 for graduate courses. To get the degree, MS or Mastère Spécialisé courses are evaluated based on the requirements of a profession. The MS study program includes hourly course content, lasts for two semesters, an internship, and finally submission of a thesis.
Universities to pursue an MS degree in France
Detailed information on the top universities offering MS in France is given below:
1. IESEG School of Management
IÉSEG School of Management was established in 1964 in Lille, France. IÉSEG School of Management is a member of the Université Catholique de Lille association. It is the largest French private university in terms of its student population and funding. The school has two campuses:
- Paris
- Lille
IÉSEG has triple accreditation awarded to international business schools. It has accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.
IÉSEG School of Management is repeatedly ranked among the Top 10 business schools in France as per the International Financial Times. As a Grande Ecole of France and a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles. IÉSEG is one of the most competitive and recognized higher French education institutions.
Eligibility Requirements
Here are the requirements for MS at IÉSEG School of Management:
| Requirements for MS at IÉSEG School of Management | |
| Qualification | Entry Criteria |
| 12th | No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Graduation |
No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Professional Work experience of 2 years or more is definitely a plus |
|
| TOEFL | Marks – 85/120 |
| IELTS | Marks – 6.5/9 |
|
Other eligibility criteria |
A GMAT/GRE score is optional, not mandatory |
|
Candidates who have had two years of courses taught in English are exempted from ELP requirements |
|
|
Once the application is submitted, students will be contacted by the local contact for a skype or phone conversation |
|
2. SKEMA Business School – Paris Campus
The Skema Business School was established in 2009. It is a private higher education and research institution. The institution was formed after the merger of the Ecole Superieure de Commerce in Lille Ceram Business School in Sophia Antipolis and the Ecole Superieure de Commerce in Lille.
Skema has received accreditation from the CGE or Conference des Grandes Ecoles and the Chinese Ministry of Education. It is one of the 40 global institutions to be recognized by the GAC or Global Accreditation Center. It has affiliations from the EQUIS or EFMD Quality Improvement System, and AACSB or Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Eligibility Requirements
The requirements for MS at Skema Business School are given below:
| Requirements for MS at Skema Business School | |
| Qualification | Entry Criteria |
| 12th | No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Graduation |
No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Students must hold a four-year university degree or equivalent + two months minimum of professional experience |
|
|
In some cases, a three-year degree with substantial professional experience can be accepted |
|
| TOEFL | Marks – 71/120 |
| IELTS | Marks – 6/9 |
| Other eligibility criteria |
No English Test/GMAT test needed for the admission If the application submission is judged satisfactory, candidates undergo a face-to-face/via Skype, or telephone interview The interview lasts about 30 minutes is based on a typical job interview GMAT/GRE is not mandatory, however, a good score strengthens the application |
3. EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science
EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science was started in 1984. Its aim is to train and prepare future computer engineers. It is a member of IONIS Education Group, a reputed private higher education group in France.
The school imparts education bilingually. It holds the accreditation awarded by prestigious organizations and institutions like the CTI or Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur, CGE or Conférence des Grandes Ecoles, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France. It offers study programs in English and French. It is also a member of the IESP or Engineers and Scientists of France.
Eligibility Requirement
The requirements for MS at EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science are given below:
| Requirements for MS at EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science | |
| Qualification | Entry Criteria |
| 12th | No specific cut off mentioned |
| Graduation | No specific cut off mentioned |
| Post Graduation | No specific cut off mentioned |
| TOEIC | N/A |
| TOEFL | Marks – 80/120 |
| IELTS | Marks – 6/9 |
4. EDHEC Business School
EDHEC Business School is a grandes écoles business school in France. It has multiple campuses in Lille, Nice, and Paris in France. It also has campuses in London, the UK, and Singapore. EDHEC offers degrees in specialized MSc study programs, MSc International Finance, Master in Management, MBA, and EMBA programs, executive education, and Ph.D. program.
EDHEC has over 8,600 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs, more than 200 exchange and double-degree agreements with many international academic institutions, and an extensive network of over 40,000 alumni in approximately 125 countries.
EDHEC holds triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.
Eligibility Requirements
The requirements for MS at EDHEC Business School are given below:
| Requirements for MS at EDHEC | |
| Qualification | Entry Criteria |
| 12th | No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Graduation |
No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Applicant must have a 4-year bachelor degree (or equivalent) |
|
| Excellent academic profile | |
|
Computing knowledge is a “plus” (VBA, statistical software, HYML%, CSS, Ruby or Python) |
|
| TOEFL | Marks – 92/120 |
|
GMAT |
Marks – 650/800 |
|
Solid work experience may apply for a GMAT waiver. However, GMAT waivers remain exceptional |
|
| CAT | N/A |
| IELTS | Marks – 6.5/9 |
| GRE | No specific cut off mentioned |
| Other eligibility criteria |
Those holding a degree taught in English (minimum 3 years) are eligible for an English Test waiver |
5. Emlyon Business School
The EMLYON Business School was formerly known as Emlyon Management School. It was established in 1872 by the regional business community. The university is located in Lyon, France. The school is certified by the Lyon Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Eligibility Requirement
The requirements for MS at EMLYON Business School are given below:
| Requirements for MS at EMLYON Business School | |
| Qualification | Entry Criteria |
| 12th | No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Graduation |
No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Students holding one of the following degrees can apply |
|
|
A validated Master 1 degree or Bachelor’s degree equivalent to Bac + 4 |
|
|
A validated Licence 3 degree or Bachelor’s degree equivalent to Bac+3 (limited to 30% of the cohort) |
|
| TOEFL | No specific cut off mentioned |
6. Audencia Business School
The Audencia Business School is one of the top business schools. It was established in 1900. In addition, it has many notable global partners in 57 countries around the world.
This institution has more than 5,600 student enrolments. In this figure, the percentage of international enrolment is close to 36 percent, in which approximately 50 percent of the research projects are self-financed.
The Audencia Business School provides many financial aids to the students to assist them with their studies and expenses. A few of the scholarships offered by the institution are the Executive Leaders Fellowship, the Arts Excellence Scholarship, and the Food for Thought Scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
Here are the requirements for MS at EMLYON Business School:
| Requirements for MS at Audencia Business School | |
| Qualification | Entry Criteria |
| 12th | No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Graduation |
No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Applicant must have a 3-year or 4-year bachelor’s degree in engineering or hard sciences |
|
|
3 year degree accepted |
Yes |
|
3-year or 4-year bachelor’s degree in engineering or hard sciences |
|
| TOEFL | Marks – 78/120 |
| IELTS | Marks – 6/9 |
| Other eligibility criteria |
English test scores are not required for applicants who have completed their undergraduate degrees in English |
7. Montpellier Business School
The MBS or Montpellier Business School was established in 1897. It is a member of the French Conference des Grandes Ecoles. The university holds three prestigious international accreditations: EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA.
It offers MS degrees in Marketing, Finance, International Business, Business Excellence, and Digital Transformation.
Eligibility Requirements
The requirements for MS at Montpellier Business School are given below:
| Requirements for MS at Montpellier Business School | |
| Qualification | Entry Criteria |
| 12th | No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Graduation |
No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Applicants must hold a four-year undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) |
|
|
Applicants who hold a 3-year degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) will join the 2-year MSc program |
|
| TOEFL | Marks – 88/120 |
| IELTS | Marks – 6/9 |
8. Pierre and Marie Curie University
Pierre and Marie Curie University are also known as Paris 6. It is a public research university in Paris, France. It later merged with the Paris-Sorbonne University into a new university which came to be known as the Sorbonne University.
It is ranked as the best university in France for medicine and health sciences by Times Higher Education.
Eligibility Requirements
Here are the requirements for MS at Pierre and Marie Curie University:
| Requirements for MS at Pierre and Marie Curie University | |
| Qualification | Entry Criteria |
| 12th | No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Graduation |
No specific cut off mentioned |
| Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science and Technology or equivalent students, physical or physico-chemical dominant | |
| IELTS | No specific cut off mentioned |
9. TBS Education
TBS is a reputed French institution for business education. It was established in 1903. Its prime campus is situated in Toulouse. The business school has other campuses in Paris, Casablanca, and Barcelona. TBS Education aims to develop future leaders in the global business space. The programs cover the subjects of Business, Management, Marketing, Finance, and Aerospace Management. All the study programs offered by the school are designed to meet the dynamic trends and demands of the global industry space.
TBS has a qualified faculty. The top professionals from corporate organizations visit the campuses to mentor the students. Scientific approaches to study market analysis, case studies, and predictions are practiced in the teaching methodology of the institute. Emphasis is there on skill development to make the students more comfortable in using cutting-edge technology.
TBS Education has collaborated with corporate organizations to conduct workshops. Students participate in various projects to be familiar with real-world work scenarios. Students are also offered internship opportunities to learn through hands-on experience.
Eligibility Requirements
The requirements for MS at TBS Education are given below:
| Requirements for MS at TBS Education | |
| Qualification | Entry Criteria |
| 12th | No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Graduation |
No specific cut off mentioned |
| Applicants must hold a 4 year Bachelor degree or master equivalent to 240 ECT | |
| TOEFL | Marks – 80/120 |
| IELTS | Marks – 6.5/9 |
| Age | Maximum: 36 years |
|
Other eligibility criteria |
Students whose language of instruction was English in their Bachelor degree are exempted from ELP requirements |
| TBS follows the rules of the CGE and only accepts MSc students with a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or Master | |
10. University of Nantes
The University of Nantes is situated in Nantes, France. It has multiple campuses in the city of Nantes, there in addition to the two satellite campuses in La Roche-sur-Yon and Saint-Nazaire. The university is among 401-500th according to the Times Higher Education rankings.
On a national scale and the employability prospects after graduation, the University of Nantes ranks in the top 100 universities. In the present times, the university is attended by more than 34,500 students. Out of which over 10 percent of them are international students coming from more than 110 countries.
Eligibility Requirements
Here are the requirements for MS at the University of Nantes:
| Requirements for MS at the University of Nantes | |
| Qualification | Entry Criteria |
| 12th | No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Graduation |
No specific cut off mentioned |
|
Applicants must have or be expecting, a first degree that includes some computer science and mathematics; for example, science, engineering, statistics or economics in their bachelors |
|
| Post Graduation | No specific cut off mentioned |
| IELTS | No specific cut off mentioned |
How Can You Get a Master’s Degree in France?
The Master’s degree is granted by the French University you choose after completing the degree of DNM or Diplôme National de Master. It is a graduate-level course of a similar level. It is granted after 5 years of studying after the License or Bachelor’s degree.
You cannot get a Master’s degree in France unless you fulfill the minimum study requirements decided in the Bologna Declaration for a Master’s.
How Much Does a Master’s Degree Cost?
The French government funds the universities, so tuition fees are inexpensive compared to the cost in other European or American countries.
The Master's program costs 3,770 Euros per year. This tuition fee differs based on the university you choose to study in. The other factor that influences the cost of your Master’s program is if the university is public or private.
Private institutions are more expensive than public institutions since the French government does not fund them.
The fee for private institutions is equal to that in public institutions for international students from Non-EU (European Union) students.
Types of Master's Degrees in France
In France, there are regular Master’s degrees like in any part of the world, and there are some Master’s degrees formulated specifically from and for a university. For example,e arts, engineering, business, and so on. There are four types of Master’s degrees in France. These are:
- MA or Master of Art
- MS or Mastère Spécialisé
- MSc or Mastère en Science
- MBA or Master of Business Administration
Top Scholarships for MS in France
Note: The eligibility, coverage, and deadlines are general. Please verify with each program’s official website for precise details, as they may change annually.
| Scholarship Name | University/Organization | Eligibility Criteria | Coverage | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship | French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs | International students, strong academic record, selected programs | Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel allowance | January (varies annually) |
| Emile-Boutmy Scholarship | Sciences Po | Non-EU international students, strong academic profile | Up to €12,000/year for tuition fees | March 2024 (varies annually) |
| France Excellence Scholarship | Campus France | High-achieving international students from specific countries | Covers tuition, living expenses, and insurance | December (varies annually) |
| Université Paris-Saclay Master’s Scholarships | Université Paris-Saclay | International students with high academic merit | €10,000/year for tuition and living expenses | April 2024 (varies annually) |
| INSEAD Scholarships | INSEAD Business School | Based on merit, financial need, and diversity | Varies (partial/full tuition waiver) | Varies, typically around April |
| Charpak Scholarship Program | French Embassy in India | Indian students with strong academic performance | Tuition fee waiver, living stipend, airfare | April (varies annually) |
| Université de Lyon International Scholarships | Université de Lyon | International students for Master's programs | €1,000/month for living expenses | March 2024 (varies annually) |
| Institut Mines-Télécom Scholarships | Institut Mines-Télécom | International students applying for specific Master's programs | Up to 100% tuition fee coverage | April (varies annually) |
Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in France?
Here are some reasons as to why one should study in France:
- Inexpensive tuition fees
If you come from the EU or the EEA or European Economic Area, you will not have to pay over 800 EUR per year. It applies to all the levels of degree offered by France: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D.
Studying in France will be more affordable than studying in other countries, like the UK, the USA, Canada, and Australia.
- Multiple programs taught in English
To welcome more international students, both the French public and private universities have increased the number of study programs taught in English.
There are more than 1,500 courses offered in the English language, and the number is increasing every year.
- Excellent opportunities to learn or improve your French
Although English is the primary international language in various sectors worldwide, you should not underestimate French. It is the 3rd most used business language and the official language in more than 30 countries.
Bilingual people have better chances to get better salaries or apply for higher positions at established multinational institutions.
- France is a hub for research and innovation
Many higher education institutions in France fund their research facilities and staff. If you envision working long hours in labs, conducting experiments, and helping the human race, France is the place to go.
More than 64 Nobel Laureates and 15 Fields Medals shed light on France's importance to its research and progress.
- Visit famous tourist attractions
From human-made wonders to scenic natural landscapes, the Hexagon, a popular nickname for France, offers much to explore.
Hopefully, the information above was helpful and clarified why you should pursue your MS degree in France.
Top universities to study in France
How can Y-Axis assist you in studying in France?
Y-Axis is the right mentor to advise you on studying in France. It helps you with
- Choose the best path for you with the help of Y-Path.
- Coaching services assist you in acing your IELTS test results with our live classes. This helps you to score well on the exams required to study in France. Y-Axis is the only overseas consultancy that provides world-class coaching services.
- Get counseling and advice from proven experts who can advise you on all the steps.
- Course Recommendation: get unbiased advice with Y-Path that puts you on the right path to success.
- Guides and assists you in writing commendable SOPs and Resumes.
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