Did you know that it all started in France?

INSEAD, one of the most renowned business schools in the world today, was the first European institution to bring the MBA to the Old Continent and challenge the established practices, reducing the length of the MBA to the now internationally acclaimed one-year programme. Topping world charts, the Financial Times ranks INSEAD number five in the list of the world’s top MBA institutes.

► Explore MBA programmes from around the world.

HEC Paris also ranks as one of the top business schools in the world, ranking at number two in the top European MBA rankings according to the Financial Times, and number 16 globally as of 2015.

Other top-ranked French institutions include CEMS (Community of European Management Schools) and ESSEC Business School in France. 

Robust Economy

While a generally peaceful and stable country, France also has one of the most robust and largest economies in the world. The country has the 6th strongest economy in the world and the 3rd largest economy in Europe, giving it a major edge in providing job opportunities, a satisfactory lifestyle, and endless networking opportunities. 

Going to a country with a strong economy not only improves the credibility of your MBA but also increases the opportunities of finding employment and other opportunities while studying there. That provides all the more reason to do your MBA in France.

Business Hub

Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world, but it’s also a major business hub for all sorts of industries. Home to internationally renowned brands such as Air France and Total S.A., as well as Ubisoft and Chanel, Paris provides unlimited opportunities to gain business exposure, begin anew with a job in a different field, or make a savvy business deal. Oh, and did we mention that Paris is also where the largest dedicated business district in Europe is located? Yes. It’s called La Défense, it feels like if Times Square was in Paris, and it’s pretty much the Wall Street of France. Hence, if you want to work for or do business with some of the biggest names on the continent, it’s a pretty good idea to go for your MBA in France.

READ: Europa & Americana: A Tale of Two Sisters

History and Influence

Undoubtedly, the French have been very influential in history. They have left their mark in North Africa when it was colonized by the French empire in the 19th century. The colonies were known as French North Africa and were under the control of France until the Evian Accords in 1962. While the French may not have direct power in the colonies anymore, they certainly do have influence and French soft (and yes, even hard) power remains prominent there. This provides an interesting addition to France, as business and state connections between Paris and the governments of the former colonies remain healthy. Remember – a day in Paris can lead to a lifetime of business opportunities in Casablanca.

The rich history of France is also likely to be very attractive for students living there during the course of their MBA – that is full-time MBA students. They’ll get the chance to explore the history of France’s royal family to the proceedings of the French Revolution and also bask in the work of famous French poets and artists in France’s renowned museums. The architecture is likely to take you into an enlightening or fascinating tale of those who walked those streets and lived in those buildings many centuries ago.

Diversity and Exquisite Society

France is full of people of all walks of life. You will find aristocratic sophistication while you may also find rowdy creativeness on the streets of Paris and other parts of the country. As you stroll through and meet people during your MBA in France, you are likely to interact with individuals from all over the world and people with different interests, personalities, backgrounds, and religions. Perhaps there is nothing that is too crazy to be seen in France and the country provides the uniqueness of introducing a person to an exquisite society, both rich in its traditions and outrageous in its boldness.

Bon voyage and happy studies in France!