Master’s in Finance in France: Top Universities, Application Process & Career
France is well-recognised for offering top-notch education, research and professional experience through its diverse courses. The presence of top institutes like HEC Paris, Audencia Business School, ESSEC, and EDHEC empowers students to gain relevant knowledge and experience of financial markets, equities, funds, investments, etc.
In this blog, we discussed master’s in finance in France, including top universities, course curriculum, application process and more.
- Top Reasons to Pursue Master’s in Finance in France
- Top 10 Universities in France for Master’s in Finance
- Study Intakes in France
- Specialisations of Master’s in Finance Program
- Course Structure & Syllabus of Master’s in Finance in France
- Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Finance in France
- Documents Required
- How to Apply for Master’s in Finance Courses?
- Jobs after Master’s in Finance in France
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Top Reasons to Pursue Master’s in Finance in France
France is a leading European hub for top-tier finance education, boasting world-class universities. As the 6th largest economy globally, their internationally recognised master’s in finance program attracts students from around the globe, including India, due to the following reasons:
High Academic Excellence: According to the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2024 (Accounting & Finance), 12 French universities have been included in the ranking index.
Affordable Tuition Fees: According to data released by the World Bank in 2021, France invests 5.2% of its GDP annually in the higher education sector. French government shares a large part of the educational expenses in public universities.
Chance to Learn a Foreign Language: French is the world’s 5th most widely spoken language. While pursuing a Master’s in Finance in France, learning the French language can play a significant role in gaining higher academic and professional expertise.
Successful Professional Life: French business schools are highly esteemed and globally recognised for providing flexible finance and management programs which offer students the opportunity to specialise in their chosen field and acquire the necessary skills to become successful professionals.
Top 10 Universities in France for Master’s in Finance
Below, we have tabulated some of the best French institutions, their QS world university ranking by subject (accounting & finance), degree type and total tuition fees.
| University/Institute | QS World University Ranking by Subject (Accounting & Finance) | Degree Type | Total Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEC Paris | 18 | Master’s in International Finance | EUR 45,900 |
| Université PSL | 57 | Master’s in Finance | EUR 500 |
| ESSEC | 74 | Master’s in Finance | 1 year course: EUR 30,000 2-year course: EUR 43,800 |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 79 | Master’s in Finance | EUR 13,000 |
| EDHEC Business School | 101 | M.Sc in International Finance | EUR 28,950 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 151 | Master of Finance | EUR 340 |
| EMlyon | 201 | M.Sc in Finance | EUR 27,900 |
| ESCP | 201 | M.Sc in Finance | EUR 29,100 |
| Sciences Po | 251 | Master’s in Finance & Strategy | EUR 40,760 |
| Université Toulouse 1 Capitole | 251 | Master’s in Finance | EUR 3,770 |
Study Intakes in France
Master’s in Finance courses in France are primarily available in fall intake when the academic year begins in the country. The following is the tabulated description of study intakes in France.
| Intakes | Application Cycle | Commencement of Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Intake (Rentrée d'Automne) | September 2024-March 2025 | September-October 2025 |
| Spring intake (Rentrée d'Hiver) | September-November 2024 | January 2025 |
Specialisations of Master’s in Finance Program
Some of the common tracks or specialisations available in Master’s in Finance courses are:
Corporate Finance: It is a branch of finance which deals with financial activities and decisions of corporate houses. It imparts knowledge about capital, resource investment, and managing financial risks.
Investment Banking: Under this specialisation, students learn about financial and investment services provided to private entities and governments.
Financial Technology: Financial technology imparts the knowledge of using technologies like data science, AI, blockchain, etc., to provide financial services such as cryptocurrencies and digital payments.
International Finance: It deals with the structure and function of the global financial market, currency exchanges, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, etc.
Sustainable Finance: It emphasises understanding the sustainability practices related to corporate, social, and government norms to tackle global challenges such as global warming and social inequality.
Course Structure & Syllabus of Master’s in Finance in France
The duration of the M.Sc in Finance courses in France ranges from 12 months to 24 months (1-2 years), depending on the course curriculum and the institute. It also lays the foundational framework for those who want to start a career in corporate finance, banking, wealth management, investment, etc.
Core Modules
Core Modules lay the foundation of the coursework for students who come not only from finance and financial accounting backgrounds but also from different fields such as STEM, computer science, etc.
- Corporate Finance
- Securities Markets
- Financial Accounting & Reporting
- Empirical Methods in Finance
- International Finance
- Financial Engineering
- Finance: Companies and Markets
- Programming in Python
- Management Control
- Strategic Cost Management
- Core Management
- Economics
- Statistics
Elective Module
Indian students are given opportunities to choose tracks such as corporate track, financial market track, capital markets, investment banking, etc., based upon which they must opt for their elective subjects. They can choose up to 3-4 elective subjects, depending on their institute. Some of the most common elective subjects are:
- Financial Engineering
- Quantitative Asset Management
- Fixed Income and Money Markets
- Bond Portfolio Management
- Financial modeling
- Fixed Income and Money Markets
- Derivatives
- Python for Finance
- Advanced Corporate Finance
- Equity Capital Markets
- Accounting for IB
Study Trips
French institutes organise study trips to major European destinations like London, New York, Geneva, etc., which serve as the landmarks of the financial hub. These trips are organised during breaks or at the end of the semester. These study trips aim to provide practical exposure to the global financial industries and scenarios. The credit for these study trips is also counted towards the assessment.
Research Work
- Students pursuing a master’s in finance from France must write a research paper under the supervision of the faculty.
- The objective is to explore how the knowledge accumulated during the program’s coursework can be used to examine a research question.
- The research work is conducted by student pairs on a topic provided by the academic supervisor or academic director.
Internships
Students are required to pursue internships in financial industries as per their chosen track or specialisation for 3-4 months. This prepares them to take on full-time employment opportunities and helps them understand the nature of the industry and markets.
Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Finance in France
The common eligibility criteria for Indian students to pursue M.Sc in Finance in France are as follows:
- A first-class bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Applicants must be fluent in the English language.
- Some universities facilitate international students undergoing foundation courses before starting their main coursework, especially when they are not from an accounting, finance, or economics background.
Documents Required
The following documents are required to apply for a master’s in finance in France:
- Academic Transcripts of undergraduate level (marksheets, passing certificates, other transcripts, etc.)
- 2-3 passport-sized photo
- Score certificates for English language proficiency tests like
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 90-100 is required
- IELTS: Minimum band score of 6.5-7.5 is required
- PTE: Minimum score of 60-70 is required
- Duolingo: Minimum score of 80-110 is required
- French language proficiency certificate like DELF or DALF (if required).
- GMAT Focus/GRE scorecard (if required)
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- 1-2 Statements of Purpose
- Application Fees (EUR 125-220 or INR 11,600-18,560 per application)
- 1-2 Years Work Experience Letter (if required)
- 1 CV/Resume
- Passport
How to Apply for Master’s in Finance Courses?
- The application process for a Master’s in Finance in France will commence in September 2024.
- List at least 6-7 universities offering the course.
- Visit their official website and go through course descriptions.
- Depending on personal preferences, academic reputation, location, etc., start applying for the course.
- Different French institutes offering MiF courses accept applications on their portal.
- Applicants are required to create their account, upload documents and pay the application fees.
- After successfully accepting the initial application process, candidates must appear in an online interview.
- After the interview, the admission committee evaluates the application and declares the final result.
Jobs after Master’s in Finance in France
After completing MiF in France, young graduates are given opportunities to work in various fields such as Asset Management, Equity Research, M&A and Private Equity, Sales, Strategic Consulting, Structured Finance, etc. The average salary in these fields might vary depending on the employer, experience, skills, location, etc. Some of the popular job posts are tabulated below with their average salary.
| Job Posts | Average Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| Investment Analyst | EUR 45,000-50,000 (INR 41 Lakh-46 Lakh) |
| Portfolio Manager | EUR 47,000-85,000 (INR 43 Lakh-78 Lakh) |
| Equity Strategist | EUR 100,000-200,000 (INR 92 Lakh-1.82 Crore) |
| Investment Associate | EUR 55,000-100,000 (INR 51 Lakh-92 Lakh) |
| Relationship Manager | EUR 48,000-52,000 (INR 44 Lakh-48 Lakh) |
| Financial Consultant | EUR 45,000-50,000 (INR 41 Lakh-46 Lakh) |
| Quantitative Trader | EUR 55,000-100,000 (INR 51 Lakh-92 Lakh) |
Conclusion
Pursuing a Master’s in Finance in France offers diverse opportunities to delve into international financial markets while gaining valuable equity, investment, and capital expertise. The master’s in finance program is provided for 1-2 years, depending on the university. This program also incorporates study trips, research work, internships, etc., to ensure that students make overall progress.
Additionally, students have access to placement opportunities with leading global firms such as Deloitte, Barclays, KPMG, UBS, etc.
FAQs
How much does a master’s in finance graduate earn in France?
The average salary for MiF graduates ranges from EUR 45,000-100,000 or INR 41 Lakh to 92 Lakh, depending on their years of experience, employer, skills, location, etc.
Is France good for a master's in finance?
Yes, with approximately 10,000 Indian students in the country, France is one of the most popular study destinations among business, finance and management aspirants. France is home to world-renowned institutes that offer international students standardised educational and professional experiences.
How can an Indian student pursue part-time jobs in France?
Students can find part-time jobs in France by utilising resources provided by the university’s student services or career centre. They may offer job listings, career fairs, workshops, internships, etc., to help students.
Do French institutes offer MiF programs without GMAT or GRE scores?
Various French institutes accept applications without GRE or GMAT scores. Some of the best institutes which do not need a GMAT/GRE score are NEOMA Business School, IESEG School of Management, Audencia Business School, Rennes School of Business, and ICN Business School.
What is the average cost of living for an Indian student pursuing a master's in finance in France?
The cost of living in France varies depending on the region. Students may need to budget between EUR 800-1,200 or 74,000-1 Lakh per month.
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