As the sixth largest economy globally and the third most developed in Europe, France presents abundant career opportunities.
Pursuing a Master’s in Finance in France is rewarding for international students as it attracts students from around the globe, including India and provides them with exposure to the rich culture and heritage of the country.
Table of Contents
- Introduction of Master’s in Finance in France
- Why Study Master’s in Finance in France
- Curriculum of MiF in France
- Top Universities for Masters in Finance in France
- Eligibility Criteria
- Documents Checklist
- Study Intakes in France 2024
- Application Process
- Career after Masters in Finance
- Top Recruiters in France
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Pursuing Master’s in Finance in France
France stands out as a leading European hub for top-tier finance education, boasting world-class universities in this field. As the sixth largest economy globally and the third most developed in Europe, France presents abundant career opportunities. Their internationally recognized Master’s in Finance program attracts students from around the globe, including India.
With approximately 20% of its budget allocated to education, the French government prioritizes investment in this sector. Pursuing a Master’s in Finance in France opens doors to over 500 global companies.
Each year, France hosts an average of 3500-4000 Indian students, highlighting its popularity as an educational destination. QS World University rankings feature ten French universities offering Finance Master’s program among the top 200, reaffirming the trust of students and academics worldwide in the quality of education provided in France.
Why Study Master’s in Finance in France
1. High Academic Excellence
France boasts numerous globally esteemed universities that have played a pivotal role in setting the standard for education worldwide. With their top-notch academic program, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and highly skilled faculty, these institutions have positioned France as a main player in the international education arena
2. Multicultural exposure
International students enrolled in Master’s in Finance in France frequently engage in a wide array of extracurricular and cultural events alongside their academic studies. These activities provide opportunities for interaction with the global community and participation in lively festivals centred around specific themes.
Moreover, France’s rich culture of natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures offers international students an immersive experience outside the classroom
3. Job opportunities while studying
Non-EU students pursuing Master’s in Finance programs in France are entitled to 120 full days or 240 half days of employment opportunities each year.
This arrangement not only allows them to enhance their skills but also offers financial assistance, alleviating concerns about expenses during their stay in France
4. Chance to learn the French language
Engaging oneself in learning the French language while study in France can be both enjoyable and rewarding.
It opens doors to opportunities such as working as a translator or broadening one’s horizons through travel, ultimately fostering improved communication skills on a global scale.
5. Travel to Europe on Study Visa
Foreign students holding study visas issued by France have the privilege of exploring other European countries.
This is among the significant benefits of studying in France, as it enables students to travel visa-free within the Schengen area, enhancing their educational experience with cultural immersion and diverse perspectives from neighbouring nations
Curriculum of Master’s in Finance in France 2024
The curriculum of the Master’s in Finance in France incorporated a wide range of topics aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles and practices.
While specific courses may vary depending on the university and program, common themes often include
- Financial Theory
- Statistics
- Foundations of Calculus & Probability
- Programming in Python
- Management Control
- Strategic Cost Management
- Sustainability Performance
- Macroeconomic Theory and Development
- Corporate Financial Management
- Financial Markets
- Programming in Python
- Big Data Analytics
- International Finance
Best Universities for Masters in Finance in France
The majority of French universities provide Master’s in Finance program under the titles of M.Sc and MiF degrees, typically spanning 1-2 years based on the specific course and specialization chosen.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of top Master’s in Finance universities in France, including their QS World Ranking, tuition fees, and available specializations within the program.
| University | QS Master's in Finance Ranking 2024 | Average Tuition Fees (per year) | Specialisation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEC Paris | 1 | €43,800 | Master's in Finance (International Finance) |
| ESSEC Business School | 7 | €13,800 (First Year) €30,000 (Second Year) | Master's in Finance (Corporate Finance) Master's in Finance (Fintech Analysis) |
| ESCP Europe | 14 | €21,000 | M.Sc. in Finance |
| Emlyon Business School | 17 | €27,900 | M.Sc. in Finance |
| EDHEC Business School | 21 | €44,000 | Master's in Finance (International Finance) |
| SKEMA Business School | 28 | €17,000 | M.Sc. in Finance (Auditing, Management Accounting and Information System) M.Sc in Finance (Corporate Financial Management) M.Sc. in Finance (Financial Markets and Investments) M.Sc. in Finance (Sustainable Finance and Fintech) |
| Audencia Business School | 53 | €25,000-30,000 | M.Sc. in Finance (Corporate Finance and Investment Banking) |
| IESEG School of Management | 62 | €17,900 | M.Sc. in Finance |
| Grenoble Ecole de Management | 64 | €19,000 | M.Sc. in Finance (Finance and Investment Banking) |
| KEDGE Business School | 81 | €11,400 | M.Sc. in Finance (Banking and Finance) |
Also read- Pursuing Bachelor’s in France
Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Finance in France
For Indian students aspiring to pursue a Master’s in Finance in France, certain criteria must be met:
- Completion or ongoing pursuit of a non-French 3-year bachelor’s degree from a reputable university or school, Indian students should obtained or are currently pursuing a non-French 3-year bachelor’s degree (minimum level) in any field of study (business, management & economics, mathematics, science) from a top university/school.
- Indian students without prior work experience, holding or pursuing a 3-year bachelor’s degree, are eligible for a 2-year Master’s in Finance program.
- Indian students without prior work experience, but with a 4-year bachelor’s degree, qualify for a 1-year M.Sc. in Finance program.
- Indian students with 1 year of work experience, coupled with a 3-year bachelor’s degree, are eligible for a 1-year M.Sc. in Finance program.
- Applicants should demonstrate international orientation and leadership potential.
- Students must be below 32 years of age.
- Proficiency in English is required, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 bands or a TOEFL score ranging from 70 to 90.
- A minimum GPA score of 50% or above is expected
Documents Checklist
The following documents are essential for the application process for the M.Sc. in Finance program in France:
- Academic certificates and transcripts from all previous educational institutions attended.
- Standardized test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- GMAT Scorecard
- Some universities may ask for GRE scores
- French language proficiency certificate like DELF or DALF if necessary.
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation.
- 1-2 Statements of Purpose.
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
- 2 Passport-sized photographs.
- Work experience certificate, if applicable, to demonstrate managerial skills.
- Valid Passport.
- Non-refundable application fee ranging from €125 to €180, if required.
- Identity Card.
- Health Insurance documentation.
- Bank Statement
Study Intakes in France 2024
| Type of Intakes | Application cycle | Commencement of Semester |
|---|---|---|
| September/Fall intake (Rentrée d'Automne) | March-August | September |
| January/Spring intake (Rentrée d'Hiver) | September-December | January |
Also read- Cost of Living in France
Application Process for Master’s in Finance in France 2024
Ideally, planning for applying to French universities should begin approximately one year before the desired intake session. This timeline allows ample time for collecting necessary documents and preparing for standardized tests, which helps to avoid potential delays.
Indian students looking to pursue a Master’s in Finance program in France typically apply directly through the university’s website.
Research and Evaluation
Start by evaluating your interests, skills, and subject knowledge to identify a suitable course. This process aids in recognizing potential career paths and areas of expertise.
Shortlisting of Universities
Explore French universities online, considering factors like curriculum, tuition fees, available scholarships, and career prospects. Narrow down your options to 8-10 universities that align with your career goals.
Application Process
Begin preparing for standardized tests, such as IELTS or any university-specific entrance exams, as well as the DELF/DALF, six months before the desired intake application cycle. Complete these tests and gather all necessary documents.
French universities typically prefer applications through their platforms. Submit the online application, pay any required registration fees, and participate in a virtual interview if necessary.
Visa Process
After receiving the offer letter, apply for a student visa at the French Embassy or Consulate office, providing all required documentation.
The entire application process, from initial preparation to departure, generally takes 13-15 months. Therefore, international students aiming to pursue degree programs in France should commence the process as early as possible for any given intake.
Obtaining a study visa for France may appear difficult, but with careful planning and preparation, it is manageable. Except for short-stay and temporary long-stay visas, the application process for long-stay visas can be made on the official website of Campus France.
Following is the application process for a long-stay visa for Indian students to study in France.
Online Registration
- Create your account on the CampusFrance website here
- Fill academic records and other information
- Submit your file
- After review, you will be given a date to appear in person
- Make payment (for payment-related details, click here)
Interview
After successful payment, you need to appear in person for the academic interview with the Campus France Advisor. Take all the necessary documents (original+1 set of photocopies)
Online Visa Application
After the academic interview, you will be asked to generate a France-Visas account on the online portal here
Fill in all details step by step on this portal
Appointment will be scheduled with VFS France to submit documents, passports and biometric data at VFS centre
Validation of Long Stay Visa
Following your arrival, you need to validate your long-stay visa here within 3 months to ensure that you are a legal resident of France.
To validate the visa, you need the following details to submit
- a valid email address,
- information on your visa,
- your date of arrival in France,
- your home address in France,
- a bank card to pay online the fee for issuing the residence permit
Documents Required
Two sets of photocopies of France student Visa documents will be required.
- Copies of academic transcripts
- Long stay application form
- Two passport-size photographs
- Copy of Passport
- Print out of CampusFrance NOC
- Offer letter from the university
- Cover letter
- CV/Resume
- Proof of Funding
- Proof of medical insurance
- OFII form (Office Francais de Immigration et de Integration)
- Copy of round-trip air ticket
Eligibility
- Applicants should be natives of India
- The minimum age must be 18 years or more
- The offer letter of the university in which you are seeking admission must be in your hand.
Visa Fee
Getting your student visa for France can take up to 90 days and costs around 99 Euros, which equals 9,130 INR.
Visa Application Tracking
Your visa application is monitored by the visa centre where you submitted your application. You can check the status of your visa application under the ‘My Application’ tab on the France-Visas.
Master’s in Finance: Jobs in France for Indian Students 2024
Below is the list of popular entry-level jobs in France offered to International graduates after completing a Master’s in Finance program.
The average salary in France ranges from 39,000 euros-80,000 euros per year, depending upon employer, job title, work experience etc.
| Job Title | Average Salary (per year) |
|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | €40,000-53,000 |
| Wealth Manager | €65,000-70,000 |
| Forensic Accountant | €63,000-75,000 |
| Investment Banking Analyst | €50,000-75,000 |
| Personal Financial Officer | €60,000-75,000 |
| Portfolio Manager | €50,000-85,000 |
| Insurance Manager | €55,000-79,000 |
| Corporate Controller | €55,000-65,000 |
| Actuary | €45,000-65,000 |
Also read- Part-Time Jobs in France
Top MiF Recruiters in France
There are diverse career options for international students who pursue a Master’s in Finance in France as they have opportunities to work with reputable companies.
Following is the list of some top employers in the Finance sectors which provide immense career growth opportunities to international graduates in France:
- Barclays
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Blackrock
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- Rothschild & co
- UBS
- Societe Generale
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Deutsche Bank
- JP Morgan
- Morgan Stanley
Conclusion
Studying for a MiF in France offers the chance to delve into international financial markets while gaining valuable financial expertise and recognized credentials.
Many universities offer accelerated 1-2 year programs, saving students time without compromising on quality.
Additionally, students have access to placement opportunities with leading global firms such as Deloitte, Barclays, KPMG, and UBS based in France. Renowned for its top-tier universities, France provides an exceptional learning environment with consistently high global rankings.
FAQs
How can an Indian student pursue part-time jobs in France?
Students from non-EU/EEA countries are allowed to work a certain number of hours per week during term time (usually up to 20 hours) and full-time during holidays.
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.
What is the average cost of living for an Indian student pursuing Master's in Finance in France?
The cost of living in France varies depending on the region. For instance, in cities like Paris, students may need to budget between €1,200 to €1,800 per month. Conversely, living in cities such as Lyon, Nantes, or Bordeaux could entail expenses averaging around €800 per month.
Do French universities accept gap year?
In general, France tends to accommodate a study gap of up to 2 years; however, this may differ depending on the specific institution and course of study.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
