Study in France for DBA and MBA Program: A Guide for International Students

High-quality education, relatively affordable educational costs, and exposure to the ever-popular French way of life have perpetuated the popularity of France as a top educational destination. Despite the onslaught of the pandemic, unlike other major study destinations experiencing a decline in international students, France has managed to maintain its appeal attracting international students from across continents and reporting a 3 percent increase in the incoming number in a year. Your decision to study abroad in France to build a business career will unquestionably be fulfilling and highly prospective. This blog intends to give you a 360-degree view of the prospect of furthering your business studies at the master's and doctoral levels in France.

Prospects for DBA and MBA Programmes in France

The country's business-friendly culture offers a favourable environment for students seeking higher studies in business like an MBA or DBA. France offers globally recognized DBA and MBA programmes, which make it a desirable destination. 

Powered by the country's intense interest and initiatives in Research and development, France offers an excellent opportunity for international students seeking to foray into the highest level of business studies. The Doctorate of Business Administration in France has gained traction with some of its top public universities taking the lead. From developing top managerial skills and thought-leadership qualities, A DBA in France will give professionals seeking advanced executive roles a breakthrough. The Doctoral degree programmes in France typically last three years with a major part of it committed to research. Prospective candidates may seek financial aid in the form of fellowships and scholarships provided by the French government and from various agencies including public and private universities. 

A Master of  Business Administration in France is France typically lasts 12-24 months. Students can explore diverse specialization options. Some of the popular MBA specializations in France include Art and Luxury, Finance and Banking, Finance and Investment, International Strategy, Contemporary Art, International MBA, Global Executive MBA, Cybersecurity, etc. The programme duration may vary according to the specialization and the delivering institutions. With a reputation for producing successful businesses, France offers a transformational hub for students seeking business courses like an MBA. Students can look forward to expanding their academic prowess and building professional excellence by securing a job opportunity for 12 months after the completion of their MBA programme. 

Compelling Reasons to Study in France?

It may interest you to know that France is among the top players in global business and culture. Its capital city Paris houses Europe's largest purpose-built business district, other than being known as the City of Lights. Offering the best of both worlds to its international students, France is one of the top educational destinations. Besides, the prominence of the French higher education system in Arts and Humanities, Business and Management studies also find an excellent grounding in France. So if you're wondering about the prospect of pursuing a Master's in Business Administration or a Doctorate in Business Administration programme, rest assured that France will give you a fulfilling experience. You can be positive about starting your la belle vie with an MBA or a DBA study abroad in France. 

Let us highlight a few valid reasons why France is your ideal destination for MBA and DBA:

Rich-economy and Dynamic Business Opportunity: The country's rich economy, ranking third largest in Europe offers a thriving ecosystem for some of the country's leading businesses. The French capital city -Paris known as the world fashion capital, gives exposure to the world of fashion. France's position in global ranking across various areas like investment in R& D, telecommunications, and the second-largest exporter of agricultural products and services offers excellent opportunities for business students pursuing MBA and DBA to get first-hand exposure to the world of business. 

Home to global top-ranking business schools: Not just in Arts and Humanities, France is home to two of Europe's top 5 business schools. In addition to these reigning institutes, several other business schools in France have strong global reputations and are highly regarded. 

Investment climate ideal for business study: France boasts an investment climate conducive to business. Both MBA students and DBA scholars will have exposure to a business-friendly country and unlimited access to one of Europe's largest and most significant financial regions. What better chance than to gain exposure to some of the world's talented workforce and innovative business leaders? The French government's initiative to attract foreign investments and interest by expanding its policies displays its intelligent business strategies. France does offer several opportunities for business students. 

Technology and Innovation Focussed-country: The French government does not shy away from making heavy investments in research and development, which presents a conducive environment and foundation for innovation. MBA graduates and DBA scholars may seek to expand their business prowess by taking internships in some of the world's tech players like Intel, IBM, Orange, Accenture, Cisco, Air France etc, and explore their prospects in tech business.

Industrial Powerhouse: The manufacturing sector in France impressively ranks top among the country's largest economic sectors. With leading automobile and aircraft manufacturers like Renault, and Airbus, the country boast of being an industrial powerhouse. France's intense focus on technology and innovation coupled with its robust entrepreneurial culture offers an excellent base for high-achieving business students and researchers. 

Global Tourist Destination: There's no denying that France is one of the globally renowned tourist destinations making it a highly business conducive nation. MBA students and DBA scholars seeking to establish specialization in the Tourism Industry can get real-world exposure and experience to the business dynamics. 

With a large domestic market and being a major springboard to the entire European single market, France indeed offers an excellent opportunity for international students seeking to further their education in business, particularly for higher degree programmes like an MBA and DBA. 

Is France a good place to study abroad?

France offers an ideal destination for students seeking study abroad opportunities. Not only renowned for its world-class higher education system, the country, also offers a multicultural study experience.  Apart from attaining top-class educational qualifications, students will have the chance to explore some of the world's top tourist destinations, gain a deeper understanding of the people and their culture and become proficient in the French way of life. From building academic excellence and professional prowess to indulging in one of the world's finest cuisine, culture and fashion, France is a great destination. A study abroad in France provides international students with numerous advantages, including:

i)  World Class education system

ii)  Exposure to a multicultural environment

iii)  Affordable educational costs

iv)  Opportunity to develop multi-lingual proficiency and business language 

v)  Research and innovation focused- programme curriculum

vi)  International networking opportunities

vii)  Access to global career opportunities

Is France expensive to study abroad?

France is one of the most affordable study destinations in comparison to other European countries and study-abroad destinations. The French government practice a policy of subsidizing higher education and assuming a large share of the educational costs. Besides subsidized and affordable educational costs, there are various scholarship opportunities and fellowships for international students to aid in their higher educational journey. 

How much does it cost to study abroad in France?

Public universities in France will relatively have lesser tuition costs. The cost of study abroad in France will vary depending on the field and the programme of study that the international students opt for.

International students hailing from non-EU or EEA countries pay higher educational costs than those from the EU and countries within the EEA region. 

Educational costs in private business schools are relatively higher compared to public institutions. An international student pursuing business studies in France may expect to pay an annual fee ranging between 6,000 to 18,000 EUR. 

International students are liable to pay a differentiated registration fee:

• Master's level - 3,879 EUR

• Doctoral level- 391 EUR 

Besides the educational costs, there are accommodation costs that prospective students must be aware of. However, France again is an affordable destination with little variation depending on the cities. The cost of living will vary depending on the choices students prefer. There are a range of accommodation facilities within universities or living as a guest with a host family, sharing an apartment with fellow students, etc. 

To give you a brief idea

• A Studio Apartment for one of two individuals costs 575 EUR monthly 

• A one-bedroom apartment costs 660 EUR monthly

• Homestay is ideally cheaper with the starting range of 200EUR to 800EUR, 

International students seeking a more affordable option may choose to live in the housing/accommodation facility provided by most of the Universities known as cites-U. Students normally pay 120 EUR for cities outside of Paris. 

Costs of other essential commodities

• Book and study materials: 50 - 100EUR

• Health Insurance: 20-50EUR (also depends on the cover)

• Phone bills: 25EUR

• Internet Bills: 25EUR

• Transportation Cost - 70 EUR

Is it easy to find a job in France?

Work opportunity during the study programme: International students studying in France have a great opportunity to work as the French government offers them the right to work to support their educational and living finances. During their course of study, international students are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours a week. 

Post-study work opportunity: International students can apply for post-study work by applying a temporary residence authorization. Students after their MBA or DBA may seek jobs in the bustling business areas in France and work for 12 months with the temporary APS. 

Those are the fundamental grounds on which international students can find employment in France. Regarding finding a job, international students who have completed their higher studies in France will find it comparatively easy to acquire a job, given their exposure and the opportunities they have had during their course of study and stay. 

How to find a Job in France after completing MBA and DBA?

One of the most practical methods to go about landing a good job in the business sector after your MBA or DBA degree programme completion is to leverage your internship or project opportunities effectively. Often, MBA and DBA programmes involve undertaking practical projects and internships as partial fulfilment of the degree programme. This offers excellent exposure to the business industries in France and opens doors to job opportunities. Students can also seek help from alumni associations like the professional insertion assistance offices ( Bureau d'Aire a I'Insertion Professionnelle -BAIP).

Another excellent way to go about your job search in France is to make use of your professional network. Students can also rely on the alumni network, which serves as an effective instrument for international students to find work. These platforms, such as the France Alumni, are your French network for finding the right job suitable to your skills and programme. Students can always seek help from their university connections like seniors, alumni, etc.

Students must have their CVs ready. They must ensure keeping an eye on job portals and sites and also attend job fairs to have direct access to recruiters. 

Finding a job after your DBA degree or MBA should n France should not be challenging if you have a guided plan and activate all your potential. 

Quick Tips for finding a job in France

i)  Learn French and their business language

ii)  Be thorough about the Visa requirements and work permit

iii)  Study the French Job market

iv)  Customize your CV and cover letter according to the French Market

v)  Activate your connections and professional network

vi)  Consider applying to French companies or enterprises with international branches

vii)  Make maximum use of the job websites and portals

viii)  Flexibility and being open to diverse job opportunities will get you a job sooner. You may also consider starting at the entry-level

ix)  Practice facing job interviews in French

France Study Abroad Consultant

International students, particularly non-EU or EEA nationals may seek help from a French study abroad consultant to avail personalized and in-depth guidance. Although not a mandatory procedure, consultants keep you well-prepared as they provide all the knowledge and information needed to apply for a study abroad in France. 

Preparing for your study abroad in France may seem straightforward. However, it takes more than the programme knowledge or about the university. An International student, especially non-EU nationals have varied procedures and involve a long process. From finding the right institution to preparing your documents to ensuring you have fixed a place to stay for the initial weeks, are all crucial steps one must carefully proceed with. Studying in a foreign country may even appear challenging as you are entering a different culture, exposed to different people, and have different laws and regulations. Thus, it is ideal that students seek comprehensive help from consultants from start to finish to ensure a smooth journey to their academic aspirations. 

Studying business in France is a worthy investment. Students, upon completion of their studies, can look for jobs at the global level, as most of the French qualifications are recognized globally.  Your MBA degree or DBA from a reputed institution in France can lead to a vast network of career opportunities with lucrative salary packages. 

Your decision to study abroad in Frace can never go wrong. The country's business-friendly culture and robust economy will make you an ideal business professional. The exposure not only helps you build professional competencies but also helps you connect with potential employers or internship opportunities across diverse fields.  Students will gain exposure to varied business cultures and markets essential for improving global business skills and acumen. Your study abroad in France is an absolute lifetime experience that will shape your professional as well as personal growth at great lengths.