Top 10 Business Schools to Study Masters in Finance in France: Best Options for International Students

France is packed with some of the world’s top business schools for a Masters in Finance. Many of these programs are known for solid teaching, impressive graduate salaries, and alumni who’ve made their mark globally. Schools like HEC Paris, SKEMA Business School, and ESCP Business School are regulars at the top of international rankings, drawing students from all over.

Graduates from these schools tend to do really well, landing jobs at big banks, investment firms, and major companies. The focus is practical skills, plenty of internships, and faculty who actually know the industry. If you’re thinking about a finance degree, these French institutions are definitely worth a look for their reputation and strong results.

Best Business Schools for a Masters in Finance in France

France really stands out in Europe for finance studies, with business schools that keep close industry ties and show up in business education rankings worldwide.

HEC Paris Masters in International Finance

HEC Paris is pretty much the gold standard for finance education in France, regularly topping European rankings for its Masters in International Finance. The curriculum is tough, and students benefit from partnerships with investment banks and financial institutions.

Most students have job offers lined up before they even finish. Starting salaries are strong often over €65,000 a year. Being near Paris, there’s easy access to the heart of finance in France. The alumni network is huge and helpful for landing international jobs. More on the program and its ranking at the Financial Times.

ESSEC Business School Finance Program

ESSEC Business School is a big name both in France and internationally, especially for its Masters in Finance. The focus here is hands-on: internships, case studies, and group projects are standard.

Its campus near Paris means students get good connections with companies in banking, consulting, and corporate finance. Many grads end up in competitive finance roles, with average salaries above €60,000. The alumni are everywhere in top finance jobs. ESSEC’s program is among the top business schools in France for finance.

EDHEC Business School MSc in Finance

EDHEC Business School’s MSc in Finance is well respected, especially for those eyeing international careers. There are electives in asset management, corporate finance, and financial markets.

EDHEC is reliably in Europe’s top 10 for finance degrees. Its grads get recruited by investment banks and consulting firms. Average starting salary? Around €58,000. Employers in France and abroad know EDHEC for its business teaching and finance research, and the school has a reputation for backing students’ careers.

ESCP Business School Masters in Finance

ESCP’s Masters in Finance is known for a strong academic base and a diverse student mix. The program is taught across several European campuses, so students get exposure to different markets and financial centers.

There’s a big focus on practical experience, with internships and company projects built in. Graduates typically start above €55,000. Recruiters like ESCP grads for their analytical skills and international perspective. The program’s ranking is consistently solid.

Emlyon business school Master of Science in Finance

Emlyon business school offers a specialized Master of Science in Finance covering corporate finance, financial engineering, and investment management. The mix of technical classes and real-world projects is a highlight.

Based in Lyon, the school connects students with firms across Europe. Grads often go into corporate banking, financial consulting, or risk management. Average salaries hover around €53,000. The program ranks well in France and gives students access to solid alumni support and coaching.

SKEMA Business School MSc Financial Markets and Investments

SKEMA’s MSc Financial Markets and Investments is for those interested in capital markets, trading, and risk analysis. Students get real experience with Bloomberg terminals and other finance tech.

SKEMA grads find jobs in financial centers like Paris, London, and Hong Kong. The program draws students from all over, thanks to its international focus. Alumni salaries are close to €50,000, with many working in investment banking and asset management. SKEMA’s reputation in finance is on the rise.

Grenoble Ecole de Management MSc Finance

Grenoble Ecole de Management is known for business research and innovation. Its MSc Finance blends core finance courses with electives in fintech, risk management, and portfolio analysis.

Strong ties with multinational companies help with internships and job placements. Grads are valued for technical and quantitative skills. Starting salaries are about €48,000. The whole program’s in English, so it attracts students aiming for finance careers across Europe.

Audencia Business School Masters in Finance

Audencia, in Nantes, offers a Masters in Finance that puts the spotlight on responsible finance, business ethics, and sustainability.

The school has partnerships with international companies, and most grads head into financial analysis or corporate banking. The average salary is about €46,000, and placement rates are high. Audencia stands out for mixing finance skills with ethics and preparing students for new trends in the industry.

NEOMA Business School MSc Finance

NEOMA’s MSc Finance builds technical know-how in corporate finance, markets, and management. There are specialized tracks and electives to fit student career goals.

NEOMA’s corporate network helps students land internships with big firms. Most grads start their careers across Europe, with salaries around €45,000. The alumni network is tight, and the program is practical.

Toulouse Business School Masters in Finance

Toulouse Business School offers a Masters in Finance that puts an emphasis on international experience and digital finance. The curriculum includes exchange programs and projects with global financial companies.

Most grads go into banking, audit, or risk management. First-year salaries average €44,000. The program is accredited and taught in English, which is a plus for students planning to work internationally.

How to Choose the Right Business School for Your Finance Career

Picking a business school in France for a Master’s in Finance? It’s not just about the name. You’ll want to compare programs based on accreditation, structure, international connections, job prospects, and salary outcomes for grads.

Accreditation and Rankings

Look for schools with international accreditations like AACSB, AMBA, or EQUIS. These show the school meets global standards. HEC Paris, ESSEC, and EDHEC have all three, which makes their degrees more valuable worldwide.

Rankings play a role too. In 2025, schools like HEC Paris, ESSEC and SKEMA are near the top on both the QS and Financial Times lists for Masters in Finance. Rankings look at curriculum, faculty, and what students do after graduation including average salary.

Program Structure and Specializations

Check how each finance program is set up. Some schools offer lots of electives - think corporate finance, quantitative finance, fintech, or investment banking so you can focus on what fits your goals.

Also look at program length and teaching style. Some last a year, others closer to two. Most French business schools use a mix of lectures, case studies, and real-world projects. For example, EDHEC is known for its focus on financial markets.

International Opportunities and Networking

International connections can boost your finance career. Many top French business schools have exchange deals with universities in the US, UK, or Asia, letting you study or intern in key financial centers.

Schools like HEC Paris and SKEMA offer international modules, double degrees, or placements in places like London or New York. Student clubs, finance conferences, and business competitions are great for building a global network - and might even lead to internships or full-time jobs at big international firms.

Alumni Outcomes and Industry Connections

Having a solid alumni network can really make a difference. Graduates from top French business schools often end up at big-name companies, banks, or consulting firms. HEC Paris, for instance, says its grads land roles at places like J.P. Morgan, BNP Paribas, and Deloitte - not to mention, the school boasts impressive salary growth after graduation.

Some schools share average salaries for recent grads. According to campusfrance.org, French schools such as HEC Paris and ESSEC are ranked among the world’s top ten for alumni salary three years out. It’s smart to look for schools that actually help you connect with employers and offer solid support for internships and job hunting.

Need Help Choosing the Right Business School in France?

If you're planning to pursue a Masters in Finance in France and aren’t sure where to start from choosing the right business school to preparing your SOPs, LORs, and financial documents - Edumox is here to help. We offer personalized support for international students throughout the entire admissions process, including university selection, application guidance, and visa preparation.

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