4 Reasons to Study a Master’s in Finance in France

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When you think of famous financial districts, Wall Street, or perhaps the City of London, are likely to be the first to spring to mind. But with the plight of Brexit unlikely to end any time soon, France is expected to leapfrog the UK and become Europe’s second largest economy, according to a report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) in the Evening Standard.

France’s flourishing financial hub also makes for a promising future for the country, meaning students around the world are now looking to France as a destination to study a master’s in finance. We’ve listed below four more reasons why you should consider studying in France when it comes to pursuing a master’s in finance.

It’s renowned for its prestigious higher education system

Home to some of the world’s most remarkable universities and outstanding business schools, it’s no wonder France is the fourth most popular study destination in the world.

French business schools in particular are held in high regard, as are their world-class degree programs. Ranked fourth in France is the MSc in Finance at emlyon business school, according to the QS World University Rankings: Masters in Finance Rankings 2021.

In this 18-month full-time MSc program, students learn how to succeed in the world of international finance as they study specializations such as investment banking and corporate finance, strategic analysis, as well as financial communication with investor relations.

It’s home to some of the best student cities in the world

Studying abroad opens up many doors, both academically and culturally. From croissants and champagne, to picture-perfect landscapes and sophisticatedly urban architecture, France boasts four top 100 student cities in the world according to the latest QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2018 with Paris and Lyon ranking comfortably in the global top 50, and Toulouse and Montpellier not far behind.

Those who wish to study in the capital can expect an experience that’s rich in culture, history and sophistication. Paris’ famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe that dominate the city’s skyline makes it one of the most visited cities in the world.

While Paris is the city of love, Lyon takes the crown for world-renowned cuisine. Its desirable location near the Swiss and Italian borders, as well as the French Alps, make it a sure-fire hit with students from all across the globe. It’s also a much more affordable option for students, which is reflected in its current ranking of 21^st in the world for affordability in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2018.

This is good news if you’re planning to study the MSc in Finance at emlyon business school. As mentioned above, you’ll have the choice to split your studies between Lyon and Paris (depending on which specialization you choose) and get the best of both worlds – so you won’t have to make the (almost) impossible choice deciding which city to live and study in.

Speaking of affordability, as the French government continues to make generous investments in improving the quality of the country’s higher education systems, this in turn offers very attractive tuition fees to students from all over the world. This means tuition fees for both national and international students in France exactly the same.

The country’s visa system is also far more accessible. Regulations for visas will depend on your citizenship, however, if you’re from the EU or EEA (including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Lichtenstein) then you won’t need to apply for a student visa. Only students outside the EU or EEA will have to obtain a student visa before travelling to France.

It’s a prime hub for exciting career opportunities

France’s location in the heart of Europe makes it a global hotspot for international business and finance, offering good job security and salary expectations. Paris is ranked seventh in the world for its graduate employability prospects in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2018.

You can become fluent in one of the world’s most beautiful languages   

You don’t necessarily have to be fluent in French to study here as many postgraduate programs are taught in English or French, such as the MSc in Finance at emlyon business school.

However, it’s only natural that you’ll pick up the language along the way as you immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. What’s more, is that becoming familiar with it may also improve your future career prospects as French serves a valuable purpose in the world of business and finance.