Finance in France
France offers 8 Finance programmes across 4 universities: the University of Bordeaux, the University of Strasbourg, Université Paris-Saclay, and Sciences Po. This mix spans traditional research universities with strong economics faculties and Sciences Po — one of Europe's most prestigious social sciences and public affairs institutions, whose finance and economics programmes are globally recognised and highly competitive. Université Paris-Saclay is a leading research university and consistently ranks among the world's top institutions in quantitative sciences.
Tuition information was not available for the listed programmes; students should contact each university directly for current fees. French public universities typically charge low statutory fees for EU/EEA students, while Sciences Po and some master's programmes set higher institutional rates. France offers a dense ecosystem of finance employers — particularly in Paris, a top-three European financial centre — making it an attractive destination for Finance graduates seeking European careers.
M2 Banking Finance (BF)
The Master 2 Banking Finance (BF) program at Université Paris-Saclay provides specialized knowledge and practical skills for careers in the financial sector. This program aims to equip students with the fundamental academic knowledge and operational expertise required for roles in financial engineering, financial diagnostics, financing instruments, and banking management. The curriculum balances theoretical concepts with real-world applications, preparing graduates to be operational, adaptable, and possess a comprehensive understanding of financial organizations.
M2 Quantitative Finance
The Master's in Quantitative Finance at Université Paris-Saclay trains specialists in financial modeling, risk management, and derivatives valuation. It combines advanced theoretical courses with applied teaching and practical projects. The program emphasizes advanced numerical methods, alongside machine learning and deep learning applied to finance, equipping students with skills for careers in financial markets, asset management, or academic research. The first semester focuses on core topics in modeling, numerical methods, and machine learning. The second semester is dedicated to an internship in industry or a research lab, allowing students to apply their knowledge and prepare for roles as 'quants' or for pursuing a PhD.
Master 2 Mergers & Acquisitions
This Master's program specializes in corporate growth and restructuring operations, providing students with in-depth knowledge of company law, contract law, and taxation. The curriculum is designed to cover the legal, financial, and strategic aspects of high-level transactions. Students will develop expertise in M&A techniques and understand the roles of various actors involved in these operations. The program includes a mandatory internship to ensure practical application and prepare graduates for professional careers.
Master in Business Law - Banking and Financial Law Specialisation
This Master's program in Business Law, with a specialisation in Banking and Financial Law, is designed to provide both advanced research training and high-level professional preparation. The curriculum is continuously updated with scientific and technical innovations. Students can choose between a research-oriented track, involving in-depth study, seminars, methodological work, and culminating in a research thesis, or a professionally oriented track with coursework taught by academics and industry professionals, leading to a mandatory internship and report. The program aims to equip students with a solid general legal culture in business law. Graduates will be skilled in legal research methodologies, mastering documentary tools, and capable of constructing and analysing legal studies. They will also develop strong written and oral communication skills, with a command of legal terminology. Special provisions are available for students with specific profiles, such as those with disabilities, high-level athletes, or employed students, allowing for adjusted study plans and examinations.
Master in Economic and Social Administration – Legal Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management Track
This Master's program focuses on training students in auditing, combining technical auditing skills with legal expertise. The curriculum emphasizes the practical aspects of auditing and legal issues related to corporate law and professional risks for auditors. It aims to demonstrate how audit techniques and legal knowledge contribute to effective risk management. Case studies based on real-world scenarios provided by professional bodies will enhance the learning experience.
Master in Law and Insurance Practice (Droit et pratique de l'assurance)
This Master's program in Law and Insurance Practice aims to train highly skilled graduates for the insurance sector. It focuses on practical legal knowledge directly applicable to immediate employment. Graduates will be prepared for roles in insurance companies, agencies, brokerage firms, and as insurance managers within industrial and commercial businesses. The program is delivered through an 'alternance' (work-study) contract over two years. Students will be linked with an insurance company and split their time between university classes (one week per month) and practical training within their employing company. This blended approach combines in-depth theoretical study with hands-on experience.
Masters in English at the University of Bordeaux
The University of Bordeaux offers a diverse range of Master's programs taught entirely in English, providing international students with high-level academic opportunities and a multicultural learning experience. These programs span various disciplines including economics, management, business, health sciences, oenology, and advanced science and technology fields. Many programs are designed with international collaboration, offering double or triple degrees and compulsory mobility periods across different European and global institutions.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study Finance in France?
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Tuition varies by programme — check each listing directly. French public universities charge low statutory fees for EU/EEA students; Sciences Po and specialised master's programmes set their own rates, which can be higher.
Which universities offer Finance programmes in France?
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The 4 universities listed are the University of Bordeaux, the University of Strasbourg, Université Paris-Saclay, and Sciences Po — a mix of public research universities and a globally ranked social sciences institution.
Can international students apply to Finance programmes in France?
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Yes. All listed institutions admit international students. Non-EU applicants must obtain a French student visa (VLS-TS) before arrival, and must apply via the Campus France procedure in their country.
What are typical entry requirements for Finance in France?
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Undergraduate programmes require a baccalauréat or equivalent; master's programmes require a relevant bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a quantitative field. French or English proficiency is required depending on the programme's language of instruction.
How do I apply to study Finance in France?
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International applicants outside the EU must go through the Campus France process in their home country before applying directly to the university. EU students apply through Parcoursup (for undergraduate) or each university's master's admission portal.