Grandes Écoles in France are elite higher education institutions known for their academic excellence, selective admissions, and strong career outcomes.
For international students, they offer a unique opportunity to study within one of the world’s most prestigious educational systems.
What is a Grande École
A Grande École is a top-tier higher education institution in France. These schools typically specialize in fields such as engineering, business, humanities, and political science, and are known for their academic rigor and strong connections with industry and government.
Due to their prestige, they are often compared to the Ivy League in the United States or Oxbridge in the United Kingdom.
The Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE) is the national association responsible for upholding quality standards and promoting the excellence of these institutions.
Admissions
Admission to a Grande École is highly competitive. French students usually prepare through 2 years of intensive post-secondary study called classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles (CPGE). These preparatory classes offer advanced coursework in subjects such as mathematics, literature, or science, depending on the student’s intended specialization.
For international applicants, many schools offer direct admission based on entrance exams, academic records, language proficiency, and motivation interviews.
Learn more about CPGE in our article: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/prep-schools-in-france/
Degrees
Grande École programs follow the LMD system (Licence, Master, Doctorate) and use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). This ensures that degrees are internationally recognized and compatible with global study and career opportunities.
Most programs lead to a Master’s degree, especially in disciplines such as business, engineering, and political science. Several schools also offer Bachelor’s programs, particularly designed for international students and taught entirely in English.
Read more about ECTS: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/european-credit-system-ects/
International recognition
Degrees from Grandes Écoles are highly prestigious and respected worldwide. Employers value the combination of rigorous academic training, real-world skills, and the leadership and analytical abilities that graduates develop.
Many Grandes Écoles maintain international accreditations (such as AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA for business schools), ensuring high global standards and recognition. They also participate in international partnerships, exchange programs, and double-degree opportunities.
Career opportunities
Graduating from a Grande École provides excellent career prospects. Each year, the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE) conducts a national survey to evaluate graduate employment outcomes.
According to the 2024 CGE survey, 85% of graduates secured their first job within 6 months of completing their studies.
Well-known Grandes Écoles in France
France is home to many Grandes Écoles that consistently rank among the best in the world. Some of the most well-known include:
- Engineering: École Polytechnique
- Business: HEC, IESEG
- Social Sciences: Sciences Po
- Humanities & Sciences: École Normale Supérieure (ENS)
Study at a Grande École with Go! Go! France
Interested in studying at a Grande École in France? Go! Go! France is here to help!
We are proud partners of IESEG School of Management, one of France’s top-ranked Grandes Écoles. IESEG holds top spots in national rankings. Globally, it ranks 8th worldwide for its Master in AI & Data Analytics for Business (QS World University Rankings).
With campuses in Lille and Paris, IESEG offers a Bachelor in International Business and a wide range of specialized Master’s programs in Management, Finance, Marketing, and more—all taught in English.
Discover IESEG’s programs: https://gogofrance.com/en/universities-in-france/ieseg-school-of-management-paris/
Contact us to learn more about applying to IESEG.
