What is the Difference Between MBA, MIM and MSc in France for International Students?

Difference between MBA, MIM and MSc in France: France, a global leader in education, offers a diverse landscape of postgraduate degrees. When it comes to business and management studies, you will encounter three prominent options: MBA, MiM, and MSc. 

There are a variety of business and management-related degrees available in France and each has its own characteristics. But what are the key differences, and which one is right for you? Read this article to learn about the basic differences between an MBA, MIM and an MSc in France for international students. 

Also Read: A Student Guide to Study in France

Benefits of Studying in France

Below are a few points on the benefits of studying in France for international students. . 

• Streamlined Visa Process: France is known for a relatively smooth visa application process for students compared to some other European countries. The French government actively encourages international students, making obtaining a study visa efficient. Students can also avail of a 2-year post-study job-search visa in France.

• Globally Recognised Reputation: French universities boast a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. A degree from a French institution carries significant weight in the international job market, opening doors to exciting career opportunities.

• Diverse Range of Top-Ranked Colleges: France offers a remarkably diverse range of universities and institutions, from renowned public universities like the Sorbonne to prestigious private schools specialising in business or engineering. 

• Affordability: Compared to some popular study-abroad destinations, France offers a more affordable option. Public universities have relatively low tuition fees, and there's a network of scholarships and financial aid programs available for international students.

• Thriving International Student Life: France is a vibrant and multicultural nation. Universities often have dedicated support systems for international students, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. You'll have ample opportunity to connect with fellow international students, experience French culture firsthand, and create lifelong memories.

MBA in France

A Master’s in Business Administration in France can be the best choice for international students looking to get settled in a business field. MBA in France is a flagship business program with more recognition than the MIM and MSc degrees. The MBA colleges and universities in France are ranked high, globally and provide quality education to its students at relatively lesser tuition fees. Some of the features of an MBA in France are given below. 

• 1-2 year master’s course
• A minimum of 3-4 years of experience is required to be eligible for an MBA in France. 
• A wide range of specialisations to choose from. The most popular MBA specialisations in France include General MBA, MBA in International Business, MBA in Finance, MBA in Human Resources, and MBA in Business Analytics.
• There are two types of MBA programs in France to choose from, one is the regular MBA program and the other is the Executive MBA program. The regular MBA can be taught either in full-time or part-time settings through direct interaction with a dedicated faculty. However, the executive MBA programs are mostly taught online by faculties or through recorded lectures and are mostly suitable for working professionals. 
• France hosts a strong part-time jobs market for international students which makes it easier for students to gain invaluable experience and solve real-life business problems while at their course. 
• Opportunities to get paid internships while studying.
• The cost of studying for an MBA in France is more than that of an MSc and a MIM degree. 
• It is available for either full-time or part-time mode of study and based on these, it can stretch from 1 to 2 years. 
• The first-year tuition fee for an MBA in French universities may range from ₹5 to 88 L. 
• Experience Required: a minimum of 3 years of experience is required to do an MBA in France. 
• Tests required for assessing the quantitative and analytical skills: GMAT or GRE with a minimum score of 650 on the GMAT and 320 on the GRE. 
• English Tests Required: For students whose first language is not English, proving their fluency in the English language is a must. Students can do so either by presenting their bachelor’s degree whose medium of instruction was English (check the proper guidelines for the same at your desired university) or by taking a standardised English test like IELTS or TOEFL accepted at your dream university in France. In these tests, the minimum qualifying score for admission to a good business university in France is 6.5.
• The average salary after completing an MBA in France may range from €50,000 and €90,000, yearly. 

Below is the list of top MBA universities and colleges in France and their QS World University rankings.

Must Read:

• Top 10 MBA Colleges in France
• 10 Most Affordable MBA Colleges in France
• MBA in France without GMAT

MIM in France 

A Master’s in Management (MIM) in France is a broader degree that consists of a major of business principles. The most valued business skills are taught in this program. Unlike the MBA degree which has a practical approach to imparting crucial business principles, the MIM degree has a theoretical approach. Some of the main characteristics of a MIM program are:

• 2 years master’s course (can be of 3 years in rare instances)
• There are many specialisations of the MIM degree in France. However, the most popular specialisations include General MIM, MIM in Information Systems, MIM in Supply Chain Management and MIM in Hospitality and Finance. 
• The first year of the MIM degree includes the study of general business topics while the specialisation studies start from the second year. 
• Experience Required: 0 to less than 3 years of experience is required to get admitted to a MIM course in France. 
• Since no experience is required as a qualification to get admitted to this course, the course is completely taught in class, and on campus for a period of 2-3 years. 
• The cost of pursuing a MIM degree in France is less than that of an MBA degree but may be more than the MSc degree. 
• The first-year tuition fee of the MIM program in France ranges from INR 6 to 44 lakhs.
• Tests required for assessing the quantitative and analytical skills: GMAT with a minimum score of 650 or GRE with a minimum score of 300 marks. 
• English Tests Required: Proficiency in English is required and the criteria are the same as for the MBA program. 
• The average salary after completing a MIM in France may range from €40,000 and €75,000, yearly. For jobs purposes, big firms are more likely to hire MIM graduates.

Below is the list of top MIM colleges in France and their QS World University Rankings.

Benefit of MiM over other Business Master’s degrees in France: Dual Degree 

Some French business schools offer a Master in Management (MiM) program as a dual degree, often combined with another master's program like engineering or data science. This allows you to gain a strong foundation in business while acquiring expertise in another complementary field, making you a highly attractive candidate for employers seeking well-rounded professionals.

Check: MIM Universities in France Under 10 Lakhs 2025

MSc in France

Suitable for students interested in making a career in the science, technology and management courses-related fields, an MSc in France is focused on theoretical principles and extensive research in the chosen field. Some characteristics of an MSc degree in France are given below.

• 1-3 year-long full-time on-campus degree.
• It is suited for both - experienced professionals and freshers. 
• The popular specialisations of an MSc degree in France include MSc in 
• The cost of getting an MSc degree in France is less than getting an MBA or a MIM degree. 
• Prior understanding of the chosen specialisation is required for admission. 
• The first-year tuition fee of an MSc in top French colleges ranges from ₹1.5L to 25L. 
• Experience Required: 0 to less than 3 years of experience is required to get admitted to a MIM course in France. 
• Tests required for assessing the quantitative and analytical skills: GMAT or GRE with a minimum score of 650. 
• English Tests Required: Above 6.5 overall score in IELTS or TOEFL. At the same time, some universities may also ask for a minimum of 7.0 scores. 
• The average salary after completing an MSc in France may range from €30,000 and €65,000, yearly. For jobs purposes, big firms are more likely to hire MIM graduates.

Below is the list of top MSc colleges in France and their QS World University Rankings.

Main Differences between MBA, MIM and MSc in France 

Below are the differences between the French Business Degrees: MBA vs. MiM vs. MSc.

Check: Best Part Time Jobs in France for International Students

This was all about the differences between an MBA, MIM and MSc in France for international students. If you have any doubts, feel free to drop your queries in the comments below.