Undergraduate Business School
An undergraduate business school is a higher education institution accessible directly after obtaining the Baccalauréat (French high school diploma). It offers specialised programs in management, marketing, finance, international business, and entrepreneurship. Unlike schools accessible after a classe préparatoire (preparatory class), the undergraduate business school allows students to enter a career-focused curriculum, often with an international outlook, from their first year. The most common pathways include the Bachelor (a three-year program), the BBA (four years), as well as the Master in Management (Grande Ecole Programme) which grants a master’s degree after five years of study.
Admission for french students is carried out via Parcoursup (the national platform for French higher education applications), through common entrance exams (such as the Sésame or Accès competitions), or based on application review and interview, depending on the institution. International students join undergraduate business schools by direct admission. The choice of a school depends on several criteria: degree recognition, accreditations, academic reputation, international exposure, and professional opportunities. Institutions like emlyon business school are among the most prestigious business schools.
Why Join an Undergraduate Business School After High School?
Joining an undergraduate business school after high school offers students several advantages. They acquire career-focused training, develop skills sought after in the job market, and gain access to professional opportunities both locally and internationally. The professional focus of business school programs allows students to learn specific job skills and then put them into practice during corporate internships. These internships are also an excellent way to apply their knowledge and develop their professional network. Internships are complemented by professional guest speakers and practical case studies to expose students to the reality of the business world as quickly as possible.
The skills offered by business schools cover marketing, finance, management, accounting, new technologies, etc. The objective is to provide students with a multidisciplinary education so that they are versatile and adaptable to various business situations around the world. Undergraduate business schools particularly emphasise what are known as soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. Indeed, these skills are essential for integrating into the job market effectively, regardless of the career path the student is pursuing.
Another advantage offered by undergraduate business schools is personal development and networking. This personal development is fostered through the organisation of events among students and with professionals. The business school environment and the numerous student associations contribute to the personal growth of each student. Networking—the development of a professional network—is a major asset when students first look for a job after completing their program. Their career progression will also be facilitated by networking.
Joining an undergraduate business school after high school also allows students to access a greater number of diverse career opportunities. The degrees offered by these schools indeed open the door to various jobs in multiple sectors of activity. Students can specialise in marketing, finance, business, consulting, communication, etc. There is no shortage of opportunities for recent graduates of business schools in France. In addition to getting a good start to their careers, students can also expect promising career advancement prospects later on. For example, joining an undergraduate business school allows for access to management and executive positions during one's career.
Finally, internationalisation is a significant benefit of business schools in France. Compared to other higher education institutions, business schools offer their students internationally-focused training, whether through English-speaking instruction or stays abroad at international campuses. Students thus develop language skills while gaining intercultural experience.
Criteria for Choosing an Undergraduate Business School
So, you want to join an undergraduate business school, but you don't know which one to choose? You should know that several criteria come into play when selecting a business school. Firstly, the campus location is one of the key choice factors. It is indeed recommended to choose an institution located in an attractive and dynamic city to benefit from a pleasant and enriching student life. Public transport and facilities available to students should also be taken into account when choosing the city.
Student life is a significant aspect for all young people leaving high school. In addition to the location, you should also inquire about schools that host various student associations. Contacting former students of these schools can also give you a good idea.
Another important criterion to consider is the schools' recognition. Some are state-recognised, while others have obtained labels from professional organisations, for instance. This recognition or label guarantees the quality of the education offered. Furthermore, it may also be worthwhile to check the school's ranking at the regional and national levels. Next come the tuition fees, which allow you to filter undergraduate business schools based on your budget.
Learning methods can also vary from one school to another. While some focus on theoretical courses, others prefer to offer a learning approach that promotes technical skills and professional experience. To find out, you can inquire about potential corporate internships and study abroad opportunities offered to students.
What are the Best Undergraduate Business Schools?
In 2025, the best undergraduate business school stands out for its academic excellence, employability, and pedagogical innovation. In the ranking of undergraduate business schools, emlyon business school establishes itself as an essential reference. Its undergraduate business program combines academic rigour, international outlook, and strong connections with businesses.
Recognised in the top 4 business and management schools, emlyon business school distinguishes itself through its entrepreneurial spirit, personalised guidance, and double degree opportunities. Students benefit from experiential learning, internships from the first years, and an influential alumni network.
For candidates seeking the best undergraduate business school in 2025, emlyon business school offers a unique balance of excellence, innovation, and sustainable professional integration.
How to Choose Your Business School?
Choosing your business school is a strategic decision that heavily influences your professional future. To make the right choice, start by analysing the essential selection criteria: accreditations (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), degree recognition, and rankings. Then, study the pedagogical approach: favour a school that promotes hands-on learning, real-world projects, and personalised guidance.
International partnerships are also decisive. A business school offering double degrees, university exchanges, and internships abroad guarantees a truly international immersion, which is highly sought after by recruiters.
Also consider career integration: employability rate, alumni network, and corporate relations. Finally, evaluate the campus environment, student life, and the specialisation of the programs (finance, marketing, entrepreneurship).
How to Apply to an Undergraduate Business School?
To join a business school after high school, admission procedures vary depending on the institutions and the programs offered (Bachelor, BBA, PGE track). Not all schools apply the same selection criteria or registration procedures.
Admission via Parcoursup
Many undergraduate business schools in France are accessible via Parcoursup. Prospective students can submit their application wishes during their final year of high school. Selection is primarily based on the academic record, grades, teacher evaluations, and sometimes the personal statement (letter of motivation).
Entrance Exams and Admission Tests
After an initial screening, some schools organise entrance exams or admission tests to distinguish between candidates. These tests may include:
- Written tests (logic, mathematics, general knowledge, languages),
- An oral motivation interview, aimed at assessing the student's professional project.
Results and Selection Level
Admission results are communicated a few days or weeks after the tests. It is important to note that selection for business schools is demanding: demand is high, and the number of places is limited. A strong academic record and an application consistent with the intended program significantly increase the chances of admission.
Career Opportunities After an Undergraduate Business School
What can you do after completing a 4-year program delivered by a business school? The good news is that recent graduates are unlikely to run out of opportunities. Not only is professional integration quick with business schools, but the career paths are also varied. Students who want to embark on a professional career instead of continuing their studies can access a wide range of professions. They can specialise in sales, marketing, management, finance, human resources, and other rewarding fields.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of careers accessible after finishing business school:
- Financial Analyst;
- Export Manager;
- Marketing Assistant;
- Product Manager;
- Sales Representative;
- International Marketing Manager;
- Business Analyst;
- Communications Officer;
- Digital Marketing Manager;
- Business Developer;
- Human Resources Manager.
Joining the Global BBA After High School
The Global BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) is a Bachelor in Management that can be accessed directly after the Baccalauréat. This degree, which confers the Licence grade (equivalent to a Bachelor's degree), trains students in international management. It is accessible to all high school graduates, regardless of their selected specialisation. The program, which is taught in English or French, prepares students for the challenges of global business. Specifically, this means the school organises international stays at its campuses located abroad.
Exchanges with partner universities also help develop students' international experience. The 4 years of the curriculum transform high school graduates into true experts in international management. By the end of the program, students are ready to address the challenges that make up the digital world today. It should also be noted that the Global BBA has been ranked 3rd among 4-year Bachelor's programs offered in France.
Key points for Joining an Undergraduate Business School
An undergraduate business school is accessible directly after the Baccalauréat and offers programs in management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. The main curricula include the Bachelor (3 years), the BBA (4 years), and the Master in Management (5 years).
Key Advantages
- Career-focused training: Corporate internships, soft skills, practical case studies
- In-demand skills: Marketing, finance, management, leadership, communication
- International exposure: English-speaking instruction, campuses abroad, double degrees
- Varied career opportunities: Financial analyst, product manager, business developer, marketing manager
How to Apply to a Business School?
Admission is via Parcoursup, common entrance exams (Sésame, Accès), or direct application. Selection assesses grades, professional project, and motivation.
Essential Selection Criteria
- Accreditations (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA)
- Degree recognition and ranking
- Location and student life
- Employability rate and alumni network
- International partnerships
- emlyon business school is among the best undergraduate business schools in France, recognised for its academic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit.
Frequently asked questions about undergraduate business schools
Undergraduate business programs typically lead to a Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and are designed to build foundational knowledge in how organizations operate. Most programs share a core curriculum covering accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management, statistics, and business law, ensuring students gain broad business literacy.
Students then choose from a range of business majors or concentrations based on career goals. Common options include Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Management, Entrepreneurship, International Business, Supply Chain Management, and Information Systems. Some universities also offer specialized programs such as Business Analytics, Real Estate, Sports Management, or Sustainability Management.
Undergraduate business programs often emphasize practical skills, including data analysis, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Many include internships, case studies, capstone projects, or experiential learning to connect theory with real-world practice.
Graduates of undergraduate business programs are prepared for entry-level roles across industries or for further study in graduate business programs such as Master degree, MSc or MBA.
Applying to undergraduate business schools typically follows a clear, step-by-step admissions process. Start by researching programs to find schools that match your academic interests, career goals, and eligibility requirements. Many business schools such as emlyon business school admit international students directly, while others require a general university admission first.
Next, review application requirements carefully. Most undergraduate business applications include an online application (often through the Common App or a university portal), high school transcripts, standardized test scores, a personal statement or essays, and one or more recommendation letters. Some schools may also request a résumé, extracurricular list, or interview.
Then, prepare and submit your application before the stated deadline. Pay close attention to early action, early decision, and regular decision timelines. Make sure essays clearly explain your interest in business, leadership experiences, and career aspirations.
Finally, track your application status and respond promptly to any additional requests. After admission, compare offers, review financial aid packages, and confirm enrollment by the deadline. Planning early and meeting all admissions requirements increases your chances of acceptance.
The average starting salary for graduates is the typical pay earned in a graduate’s first full-time job after completing a degree. It is usually reported as a median or mean salary and varies widely by country, subject, and employment sector.
Typical average starting salaries by country are:
- United States: ~$50,000–$65,000 per year
- United Kingdom: ~£24,000–£30,000 per year
- Canada: ~CAD $45,000–$60,000 per year
- France: ~€28,000–€35,000 per year
- Germany (Deutschland): ~€42,000–€55,000 per year
- Luxembourg: ~€50,000–€65,000 per year
- Australia: ~AUD $55,000–$70,000 per year
Salaries and outcomes depend strongly on field of study. Engineering, IT, data science, healthcare, and finance graduates typically earn above the average starting level, while arts and humanities graduates often start lower. Location, employer size, internships, and skills also influence outcomes. You can check universities and business schools average review for more informations.
Yes , emlyon is widely recognised among Europe’s and France’s leading business schools.
About emlyon’s position:
- emlyon frequently appears in major business school league tables and is ranked among Europe’s top institutions overall, placing around top 10–11 in the Financial Times European Business Schools ranking. This shows strong reputation and quality across business education overall. emlyon business school+1
- In France, it is regularly listed among the top 4 business schools