Studying Business and Arts in Paris

Excellence in Business and Arts Education in the Heart of Paris

Paris stands as a global hub for business and arts education, offering world-class programs through prestigious institutions in the Galileo Global Education network. The city's rich cultural heritage, combined with cutting-edge business education, creates an unparalleled learning environment where future leaders in both arts and business emerge ready for global success.

Why Paris leads in global arts and business education?

Paris delivers exceptional educational value through its renowned institutions. The city's 130+ museums serve as living laboratories where students blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

The French capital's unique position as Europe's largest business district creates direct pathways to leading corporations like LVMH and Publicis Group. Students benefit from cross-disciplinary learning opportunities between renowned art academies and business schools, fostering innovation through programs in cultural management and luxury brand development.

International students find particular value in Paris's multicultural academic environment, with specialized programs taught entirely in English. The city's art market, valued at over €4 billion annually, provides real-world experience through partnerships with galleries, auction houses, and cultural institutions.

Top international schools shaping creative leaders

IESA Arts & Culture

Established in 1985, IESA distinguishes itself through its hands-on approach to arts education. Students gain practical knowledge through direct engagement with renowned galleries and cultural venues across Paris, from the Musée d'Orsay to contemporary art spaces.

The school's dedicated admissions team guides candidates through personalized application processes, ensuring each student finds their ideal program match. Whether pursuing an MSc in arts or exploring cultural management, learners benefit from small class sizes and mentorship from active industry professionals.

Beyond traditional coursework, IESA emphasizes professional experience through mandatory internships and project-based learning. Students can choose between French language immersion or English-taught programs, preparing them for diverse roles in global cultural institutions.

Paris School of Business 

Paris School of Business serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurial thinking, connecting students with leading tech startups in Paris. The school's unique approach combines real-world projects with advanced digital training, preparing graduates for tomorrow's business challenges.

Students benefit from PSB's state-of-the-art facilities, including a digital transformation lab and virtual reality classrooms. The school's partnership with the Innovation Factory creates opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, while specialized tracks in artificial intelligence and sustainable business foster forward-thinking leadership skills.

Recent graduates have launched successful ventures in fintech and sustainable commerce, demonstrating the effectiveness of PSB's focus on practical innovation. The school's Business Accelerator Program provides mentorship and seed funding for promising student startups, reinforcing its commitment to entrepreneurial excellence.

ESG Luxe: the school of luxury management and marketing

ESG Luxe is a luxury business and marketing school based in Paris. It trains post-baccalaureate to baccalaureate+5 students to meet the expectations of the luxury management and marketing professions.

Atelier Chardon Savard: fashion and styling school

Founded in 1988, Atelier Chardon Savard is a fashion and styling school that serves as a vibrant laboratory of teaching and creativity. The school offers programs that prepare students for various careers in the fashion industry, including accessory design, fashion design, costume design, and textile design.

LISAA: leading school of applied arts

With over 5,000 students across Paris and six major French cities, LISAA is the largest applied arts school in France. It offers courses in fashion, graphic design, interior architecture, animation, and gaming. LISAA's programs are designed to provide students with the skills necessary for professional integration in various sectors of the applied arts.

Cours Florent: school of theater, cinema, and music

Cours Florent offers professional training in theater, cinema, music, and musical comedy. The Paris campus provides a variety of artistic training programs, including a curriculum entirely dedicated to cinema, accessible in the second year, and professional training in musical comedy. The school also offers the possibility of following a complete curriculum in English or German. 

ESGCI: international business and marketing school

For over 30 years, ESGCI has been training future managers and entrepreneurs in the fields of luxury marketing, international relations, tourism, commerce and communication. The school offers various specializations post-baccalaureate over 3 to 5 years and awards state-recognized diplomas and titles registered with the RNCP.

Digital Campus: the leading digital school

Digital Campus offers web training programs, from post-baccalaureate to professional training, in both initial and work-study formats. The school provides bachelor's and master's degrees certified at levels 6 and 7, recognized by the state. Digital Campus is present in several campuses across France, offering students the opportunity to study in various cities.

Prestigious degree programs and opportunities

Bachelor's programs in Business and Arts

Leading institutions across Paris offer comprehensive bachelor's degrees that combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. These three-year programs feature specialized tracks in marketing, finance, and creative management, with many courses delivered in English.

Dual-degree opportunities enable undergraduates to earn qualifications from both French and international partner institutions. Popular specializations include luxury brand management, digital arts, and sustainable business practices, reflecting Paris's position as a global leader in these sectors.

Each program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships at prestigious companies and cultural organizations throughout the capital.

Master's level specialized courses

Paris's renowned institutions of higher education offer cutting-edge master's programs combining rigorous academic training with real-world application. Students can pursue specialized tracks in digital art curation, sustainable luxury management, or cultural entrepreneurship, with programs ranging from 12 to 24 months.

The city's unique position enables direct collaboration with leading museums and corporations. For example, master's students in arts management regularly participate in major events like FIAC art fair and Paris Fashion Week, gaining valuable industry connections.

Master's programs feature expert faculty from diverse professional backgrounds, bringing current market insights into the classroom. Many courses incorporate project-based assessments where students develop solutions for actual business challenges faced by Parisian cultural enterprises.

MBA programs with creative focus

Parisian business schools have pioneered innovative MBA specializations blending business acumen with creative leadership. The Paris School of Business MBA features a dedicated creative track focusing on design thinking and artistic entrepreneurship. Students engage in cross-disciplinary projects with art galleries and creative agencies, developing versatile skills for tomorrow's creative economy. Recent graduates have launched successful ventures spanning digital art platforms and sustainable fashion brands.

International student experience in Paris

Campus life and cultural integration

The vibrant student community in Paris creates unique opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. Students participate in weekly cultural salons where they share traditions from their home countries through art, music, and cuisine. These gatherings foster meaningful connections and deeper cultural understanding.

The Cultural Ambassador Program pairs local French students with international peers, creating natural opportunities for language practice and cultural immersion. Regular visits to exhibitions, theaters, and historical landmarks complement classroom learning with real-world cultural experiences.

Student organizations play a vital role in campus integration, organizing everything from art exhibitions to international food festivals. Many schools offer dedicated spaces where students can showcase their artistic talents or organize cultural events, strengthening the bonds between diverse student groups.

Professional networking opportunities

Paris's dynamic business ecosystem provides exceptional networking platforms for aspiring professionals. The city hosts monthly Industry Connect Forums where students meet executives from leading companies like LVMH and Publicis Group, creating valuable connections for future careers.

Alumni mentorship programs pair current students with successful graduates working in major Parisian corporations and creative agencies. These relationships often lead to internship placements and job offers, particularly in the luxury and digital sectors.

Beyond formal events, students benefit from Paris's status as Europe's creative capital through exclusive access to trade shows, fashion weeks, and art fairs. The Business Arts Network organizes quarterly mixers where emerging talents showcase their work to potential employers and investors, fostering meaningful professional relationships that extend well beyond graduation.

Admission requirements and application process

Academic prerequisites

Prospective students must hold a high school diploma for undergraduate programs. For business tracks, strong mathematics and economics grades are recommended, while arts programs place a high value on creative portfolios and previous artistic achievements.

Graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Dual degree programs demand a solid academic background combined with demonstrated creative ability, especially for interdisciplinary tracks like Luxury Brand Management at ESG Luxe or Art and Cultural Management at IESA.

Language proficiency standards

For English-taught programs, candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency via IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.0) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 90). For French-taught courses, a B2 level proven by DELF or TCF is generally required.

Many institutions, including Cours Florent and Atelier Chardon Savard, offer preparatory language courses before the start of the academic year to help students meet these requirements.

Portfolio Guidelines

For arts programs such as those at LISAA, Atelier Chardon Savard, or IESA, applicants should submit 10–15 works showcasing versatility across various mediums, whether it’s fashion sketches, graphic design projects, or animation reels.

For business-oriented creative degrees at PSB, Digital Campus, or ESG Luxe, applicants are encouraged to submit evidence of leadership, entrepreneurial projects, or digital portfolios highlighting previous achievements and relevant experiences.

A well-organized portfolio or professional dossier is crucial for standing out in the admissions process.

Career pathways and industry connections

Graduates of Galileo Global Education schools benefit from strong industry partnerships with companies like LVMH, Dior, Ubisoft, Publicis, and cultural institutions such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and the Louvre.

Thanks to robust career services, networking events, and mandatory internships, over 85% of graduates secure positions within six months. Whether entering luxury management, digital entrepreneurship, art curation, or media production, alumni are equipped to lead in the global creative economy.

Events like the Creative Industry Forum and Fashion Weeks offer exclusive access to employers and influencers in the industry. Schools such as ESGCI, PSB, and LISAA integrate project-based collaborations with real companies, giving students a competitive edge.

Financial planning and scholarship options

Studying in Paris remains an investment in the future. Scholarships are widely available:

• Merit-based scholarships from LISAA, IESA, and ESG Luxe, offering €1,000–€3,000 annually.
   
• Need-based grants supported by French governmental programs can cover up to 50% of tuition.
   
• Corporate-sponsored scholarships, especially in tech and luxury sectors, are accessible via partnerships.

Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) under French regulations, and many institutions, including Digital Campus and PSB, offer flexible study/work arrangements. International student loans with favorable terms and deferred payment options are also accessible.