Turn your ideas into a business with Galileo Global Education
Studying in France isn’t just about earning a diploma, it’s an opportunity to develop an entrepreneurial mindset in one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems. As an international student at one of the prestigious schools within Galileo Global Education, including Paris School of Business (PSB), ESG, IESA arts&culture, LISAA, you have access to dedicated programs, startup incubators, and resources designed to help you turn your ideas into real businesses.
Whether you want to launch a design studio, a fashion brand, an art-related business, or a tech startup, Galileo’s schools offer tailored support combining academic excellence with entrepreneurial practice.
Entrepreneurship support across Galileo schools
| School | Entrepreneurship Programs & Support |
|---|---|
| Paris School of Business (PSB) | PSB Startup Incubator, coaching, mentoring, career services, and entrepreneurship modules integrated into programs. |
| ESG Group | Dedicated entrepreneurship tracks in business programs, ESG Lab Incubator, pitch competitions, and coaching. |
| IESA arts&culture | IESA Incub', a fully operational incubator for students to develop cultural and creative projects into businesses. |
| LISAA | Creative entrepreneurship workshops, support for design and digital media projects, mentorship from industry experts. |
How to start a business in France as an Iinternational student?
| Step | What You Need to Do | Galileo School Support |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Check Visa Eligibility | Verify if your student visa permits business creation or apply for the National Student-Entrepreneur Status (SNEE). | Schools assist with administrative guidance for visas and entrepreneur status. |
| 2. Develop Your Business Idea | Build a clear business model and value proposition. | Entrepreneurship workshops, mentorship, and business plan support. |
| 3. Choose a Legal Structure | Options include Auto-Entrepreneur, SAS, SARL, depending on your project’s size and scalability. | Incubators and legal advisors help select the best structure for your business. |
| 4. Register Your Business | Register via the Guichet Unique on the INPI portal (the official French platform for business creation). | Schools guide you step-by-step through the registration process. |
| 5. Open a Business Bank Account | Mandatory for any business operating in France. | Schools provide connections to partner banks familiar with international student needs. |
| 6. Understand Taxes & Social Charges | Register with URSSAF, handle VAT if required, and manage social contributions. | Schools offer workshops on legal and tax obligations. |
| 7. Apply for Funding | Seek grants, pitch at startup contests, or apply to student entrepreneur programs. | Access to school-hosted pitch events, investor networks, and incubator resources. |
| 8. Join an Incubator | Access mentorship, workspace, funding opportunities, and professional networking. | Many Galileo schools have in-house incubators like PSB Incubator and IESA Incub'. |
Useful links for entrepreneurs in France
- Guichet Unique for Business Registration: https://procedures.inpi.fr
- BPI France (Public Investment Bank): https://www.bpifrance.com
- La French Tech: https://lafrenchtech.com - Community and resources for startups in France.
- URSSAF: https://www.urssaf.fr - Social security and tax registration.
Leverage the Galileo Global Education Alumni Network
As an international student entrepreneur, you won’t be alone. The Galileo Global Education alumni network, with over 200,000 graduates worldwide, is a powerful resource to support your entrepreneurial journey. This global community includes successful entrepreneurs, founders, investors, creatives, and business leaders across diverse industries, from fashion and design to tech, culture, and management. By tapping into this network, you can access mentorship, industry insights, collaboration opportunities, and potential partnerships. Many Galileo schools organize regular alumni networking events, entrepreneurship workshops, and startup meetups, offering invaluable chances to connect with professionals who have already navigated the challenges of launching and growing a business in France and internationally. The alumni community is a key asset to help accelerate your project beyond the classroom.
Can international students launch a business in France?
Yes! As an international student, you can create a company if your student visa allows it. You can also apply for the National Student-Entrepreneur Status (SNEE), which simplifies the process and offers additional resources.
Do Galileo schools offer real support for entrepreneurs?
Absolutely. Galileo schools offer access to incubators, entrepreneurship programs, pitch competitions, mentorship, and legal support to help international students launch and grow their businesses.
Do I need to speak French to create a business?
Not necessarily. While French is required for some administrative steps, most procedures are accessible in English, especially with the support of your school. Many Galileo schools offer bilingual assistance for international students.
How can I finance my project?
France offers numerous financing options for entrepreneurs, including grants, public subsidies, student entrepreneur competitions, and venture capital. Galileo’s incubators connect students with investors, banks, and funding partners.