Master In Management FAQ

FAQ

Getting to campus

Campus addresses

Sophia Antipolis campus
60 rue Dostoïevski, BP 085
06902 Sophia Antipolis Cedex
France

Lille campus
Avenue Willy Brandt
59777 Euralille
Lille, France

Paris La Défense campus
Pôle universitaire Léonard de Vinci
Esplanade Mona Lisa - Courbevoie
92916 Paris La Défense Cedex, France

Raleigh campus
920 Main Campus Drive
Venture II
Suite 101 Raleigh
NC 27606, USA

Suzhou campus
1, Ren'ai Road,
Dushu Lake Higher Education Town –
Suzhou, China

Belo Horizonte campus
SKEMA Business School
Aloysio Faria campus
Av. Princesa Diana, 760,
Alphaville, Lagoa dos Ingleses
34000-000 - Nova Lima/MG

Cape Town-Stellenbosch campus

Stellenbosch University, the RW Wilcocks Building,

Cnr Victoria and Ryneveld Street, 7602,

Stellenbosch, South Africa

How to get there

Get to the Lille campus

Get to the Paris campus

Get to the Lille campus

Get to the Brazil campus

Get to the USA campus

Academic programmes

Starting dates

Programmes begin in January or September.
The Grande Ecole programme, also called Master in Management has one intake in September.
The BBA programme has two intakes, one in September and one in January.
Some MSc and MS specialisations can have a spring/January intake, you need to check in the international brochure.
Download brochures here

What is the Two-Year MSc?

In the first year, students follow a one-year general international management programme that prepares students for the second year, the actual MSc, at SKEMA Business School.
This programme is open to students from France and abroad who have an initial three-year university degree.
This programme aims to:
→ Enable students with a three-year university degree to meet entrance requirements for an MSc at SKEMA
→ Bring non-business graduates up to speed with business fundamentals
→ Consolidate knowledge for business graduates
→ Give an integrated vision of the firm in its environment
→ Explore the international dimensions of business in a global knowledge economy
→ Give students necessary in-company work experience
→ Improve students’ English language level before taking on an MSc taught in English.

The first year of the Two-Year MSc is worth a total of 30 credits and is taught over one year. The programme consists of two semesters in class, or one semester in class plus a six-month in-company placement.

What is the difference between a master of science and the Grande Ecole programme (Master in Management)?

The Master in Management, Grande Ecole programme is a French diploma obtained after two or three years of studies (plus, possibly, a gap year between the Master 1 and Master 2 years). It is aimed at French students, but international students can also enter the Master in Management, Grande Ecole programme in Master 1, through SKEMA's own online application process or through the Join a School in France (JASIF) process. The Master in Management, Grande Ecole programme is entirely taught in English from Master 1 and has ranked 12th worldwide in the Financial Times (2019);
The master of science programmes are 19 different specialisations entirely taught in English over a one-year period and are aimed at those who have a four-year degree (although our MScs can be accessed as two-year programmes for those who have three-year degrees rather than four-year degrees). MScs are recognised and delivered by the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles. The diploma is recognised worldwide. Some specialisations are highly ranked worldwide too.
We also have "mastères spécialisés" programmes, taught mostly in French and available for students with a master degree. They are recognised and delivered by the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles.

What is the average age per programme?

We have different age brackets in our school: from 18 years old up to over 40 years old for professionals. For BBA programmes, the average age is 18 in the first year; for MSc programmes, it is 22 to 24 years.

How many hours of class will I have during the week?

In a “normal” week on an MSc, you will have 16-and-a-half hours of classes. You will also have to work at home or with your classmates for group work and projects. It can add up to a 45-hour week.
Altogether you have around 450 hours to 455 hours of taught courses on the MScs.
For work-and-study programmes, you’ll be doing one week in class and three weeks in a company.

Can I have a job while I am studying?

Even if you are allowed by the French law to work part-time, studying is a full-time job. You will have to do a lot of group work, and it is strongly advised not to take on a job. In most of our programmes, you will do an internship of four to six months.

How is the programme structured?

The programmes' structures are detailed in the brochure, explaining courses, credits and hours.
For a full time MSc, the duration is 12 months (eight months in class and four months in internship)
For a work and study programme, the duration is 18 months in total (12 month - three weeks in a company and one week per month in class / followed by six months in full time internship).

Is the internship obligatory?

For all programmes, a professional experience is mandatory. The duration of the professonal experience depends on the programme and track you choose.

It is not mandatory to do specifically an internship. The professional experience can be done with an internship agreement (provided by SKEMA or provided by your company) or by a working contract. The professional experience should be related to your studies.

Applying

Admission requirements

Admission requirements to enter MSc specialisation:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree

Admission requirements for the Two-Year MSc:
- A three-year bachelor’s degree

English-language test required for all students
TOEFL: 530; TOEFL IBT: 71, TOEIC: 810; IELTS: 6

Special English language requirements for the MSc in Global Luxury and Management: TOEFL IBT: overall score of at least 80 points and a minimum score of 18 points per section. IELTS(6.5) for each section.

Admission requirements for BBA:
- 12 years of primary and secondary school
- More info

Admission requirements for Master in Management, Grande Ecole programme:
- A three-year post high school studies, a non French diploma
- TAGE MAGE plus English test score or GMAT
- More info here

Admission requirements for mastères spécialisés:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree or a master's degree
- For professional students, a master degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree plus three years of professional experience

Check all requirements listed in the international brochure.

Is it possible to apply for more than one specialisation?

Students can apply online only for their first choice.
Should they not be accepted, they can make a second choice. This will not change the application fee; you will only be asked to pay 100 euros for the whole application.
For the BBA programme, you choose the track you want but it will be possible to change later during the first year if you change your mind.

How do I certify my original copies?

1.    Make a copy of the original.
2.    Take the photocopy (and the original) to one of the following institutions: Embassy, Consulate, Town hall, International department of your university.
3.    Ask them to certify the photocopy is a copy of the original with a stamp and signature.

What’s the application process like at SKEMA?

The master's admissions process consists of an examination of your application documents by a jury. The selection committee examines the application taking into account the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience.
If the application is judged satisfactory, candidates have a one-to-one interview with the programme director.
For applicants who don’t live in France or near a SKEMA Business School campus, you will be contacted for a phone or Skype interview with the director of the relevant programme.
For the Master in Management the process is different, you can find more information here

What kind of interview is it?

The purpose of the MSc admissions interview is to select suitable candidates to SKEMA. Along with candidates’ academic records, the interview will be a decisive factor in the selection process. The interview lasts about 30 minutes and is based on a typical job interview.
Find out more about the MSc admissions interview, with guidance and tips here

Do I need to speak French to apply?

No. SKEMA's MSc and BBA programmes are designed for international students – they are taught and marked entirely in English. French is not required at all.
To help you settle into your new lives in France, the school offers foreign students free French classes.
For mastères spécialisés programmes, you need to speak French to apply.

Do I need professional experience?

No, you don’t necessarily need to have professional experience. It is better to have some, but it is not required. You should mention any professional experience in your application as that will be to your advantage when applying. Students in employment are welcome to apply to our mastères spécialisés.

How can I meet an admissions officer or a programme director?

Our admissions officers go to various international student fairs throughout the year. If you’d like to meet the team, and if we’re coming to your city, send us an email (internationalprograms@skema.edu) to arrange an appointment. You can find the list of fairs that we will be attending on our web site, here: Where to meet us
Another option is to register to our Skype open days (when advertised), as you will also be able to reach the programme directors directly on those days.

English tests

English language tests are required for all master degrees and BBA degree. For master degrees, a GMAT or GRE score will be to the candidate’s advantage.
SKEMA institution code for GMAT is TQV-85-78 and 8808 for other exams.

For master students: if you do not yet have your test results, you can still apply and we will add them to your application once you get the results. Results must be given to the school before May.
You can do as many tests as necessary; we just need one positive result to allow you to enter a SKEMA MSc.

We run two-week intensive English language courses for BBA and MSc students prior to starting their studies. Find out more near the end of the masters and BBA brochures - Download brochures here

Postponement

If you wish to carry your application forward to the following year, you must request this in writing and pay a deposit of €3000 for those from the EU (€5000 for non-EU) within a month. This postponement is valid for one year only. The deposit is €3000 (€5000 for non-EU) for BBA students.
You will have to sign an updated contract with terms including updated tuition fees. No reimbursement will be made if you do not join the school the next year.

Visa / Failed diploma

If you wish to carry your application forward, due to visa refusal or a failed diploma, the deposit will be refunded upon presentation of documentary proof sent no later than November / April (depending on the MSc intake - autumn or spring - you have chosen).

When will I receive my letter of acceptance?

If you are admitted to SKEMA, you will receive an email. To confirm your registration, you will be asked to log into the MySKEMA online portal and to download certain documents (enrolment agreement + deposit). Once returned and completely filled in, these documents allow you to be registered. SKEMA is able to produce the letter of acceptance at that time. You will receive this letter by email first, and then by post in the following days. (Fedex for all foreign countries outside Europe)

I can’t download my documents from the MySKEMA online portal, could you help me?

If you are using a Mac, please download Adobe Reader to have a compatible version. If you still have the same problem, please send us a screenshot so we can sort it out for you.

I need to add a recommendation letter to my application. May I send it to you as I do not have access to MySKEMA anymore?

You can send us the missing document. We will add it to your application.

When will the next admissions jury session take place?

The admissions team will get in touch with you as soon as possible to organise your admission interview.

May I change my specialisation after my initial application?

We can modify your specialisation, but you will have to upload a new cover letter to the MySKEMA online portal.

Is it possible to change my choice of campus after initially applying for another campus?

You can change your campus choice only until the confirmation of your registration.

When will I have my admissions interview?

You will be interviewed, at the latest, two weeks after the date of your application.

Could you change the date of my admission interview?

As stated in your admission notification, in case of non-availability, you will be interviewed during the next jury session.

Life on campus

How can I find accommodation?

SKEMA Business School will help you find accommodation. We help everyone find a place to stay.

More info - Paris
More info - Lille
More info - Sophia Antipolis
More info - Raleigh
More info - Suzhou

For information about housing, please contact housing@skema.edu for all campuses.
Start looking for accommodation soon to have more choice and better deals.
You will be given all the necessary information regarding housing via email as soon as your registration is confirmed. You will also find information in your MySKEMA online portal.

Can SKEMA provide a proof of housing document for visa purposes?

SKEMA Business School cannot provide a proof of housing document for students. The school is not responsible for accommodation, but helps all students to find it through shared contacts. When accepted by SKEMA, you need to find accommodation first and then ask your landlord for the proof of housing. This document will be necessary for your visa application together with the letter of acceptance (provided by SKEMA after your registration).
The housing department is only authorised to provide a certified letter, saying that the school helps students in their search for housing. This letter can be requested from housing@skema.edu once you are registered.

Student societies and clubs

Our campuses have over 65 student societies and clubs.

Enrolling in one of these students societies will help you take part in campus life throughout your time here. Some of the clubs’ objectives are to bring students some managerial skills and to practise the subjects studied in classes. For more information: SKEMA student societies and clubs website

You will discover that being a student at SKEMA is a very rich experience.

Facilities

Library
The library is normally open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm. It is divided into two main rooms (600m2) and a few study rooms and it houses approximately 13,000 different titles, adding up to 20,000 books. These are mostly management books, but other subjects can be found, including science, psychology, law, economics and languages. There is also a large collection of newspapers and magazines, numbering approximately 230 titles, which are available both in English and French. Avid readers of Time, the Economist and the Financial Post as well as Le Nouvel Observateur and L’Express will find more than enough to read.
Media Centre (Library) – Lille: The school media centre (“la Fusée”) is open Monday to Friday between 9 am and 7 pm, and Saturday between 9 am and noon. It is located in the building D.
In Paris, the library is open from Monday to Saturday and is located in the main building.

Sports
At SKEMA Business School we consider sport an important part of the education process. The ability to function as part of a team is valued; dynamism and endurance are qualities that are required for tomorrow’s executive.
Seventeen different sport activities are available for our students. SKEMA Business School takes part in numerous sporting competitions. In order to join the sports club of your choice you will have to provide a medical certificate, and a contribution of €28.
Our Sports department offers various activities such as:
Aerobics, badminton, basketball, dance, mountain climbing, football, golf, handball, swimming, rugby, tennis, trampoline, sailing, etc…
Moreover, we have our own teams in yachting, rugby, golf and mountain biking.
Think about bringing a medical certificate for sport.

Other activities
Some of the main activities:
- WEI: integration / freshers’ weekend organised by the BDE (Student Board) – end of September
- Gala: organised by the Gala association – mid November
- Semiski: 4 days of skiing organized by X’trem – January
- Le Festi: National Theatre Festival of grande ecoles and universities, bringing together amateur drama groups (national and international) for an entire week.
- SKEMA Beach Session: national beach soccer tournament, beach rugby, volleyball, sand ball, etc. organized by the BDS (Sport association) – April
Every Thursday an association organises a party on the beach or in a club.

Financial matters

Are there any scholarships?

There are different types of scholarships available for international students:
- SKEMA Business School's excellence scholarships
- French government scholarships
- French scholarships - local to campuses
- Individual country scholarships
Read our scholarships brochure with detailed info on all the scholarships available to both international and French students students coming to SKEMA.

What are my estimated costs of living?

The estimated monthly cost of living for a student is approximately 800 euros.
(Accommodation: 400 euros, food: 300 euros, recreational activities: 100 euros, internet: free on campus, transportation: free for students)
Bear in mind that five or six books will be needed each semester (on average 50 euros each).

A meal at SKEMA Sophia Antipolis campus dining hall: €2.90
A meal at SKEMA Business School Lille campus dining hall: €2 / €5
A meal at the Lille CROUS dining hall: €2.85
A meal at the Paris campus dining hall: between €5 and €7

At a fast-food restaurant: €6 / A sandwich: €3.50 / A coffee: €1.50
At a local restaurant: €15 - €30
Entrance to a museum: €6
A monthly public transport pass: €22 and €12 for students under 26.
A baguette: €0.90 / A croissant: €1 / Six eggs: €1.20 / A litre of milk: €0.90
A kilo of potatoes: €1.20 / A kilo of rice: €1.90 / A newspaper: €1.20 / A postage stamp: €0.53
Identity photos from a booth: four photos for €4 / A round-trip train ticket between Paris and Nice: €135
A round-trip train ticket between Paris and Lille: €30 to €70
One night in a hotel: from €30 / A microwave oven: from €120 / Petrol: €1.20 to €1.45 a litre

Internships and job

Does SKEMA help us to find an internship?

We have a careers centre (called Talent & Careers) that helps students to find and apply for internships. Each year this service makes available around ten thousand job offers for SKEMA students. The information is updated every day.

More info - SKEMA's careers centre

We also have relations with a lot of different companies that come to school throughout the year in order to present their job and careers opportunities. Once a student has matriculated into SKEMA itself, it is also possible to find part-time work on campus through the AMD student association. Such employment opportunities would normally not require any prior knowledge of French.

We have a strong and active network of more than 45 000 alumni throughout the world.

Is it legal to work in France, as an international student, on an internship or part-time job?

It is totally legal, but we don’t recommend that you get a time-consuming student job. Our MScs require a lot of personal and group projects that take time. You will have opportunities to get jobs from SKEMA Business School student societies that won’t take up all your free time and will also allow you to earn money.

Internship
If you want to do an internship in France, you need an internship agreement provided by SKEMA (or provided by your company and signed by SKEMA).

If you have to do an internship during your academic year, you can do it without any work permit, you just need an "internship agreement" (signed by yourself, the company and SKEMA).

If you are a holder of a student resident permit for your stay in France, it should be valid during the entire intership period.

For a non-European citizen and holder of a valid student resident permit:

You can do your internship in France. If you want to do your internship outside France, you have to check the conditions directly with the embassies of the targeted countries in order to get information regarding visas, resident permits…

Working contract
For European citizens wanting to work in the EU:
You can work wherever you want in the EU without a resident permit or work permit, (with exceptions, see with embassies of targeted countries).

For non-European citizens wanting to work in France:

-If you are a holder of a student resident permit: you can work without another work permit but no more than 964 hours a year

- If your student resident permit is expired or will expire, you should apply for the resident permit in accordance with your situation ("carte de séjour recherche d’emploi"/"création d’entreprise", "carte de séjour salarié", "carte de séjour travailleur temporaire"…)

For more information, click on: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N110

For non-European citizens wanting to work in the EU (outside of France): You should contact embassies of targeted coutries in order to get more information regarding the visa.

Will I be able to stay and work in France after graduation?

International students who have earned at least a master’s degree may apply for a one-time, non-renewable temporary residence authorisation (known as the APS or “autorisation provisoire de sejour”) valid for 12 months beyond the date of expiration of the student’s residence permit. This authorisation permits a student to work in any job up to a limit of 60% full-time employment. Only international MSc students who have completed an RNCP (/ CGE accredited) certified MSc programme are eligible for APS.
International students who obtain a job related to their academic programme and compensated at a rate of 1.5 times the national minimum wage or more (that is to say on an annual salary of 25000 euros or more) may enter full-time employment by filing a request for change of status (from student to employee) at their local prefecture.

There are no restrictions on employment opportunities after graduation for European Union nationals.
However, it should be noted that, regardless of citizenship, a good working knowledge of French is likely to be needed for finding employment in France after graduation.

How much can I earn by working part-time?

The minimum gross hourly wage, set by law in France, is 9.19 euros. Withholding taxes etc. reduces the net wage by approximately 20%, so students should expect to have 7.35 euros (per hour of work) take-home pay.
Assuming that a student is able to find part-time work up to the maximum allowable, then it would be possible to earn just over 7000 euros net.

Residence permits and visas

What visa will I need and how can I apply for it?

This depends on the length of your programme of study at SKEMA. Students coming for a programme of less than 90 days should apply for a short-stay visa valid for the Schengen area. Nationals of many countries will not require a visa for a short-stay programme: the list includes citizens of the European Union and nationals from many other countries, including Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Students of all nationalities intending to study at SKEMA for more than 90 days will require an Extended Stay student visa with residence permit (VLS-TS). The VLS-TS is generally valid for one year and is renewable within France at the end of that period, subject to the student still being engaged in full-time education in France.

Depending on your nationality, the VLS-TS will either be applied via your local Embassy/Consulate or, in the 31 countries where there is a CampusFrance office, then the visa will be issued by CampusFrance using a process called the CEF procedure.
Remember that the visa is only valid for entry into France (in the case of a short-term visa, a single-entry is permitted, whilst the VLS-TS extended student visa is a multi-entry visa): long-term students will also require a residence permit (see question 3) in order to legally stay in France.

There are two different ways of applying for a visa to study in France:
• If you are from one of the following countries: Algeria, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo Brazzaville, South Korea, Ivory Coast, USA, Gabon, Guinea, India, Japan, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mali, Marocco, Mauricius, Mexico, Peru, Senegal, Russia, Syria, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Vietnam, you will have to register with your local Campus France office to apply for admission and obtain a student visa. Find out more about CEF procedure.
• If you are not from a country in the above list, you should contact the French embassy in your country.

There are three steps for this:
. You need your registration at SKEMA.
. You will also need your letter of acceptance from SKEMA.
. With those documents, you just have to go to the French embassy (see with the French embassy, the other required documents e.g. bank statement and proof of domicile).

Please note that citizens of one of the 30 member countries of the European Economic Area, or of Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland, San Marino or the Vatican do not need visas.

A two-month wait on average will be necessary in order to obtain your visa.

How much does a visa cost?

Short-stay visas valid for stays of less than 90 days cost €60 (€35 for nationals of Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova). Long-stay student visas cost €99.

Will I need to get a residence permit once I am in France?

Yes, if you are entering France on a VLS-TS (long-term student visa), you will need to apply for a residence permit. SKEMA’s international office helps the students with their residence permit applications. Find out more about your campus application procedures:

Paris campus: residentpermitparis@skema.edu
Lille campus: residencepermitlille@skema.edu
Sophia campus: residencepermitsophia@skema.edu

Students entering France on a short-stay visa and therefore staying for less than 90 days do not need a residence permit.
European Union nationals will not require a residence permit, regardless of the intended length of their stay.

Can I extend my time in France if I have entered France on a short-stay visa?

It is not possible to switch your visa from a short-stay visa to a long-term student visa within France. It is possible to extend your stay at SKEMA from four weeks to eight weeks, but a student who has enrolled for eight weeks and would like to register for an additional eight weeks will need to return to his/her home country and apply for a new visa.
If you believe that you may in fact wish to study for more than twelve weeks in France, we recommend that you apply for the long-term student visa (VLS-TS) from the outset as you will be able to extend your stay without leaving the country with this visa.

Admitted students

Can the deadline for payment of the deposit be extended?

You have three weeks to confirm your registration after the date of your admission. You will remain admitted within our availabilities after this deadline.

I was admitted under condition of degree certification and English level, could you specify what this is about?

Your admission will be unconditional once we receive your degree certification and an acceptable English test score.

What will happen if I do not obtain my degree this year?

SKEMA's admissions team will suggest you postpone your registration provided you have confirmed your registration.

I wish to postpone my admission until the next intake, who should I contact?

First, you must register so that the admissions team can postpone your registration for the next intake.

Could you send me an admission certificate for the bank administrative requests?

The admission notification sent to you via email is proof of your admission to SKEMA Business School.

Can I be awarded a scholarship?

Scholarships brochure here.
Contact internationalprograms@skema.edu to find out if you are eligible.

Registration

When exactly is the intake?

You’ll find all the information regarding your intake in the academic tab of the MySKEMA online portal as well as in the registration certificate.

If I wish to withdraw my registration, could I have my deposit back?

You are entitled to have your deposit back provided Admissions are informed within 14 days after the signature of your registration contract.

In which conditions do you refund the deposit?

Please refer to your registration contract (Financial conditions, article III) for the refund conditions (visa rejection…)

My guarantor and myself do not have a bank account in France. Is that a problem?

The bank details (non-French bank details if that is the case) of your guarantor can be uploaded to the MySKEMA online portal You can upload your current (non-French) bank details and update us with your new, French bank details once your account is open in France.

Guarantee document

I do not have a guarantor, what can I do?

The guarantee document is mandatory, your relatives or a private institution can be a guarantor.

Where can I find the guarantee document?

You’ll find the guarantee document to download in your space in the MySKEMA online portal.

Must I send you the original guarantee document?

The guarantee document must be sent in its original version to the Admissions Department, Paris, Lille, or Sophia Antipolis campuses. To find the right address, navigate to the specific campus page from this page. Or find the addresses detailed in the first item in this FAQ.

Is it possible for my parents to each be guarantors for half the amount of the tuition fees?

Yes

My guarantor and myself do not have a bank account in France, is that a problem?

The bank details of your guarantor can be uploaded to the MySKEMA online portal. You can upload your current bank details and update the information once your account is open in France.

English test

What is the required score for the English test?

Please navigate to your programme's admission details via this link: https://www.skema.edu/programmes, choose the type of programme, then navigate to the specific programme's admission details.

GRANDE ÉCOLE PROGRAMMEMaster in Management