Do you dream of spending your semester abroad at one of Europe’s most prestigious business schools—a place that challenges you academically, shapes you internationally, and inspires you with a lifestyle that’s hard to beat? Then EDHEC Business School in Lille or Nice is the place for you. As one of the few business schools worldwide to hold the coveted Triple Crown accreditation, EDHEC stands for academic excellence, a consistently entrepreneurial learning culture, and a global orientation that is reflected in everything from its teaching philosophy to its diverse student body representing over 130 nations. On our website, you’ll find all the important information about the school, the campus, and life there, and learn how you can spend a semester abroad at EDHEC as part of your bachelor’s program at Munich Business School. Who knows—maybe you’ll soon be studying among the canals of Lille or with a view of the Mediterranean!
Since its founding in 1906 as part of the Catholic University of Lille, EDHEC has evolved into one of Europe’s leading business schools—not through self-promotion, but through a consistent focus on a clear goal: to educate leaders who truly make a difference. Today, EDHEC is among the select few business schools worldwide to hold the so-called Triple Crown—that is, to be accredited simultaneously by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Of the approximately 14,000 business schools worldwide, only a small fraction achieves this. This is no coincidence, but rather a reflection of an institution that views quality not as a marketing promise, but as a commitment put into practice. EDHEC’s teaching model follows the principle of “Learning by Doing.” Theory and practice are not opposites but are consistently integrated into the curriculum. Whether in seminars, projects, or through direct interaction with corporate partners, EDHEC students don’t just learn what business is—they experience it firsthand. This approach is complemented by world-class research. The EDHEC Risk Climate Impact Institute, for example, enjoys international recognition in the financial sector and influences the way companies and institutions worldwide deal with risks and sustainable investments.
At the same time, EDHEC has a clear entrepreneurial DNA. The school was founded by and for entrepreneurs, and that is precisely what shapes its culture to this day. Students are encouraged not only to develop ideas but also to put them into action. The very vibrant student organization scene underscores this: More than 100 student associations ensure that campus life at EDHEC is anything but passive. Particularly well-known is the Course Croisière EDHEC, a student-organized regatta that has grown into the largest student sporting event in Europe.
On paper, the results of this philosophy are impressive: EDHEC’s Master in Management program was ranked 4th worldwide in the 2024 Financial Times rankings. This is proof that the school is a leader not only in France but also on the global stage. For MBS students in the Bachelor’s in International Business program, this means spending a semester at an institution whose reputation will significantly enhance their résumés and whose network of over 57,000 alumni in 140 countries will open doors for them in the long term.
EDHEC Business School has five locations worldwide—but at its heart are two academic campuses in France that could hardly be more different, yet both embody the same philosophy of quality: Lille and Nice. MBS students spend their semester abroad at one of these two locations.
The Lille Campus is located on an 8.5-hectare park-like grounds in the heart of the Lille metropolitan area, about 25 minutes by metro from downtown. What appears from the outside to be an idyllically situated green space is, on the inside, a state-of-the-art learning environment: a digital library, a trading room for financial education, spacious seminar rooms, sports facilities including a swimming pool, gymnasium, dance studio, squash court, and fitness center, as well as common areas that keep campus life vibrant. The campus also features its own student housing complex with studio apartments and shared rooms—a real advantage for international exchange students who are just arriving and looking to make new connections.
The Nice Campus is located in the heart of Nice, easily accessible by tram and bus, not far from the city center and the international airport. Opened in 2013 and modernized several times since then, the building offers fully renovated lecture halls, conference rooms, and study areas that meet international standards, all set against a Mediterranean urban backdrop that is a source of inspiration in itself. Its proximity to Monaco, Italy, and the major economic hubs of the Riviera makes the Nice Campus a strategically attractive place to study, with direct connections to the region’s financial and business communities.
Whether in Lille or Nice, students in France can apply to the French social security agency, CAF, for government housing assistance, which can reduce rent by as much as 80 to 180 euros per month—a real financial benefit that many international students take advantage of.
This metropolis, with a population of around 230,000 (over one million in the metropolitan area), surprises visitors with its vibrant old town, Flemish-influenced architecture, a lively bar and restaurant scene, and a cultural offering that far exceeds what one would expect from a city of this size. Lille is also a central hub in Western Europe: Brussels is just a 35-minute train ride away, London in just under two hours, and Paris in one hour. It’s hard to imagine a better location for day trips to neighboring countries. Life in Lille is significantly more affordable than in Paris. Rent for student apartments ranges from about 400 to 500 euros per month. On top of that, you’ll need about 200 to 300 euros for living expenses. The EDHEC campus itself has its own housing complex with studios and shared rooms, which is primarily reserved for international students. In addition, EDHEC provides support through its IMMOJEUNE platform to help students find apartments in the city.
The capital of the Côte d'Azur, situated on the Mediterranean Sea between the cliffs of Monaco and the foothills of the Maritime Alps, is one of Europe’s most desirable cities—and for good reason. Endless beaches, a palm-lined promenade, Vieux Nice with its narrow alleys and colorful markets, an internationally diverse cultural scene, and a mild climate year-round. However, Nice is one of the most expensive cities in France. For a room in a shared apartment, you should expect to pay around 500 to 650 euros per month; for your own studio apartment, the cost will be correspondingly higher. Overall, your monthly budget in Nice should be around 800 to 900 euros. Since the EDHEC campus in Nice is located right in the city, there is no on-campus housing. However, EDHEC’s ISO team actively assists exchange students in finding housing, and exclusive student listings near campus are available through the IMMOJEUNE platform.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the chance to combine your studies in Munich with an Erasmus exchange at EDHEC Business School in France, all within a single program! You can complete your semester abroad at EDHEC as part of the Bachelor’s program in International Business at MBS. Learn more about our academic offerings now and find out how to plan your trip to Lille or Nice!
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Has the Bachelor’s in International Business at Munich Business School piqued your interest? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal to start your studies in February or September. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will then be invited to a selection interview. It’s best to apply early to give yourself the best chance of studying at Munich Business School and spending an Erasmus semester at EDHEC Business School in France!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in the Bachelor’s program in International Business, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first semesters, you’ll learn key business fundamentals, choose your areas of concentration and electives based on your interests, and work on exciting projects alongside your fellow students.
Your first semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your Erasmus semester at EDHEC Business School. When you’ll study abroad depends on when you started your degree program: If you began your bachelor’s program at MBS in the fall, your semester abroad will take place during your fourth semester. If you started in February, you’ll go abroad during your sixth semester. The MBS International Center is here to help you with every step of the planning process—from course selection and housing options to all organizational questions regarding your Erasmus semester in France.
Once you’ve successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized all the arrangements for your Erasmus semester at EDHEC Business School, it’s finally time to get started. Immerse yourself in French university culture, meet new people from all over the world, discover a fascinating new city—and return with experiences that will help you grow both professionally and personally. One thing is certain: no textbook can replace what a semester at a university like EDHEC does for you. After your semester abroad, you’ll return to Munich Business School and complete your bachelor’s degree after one to three more semesters.
To qualify for a bachelor’s degree program at Munich Business School, and thus also for an Erasmus semester at EDHEC Business School, you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. It is recommended that you apply early, as the number of available spots is limited.
For many MBS students, an Erasmus semester at EDHEC Business School in France is an absolute highlight of their bachelor’s program and rightly so. At the same time, spending a semester abroad at a renowned Grande École naturally raises questions. From academic quality to finding housing in France: Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about studying at EDHEC.
EDHEC Business School ranks among the very best for several reasons: It is one of only about 89 business schools worldwide to hold Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA)—the highest mark of quality a business school can achieve. It also boasts strong rankings: The Master in Management program ranks 4th worldwide in the 2024 Financial Times rankings. EDHEC combines academic excellence with a clear entrepreneurial focus, direct industry connections, and an exceptionally international student body—an environment that has been proven to prepare students for their careers.
EDHEC Business School has two academic campuses in France: Lille in the north and Nice on the Côte d'Azur in the south. You’ll find out which location your Erasmus semester is scheduled for during the planning process with the International Center at Munich Business School. Both locations offer a comprehensive academic program and differ primarily in their geographic location and lifestyle: Lille stands out for its urban vibrancy, affordable cost of living, and excellent connections to Brussels, London, and Paris. Nice offers Mediterranean charm, proximity to the beach, and an exceptional quality of life.
EDHEC Business School offers courses in English for international exchange students—so knowledge of French is not a mandatory requirement for academic life. Nevertheless, it’s worth learning the basics of French: While English is widely spoken in everyday life, in stores, at markets, and off campus, French makes your stay much more enjoyable—and shows respect for the country that is hosting you for a semester. EDHEC also offers free French courses for international students to help them settle in.
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