International Foundation Program

At a glance

Program format

Full-time, Work-study

Duration

9 months

Campus

Languages

English

Tuition fees

€12,000

Program format

Full-time, Work-study

Duration

9 months

Campus

Languages

English

Tuition fees

€12,000

Shape Your Global Career in France

The International Foundation Program is a 9-month foundational program developed by GEM for students seeking to build a strong academic foundation. The program develops language proficiency, academic study skills, and core business fundamentals required for success in higher education. Delivered in an English-taught multicultural environment, the program brings together students from around the world and prepares them academically to progress into the International BBA.

Designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds, the International Foundation Program provides a smooth transition into undergraduate business studies. It is a structured and supportive learning approach that combines academic preparation, English language development, and foundational business knowledge, helping students build the confidence and skills required for success in degree-level study. Successful completion of the program provides entry into the International BBA, with a direct entry into year 2 of a Master’s or MSc Program, subject to progression criteria.

At GEM, we believe outstanding talent deserves recognition. The New Excellence Scholarship rewards high-achieving international candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance, motivation, and the potential to thrive in our program.

Want to learn more? Go check the “Admissions & Financing” section.

Why Should You Join This Program?

Ranked No. 7 in France by Le Figaro Etudiant (2026): GEM’s International BBA is a global and high-performing program designed to help you shape a strong and impactful future.

1A strong international outlook

to open your horizons

Courses delivered in English with integrated academic English development.
A diverse and multicultural classroom environment with students from around the world.
Exposure to international faculty and global teaching perspectives.
A strong academic foundation prepares students for the International BBA.
Introduction to the French language and culture to support life and study in France.
Opportunity to begin an international academic pathway leading to a European business degree.

2A global learning environment

to study alongside students from around the world

A learning approach that combines academic theory, practical assignments, and collaborative projects to build essential employability skills.
Development of core business knowledge, including management, marketing, and economics.
Strengthening quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills is required for business studies.
Preparation for progression into the International BBA and future master’s level studies.

3An immersive and interactive teaching methods

to learn differently

Small class sizes (maximum 40 students),
Hybrid and immersive learning combining virtual reality, simulations, and real-world business scenarios

4A personalized support

for further studies and to start your career

Dedicated services to foster both personal and professional development throughout the entire program
Unlimited career support during and after studies: personalized guidance, recruitment events, internship and job search assistance, and GEM’s job board with thousands of partner company opportunities.
Access to GEM’s network of 49,000 alumni, in France and worldwide.

5A prestigious academic pathway

from a top-ranked French Business School

Begin an academic journey at a triple-accredited Grande École holding AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS accreditations.
Part of the top 1% of business schools worldwide, recognized for excellence in business education.
Build a strong academic foundation within a globally respected European institution.
Start a structured pathway leading to future undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

A word from the International BBA director

“From day one on our International BBA course, you will discover a whole new world. You will be immersed in an intercultural environment. You will become true professionals. You will be able to adapt to the constant changes in international management and build the intercultural management of the future.”

Nancy Blench-Locatelli

Your Ambitions, Our Program

Designed to support students in building an ambitious, globally oriented academic journey, the International Foundation Program helps develop the academic, language, and study skills essential for progressing into international higher education.

One BBA, a Thousand Skills to Succeed

More than just a degree, GEM’s International BBA teaches you a broad range of essential skills to understand the world, collaborate internationally in multicultural environments, and tackle the challenges facing organizations today and in the future.

General skills

acquired through the entire program

Choosing GEM means joining a Top 8 business school in France, combining academic rigour, hands-on learning and strong international exposure. Students benefit from an immersive pedagogy, close ties with companies, wide-ranging professional and international opportunities, and personalised support throughout their studies to build a demanding and coherent career path.

General skills

acquired through the entire program

GEM is ranked among the Top 8 business schools in France and the Top 30 in Europe, reflecting its academic standards and international reach. Beyond rankings, GEM stands out for its distinctive positioning: an immersive, real-world-oriented pedagogy, impact-driven research, strong international openness and a clear commitment to addressing major economic, technological and societal transitions. This comprehensive approach enables GEM to educate professionals who are clear-minded, agile and sustainably employable.

Required experience

None

VPL accessibility

Accessible

PRM accessibility

Accessible

6 Good Reasons to Choose GEM

Global Recognition

Ranked Top 8 in France and Top 30 in Europe, GEM is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide holding triple accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA).

Immersive Learning

A distinctive learning model combining academic excellence, real-world experience, close ties with companies and international exposure — to learn by doing and experimenting.

Personalized Pathways

Progressive and flexible pathways designed to help students build a coherent, ambitious academic and professional project.

International Dimension

Exchanges, double degrees, programs taught in English and strong cultural diversity, supported by a network of 230+ partner universities, opening real opportunities for international study paths and global careers.

Sustainable Employability

Work-study options, internships and company-based projects to develop skills that are immediately relevant and valued in the job market.

A Trailblazing Leadership With Purpose

Campuses embedded in leading scientific, technological and industrial ecosystems, shaping curious, engaged minds ready to act in the face of major global transitions.

A BBA Available in Grenoble or Paris

This modern campus is located in Newport Pantin, at the heart of a creative and well-connected district, close to major players in fashion, finance, and tech. Infinitely reconfigurable and certified zero waste, it offers a hybrid and modular learning environment with studios, project rooms, and a rooftop. A space for urban experimentation, designed to foster new ways of learning and to prepare students for evolving professional landscapes.

Your questions, answered

Everything you need to know about GEM, its programs, the international experience and career opportunities after graduation — at a glance.

Why choose GEM for your business studies?

What programs does GEM offer?

GEM offers a comprehensive portfolio of management programs, from post-baccalaureate to executive education: Bachelors, Grande École Program, MSc, Specialised Master’s programs, MBA, DBA, PhD and certificate programs. Delivered in an international learning environment, these programs develop academic, professional and human skills that are highly valued by employers, in France and worldwide.

Can I study through work-study programs at GEM?

Yes. Many GEM programs are available through work-study formats. This approach combines academic learning with professional experience, strengthens employability and enables students to build a solid, practice-oriented profile, while also benefiting from tuition fees covered by the host company, depending on the scheme.

Is GEM an international business school?

Yes. International exposure is a core part of the GEM student experience. Programs taught in English, cultural diversity across campuses, exchanges, mobility opportunities and double degrees — supported by a global network of partner universities — allow students to gain meaningful international experience, fully integrated into their academic and professional pathways, and to strengthen their employability on international markets.

What career opportunities are available after graduating from GEM?

GEM graduates pursue diverse and demanding careers, in France and internationally, across a wide range of fields including management, finance, consulting, marketing, entrepreneurship, strategy, innovation and digital transformation, among others. Supported by strong corporate partnerships and an active alumni community, graduates benefit from fast and sustainable career integration.

What sets GEM apart in rankings and beyond?

Discover: the courses of the International Foundation Program

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Program structure

The International Foundation Program is a 9-month program, taught in English, designed to help students build a strong academic foundation for undergraduate business studies. The program combines academic modules, language development, and practical learning to prepare students for higher education in an international environment. Through a structured and academically focused learning approach, students develop essential skills in academic communication, quantitative analysis, and business fundamentals, enabling a smooth transition into the International BBA and preparing them to succeed in a global and multicultural academic setting.

1Module 1. Academic English and Business Communication

This module aims to develop students’ academic English proficiency and business communication skills required for higher education and professional contexts. Emphasis is placed on comprehension, analytical writing, presentation skills, and intercultural communication, enabling students to confidently engage in academic discussions and produce structured business documents.

2Module 2. Business Fundamentals (Management, Marketing, Economics)

This module introduces foundational business disciplines and provides students with a holistic understanding of how organizations function in a global environment. It builds awareness of management principles, marketing practices, and economic frameworks that influence business decision-making.

3Module 3. Quantitative Skills and Finance

This module equips students with essential numerical, analytical, and financial skills necessary for business studies. It focuses on understanding quantitative concepts, using basic mathematical and statistical techniques, and interpreting financial information for decision-making.

4Module 4. Academic Study Skills and Professional Behaviors

This module supports students in developing effective study habits, critical thinking, and professional conduct necessary for higher education success. It introduces reflective learning, research methodologies, and employability skills, fostering confidence and academic independence.

5Module 5. French Language and Culture for Beginners

This module introduces students to the fundamentals of the French language and Francophone culture. It aims to develop basic communicative competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while fostering cultural awareness and appreciation of the French-speaking world. Through interactive learning, students will gain confidence in using French in everyday contexts and understand the social and cultural nuances that shape communication.

Immersive and International Learning Approach

Throughout the International Foundation Program, students benefit from an interactive and supportive learning experience, combining regular in-person classes with guided individual study and collaborative group work, including class preparation, assignments, and continuous assessment.

Learning is based on an active and experiential approach, integrating case-based learning, practical exercises, group projects, and academic simulations. This methodology encourages engagement, collaboration, critical thinking, and the gradual development of academic skills required for university-level business studies in an international environment.

Academic research and study skills are embedded throughout the program, enabling students to develop analytical thinking, structured writing, and research fundamentals. These skills prepare students for the academic expectations of the International BBA and future undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

International Faculty

Classes are taught by GEM’s permanent faculty, made up of French and international professors and researchers, as well as visiting lecturers from renowned partner institutions and industry professionals. This diversity of nationalities and backgrounds fosters a global and multicultural perspective on management. All faculty members share a pedagogical approach grounded in academic excellence, intercultural openness, and a strong connection to real-world business practices.

Assessment and Validation

Students are assessed continuously throughout the program through coursework, individual and group projects, oral presentations, role-playing, final exams and professional experiences. The final evaluation is based on the chosen specialization and the applied research project, which serves as a synthesis of the knowledge and skills acquired during the program.

Discover: Career opportunities offered by the International Foundation Program

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At the end of the program, International Foundation Program have a well-rounded, solid, and globally oriented profile. Thanks to a 100% English-taught curriculum and extensive experiences in France, abroad, and companies, graduates can choose to continue their studies in a Master’s or MSc programs in France or internationally, or enter the job market directly in positions with an international scope.

Graduate Outcomes

91 ^%

are employed within 6 months

78 ^%

are working internationally

52 ^%

are pursuing a Master’s or MSc degree

Further Studies

International Foundation Program may enter a Master’s program or the second year of an MSc (Master of Science) at GEM or at other top business schools, in France or internationally. They can specialize in a wide range of fields aligned with their career goals, such as:

Career Opportunities

Thanks to a hands-on and internationally oriented curriculum, graduates are ready to take on management positions in global companies, innovative start-ups, or international organizations.

Throughout the program, students obtain a minimum of 12 months of professional experience, including 2- to 4-month internships between the 1st and 3rd years, and a long internship or work-study program in the 4th year. These experiences, in France or abroad, help them develop autonomy, a thorough understanding of professional environments, and international employability.

Examples of career paths followed by International Foundation Program

Examples of companies hiring the International Foundation Program

Le Bon Marché, DHL, Decathlon, Siemens Energy, Ernst & Young, Foncia, Elior, AS Monaco Football Club, Tribu Box, Société Générale, Emma – The Sleep Company, Inria, CERN – European Center for Nuclear Research, Hermès Sellier, Business France, Procter & Gamble, Siemens Mobility, Unilever, Opel, Schneider Electric, and many more.

Getting Your Career Off the Ground

At GEM, the transition to the professional world begins on day one to ensure successful career integration for all students.

Discover: Admission requirements for the International Foundation Program

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How to Apply

Open to students who have completed secondary education, the International Foundation Program is designed for international applicants seeking a pathway into undergraduate business studies.

The program is delivered at the Paris campus, taught 100% in English, and designed to prepare students for progression into the International BBA. The admissions team looks for candidates with strong academic potential, motivation, and a readiness to study in an international environment—key qualities for success in a multicultural academic setting.

Tuition Fees

Paris campus: €12,000 for IFP Program, 2026 intake*

*Fees are subject to change. Please verify program fees each year before commencement.

New Excellence Scholarship

At GEM, we believe outstanding talent deserves recognition. Financial support opportunities are designed to support motivated international students as they begin their academic journey through the International Foundation Program and progress toward the International BBA.

Students who successfully transition into the International BBA may be awarded a bursary of up to 60% of their IFP tuition fee, based on their academic performance.

A bursary of up to 60% of the IFP tuition fee may be awarded upon progression
Financial support is based on academic performance and progression criteria
Designed to support students continuing into the International BBA pathway
Encourages strong academic achievement throughout the program

Discover: Career opportunities offered by the International Foundation Program

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Unique International Opportunities

GEM’s International BBA is designed to provide a 100% English-taught education, at the heart of a cosmopolitan student community representing nearly 50 nationalities. During the program, students:

This multicultural immersion, both on campus and abroad, fosters curiosity, adaptability, and global employability among our graduates.

Academic Partners

International experiences lie at the heart of our programs. GEM has partnerships with more than 230 universities worldwide. Students enrolled in the International BBA have access to a curated selection of around 60 destinations, recognized for the quality of their teaching and multicultural environment.

From Stanford University (USA) to BI Norwegian Business School (Norway), Bocconi University (Italy), Maastricht University (Netherlands), and the Catholic University of Portugal (Lisbon), each partnership represents a unique opportunity for academic and cultural immersion.

The list below is not exhaustive: partnerships are updated each year to provide even more opportunities.

New Excellence Scholarship

EUROPE

Denmark

Finland

Georgia

Germany

European Business School, Oestrich-Winkel
Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg, Bamberg
Pforzheim University Business School, Pforzheim
WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management, Koblenz
University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Milan
LIUC, Castellanza near Milan
LUMSA University, Rome
University of Pavia, Pavia
University of Turin, Turin
Università di Parma, Parma

Latvia

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Slovenia

Spain

CESINE Design & Business School, Santander
ESIC Business School, Valencia and Barcelona campuses
ESIC University (Pozuelo campus), Pozuelo de Alarcon, Madrid
La Salle, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona campus
Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio, Madrid

Sweden

Switzerland

United Kingdom

NORTH AMERICA

Canada

HEC Montréal, Montreal
Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia), Faculty of Management, Halifax
Memorial University of Newfoundland, Faculty of Business Administration, St. John’s
Queen’s University, Smith School of Business, Kingston (Ontario)
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax
Royal Roads University, Victoria

United States

SOUTH AMERICA

Brazil

Chile

Costa Rica

Mexico

ASIA

China

India

Japan

South Korea

Vietnam

Important Information for International Students

Depending on their country of origin, international students in the International BBA program may need a visa to study or work in France. It is their responsibility to check the visa requirements with the French consulate in their home country and plan the necessary procedures in advance.

GEM has no influence over this administrative process.

Discover: Work-Study Format & Internships within our International Foundation Program

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Internships, a Progressive Immersion into the Workplace

A true stepping stone to employment, internships allow you to discover different work environments, confirm your career choices, and strengthen your professional skills.

Internships are an integral part of the program:

Work-Study Format, a High-Value Professional Experience

As a pioneer among leading business schools and a committed institution, GEM views work-study programs as a powerful lever for professionalization and employability.

Within this program, the work-study format is available in the last term, on the Grenoble or Paris campus, following a 1-week at school / 3-weeks in the company schedule. This format offers an extended, hands-on experience in the professional world, directly linked to the chosen specialization.

Benefits for students:

Discover: Students and Alumni talk about our International Foundation Program

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Our Students Share Their Stories on Video

Our International BBA students have shared their experiences, giving you a glimpse into their journey and life at GEM—whether immersed in their classes, participating in international exchanges, completing internships, or in front of the camera with our media partners.

Discover the International BBA experience!

Thotis takes you through a day in the life of Zoé, a third-year International BBA student.

Leaving GEM, an overview of the student experience after 3 years in Grenoble

What They Think About the International BBA

“GEM’s International Bachelor in Business Administration provided the perfect global foundation, which I sharpened with a major in Finance and Data Analytics and an academic exchange semester in Japan ! The classroom at GEM was a melting pot of cultures, leading to lifelong friendships and an unparalleled international network. We didn’t just learn about global business; we lived it through collaborative projects with peers from every corner of the world. I valued learning from professors who brought textbook theory to life with their professional insights. Combined with constant career support, GEM genuinely invested in our success and prepared me for the international business arena.”

Tristan van Dyk
International BBA Graduate, 2025

“My semester at GEM was life-changing for me, both academically and emotionally. Coming from Jakarta, Indonesia, and having lived in India before, moving to France felt like a big leap. […] Interacting with people from different cultures was a significant part of my experience. […] The school’s commitment to diversity was evident. My journey at GEM has been incredibly enlightening.”

Avani Hiranandani
Participant in the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards IISMA program 2023

“I’m from the United States. I chose GEM because I wanted to study business in France in a program taught in English and, above all, surrounded by international students. […] So, you’re not only learning from different cultures, you’re also learning how to work with them. […] And that way, I was able to learn about the rest of the world while also immersing myself in French culture.”

Dylan Ciaccio
International BBA Graduate, 2022

“The unique nature of the program is due to the diversity of the students and faculty as well as a team-based learning environment. I appreciated the constant exposure to different schools of thought, which challenges students to think outside the box. Professors encourage discussions that challenge the status quo and help develop the hard and soft skills needed to advance international business. The curriculum bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and real-life applications, providing an ideal foundation for entering the job market.”

Anuschka Ried
International BBA Graduate, 2020

Tristan van Dyk International BBA Graduate, 2025

Avani Hiranandani Participant in the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards IISMA program 2023

Dylan Ciaccio International BBA Graduate, 2022

Anuschka Ried International BBA Graduate, 2020

Discover: Work-Study Format & Internships within our International Foundation Program

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Have questions about our BBA program?

Connect with our International Recruitment Team to get personalized guidance on programs, the application process, and your future career opportunities. Our dedicated advisors are here to help you choose the program that best aligns with your ambitions and professional goals.