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Montpellier Business School

About the University

The Montpellier Business School has existed since 1897 and is one of France’s private Grande École. It belongs to the group of Écoles Supérieures de Commerce. The school has triple international accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EFMD/EPAS) and belongs to the best business schools in France

The city

Montpellier is located in the warm south of France not far from the Mediterranean coast. About 60,000 students are enrolled in the city’s various universities. The city’s Mediterranean flair and buildings from the 19th century remain attractive for tourists.

Students apply for the double degree programme at the Department Viadrina International Affairs. For more detailed information on the application procedure and the deadlines, please refer to the application form.

Requirements:

    • At the time of your departure to Montpellier you must have completed at least four semesters at Viadrina.
    • You must have 90 -100 ECTS before entering the programme.
    • You can study in French or English. It is not possible to mix the languages of tuition. You have to provide proof of the necessary language skills.

In order to participate in the double degree program, you should have sufficient English language skills. Montpellier Business School requires one of the following language certificates, which must be shown at the time of application to the partner university (usually mid-April):

  • IELTS 6 o. TOEFL IBT 80/120 o. TOEIC 700

Winter semester: September – January
Summer semester: January – June

Please see the Montpellier Business School homepage for the exact semester times.

Please keep in mind when planning your studies that the academic calendars in Germany and France differ. Double degree students start their studies at the Montpellier Business School in the winter semester in September. It is not possible to start in the summer semester. You stay in Montpellier for one year.

Choice of course: 17 compulsory and elective courses have to be completed.

You can obtain information about the offered courses and on the recognition at Viadrina on the following pages. (site in progress)

Type of teaching: The courses are divided into small classes which gives you a lot of contact with fellow students who are attending the same programme. The final grade usually comprises of group work/participation (20%), interim tests (30%) and a final examination (50%). You are required to attend the classes.

You can find general advice about recognition procedures on the pages of the Department Viadrina International Affairs under the point recognition.

In order to receive a degree from the Viadrina it necessary to complete the modules in your course of study. For this purpose, you can, in consultation with us, have courses recognized which you completed as part of the double degree programme abroad. Please discuss the recognition with Torsten Glase before your departure.

In order to obtain a French degree, you have to provide Montpellier Business School with your degree certificate from Viadrina. The MBS then issues you a degree certificate.

The Bachelor Thesis is written and supervised after your return at the Viadrina.

A semester off: You are generally free to take one or two semesters off for your stay abroad. However, in this case, you cannot receive acceptance for foreign certificates or examinations. You cannot take the semester off in which you do your final assignment. 

Health insurance: If you have compulsory German health insurance and possess a European Health Insurance Card you are entitled to basic coverage in other European countries. However, if you stay abroad for a longer period it is recommended that you take out additional insurance.

Accommodation: The Montpellier Business school has student dormitories. However, these are relatively expensive. Therefore, it is recommended to rent private accommodation. As an exchange student, you have a right to housing benefit in France which can be applied for at the Caisses d’Allocations Familiales (CAF). The “taxes d'habitation”, or accommodation tax, is usually included in your rent. Please make sure that this is the case when you conclude your rental contract, otherwise you will be obliged to pay this additional expense.

The Journey: Is possible by air. You can also travel by rail or by bus – then you do not have any weight restrictions for your luggage.

Living expenses: Approx. 700€ - 900€.

Visa: Not necessary for EU citizens with a valid passport or identity card. If you are not a EU citizen you should refer to the visa regulations on the website of the French Embassy.

You can find the most up-to-date student reports under the keyword "France" on our website.