Excelia: What it's really like

Looking for a management school with lots of international connections? Excelia could be for you.

Excelia at a glance:

Agung, former Excelia student and now International Academic Adviser at Excelia, explains what it’s like to study at one of the institution’s schools.

What is Excelia?

Excelia is a triple accredited institution and one of the top management schools in France. There are four campuses, based in La Rochelle, Tours, Orleans, and Paris. We have programmes in Business Management, Tourism Hospitality, and Digital Communication, and we are partnered with over 200 other universities across the world. This means there are great opportunities for exchanges and placements abroad.

There are around 5,000 students on campus at Excelia. 25% of those are international students, representing over 80 different nationalities.

Why apply to Excelia?

The main reason I’d say students should apply to Excelia - and a reason I applied to study here - is that there is such a wide range of opportunities available here. Internships, learning expeditions, and human and climate missions (including working with a humanitarian organisation) make your studies much more dynamic and give you a feel for working in the world after your degree.

For international students, Excelia offers a great way to experience the French way of life - savoir faire, as the people of France call it! Each campus gives you the chance to soak up French culture.

Who isn’t the right fit for Excelia?

If you’re interested in learning in a more traditional way, like studying lots of theory and going to lectures as your only means of learning, Excelia might not be the right fit for you. Getting involved in student and community activities is a key part of the experience here, with activities like human and climate missions a mandatory part of your degree.

Any application tips? 

The application process at Excelia is quite straightforward. Check out the subject profiles for the degrees we have on offer, and make sure you’re choosing the right one for you. Then, apply via our website by uploading your CV, a transcript of your most recent academic grades, and paying the 50 Euro application fee.

Once this has been processed, the next step is to complete an interview online, which has been pre-recorded in English and in French, so you can choose the language which suits you.

To make your application stand out, make sure to mention any extracurricular activities you have taken part in, like student associations, sports, or volunteering. At Excelia, we are really keen on a diverse profile which mentions a range of experiences, so don’t be afraid to mention these.

What’s the location like?

Excelia is based in four different cities, and each one has a different vibe! La Rochelle is on the coast, with stunning neighbourhoods in the Old Port. At the seaside marina, Les Minimes, you can stroll along in the sun by the boats or enjoy watersports like jet skiing and paddle boarding.

Tours and Orleans are both historical neighbourhoods, with pleasant city centres for browsing. Paris, of course, has a much busier and more cosmopolitan way of life, with its vast shopping, sightseeing, and eating options. But the pretty Jardin des Tuileries, not far from the famous Louvre museum, offers a calmer space for relaxing in between all your sightseeing. 

What facilities does Excelia have to offer?

Facilities vary widely from campus to campus at Excelia, but it’s worth knowing that there are more than 50 student clubs and associations available on campus. You’ll be expected to take part in one of these activities - it’s actually a module on your degree - to make sure you’re fully involved in campus life and creating personal networks. So there are plenty of sports facilities, including water sports at La Rochelle, and facilities for media, arts, and culture which you can take advantage of.

What is the accommodation like?

Excelia has several accommodation options, including student residences, co-housing, and the option to live with host families. Once you’ve had your place at Excelia confirmed, you can reserve your accommodation directly online through the institution’s online platform.

How does the university meet the needs of students with different accessibility requirements?

All four of our campuses are easy to get around and suitable for wheelchair users. We also have a Student Life department at each campus, so those teams are happy to help with any questions or worries you may have - whether you’re unsure where to find something, or need support with looking after your wellbeing. 

In addition, Excelia has been awarded the ‘Bienvenue en France’ label, which highlights the institution as a particularly welcoming place for international students.

Want to explore more European universities? Remember, Unifrog’s Shortlisting tool can help you put together a list of great potential courses.