SStudies in financeallows access to recognised training, rapid vocational integration and solid wage prospects, even for profiles from the general or technological bac. It is better to know the different channels, the skills sought and the financing options in order to prepare the choices that will mark your path right now – while capturing the opportunities of a sector that is constantly evolving.
Understanding everything about finance studies: the panorama at a glance
Are you wondering about your affinity with finance? In 2024, to become involved in this field is to have access to a wide range of courses (from bac+2 to bac+5), to attractive starting wages (of 24 000 € over 45 000 €In the first job) and in occupations which really recruit (the integration rate exceeds85 %from the BTS). No matter whether your goal is a BTS Bank, a university degree, a business school or a specialized master's degree, the ecosystem offers a well-marked progression, secure opportunities and a highly appreciated international opening.
To make it simple: financial training provides access to various positions, such as banking, auditing, risk management or fintech. No need to be a « math » It's great, but it's better to have some basics out of high school. University, school or alternation: how to choose? Here's what we can remember through this guide.
Summary of key points
- ✅ In 2024, finance offered a wide range of programmes and attractive outlets.
- ✅ The integration rate exceeds 85% as from the BTS.
- ✅ Financial training provides access to a variety of banking, auditing, risk management and fintech occupations.
What is a study in finance?
Finance is not just manipulating numbers or trying to invest in stock markets! It is the core of management, which aims to make the best use of the flow, investment and security of funds – whether within companies, organisations or in markets. Unlike the economy (rather theoretical) and management (organised), finance focuses on concrete decisions: investing, anticipating budgets, arbitrating risks or analysing a market.
An anecdote that we hear regularly: each year, more than40,000 studentsin France choose a specialization in finance, which reflects the dynamism of the sector. Many high school students do not realize all the diversity of careers possible – yet finance links innovation (fintech, data) and more traditional professions (bank, management control). A striking example: without finance, it is impossible to access real estate credit, support business growth or invest in the ecological transition.
What courses and diplomas are possible in finance?
Finance is considered demanding. But there are many accesses. Depending on your affinities with mathematics, your academic results and your desire to specialize, there are several possibilities offered to you after graduation:
From baccalaureate to baccalaureate +5: BTS, baccalaureate, school or master's degree?
The training offer covers several levels:
- BTS Bank/Insurance (bac+2): rapid entry into the labour market (Integration rate: 85%from the end of the course) and taking responsibility for agency or support functions.
- Licence (bac+3): university degree courses (Licence Économie-Management, AES, Economie-Finance), dedicated schools, or vocational courses such as the License Pro Assurance or Bank.
- Master (bac+5): major universities (market finance, corporate finance, sustainable finance), renowned schools (HEC, ESSEC, EM Lyon) or specialized masters, often accredited in management schools.
- High school course: admission via post-bac contest or gateway (prepa, IUT, license), courses deemed selective but highly valued on the market.
- Double course or international experienceBachelors, Masters or schools offering internships abroad and double degrees, particularly in partnership with England or Canada.
Some of them still hesitant? There are bridges and alternations at all levels. It is often noted thatapproximately 22%Bachelor+5 students in finance choose an alternation, allowing them to combine business and academic learning.
Alternance, distanciel or international: how to choose?
The sector offers courses in face-to-face, distance learning (since2022, several private establishments offer courses 100% online), or alternately. The latter format is relatively appreciated: it helps finance his studies through an employee contract while increasing professional contacts (some professionals feel that this immersion makes all the difference).
Are you considering an experiment abroad? More and more schools and universities are entering a semester or internship outside France. To illustrate this point: some masters proposeabout halfEnglish lessons from the first year onwards, reflecting the international dimension taken by the industry.
Good to know
I recommend that you carefully check the alternation and distance options to choose a curriculum adapted to your personal situation.
What skills and qualities to succeed in finance?
Beyond the myth of « math genius », success in finance relies mainly on rigour, analysis and relational. The coefficients in mathematics, economics or management play a role at entry, but success also depends on the ability to move from theory to practice.
Focus on expected technical skills
Some landmarks to be located:
- Applied Mathematics:probability, statistics, interest calculation, financial ratios
- Digital tools:Excel, databases, first professional software like Bloomberg or Power BI
- Foreign languages:level B2 in English requested from the baccalaureate+3 in many fields
Let us take a concrete example: financial audit or analysis requires a real effort... However, a large number of students say that self-help and group work greatly facilitate this adaptation in the first year. A trainer recently pointed out that exchanges in small groups could allow some to pass through a « heading » It's a decisive one.
Soft-skills and less technical assets
Recruiters also value profiles capable of dialogue, team integration and stress management. Accuracy in writing, attentive listening and flexibility in the face of developments are real assets for moving forward quickly. Moreover, during an internship interview, it happens that the impression left is not based solely on computational results... In practice, it is regularly recommended to cultivate these relational qualities to give their full potential to a profile.
Opportunities and wages: what to expect after studying finance?
The French financial market absorbs every year more than8,000 new graduates, from BTS to bac+5. You want a clear vision? The following table compares employment opportunities and wage ranges at each level:
| Diploma | Accessible professions | Annual gross salary (beginning) | Integration rate* |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTS Bank/Insurance | Banking advisor, back office manager | 24 000 – 28 000 € | 85 % |
| Licence | Manager, Business Officer, Analyst Assistant | 28 000 – 32 000 € | Approx. 80% |
| Master School/University | Financial Analyst, Auditor, Wealth Manager | 42,500 € (median) | 90 % |
| Top-tier schools | Trading, Management Control, M&A, DAF | Up to 60,000 € | >92 % |
*The integration rate is calculated at6 monthsAfter graduation (sources: ESGF, Student, Study 2024).
A quick focus: after five years of experience, the average wage increases bybetween 10 and 15 %relative to market entry. A master's or a selective school thus allows a progressive evolution, both in France and internationally. Some professionals find that a transition to a large establishment can accelerate this career progression.
Costs, funding and alternance training: how to finance his studies in finance?
One of the major concerns with financial guidance is the regular cost of studies. However, there are several options depending on the type of institution chosen: public university, private institute or alternate format.
How much does it actually cost?
To give a concrete benchmark: university fees vary between200 € and 600 €a year (excluding studies with double international diploma), while a private school7 000 € 14,000 €per year for a bachelor's degree or even more for some niche masters. In other words, there are realistic alternatives. More than one in five students in baccalaureate+5 finance opts for alternation (21,5 %), which allows him to receive a salary and be exempt from tuition. Sometimes a student chooses this method, precisely to avoid a large debt from the beginning of working life.
Focus on financing solutions
Some leads to find it:
- CROOS/Bourses: resource criteria, sometimes cumulative with alternation
- Student employment and paid internships: from L2, some courses offer a gratuity (a handful of euros each month: about600 to 1 000 €)
- Student loans: specific offers with delayed repayment, especially in the major partner banks of schools and universities
The alternation is taken over by the host company (including tuition fees and wages). Many students opt for this option if they hesitate to invest10 000 €per year in a selective school.
Trends 2026 and international openness: what funding for tomorrow?
Finance no longer stops at its old borders: IA, fintech and sustainable finance have changed the sector since 2024. Is this really the case for all the courses? We regularly find that future specializations push habits.
Focus: future specializations
In 2026, morebetween 30% and 35% of MastersIncorporating responsible finance modules (ESGs), while artificial intelligence and big data gradually become part of most training courses. For example, the ESG now proposes22 specialized linesthat combine digitalization and internships in fintech startup. According to an expert in the sector, sustainable finance attracts more profiles each year: one in four graduates can be assumed to exercise tomorrow in the energy transition or investment with positive impact.
International: easy and recognized departures
Are you planning a trip to London or Wall Street? Many courses include double degrees, long internships or 100 per cent teaching in English. Let us add that the French universities accumulate official labels and accreditations (RNCP, CGE, AACSB...), opening the way for increasing recognitions at international level. Some students say that this allows them to apply more easily for positions abroad – which was not so obvious ten years ago.
FAQ, testimonials and resources to advance
Do you want to clarify your questions or hear concrete stories? This section gathers the frequent questions of finance students and reveals testimonies to better perceive the realities of the sector:
Frequently asked questions about financial studies
A few points to note:
- Prepa or S/eco sector essential?No, but a serious basis in mathematics remains highly recommended, especially for analysis or market finance.
- Are beginners really getting high wages?Yes: with a master, the median reached42 500 €/year for an analyst and that some profiles exceed45 000 €/year from the first year.
- University or private school: what difference?Both offer interesting prospects, but accredited schools multiply paid partnerships and internships – which is also why they are highly appreciated by some employers.
- Finance available alternately and internationally?Yes, about21,5 %baccalaureates+5 do their courses in alternance and most schools/unities incorporate stays or double degrees abroad. Some professionals often recall this opening in orientation salons and forums.
« I was afraid I wouldn't have the level to follow a master's degree. », share Camille,23 years. « But with a solid internship from the time of the license, I found my way in corporate banking after a year alternating. The teaching team supported each stage. » An anecdote among others: sometimes a student finds his or her vocation through an internship experience or the support of his or her teachers.
Last point to note: you can download a brochure, simulate your admission profile or agree to an appointment with an orientation advisor. Student testimonials, insertion data and PDF guides are usually a valuable help in moving forward calmly.