- Spend 24 hours immersed at CEFAM
Study business in English starting in your first year in Lyon. Develop your skills in management, finance, and marketing; gain professional experience through internships; and then choose to continue your studies in Lyon or at an international partner university.
Two admission periods per year: September and January – Outside of Parcoursup
The first three years are spent at CEFAM in Lyon. There, you’ll build your business knowledge, improve your English, and complete internships. In your fourth year, you’ll choose to continue your studies at a partner university or pursue a specialization in Lyon.
You’ll learn about accounting, economics, quantitative tools, and management. Courses in communication and study skills will help you adapt to the work methods expected in an English-language program.
Fall Semester: Introduction to Financial Accounting I, Principles of Microeconomics, English Composition I, Communication & Academic Methodology, Basic Quantitative Foundations for Business I, and Business Computer Applications.
Spring Semester: Introduction to Financial Accounting II, Principles of Macroeconomics, English Composition II, Introduction to Management Information Systems, Basic Quantitative Foundations, and Introduction to Management.
Summer Semester: Introduction to Managerial Accounting, Public Speaking, and Career Research & Development.
Work Experience: Two-month internship.
You will develop your skills in finance, marketing, statistics, and business law. Courses in the humanities will broaden your understanding of the environments in which businesses operate.
Fall Semester: Introduction to the Legal Environment of Business, Business Statistics, Introduction to Managerial Finance, American History or American Literature, Principles of Marketing, and Organizational Behavior.
Spring Semester: Quantitative Techniques, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Intermediate Managerial Finance, American History or American Literature, Intellectual Heritage, and Dimensions of Diversity.
Summer Semester: TOEFL Preparation.
Work Experience: Optional two-month internship.
You will study the international aspects of law, finance, marketing, and politics. A long-term internship will allow you to put your knowledge into practice and clarify your career goals.
Fall Semester: Art History, Environmental Science, The Legal Environment of International Business, Issues in International Politics, International Finance, and International Marketing.
Spring Semester: Career Planning and Management.
Work experience: six-month internship.
Option 1 — Enroll at a partner university
You are pursuing your studies in the United States, Canada, or Italy and choose a specialization from among those offered by your host university. Depending on the institution and the program, these fields may include marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, management, human resources, or international business.
This track allows students to earn a BBA from the partner university, in accordance with the program’s requirements. An accelerated MBA option is available through the University of New Brunswick; the other MBA tracks follow different procedures.
Option 2 — Continue your specialization in Lyon
You will remain at CEFAM and choose one of the two specializations listed in the curriculum:
Marketing: Consumer Behavior, Advertising, Sales Management & Negotiation, Digital Marketing, Marketing Research, as well as courses in strategy, data, and supply chain management.
Finance: Financial Planning & Analysis, Intermediate Financial Accounting, Sustainable Finance, Information Technology for Finance, Portfolio Management, as well as courses in strategy and international economics.
As part of this four-year program in Lyon, students may spend a semester studying abroad in the United States, Mexico, or Greece.
Depending on the track chosen and the requirements for completion, the Business program prepares students for the French professional certification “Manager of International Organizations,” registered with the RNCP at Level 7, as well as a BBA or MBA awarded by a partner university in the United States or Canada.
These qualifications are distinct: the RNCP designation is a French professional certification; the BBA and MBA are university degrees awarded by partner institutions. Whether a student earns them depends on the program they actually complete.
Through a two-month internship, discover how an organization operates and apply what you’ve learned so far to real-world professional situations. The Career Research & Development module will guide you through this process.
In your third year, a six-month internship allows you to gain in-depth experience with a specific project at a company, develop greater independence, and better identify the roles or industries in which you’d like to pursue a career.
Study at a partner university in the United States, Canada, or Italy, or specialize in marketing or finance in Lyon. Depending on your program, you can also experience another campus during a semester abroad in the United States, Mexico, or Greece.
CEFAM has been an important part of my journey. As a business student, I had the opportunity to learn from professors with real-world experience who came from all over the world. The business program helped me learn about all aspects of business—including finance, marketing, management, and economics—during my first year at CEFAM. Being exposed to so many subjects right away helped me quickly figure out what I wanted to do career-wise.
I would choose CEFAM again without hesitation. The small class sizes create an engaging and personalized learning environment, supported by dedicated faculty and staff who are genuinely committed to student success. The quality of education is excellent, particularly in the finance program, which provided me with a strong academic and practical foundation. I highly recommend CEFAM to anyone seeking a rigorous and supportive university experience.
I recently graduated from CEFAM and had a great experience. The program offers extensive international exposure, practical courses, and supportive professors. The small class sizes make a big difference. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for an international business program.
My experience at CEFAM has been amazing. It truly feels like a close-knit family, always striving to support each student’s academic and professional growth. Beyond academics, I loved the social events, such as the welcome parties and Brazilian parties, which helped me bond with my classmates and immerse myself in French culture.
When I first came to CEFAM, I didn’t know what to expect. Moving from the United States to France was challenging, but it helped me learn to adapt and thrive in a new environment. CEFAM’s international community made me feel welcome and at home, while helping me grow both academically and personally. I highly recommend CEFAM to any international student looking for a unique and immersive experience.
My four years at CEFAM have been truly transformative. The balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application, combined with international exposure, industry-focused courses, and dedicated faculty, helped me grow both personally and professionally. Hands-on projects, internships, and a diverse student community enriched my experience. CEFAM strengthened my business expertise, global perspective, and leadership skills, which I will carry forward throughout my career.
"Interculturality" and "opportunities" are the words that come to mind when I think of CEFAM. I have always dreamed of going to the U.S., and CEFAM was, is, and will remain my first choice. It offers everything I hoped for: English, an international environment, exposure to the business world, and lasting relationships. More than just a school, CEFAM is a place of discovery, multiculturalism, and diverse perspectives. This diversity is its greatest strength, benefiting both students and their future employers!
I chose CEFAM for its dual-degree opportunities and international focus. During my studies, I became part of the CEFAMily, a supportive community where students are encouraged to grow and succeed. The guidance I received from the faculty and administrative team helped me build confidence and prepare for my professional future. As a recent graduate, I’m excited to pursue my ambition of working in finance and put the skills I developed at CEFAM into practice.
I had a wonderful experience at CEFAM, especially thanks to its international environment and diverse student body. As a finance major, I spent my senior year in the United States, where I earned a B.S. in Finance. I highly recommend CEFAM to anyone looking for a stimulating, internationally focused education.
The excellent quality of education, combined with a well-structured program and effective teaching methods, makes the CEFAM experience truly enriching.
Complete your application online at our website, www.cefam.fr
Please provide proof of your English proficiency
Attend a job interview in English
Receive a response within 15 days; valid for 1 year
Submit your application directly on the CEFAM website. Applications are accepted year-round for two start dates: September and January.
Since courses are taught entirely in English, you must submit a score from the Duolingo English Test (DET), TOEFL, IELTS, or a Cambridge certificate.
If you have earned—or are about to earn—an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, a high school diploma, or A-Levels, you are exempt from providing proof of English proficiency.
For admission to the first year, the minimum scores listed in the brochure are as follows:
Test | Minimum score |
Duolingo English Test (DET) | 95 |
TOEFL | 64 |
IELTS | 5,5 |
Cambridge | B1+ |
All applicants must participate in a motivational interview in English. The admission exams are available entirely online.
You will receive a response within 15 days. Once granted, admission remains valid for one year.
Who is eligible to apply?
You may apply if you are in your final year of a general or technological high school program, or if you have already begun higher education. Admissions for applicants with three years of post-high school education are subject to a review of your academic background.
Applications to CEFAM are submitted directly to the school, outside of the Parcoursup system.
A B1/B2 level is the general benchmark set by CEFAM for post-baccalaureate applicants. The school also publishes minimum scores by test for admission to the first year: Duolingo English Test 95, TOEFL 64, IELTS 5.5, or Cambridge B1+. These thresholds are subject to change: please check with the Admissions team to confirm the requirements for your application cycle.
CEFAM offers two intakes per year, in September and January. Application deadlines and exam dates are announced by the Admissions Office.
You will need to complete an application form and provide the required documents so that your profile can be reviewed. The exact list of documents, as well as any required proof of language proficiency, will be specified to you during the process.
If you have any questions about your application or your background, please contact CEFAM.
The exam fee is 70€.
A candidate may take the exam once a year, and admission is valid for one year.
Yes. CEFAM offers an online admissions process. Contact the Admissions Team to find out the specific requirements that apply to your situation and place of residence.
Tuition varies depending on the academic year, the program you choose, and, if applicable, the partner university. Check the tuition rates for your year of enrollment and request an estimate for your entire study plan before committing.
