NEW DELHI (India CSR): France is a strong place to build an ESG or CSR career because many institutions in France consider sustainability as “business core,” not a side topic. If your goal is to work as a CSR Manager, ESG Analyst, Sustainability Consultant, Impact Project Lead, or Climate Strategy Associate, you should choose a program that teaches three things together:
1. How companies make decisions
2. How sustainability data is measured and reported
3. How change is led inside real organisations.
As per leading French education experts, you should look for courses that cover materiality, reporting and auditing, ESG ratings, climate science for business, sustainable supply chains, and impact finance along with project or internship so you graduate with not only grades, but real life skills too. Audencia’s MSc Sustainability program, for example, has modules like Materiality, Reporting and Auditing, Multi-capital accounting and ESG rating, Building Sustainable Supply Chains, and a Business Consulting Project. This mix is very close to what ESG & CSR jobs ask for today.
Below are some of the best, clearly “ESG career ready” options, with a focus on what each one prepares you for.
1) HEC Paris – Master in Sustainability and Social Innovation
This program fits students who want to mix ESG strategy with social impact, innovation, and leadership. A big advantage of this program is its inclusivity of students from different academic backgrounds: Program is open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and accepts common English tests (TOEFL/TOEIC/IELTS/Cambridge) and allows waivers for native English speakers or those who studied fully in English.
This program is best for aspirants who are looking to work in roles like CSR/ESG program manager, sustainability strategy associate, impact project lead, social innovation roles inside companies and foundations.
2) ESSEC – MSc in Sustainability Transformation (ST)
If you want a fast, focused path, ESSEC offers this 12 month program and suitable to applicants looking for roles in Climate/CSR manager track, ESG transformation roles, sustainability consulting internships leading to full-time employment. This program suits for experienced professionals who are looking to advance their career.
ESSEC’s admissions requires English test such as IELTS Academic ≥ 6.5 and TOEFL iBT ≥ 95), although not mandatory, management test such as GMAT/GRE/TAGE MAGE can support an application.
3) ESCP – MSc in International Sustainability Management
ESCP’s program is a strong match for students who want sustainability + international exposure built into the structure. ESCP requires a bachelor’s degree (min. 180 ECTS), and the duration of the program is 2 years (full-time). The study path includes Berlin as the primary campus with two terms in Paris, plus a company consultancy project and internship.
That consulting + internship design is especially helpful if your target is advisory work like ESG audits, reporting support, net-zero roadmaps, supply chain sustainability.
Program is best suited for roles like Sustainability consultant, ESG project consultant, corporate sustainability analyst, reporting/strategy support roles.
4) Audencia – MSc in Management for Sustainable Business
Audencia is one of the most job-aligned options for ESG/CSR because the curriculum is very close to real company work. The program covers topics like systems thinking, sustainability strategy, responsible supply chains, materiality assessment, ESG reporting and auditing, and multi-capital accounting with ESG ratings. It also includes a business consulting project and hands-on internship or work experience.
For eligibility (1-year track), Audencia asks for a 4-year undergraduate degree for the 1-year MSc format, with guidance that a 2-year MSc or MiM may suit students holding a 3-year degree.
Best for roles like ESG reporting and ratings roles, sustainable operations/supply chain, CSR implementation teams, sustainability consulting.
5) Grenoble Ecole de Management – MSc Management for Sustainability Transitions
This is a good choice if you want to work on “transition management”, helping organisations move from intent to real change. Grenoble EM program prepares students to lead transformational change across private, public, and non-profit organisations.
It is taught in English, based in Grenoble, and can run from 1 year to 2 years depending on the pace/format you are eligible to apply for.
Suited for aspirants looking for careers in sustainability transformation/project roles, change management for ESG programs, transition-focused consulting.
6) EDHEC – MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Finance (Double degree)
If your ESG target is in finance ESG investing, climate risk, sustainable finance product roles EDHEC program is the best choice. EDHEC’s program blends finance with scientific and engineering climate challenges and awards both an EDHEC MSc and a specialised diploma with MINES Paris – PSL.
This program is designed for students with undergraduate degrees in business/financial economics, or science/engineering (or related fields), and requires an English test unless you are exempt.
Best for roles like ESG analyst (finance), sustainable investment roles, climate risk roles, sustainable finance consulting.
7) KEDGE – MSc Sustainable & Impact Finance
KEDGE’s MSc Sustainable & Impact Finance is another strong finance related discipline. KEDGE has two entry tracks (short and long), You can choose track depending on your previous education and the professional experience you possess. Suitable for the aspirants who want to work in roles like impact finance analyst, ESG investing support roles, sustainable finance advisory, green finance track.
8) SKEMA – MSc Entrepreneurship and Design for Sustainability
This program is a great fit if you want to build sustainability projects, products, or ventures and not only manage reporting. SKEMA offers 2 years MSc program (three-year university degree or equivalent / 180 ECTS). This program is a good match because if you are looking for a program that connects sustainability skills + design methods + venture thinking in one track.
Best for roles like sustainability innovation roles, ESG product/project roles, impact entrepreneurship, sustainability design and business building.
Scholarships and funding options
Two well-known France Excellence options are worth tracking if you are an international student:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: Applications for this scholarship are to be submitted only by French higher education institutions (students don’t submit directly).
- France Excellence Charpak (India): Charpak Master’s scholarship support for one to two years of Master’s studies in France and can be renewable once based on results in 1st year one.
Also, many schools run their own merit scholarships or funding routes for example, KEDGE’s offers merit scholarship.
What your application should show for ESG/CSR admissions
Across these programs, strongest profile usually has:
- A clear career plan (which ESG/CSR track you want reporting, strategy, consulting, finance, supply chain, climate).
- Proof you can work with data and stakeholders (projects, internships, volunteering with measurable outcomes).
- A solid English test score where required such as IELTS 6.5-7, PTE 60-72 or TOEFL 90-110
