Engage in Internships, Collaborate with NGOs, Participate in Social Projects’: Exclusive Advice for Indian Students from a Leading French Business School
In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, Santiago Garcia, Vice President for Strategic Development & International at

In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, Santiago Garcia, Vice President for Strategic Development & International at KEDGE Business School, France, discusses how the institution is refining its offerings to appeal to Indian students. He highlights the school’s triple accreditation, innovative teaching methods, and dedication to student success, while also sharing insights and advice for Indian applicants.
FPJ: What new opportunities is KEDGE Business School offering to Indian students?
Garcia: This partnership is a first of its kind in India—a leading French institution teaming up with a local university to deliver programs entirely in India. We are beginning with a bachelor’s degree, and by September 2026, six master’s programs will also be introduced. Additional offerings, including executive education and doctoral degrees, will follow. Students can start their academic journey at Vijaybhoomi University in India and seamlessly progress to PhD or executive degrees at KEDGE. While details for doctoral and executive programs are still being finalized, we anticipate their launch in the near future.
FPJ: How do Indian students contribute to the French economy?
Garcia: France currently faces a shortage of skilled professionals in areas like engineering and mid-to-high management. India, as the largest producer of graduates in hard sciences, plays a crucial role in addressing this talent gap. Indian technical students significantly contribute to the growth and innovation of French companies. In addition to technical expertise, we emphasize soft skills such as social and managerial competencies, which are vital for professional success. These complement the technical education Indian students bring and improve their overall employability.
FPJ: What qualities does KEDGE Business School seek in Indian applicants?
Garcia: We prioritize excellence and ambition above all, regardless of the field of study. We look for students who have demonstrated exceptional academic growth and possess a strong desire to make a meaningful impact. While we don’t focus on specific disciplines, we highly value students who excel in their chosen fields and show a clear drive to succeed. If they embody these qualities, they are a good fit for KEDGE.
FPJ: How many Indian students are currently enrolled at KEDGE, and what is the male-to-female ratio?
Garcia: Currently, there are about 400 Indian students at KEDGE, with the latest intake contributing 200 of them. The gender ratio is approximately 50-50, with no significant imbalance. It’s quite diverse overall.
FPJ: Which programs do Indian students typically choose?
Garcia: We offer around 20 programs, mostly master’s degrees, and students tend to choose fields like international business, supply chain, and logistics. While most students still opt for master’s degrees, there has been a notable increase in students pursuing bachelor’s programs.
FPJ: How does KEDGE support Indian students with accommodation and homesickness concerns?
Garcia: We provide dedicated accommodation services for Indian students. In Paris, we offer on-campus housing, as finding affordable accommodation there can be tough. We also help students find private or public housing, including apartments. Additionally, our career services assist both Indian and international students in finding suitable job placements.
FPJ: How does KEDGE align its curriculum with the global job market?
Garcia: We maintain regular contact with companies, which advise our curriculum to ensure it aligns with the needs of the industry. Our real clients are the companies, and we aim to cultivate talent that will benefit both society and businesses. We even have a dedicated academic unit that forecasts future job trends to ensure that our curriculum anticipates the skills companies will require in the next five to ten years.
FPJ: What employability support does KEDGE offer its students?
Garcia: KEDGE students enjoy one of the highest employability rates among business schools in France. Our rigorous curriculum, with practical applications such as case studies, projects, and simulations, ensures that our graduates are job-ready. This practical approach is highly valued by companies, making it easier for KEDGE graduates to secure employment.
FPJ: Do you think France could benefit from India’s concerns over study-abroad restrictions in other countries?
Garcia: We’ve already seen this happening. Countries like Canada are becoming more restrictive, and Australia and the UK are also tightening their policies. Meanwhile, France is increasing efforts to attract more Indian students. President Macron emphasized this goal during his recent visit to India. France is a welcoming country for Indian students, and we are committed to offering them opportunities.
FPJ: What support services does KEDGE offer to help Indian students settle in France?
Garcia: It’s relatively easy for students to settle in. Our international community at KEDGE is large, and we organize integration events that help students connect with others. You’ll find students from India, Spain, the U.S., Latin America, and other countries socializing easily. We also have student associations that organize activities like sports and gastronomy, providing opportunities for students to make both local and international friends.
FPJ: How does KEDGE assist students with medical needs?
Garcia: We provide specialized support for mental health and homesickness, ensuring students don’t need to seek external help. France boasts one of the world’s top healthcare systems. All students are automatically enrolled in the French Social Security system, granting them access to universal healthcare from the very first day, free of charge. Unlike private systems with high insurance costs and deductibles, this system is comprehensive and accessible
FPJ: How does KEDGE approach sustainability and climate?
Garcia: Sustainability is integral to our mission. Through our platform, KEDGE Impact, we track key metrics such as energy consumption, water usage, and reductions in our carbon footprint. Students are encouraged to incorporate social responsibility into their future careers. Many opt for public transport or bikes instead of cars, supporting a sustainable lifestyle. In the classroom, sustainability is a key focus, and there are student groups working on socially responsible initiatives that other students can join during their time at KEDGE.
FPJ: What entrepreneurship opportunities does KEDGE offer to Indian students?
Garcia: We offer an incubator, along with courses focused on business creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation. France also supports entrepreneurship through entrepreneur visas. I know of an Indian student who completed a master’s degree with us, then stayed in France on an entrepreneur visa to establish his own company. We provide support in areas such as ideation, funding, and workspace for developing new ideas. Additionally, the French government is very supportive of entrepreneurship, offering various resources for startups.
FPJ: What advice would you give to students applying to KEDGE Business School?
Garcia: I would advise students to experience as much as possible before applying—take internships, work with NGOs, participate in social projects, and maintain strong academic performance. Additionally, seek advice from school counselors or representatives about the best career paths for them. It’s important for students to shape their preferences and follow what truly excites them. Building on one’s strengths is crucial. We can only evaluate what we see, so getting involved in activities early on will help create a strong CV upon graduation.
FPJ: How does KEDGE’s triple accreditation impact its appeal to Indian students?
Garcia: Triple accreditation is a key differentiator for KEDGE, positioning us in the top 1% of business schools worldwide. When choosing a school, students often look for unique attributes, and our triple accreditation stands out. But it’s not the only factor. Our pedagogy is centered around “learning by doing,” where students engage directly with companies, work on case studies, simulations, and role-playing, rather than just memorizing for exams. We also connect students with businesses, offer top-tier services, and maintain strong rankings, such as being the number one French school in the Shanghai ranking for research in business administration. This unique approach, combined with the latest industry trends embedded in our curriculum, sets us apart from other schools.