Incoming Exchange students

Every year, Rennes School of Business warmly welcomes incoming exchange students from its wide network of partner institutions. Whether you are coming for one semester or a full academic year, our exchange programmes offer a unique opportunity to study abroad in a vibrant campus environment.

Located in the heart of Rennes or Paris, our university campuses combines tradition, modern facilities, and a strong sense of community to ensure students thrive academically and socially. Our programmes are designed to provide an international education experience, fostering global engagement, personal growth, and professional development.

Joining our exchange programmes allows university students to learn and live in a dynamic French city, benefit from academic advising, and participate in cultural exchange activities that enhance their overall experience. With support services ranging from campus housing to health insurance, we aim to make your stay comfortable and enriching.

Programme objectives

By participating in our incoming exchange student programme, you will be able to:

Gain access to a high-quality academic catalogue in English, tailored to your home institution requirements

Engage with a diverse international student body, developing intercultural competence and global perspectives

Explore the city and immerse yourself in French culture while benefiting from on-campus and off-campus accommodation

Enhance your academic profile by earning credits transferable to your degree at your home university

Receive support and guidance from dedicated coordinators throughout the application process and your academic year

Experience a safe, inclusive, and vibrant campus, fostering both academic excellence and personal growth

Programme overview

Our exchange programmes, offered in English and tailored to different study levels, allow students to integrate easily into our academic catalogue. They are organised by semester.

Exchange – Level 2: Second-year undergraduate students attend classes in the Bachelor in Management (BiM) programme, exclusively available during the fall semester. The cohort is highly international and multicultural

Exchange – Level 3: Third-year students follow the final year of the BiM programme and choose a major in sales and marketing, finance and banking, or purchasing and supply chain management. Classes are taught in English

Exchange – Level 4: First-year Master in Management modules are available alongside courses dedicated solely to incoming exchange students, offering a wide choice of credit-bearing courses in English

Exchange – Level 5: Students attend modules from the second year of the Master in Management, including general management courses and specialise in a specific track, integrated with local students completing their final year

Conditions of admission

To be eligible for the programme, your home university must hold an exchange agreement with Rennes School of Business. You must also be a degree-seeking student at your home institution. Tuition is paid only to your home university, not RSB.

For further details on how and when to go abroad, and which programmes or subjects you should study, please ask the exchange coordinator at your home institution

You can come to RSB for one semester or for a full academic year (except level 2 – fall semester only)

You can earn credits to transfer towards your university degree at your home institution

Nomination and application

The first step to joining our incoming exchange student programme is the nomination by your home university. Once nominated, you will receive information to complete the application process. Required documents include:

Completed application form and home university coordinator form. Applicants must submit the completed forms before the stated deadline to ensure eligibility.

English language proficiency proof (TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC) or certificate from home institution. Meeting the minimum score requirement is essential for acceptance into the programme.

Copy of passport and passport-sized photo

Official transcripts from your home university

CV in English

After review, a formal Letter of Acceptance will be sent, allowing you to start preparing for visa arrangements (if applicable), campus housing, and travel. The letter will include a link to essential resources and contacts for the term and class schedules.

Visa and immigration

Non-European students must contact the French Embassy or Campus France to obtain a student visa. Our office of international assists with guidance to ensure your visa status and student and exchange visitor documentation are correctly processed. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the country of origin and the type of visa requested.

Orientation and academic year start

The school provides orientation days before classes begin, covering academic advising, health insurance, banking, mobile services, transport, and information on French culture. Participation is mandatory to ensure a smooth transition into both academic and social life on campus. Students are encouraged to visit the organisation’s orientation centre and contact staff for any questions during these hours.

Course registration

Once enrolled, students select courses through our online course registration platform. Learning agreements should be approved in consultation with your home institution. Credits earned are transferable, and academic transcripts are issued digitally at the end of the semester. Each subject carries a set number of hours and value, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive academic year schedule.

Accommodation

Rennes School of Business provides assistance in finding on-campus and off-campus accommodation, including student residences, shared flats, family homestays, and private houses, ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment. Students studying on-campus can enjoy convenient access to all college facilities and the campus center.

Exams and transcripts

Examinations take place at the end of each semester (December and April), with resit exams scheduled in June/July. Note that it is not possible to change exam dates upon the request of individual students.

Grading follows a clear system:

A – Excellent: 70%+
B – Very good: 65–69%
C – Good: 58–64%
D – Satisfactory: 50–57%
E – Sufficient: 40–49%
F/Fx – Fail: below 40%

Transcripts issuance is digital via the students’ platform.

Additional Services

RSB welcomes students with disabilities, providing lifts, adapted transport, and tailored support services. Please contact the school before arrival to inform us of any required assistance (by sending an email to the team in charge of the administration of your programme). Transport in Rennes is also adapted to persons with reduced mobility (metro & buses). The internal Aloha platform offers detailed resources on accommodation, healthcare, banking, and campus life.

FAQ – Incoming exchange students

How do I apply for the exchange programme?

Your home university nominates you online, after which you complete the application form and upload required documents.

Can I come for one semester only?

Yes, students can join for one semester or a full academic year, depending on the programme level.

What support is provided for accommodation?

RSB helps students find on-campus or off-campus housing, including student residences, shared flats, or family homestays.

Are classes taught in English?

Yes, all exchange programme courses are taught in English, ensuring smooth integration for international students.

How can I transfer credits to my home university?

Credits earned during your incoming exchange students semester are transferable with approval from your home institution. Academic advising ensures courses meet degree requirements.

Is Rennes a friendly city for students?

Regularly ranked as one of the youngest and most vibrant student cities in France, Rennes welcomes around 70,000 students every year. Locals love to mingle with them in one of the city’s many bars, restaurants and clubs.

Is it easy to travel from Rennes to other places in France?

Rennes is well connected via both a train station and international airport that travel to numerous destinations in France and Europe. Travel to Paris is possible in just 1h25 by high-speed train, from which even more travel options are possible.

I don't speak French, is that a problem?

With over 100 nationalities on campus, RSB is the perfect destination for English speakers. Outside the school, some basic phrases will enable you to live easily in the city, in which many people also speak English.