Presentation
Why study for an MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance?
Excelia Business School’s MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance offers a combination of finance and sustainable development. Taught by leading experts, the programme blends theory and practice to give you a thorough understanding of the financial systems and practices that support environmentally and socially responsible investments, as well as the economic and financial risks and opportunities associated with sustainable business practices.
An overview of Excelia’s MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance
Benefitting from EQUIS and AACSB accreditations and from a French Grade de Master delivered by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, this MSc will open doors to exciting careers in France and abroad. Our innovative teaching methods include business games, Climacité© and industry lectures.
The programme also focusses on how to finance renewable resources, how to transition to low-carbon energy, and how to support the blue economy, which includes the development of new financial tools and products to meet the needs of climate-conscious industry players.
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LanguageEnglish
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QualificationMaster (5 years of higher education)
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Location
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Tuition Fees
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In shortSustainable Finance, Responsible Investment, Strategy
Accreditations
5 reasons to choose the MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance
A much sought-after dual expertise
In a world where sustainability is of paramount importance, Excelia’s MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance enables you to develop a dual skillset… in finance and in sustainable development. This combination is particularly valued by many of today’s employers, positioning you as a professional capable of navigating complex environments. You will gain a thorough grounding in financial management, learning how to incorporate environmental and social issues, making you invaluable to companies seeking to adopt responsible practices.
Hands-on training
This MSc specialisation offers a practical approach to learning through internships, a work-study track, and in-company projects. These experiences will enable you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-life contexts, thereby boosting your employability. You will have the opportunity to work on real-life cases, interact with industry professionals, and develop a valuable network. This immersion in the professional world is essential for acquiring practical skills and understanding the challenges facing today’s companies in terms of sustainable finance.
A programme of excellence
This MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance is State-accredited with a French Grade de Master awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. The programme also holds EQUIS and AACSB accreditations, two internationally recognised quality labels. These recognitions are a guarantee that the programme meets the highest standards of teaching and research. By joining an accredited school, you will benefit from a high-quality education that is recognised by employers around the world. This will enhance your profile and open doors to prestigious companies, both in France and abroad.
A campus located at the heart of global finance
Excelia’s campus in Paris is ideally located in one of the world’s most influential financial cities. Paris is an economic crossroads, home to many multinational companies, financial institutions, and international organisations. Studying in such a dynamic city means gaining direct access to an extensive professional network and to opportunities for internships and jobs in leading companies.
Personal development
Over and above specialist technical knowledge, the MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance focusses on personal and professional development. You will have the opportunity to undertake projects such as Climacité©, working on practical sustainability issues. Furthermore, you will develop soft skills, such as leadership, communication and teamwork, which are essential for success in today’s business world.
Programme structure
Classic Track 
Classic Track
Focus on the Climacité© initiative
The 2-month Climacité© project is a key component of Excelia’s MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance for those choosing the Classic Track in Year 1. This unique experience enables you to commit to an environmental project with an NGO or association, in France or abroad. As future managers, the aim is to raise your awareness of the challenges of protecting the environment and adapting to climate change. Climacité© is so much more than just a simple project… it offers a valuable opportunity for personal and professional development. It has been designed to complement your academic studies in CSR and Sustainable Development, enabling you to acquire interdisciplinary skills that are essential for becoming a responsible leader in the field of sustainable finance.
Rankings
7
Speak and Act 2024
Best School Experience - Happiness Barometer
11
European Business Schools, Financial Times 2023
Ranked 54th in the world and 11th in France
FAQs
- How are the lessons organised on the MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance?
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The lessons on the MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance are delivered by experts and industry professionals, with a mix of theory taught in amphitheatres and supervised tutorials in small groups. In addition, you will be involved in practical activities such as business games focussing on sustainable finance issues, as well as attending theme-based lectures given by leaders in the sector. In addition, support for vocational integration, provided by the Talent Centre, offers personalised coaching to help you develop your soft skills and optimise your applications, thereby strengthening your readiness in the field of sustainable finance.
- What are the career prospects after an MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance?
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Graduates of this MSc take up positions of responsibility in the field of sustainable finance within financial institutions, companies or international organisations. Career opportunities include roles such as ESG Analyst, Sustainable Finance Consultant, Responsible Investment Portfolio Manager and even Impact Investing Analyst.
- How much does it cost to study for this MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance, and what are the financing options?
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Tuition fees for EU students on the Classic Track of this MSc amount to €24,900 for Years 1 and 2 (24 months) and €14,500 for Year 2 only (12 months).
A number of financing solutions are available, and applicants are encouraged to contact the school to explore all the possibilities. - What are the advantages of studying for this MSc at Excelia Business School?
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By deciding to study this MSc at Excelia, you will be joining a school that holds both EQUIS and AACSB accreditations, which guarantee a programme of excellence. You will benefit from a business-focused approach, with a teaching team made up of academics and industry professionals who are experts in sustainable finance. In addition, studying on our Paris campus means studying at the heart of a dynamic financial ecosystem
Lessons
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Year 1
Fundamentals of Management, Finance, and Social Responsibility -
Description Cours EN
Courses/Activities:
- Marketing 360
- Business Models & Strategy
- Management & Leadership
- Project Management
- Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility
- Information Systems Management
- Budget Planning & Management
- Finance for Managers
- Biodiversity and Companies: managing risks and impacts
- Companies, Labour & Legal Framework
- Business Game
- Document research techniques
- French as a Foreign Language (FLE)
- Law for the Finance Sector
- Key Principles of Taxation
- Accounting & International Standards
- Information Security Management
The different courses and projects are provided for indicative purposes only and are subject to change from one year to the next. The specialisations offered will only be available if the required minimum number of students is reached.
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Year 2
Sustainable Finance and Environmental, Social, and Governance Strategies -
Description Cours EN
Core courses modules - MSc
- Research Methodology
- Advanced Excel
- Data Driven Management
- Professional Thesis Monitoring
- Preparation for vocational integration
- Environmental & Social Transition
Specialisation lessons - MSc specialisation in Sustainable Finance
- Sustainable Finance: fundamentals and challenges
- Socially Responsible Investment Strategies
- ESG in Corporate Finance & Valuations
- ESG in Portfolio Assessment & Asset Management
- Financial Markets for Sustainable Finance
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Climate Change Regulatory & Governance Framework
- Climate Risk & Financial Intermediation
- Microfinance & Financial Inclusion
- Disruptive Technology in Financial Services
The different courses and projects are provided for indicative purposes only and are subject to change from one year to the next. The specialisations offered will only be available if the required minimum number of students is reached.
All you need to know about languages, assessment, lessons and your teachers
Programme format and language
- The Classic Track is a full-time programme in 12 or 24 months, depending on the year you join in
- 24 months for students having already validated 3 years of higher education (180 ECTS)
- 12 months for students having already validated 4 years of higher education (240 ECTS)
- Language: English only
Assessment
Three types of evaluation
- Continuous assessment: 40% of the final mark. Throughout the year, you will work on group or individual projects which will be marked by your teachers
- End-of-semester exams: 60% of the final mark. These take the form of written exams
- Professional Thesis
Your teachers
The teaching team for this MSc is made up of French and international research-active Faculty members and industry professionals who are known for their strong expertise in the field of management and their international experiences and expertise.
The research-active Faculty work with our laboratory, Excelia Lab, offering innovative pedagogy, whilst the industry professional lecturers focus on real-life business issues.
Types of lessons
Your core course modules are taught as amphitheatre lessons, with your entire Year Group. In addition, depending on your chosen specialisations, language ability, etc., you will attend tutorials in small groups.
Experiences
Business Game
Carried out as a company game, you will work in teams to tackle and solve real-life business issues.
Industry Seminars
Throughout the year, industry professionals and experts present a variety of lectures, helping you to understand the different issues and problems facing their industry sector.
Climacité© Project
By focussing on one of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the aim of the Climacité initiative is to familiarise you with the issues of environmental protection and how to effectively address climate change. Your 2-month project is an opportunity for you to make a personal contribution to the planet, working in an NGO or an association, either in France or abroad.
Internship (9 months)
The Year 1 Classic Track provides an opportunity to carry out a 3-month internship and in Year 2 a 6-month internship, in France or abroad. The theoretical expertise acquired during MSc lessons is therefore complemented and validated by significant company-based experience.
Support for Vocational Integration
At Excelia, your professional success is our priority. Through the Talent Centre, you benefit from tailored support: coaching sessions, CV and interview workshops, a platform offering exclusive job opportunities, and networking events with companies.
Whether you're seeking an internship, a work-study placement, or your first job, we equip you with all the tools you need to stand out and secure the best career opportunities.
Final dissertation
It is the culmination of your academic career and enables the school to assess your ability to analyse issues specific to sustainable finance. You will be required to carry out a structured analysis, formulate a relevant diagnosis and propose innovative and responsible solutions to meet the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the financial sector.
This experience is also a unique opportunity to carry out in-depth research on an operational subject, under the supervision of research professors. It will be a major asset in enhancing your CV and boosting your career prospects in the field of sustainable finance.
Careers
A choice of professions after a Master of Science specialisation in Sustainable Finance
Our graduates quickly take up positions of responsibility in all sectors of activity across all 5 continents, and thanks to the MSc, they rapidly rise to management positions.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of the types of professions in which you are likely to work.
- Sustainable Finance Consultant
- Sustainability Analyst
- Impact Investment Manager
- Sustainable Finance Advisor
- Corporate Sustainability Manager (developing, implementing, and communicating sustainable business practices within a company)
- Sustainable Investment Banker
- Environmental & Social Risk Manager Banking and Finance
- Carbon Offset Project Developer
Cost of studies
Tuition Fees 2025-2026
Students from within the European Union*
- Classic Track** MSc 24 months (Years 1 and 2): €25,500
- Classic Track** MSc 12 months (Year 2): €15,000
*27 European Union members: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France and French Overseas Territories, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
Students from outside the European Union
- Classic Track** MSc 24 months (Years 1 and 2): €27,000
- Classic Track** MSc 12 months (Year 2): €16,000
The above fees are provided for information purposes only and are subject to change from one year to the next.
In addition to tuition fees, you need to take into account the following costs:
- Multiservice charge: €350*
- Annual administration costs relating to a double qualification (if applicable)
- Enrolment fees at a partner university relating to a double qualification (to be paid directly to the partner institution)
*This one-off Multiservice fee gives access to the following services:
- Administration and support services
- International mobility insurance-assistance
- Reprographics credit (photocopying, printing)
- Unlimited access to all content on Exceliaprime Edutainment platform
- Personalised support and coaching from our Talent Centre
Financing your studies
International Students
For more information about the cost of studying
Admission
Applications are open to students with a minimum of 3 years of post-High School education or international equivalent.
1 / Online application
Submit your application online and select your programme:
List of supportive documents required* : CV and Proof of current academic level (exam certificate/s or letter from current academic establishment etc.)
*If you are applying for an English Track programme, your CV and cover letter must be provided in English.
Admission fee : An admissions fee of €50 is required (to be paid by bank transfer or credit card)
2 / Online video interview
Details of admissions tests
- Online video interview on our online admissions platform (in French or English depending on the chosen programme and track).
- Candidates have 5 days to respond to a series of questions (motivation, academic and professional projects)
Upcoming admissions deadlines
Possibility of taking the admissions test all year long.
3 / Admissions test results released and deposit to be paid
Admissions test results
Candidates will receive notification of their admission or non-admission within 6 days following their interview.
If you are admitted, you must pay the deposit, which will be deducted from your annual tuition fees, before the specified deadline.
Excelia has partnered with Flywire to provide our overseas families with an easier method of sending international fee payments. Flywire offers a best price guarantee when sending the payment by bank transfer, real-time payment tracking and 24x7 multilingual customer support.
4 / Administrative assistance
Confirmation of enrolment
You will receive confirmation of pre-enrolment as well as confirmation of accommodation which are necessary for your student visa application.
Click here for administrative assistance
5 / Proof of academic level required
Conditions of acceptance
To confirm your final acceptance, you must provide proof of your current qualifications and language ability:
English-Track and French-Track Programmes:
- Bachelor, Master, Masters of Science (MSc): B2*
- Foundation and preparatory programmes**: A2 or B1 depending on programme*
- For Summer School and FLE (French as a Foreign Language) courses: Open to students of all abilities
* Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
** International Foundation Programme et Excelia First Year
Proof of language ability is NOT required if:
- Please note that only official certificates will be accepted.
- You hold a qualification issued in a French-speaking country and are applying for a French track
- You hold a qualification issued in an English-speaking country and are applying for an English track
Please note that only official certificates will be accepted.
Applications are open to students with a minimum of 4 years of post-High School education or international equivalent.
1 / Online application
Submit your application online and select your programme:
List of supportive documents required* : CV and Proof of current academic level (exam certificate/s or letter from current academic establishment etc.)
*If you are applying for an English Track programme, your CV and cover letter must be provided in English.
Admission fee : An admissions fee of €50 is required (to be paid by bank transfer or credit card)
2 / Online video interview
Details of admissions tests
- Online video interview on our online admissions platform (in French or English depending on the chosen programme and track).
- Candidates have 5 days to respond to a series of questions (motivation, academic and professional projects)
Upcoming admissions deadlines
Possibility of taking the admissions test all year long.
3 / Admissions test results released and deposit to be paid
Admissions test results
Candidates will receive notification of their admission or non-admission within 6 days following their interview.
If you are admitted, you must pay the deposit, which will be deducted from your annual tuition fees, before the specified deadline.
Excelia has partnered with Flywire to provide our overseas families with an easier method of sending international fee payments. Flywire offers a best price guarantee when sending the payment by bank transfer, real-time payment tracking and 24x7 multilingual customer support.
4 / Administrative assistance
Confirmation of enrolment
You will receive confirmation of pre-enrolment as well as confirmation of accommodation which are necessary for your student visa application.
Click here for administrative assistance
5 / Proof of academic level required
Conditions of acceptance
To confirm your final acceptance, you must provide proof of your current qualifications and language ability:
English-Track and French-Track Programmes:
- Bachelor, Master, Masters of Science (MSc): B2*
- Foundation and preparatory programmes**: A2 or B1 depending on programme*
- For Summer School and FLE (French as a Foreign Language) courses: Open to students of all abilities
* Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
** International Foundation Programme et Excelia First Year
Proof of language ability is NOT required if:
- Please note that only official certificates will be accepted.
- You hold a qualification issued in a French-speaking country and are applying for a French track
- You hold a qualification issued in an English-speaking country and are applying for an English track
Please note that only official certificates will be accepted.
