Interview: KEDGE’s Dr Navneet Sharma on Global BBA, Study in France Pathways and Career Opportunities for Indian Students

Mumbai, 27th October 2026: French business school KEDGE Business School launched its Mumbai campus at Vijaybhoomi University in 2026, offering Indian students access to international management education and pathways for further study in France.

The institution offers a three-year Global Bachelor of Business Administration (Global BBA) programme in India, along with postgraduate programmes in supply chain management and sports management. Students can also explore academic immersion in France and a pathway that combines undergraduate and postgraduate study in India with a master’s year in France.

In this interview with Mumbaikar News, Dr Navneet Sharma, Director (India), KEDGE at Vijaybhoomi University, discusses the rationale behind the institution’s India presence, programme fees, overseas study options, industry connections and career opportunities for students.

Q. KEDGE Business School launched its Mumbai campus at Vijaybhoomi University in 2026. Why did KEDGE choose to enter India now, and what does this say about demand for international business education?

Dr Navneet Sharma: KEDGE’s presence in India is driven by business opportunities, not just student demand. More than 1,000 French business establishments operate in India, while over 150 Indian companies operate in France. These businesses need professionals who understand both markets, their business cultures and their ways of working.

As KEDGE Director General Alexandre de Navailles noted during his visit to India in February 2026, familiarity with French business culture and training can give graduates an advantage.

Our objective is to bring KEDGE’s international management education closer to Indian students and prepare them to understand business in an increasingly interconnected world.

Q. The Global BBA offers a three-year degree with pathways to France. How do these options work, and how much does the programme cost compared with studying entirely overseas?

Dr Sharma: Students can complete the three-year Global BBA in India through the collaboration between Vijaybhoomi University and KEDGE, following a curriculum shaped by KEDGE’s international academic approach.

The annual tuition fee is Rs 6 lakh, bringing the total tuition cost to Rs 18 lakh over three years. Hostel and food expenses are estimated at Rs 4.5 lakh for the entire three-year period.

Students can also opt for a short academic immersion in France to experience European culture and business practices.

For comparison, the figures provided for studying in France include annual tuition of 15,000 euros and living expenses of 21,600 euros. Students should compare the total cost based on the duration of the programme, accommodation and other expenses.

For those seeking a longer postgraduate experience in Europe, the 3+1+1 route is another option. Students complete three years of undergraduate study in India, the first year of a master’s programme in India, and the second year in France.

Q. What is the difference between completing the programme entirely in India and choosing a pathway to France? Do students receive the same degree?

Dr Sharma: The three-year India-based route gives students an international business curriculum while allowing them to build their academic and professional foundations in India.

A short immersion in France adds direct exposure to European culture and business practices. The 3+1+1 pathway offers a more extended international experience by combining undergraduate and postgraduate study in India with the second year of a master’s programme in France.

The exact degree awarded depends on the approved structure of the selected programme. Students should review the degree-awarding arrangements and eligibility requirements for their chosen pathway before enrolling.

Both options are designed to provide academic preparation for business careers, but the international exposure and duration spent overseas differ.

Q. What advantages does studying in France offer in terms of European exposure, internships and employment opportunities?

Dr Sharma: Studying in France can give students direct exposure to European companies, international classmates and professional practices. It also provides opportunities to develop international networks and understand how businesses operate in a different market.

Students completing an eligible French master’s qualification may be able to apply for the relevant post-study job-search or business-creation residence permit, subject to the applicable qualification and immigration requirements.

This can create an opportunity to explore employment or business ventures in France, but it is not a job guarantee. Students should understand the relevant immigration rules and eligibility conditions before choosing this pathway.

Q. KEDGE Mumbai’s MSc in Supply Chain Management and MSc in Sports Management were ranked second in their respective categories in the 2025 world rankings. What do these rankings mean for students in India?

Dr Sharma: The rankings indicate the standing of the programmes, but they should not be interpreted as a promise of employment.

KEDGE has established strengths in supply chain management and sports management internationally. Offering these programmes in India gives students access to that academic experience without requiring them to move overseas for the entire period of study.

Career outcomes depend on several factors, including students’ skills, academic performance, internships and the opportunities they pursue.
The programmes provide a foundation for professional development, while students must actively build the experience and capabilities required by employers.

Q. Vijaybhoomi University has a multidisciplinary campus in Karjat. How does this environment shape the student experience compared with studying at a standalone business school?

Dr Sharma: At Vijaybhoomi University, business students study alongside peers in technology, engineering, design, law and other disciplines. This creates opportunities to work across fields, much as professionals do in real organisations.

For example, a supply chain management student can explore the role of technology and analytics, while a sports management student can interact with peers working in design, media and technology. Students interested in entrepreneurship can also develop ideas that combine different disciplines.

The residential campus in Karjat offers a focused university experience while remaining within the wider Mumbai economic region.

The combination of international business education, multidisciplinary learning and local industry connections is an important part of the campus experience.

Q. How does KEDGE Mumbai help students secure internships, placements and industry connections in India and abroad?

Dr Sharma: Employability must be developed throughout a programme through industry interaction, live projects and internships rather than being left until graduation.

At KEDGE Mumbai, the objective is to connect Vijaybhoomi University’s relationships with Indian industry with KEDGE’s international alumni network and corporate partnerships.

KEDGE reports having 90,000 alumni worldwide and 300 corporate partners. These networks can help students develop professional connections and explore opportunities in India and overseas.

The real opportunity lies in connecting the two networks: Vijaybhoomi’s access to Indian industry and KEDGE’s European and global connections.
However, access to a network does not guarantee an internship or placement. Students’ skills, performance, initiative and the availability of suitable opportunities remain important.

Q. Which students and families are best suited to KEDGE Mumbai? How should they evaluate it against a conventional Indian BBA or a full degree overseas?

Dr Sharma: KEDGE Mumbai is suited to students who want an international business education and global options but prefer to begin their studies in India.

Families can manage the initial cost of education locally while retaining the option of a short academic immersion in France or a postgraduate pathway that includes study there.

This offers a different proposition from both a conventional Indian business degree and completing the entire period of study overseas.
Students and families should consider their academic goals, financial circumstances, interest in international exposure and preferred career direction. They should also review the total programme cost, degree-awarding arrangements, eligibility for overseas pathways and the practical opportunities available for industry exposure.

The choice ultimately depends on what the student wants to achieve and which academic pathway best supports those goals.