Triple-crown KEDGE Business School has a unique partnership with JAGSoM; Joint Indian operations, a natural next step; We are creating history: Dr Santiago Garcia tells MBAUniverse.com

KEDGE Business School is a triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA) global business school of French origin. KEDGE has multiple campuses in France (Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulon, Paris); and in China (Shanghai, Suzhou), Senegal (Dakar), Côte d'Ivoire (Abidjan). Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM) is the 6th AACSB accredited business schools in India and ranked in the QS Rankings. In last few years, Kedge and JAGSoM have partnered to offer International MBA and BBA opportunities for Indian students at a highly subsidized fee. Enthused by the initial success of this partnership, Kedge Business School is now planning to set up India campus, in accordance with the new higher education policies. This important development was confirmed to MBAUniverse.com by Dr Santiago Garcia, Vice President for Strategic Development & International at KEDGE Business School in an exclusive interaction.

Dr. Garcia is a well-known authority in European management education and an expert in transforming higher education institutions. He has previously served as the Dean of Global School at Rennes School of Business and Dean & Director of Grenoble Graduate School of Business. He holds a PhD from Leeds University Business School.

Edited excerpts from exclusive interview with Dr Garcia follows.

Q: KEDGE was founded in 2013 from the merger of two renowned French business schools. How has been the journey and what are the key milestones achieved?
A: Yes, Kedge Business School started as the merger of two of the oldest and most prestigious business schools in France -- the schools of the Chamber of Commerce of Bordeaux and Marseille. This gave rise to the largest business school in France today. In addition to our historical base in Bordeaux, Marseille and Toulon, we have established operations in Paris, with a state-of-the-art campus in a privileged location at the heart of Paris.

Internationally, we have set up campuses in Senegal and Ivory Coast as well as in China. This, combined with the highest level of rigor given by the maximum accreditation period for all three international accreditations, namely AACSB, EQUIS & AMBA, makes Kedge an international success story.

Q: What are the key changes in business and management landscape, especially since Covid-19, that you have observed?  
A: A great emphasis has been put on the digitalization of curriculum, virtual mobility of students and with the most recent climate challenges, green mobility initiatives. Those changes have been embraced and mastered by Kedge.

Q: Kedge has established many overseas campuses including in China. What led to these initiatives, and what are the benefits?
A: Internationally, we have set up campuses in Senegal and Ivory Coast as well as in China. The motto of Kedge is “anchored in our region, open to the world”. The operations abroad aim to give life to this motto. Our philosophy is to contribute to the local economy, knowledge and education wherever we go and at the same time benefiting from that local know-how and expertise that enriches us and our students as global citizens. Without these campuses abroad, this mission would be impossible to realize in full.

Q: How does Kedge view India. What are key initiatives undertaken in India?
A: India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, most populated country and with an impressive human potential. Society places education at the top of their priorities and being in such a thriving environment with our philosophy of contributing to its development and humbly learning from it too, is exactly what Kedge is as an institution.

Q: We understand that you have a partnership with JAGSoM in India. What is the nature and how did this come about?
A: Our philosophy is to partner with top institutions, and JAGSoM is one such institution. The clear vision of the leadership of JAGSoM to build an institution that is prestigious and relevant in India, was one of the main drivers of Kedge´s desire to partner with JAGSoM. Together we have a range of bachelor and masters’ degrees which will allow students to have the best of two worlds: the enormous potential of India and the unique opportunities that Europe offers.

Q: JAGSoM offers a program with Kedge where students can get two degrees. How does this work…
A: The current regulations in India allow for the establishment of these types of cooperations and we are pioneering this initiative. Students will have the opportunity to get a degree from India and a degree from France, with all the rights that go with it, including immigration and job opportunities.

Q: Will these students be treated as alumni of Kedge?
A: Yes, our graduates will be proud alumni of both Kedge and JAGSoM, thereby enhancing their network worldwide.

Q: Can they avail opportunities to make a career in Europe?
A: Yes, students who complete their studies in France at Kedge are automatically entitled to a right to stay, and be employed. We have to say that currently in France the job market is thriving and the ease of getting a visa are like no other country in Europe. Finally, studying in France opens up the job market of the whole European Union, so it´s not only France where students will have opportunities.

Q: What is the fee of one year of MBA education at Kedge campus for JAGSoM students? Are some scholarships available?
A: At the moment, the fees for the year at Kedge stand around 18,000 Eur. Scholarships based on merit are available but limited, so it’s best to apply very early to these programs.

Q: You also offer an International BBA Programme in partnership with JAGSoM. Please tell us more about this program.
A: Yes, students can complete 1, 2, 3, or 4 years entirely in India or just part of this sequence in India and transfer to France to finalize there, open up their job prospects and get the two degrees.

Q: What is the fees that Kedge charges for 2 years of BBA education at your campus. Are some scholarships available?
A: At the moment every year the tuition fee is around 9,000 Euro. Scholarships are available based on merit, and early application is encouraged to ensure eligibility while funds exist.

Q: So how is Kedge-JAGSoM partnership evolving…
A: So far it has been highly successful partnership, attracting students from all over India. As previously stated, we have partnered with a high-quality institution so we are on an equal footing in terms of quality, reputation and employability.

Q: In addition to JAGSoM, do you work with other B-schools/Universities in India?
A: At the moment the partnership with JAGSoM is unique and although limited collaboration with other institutions in India does exist, the award of degrees in this manner, scholarships and follow up and support is only available through our JAGSoM partnership.

Q: Going forward, is Kedge planning to set up India campus…
A: We are considering this possibility very seriously. Since JAGSoM is a top educational provider that has similar values and prestige, so a joint operation would be a natural next step.

We welcome all students and educators to join Kedge through this unique opportunity. It’s very rare occasion when two reputable institutions join forces. We could proudly say that we are creating history, and for this we invite you to be part of this historical success story.

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