PGE - Step 2 - The University Selection Process

Key Considerations Before Selecting a University

Selecting universities for your exchange program is a significant decision that requires careful planning. This guide aims to simplify the process and provide clear steps to help you make well-informed choices.

BUDGET PLANNING

Studying abroad involves various expenses, including transportation, accommodation, visas, potential trips for administrative purposes, daily living costs, and insurance. It's essential to estimate these costs for your chosen destination and plan your budget accordingly. Average budget information for each university can be found in the 👉 Partner University Fact Sheets 👈.

COURSES AVAILABILITY

Not all universities offer the same specializations. Ensure that the universities you consider align with your academic and career goals. Detailed course information is available in the 👉 Partner University Fact Sheets 👈. and on the respective university websites.​

LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS

Managing logistics such as obtaining a visa, securing accommodation, and arranging transportation is primarily your responsibility. Early planning is crucial to prevent any issues during your exchange. Additional guidance on these aspects will be provided in 👉 Step 3 👈 of the exchange process.

NETWORKING AND STUDENT FEEDBACK

Hearing firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights into academic expectations, campus life, and cultural adaptation. You can reach out to students who have previously studied at your preferred universities through the list of former exchange students here.

TUITION FEES

During your exchange, you will continue to pay your regular tuition fees to Rennes School of Business. No tuition fees are required by the host university. However, some institutions may have additional costs like student union fees, student cards, or insurance. These details are outlined in the University Fact Sheets or will be transmitted by the host university during the application process

CLIMATE AND LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS

Each destination has its own climate, cultural norms, and lifestyle. Consider factors such as weather conditions, local customs, and the pace of life in each country. Choosing a university where you feel comfortable can enhance your overall exchange experience.

RELIABLE INFORMATION SOURCES

Only trust official communications from Rennes SB for accurate information about the exchange program. Unverified sources, such as social media, may provide misleading or incorrect details.

PREPARING NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

Before selecting universities, ensure all required documents are submitted through the RISE platform. This includes a valid passport and, if applicable, language proficiency test results. Detailed instructions are available in 👉 Step 1 - Gather the necessary documents for university selection.

University Selection Process

WHEN SHOULD I SELECT MY UNIVERSITIES?

Click here to quickly understand the timeline of the University Selection process according to your exchange semester.

• For the Exchange in semester 8:
  • Ex-PGE1 students → it is in June/July of your PGE1 year
  • AST2 students → it is at the start of the academic year (mid-September)

• For the Exchange in semesters 9 & 10 (Double Degree), it is in February of your gap year 
• For the Exchange in semester 9 (Apprenticeship pathway - RPI), it is in March of your PGE2 year  

HOW DO I MAKE MY SELECTION?

Access the OFL via your RISE account to select your preferred universities. You can modify your choices as long as the OFL is open. Once it closes, your selections are final, so avoid waiting until the last minute. After confirming your choices, you will receive a confirmation email. Review this email to ensure your selections are accurately recorded.

HOW MANY UNIVERSITIES SHOULD I CHOOSE? 

Depending on your program, you are required to list between 7 and 12 universities in order of preference. International students must select universities outside their home country.

Allocation System

The university allocation system is based on academic performance. Students are ranked according to their GPA, and selections may occur in waves if the number of students in your program is high e.g., students ranked from 1 to 150 (wave 1) make their selection first, then students ranked from 151 to 300 (wave 2) make their selection afterward.

HOW WILL I BE RANKED AND WHEN WILL I FIND OUT MY RANKING?

• For the Exchange in semester 8:
  • Ex-PGE1 students: the ranking is published in June. It is based on your annual PGE1 GPA score before re-sits.
  • AST2 students: the ranking is provided at the same time as the Exchange Places Offer, in early August.
    • • Ex-BiM2 students: the ranking is based on your BiM2 GPA score
      • BiM3 direct admission students: the ranking is based on average score of BAC+1 and BAC+2
      • AST students: the ranking is based on your Ecricome score (Academic background + resume)

• For the Exchange in semesters 9 & 10 (Double Degree), the ranking is published in February. It is based on your 7th semester GPA score before re-sits.
• For the Exchange in semester 9 (Apprenticeship pathway - RPI), the ranking is published in March. It is based on your 7th semester GPA score before re-sits.

This GPA will also be used to validate the partner university prerequisites.

HOW DOES THE ALLOCATIONS SYSTEM WORK? 

The allocation process considers the order of your chosen preferences. If your first choice is available, then you are assigned to the corresponding university. If your first choice is not available, the system will move to your next preferred option, and so on. Thoughtfully rank your choices, as you may be placed in any of the universities you list.

If none of your selected universities are available, you will be contacted to choose from the remaining options within 24 hours. Failure to make a selection may result in Rennes SB assigning a university arbitrarily.

WHEN WILL I KNOW WHICH UNIVERSITY I AM ASSIGNED TO?

The university allocation results will be communicated within three days after the OFL closes.

CAN I CHANGE MY ASSIGNED UNIVERSITY AFTER ALLOCATION?

No, once your university allocation is confirmed and published, it is final. The number of places available at each university is fixed, and additional spots cannot be requested. Similarly, any remaining places at the end of the allocation process cannot be used to switch destinations.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

DO NOT contact the partner universities directly during this process. At this stage, all communications should be handled through Rennes School of Business to ensure accuracy and consistency.

​