Spotlight on the HEC Paris MBA program

Prodigy finance Logo

Prodigy Finance - June, 08 2021

6 min read

About the author

At Prodigy Finance, we're committed to helping international talent to achieve their education dreams. We offer international student loans to qualified individuals attending top master's programmes in the US.

Founded in 1881, HEC Paris has had a top MBA programme since 1969, giving this school plenty of credibility. The MBA business school in Paris boasts top rankings - and perhaps more importantly, grads that go on to top ranks as CEOs, CFOs, or founders of their own companies.

With international diversity at the core of the business school, it’s little wonder that students are exceptionally mobile and in demand by many of the world’s top companies. On average, HEC Paris MBAs double their pre-study salaries after graduation. And, with stats like those, you’ll definitely want a closer look at this business school.

Where is HEC Paris?

City: Jouy-en-Josas, France

City population: 8312, with a metropolitan population of 11.9 million

Climate: Winters are cool to cold (Jan avg: 3°C); summers are warm to hot (Jul avg: 20°C)

Nearest airport: Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Time zone: From October-March (02:00 CEST); from March to October (03:00 CEST)

HEC Paris fast facts

Public university

University enrollment: 4238

Living alumni: 60,000+

Nationalities represented: 105+

A quick look at the latest HEC Paris MBA class

MBA students: 232

International MBA students: 90%

MBA countries represented: 47

Average work experience: 6 years

Average GMAT score: 690

Female MBAs: 29%

What can you study at HEC Paris Business School?

Nearly 4000 HEC Paris grads have founded their own companies, or hold CEO or CFO positions. According to the 2017 Times Higher Education Alma Mater Index, HEC Paris has graduated more Fortune 500 CEOs than any other university in Europe.

Not only that, but this school is almost always near the top of any international business school ranking list.

Degree Duration Tuition Fee
Degree

MBA

Duration

16 months

€ 69,500

Tuition Fee

16 months

€ 69,500

Degree

Executive MBA

Duration

15 - 18 months

Tuition Fee

€ 79,950

Degree

Master in Management (various specialisations)

Duration

2 years

Tuition Fee

€ 39,700

Degree

MSc Accounting and Financial Management

Duration

10 months

Tuition Fee

€ 27,825

Degree

MSc International Finance

Duration

10 months

Tuition Fee

€ 32,025

Degree

MSc Managerial and Financial Economics

Duration

10 months

Tuition Fee

€ 27,825

Degree

MSc Marketing

Duration

10 months

Tuition Fee

€ 27,825

Degree

MSc Strategic Management

Duration

10 months

Tuition Fee

€ 27,825

Degree

MSc Sustainability and Social Innovation

Duration

10 months

Tuition Fee

€ 27,825

Degree

MS Entrepreneurs

Duration

10 months

Tuition Fee

€ 27,825

HEC Paris job placement

With 60% of grads finding their post-MBA positions through HEC Paris’ activities, there’s no doubt that this school places serious emphasis on recruitment activities. (54% of those grads accepted jobs offered through MBA on-campus recruitment exercises.)

You’ll find several activities to link you with your perfect post-grad position, including:

  • HEC Paris MBA Career Week
  • HEC International Finance and Consulting Forums
  • HEC Carrefours Career Fair
  • HEC MBA Internship Day
  • Sector-focused Career Fairs
  • Region-focused Career Fairs
  • MBA Retail and Luxury Fair
  • Stand-alone individual presentations
  • Career treks
  • Club activities
  • Job/internship postings

Post graduation, 74% of non-French MBAs accept employment in France and 50% of non-Europeans remain in Europe for their post-MBA employment.

Are you an entrepreneur at heart?

Around 25% of HEC grads go on to found their own companies - and there is plenty of entrepreneurial support for these MBAs through mentoring sessions, creativity talks and numerous entrepreneurial projects throughout the year.

HEC Paris MBA alumni by numbers:

What’s it like to live at HEC Paris?

One aspect of HEC Paris that sets it apart from other international business schools in Europe is the availability of on-campus housing. Many MBAs opt for one of the 177 individual rooms or the 24 one-bedroom apartments offered by HEC Paris housing.

As you can tell, however, space is somewhat limited and you’re advised to apply as early as possible for accommodation after programme acceptance.

While you’ll find everything you need in Jouy-en-Josas, including supermarkets, banks, restaurants and pubs, it’s just 10 minutes to Versailles and 45 minutes to Paris via RER C trains. And, from there, it’s just a hop skip and a jump to the rest of the world.

Want to know more about life at HEC Paris for international students? See what these students have to say:

How to get into HEC Paris Business School

There are several aspects of the HEC Paris MBA admissions process that may surprise applicants who’ve also considered other top international programmes.

1. Timing

For a start, the rolling admission cycle allows for year-round applications, rather than grouping applicants into a few specific rounds. In addition, there are two intake periods throughout the year, so you can truly choose the right time to apply.

2. Early networking opportunity

Additionally, it’s possible to express your interest and allow the school to assess your suitability through an online form that will put you directly in touch with a Marketing and Recruitment Manager in your country or region. This is absolutely worth it as you’ll also receive information about invite-only HEC Paris networking events in your city. (And, yes, the school does have an extensive reach.)

3. Essays

There are, currently, five required essays for HEC Paris (plus an option if you wish to provide additional information). Current essay requirements are found on the application itself, though some of the best MBA admissions consultants feature previews and tips for answering essay questions on their websites.

Given that HEC Paris is looking for exceptionally talented and motivated individuals, it’s critical to check out these resources.

4. GMAT scores

You may also want to note that a GMAT score over 700 isn’t a hard and fast requirement for the amazing HEC Paris MBA programme; the average score for the last class is 690.

5. Work experience

Professional experience, however, is taken very seriously and you’ll want to highlight your career accomplishments on your CV and in your essays.

HEC Paris MBA admissions details

Application fee: € 200

Required essays: 5

Recommendations: 2

GMAT test: required, scores above 60% preferred; GRE scores accepted

Language test: required for non-native English speakers; TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, Cambridge and PTE scores are accepted:

  • Min TOEFL score: 100 iBT, 600pBT
  • Min TOEIC score: 340 speaking and writing, 850 listening and reading
  • Min IELTS score: 7
  • Min Cambridge score: 185
  • Min PTE score: 72

HEC Paris MBA: Estimated cost of attendance (for 2020/21 academic year)

Tuition and fees: € 72,500

Accommodation: € 9925

Books: € 1000

Meals: € 6000

HEC MBA Council Membership: € 130

Miscellaneous: € 3200

Transportation: € 4700

Est CoA for 16 months: € 97,455

Video placeholder image

Does HEC Paris offer scholarships to international students?

Through the incredible work of the HEC Foundation, over €1,000,000 in scholarships are awarded annually. These funds are awarded based on various criteria, dependent on the awarding body. However, HEC Paris provides a complete guide to scholarship opportunities on their website and it’s easy to learn more about the criteria and deadlines for MBA HEC scholarships.

Prodigy Finance international student loans for HEC Paris Business School

Prodigy Finance offers loans for international master’s students at HEC Paris.

Students from supported countries pursuing specified master’s programmes, including the MBA, EMBA, and MSc degrees are eligible to apply for loans covering HEC Paris MBA fees for tuition and living expenses.

  • Maximum HEC MBA loan amount: up to 100% tuition minus scholarship and sponsorship (as provided by the school).
  • Maximum MSc programme loan amount: up to 100% tuition minus scholarship and sponsorship (as provided by the school).
  • Maximum EMBA loan amount: up to 80% tuition minus scholarship and sponsorship.
  • Minimum loan amount: $15,000
  • All loans are disbursed directly to the university according to the due dates.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LOANS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS PURSUING THEIR MASTERS AT HEC PARIS

Ready to transform your future with an MBA from HEC Paris?

Prodigy Finance provides loans to international masters students pursuing their masters degrees at HEC Paris Business School.

If you want to go ahead and know the difference between master of science and master of engineering, or if you want to know what and where to study, try our Study Centre which is filled with expert opinions on a range of topics.

For any other information about Prodigy Finance, or our student loan process, feel free to browse through our site, or register for a webinar to have your questions answered by one of our team.

Image of webinar host

Talk to us

Wednesday & Friday 12 pm (GMT) | 5:30 pm (IST)
Hosts: Nangi and team

Join webinar
Download our mobile app

Our global teams are based out of:

South Africa

India

United Kingdom

United States

© Prodigy Finance Limited 2007 - 2023. All Rights Reserved. Prodigy Finance Limited is incorporated in the United Kingdom (Company Number 05912562) with its registered address at 85 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 7LT and registered with the Office of the Information Commissioner (Reg. No. Z9851854). Prodigy Finance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm registration number 709641) for certain consumer credit activities. Prodigy Finance loans are offered to eligible borrowers and these loans are governed by English law. Prodigy Finance Servicing, LLC is incorporated in the state of Delaware, USA, is an affiliate of Prodigy Finance Limited and conducts the business of servicing of loans for residents of certain US states. NMLS # 2155440 (Prodigy Finance Servicing, LLC) and NMLS #1611590 (Prodigy Finance Limited) (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). View Prodigy Finance's lending, servicing and collection licenses.