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
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.