HEC Paris, established in 1881 by Gustave Emmanuel Roy, is one of the leading business schools in Europe. Known for its prestigious status and high academic standards, it offers a wide range of postgraduate and executive programs. The school is globally recognized for its triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS). With a focus on innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship, HEC Paris attracts top talent from around the world. Its campus is located in Jouy-en-Josas, near Paris, with an additional campus in Doha, Qatar.
Motto: "Apprendre à oser," which translates to "Learn to dare" in English, with a non-literal meaning of "The more you know, the more you dare."
Type: HEC Paris is a prestigious private research university business school, classified as a grande école de commerce et de management and École consulaire.
Established: The university was founded on 4 December 1881, making it 143 years old.
Founder: HEC Paris was founded by Gustave Emmanuel Roy.
Accreditation: The school holds triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.
Endowment: As of 2022, the endowment of HEC Paris is €100 million.
Academic Staff: HEC Paris employs 160 resident professors, 96% of whom hold PhDs. 30% of the staff are female, and 64% are international.
Students: The university has 5,453 postgraduate students and 8,000 executive students.
Location: HEC Paris is located in Paris (Jouy-en-Josas), France, with an additional campus in Doha, Qatar.
Admission Rate: The university has an admission rate of 7% in 2024.
Colors: The official colors of HEC Paris are blue and white.
Affiliations: HEC Paris is affiliated with the Conférence des grandes écoles, CEMS, and the Polytechnic Institute of Paris.
Website: More information can be found on their official website at www.hec.edu.
HEC Paris is widely recognized as one of the top business schools in France due to its exceptional academic reputation and global influence. Established in 1881, it has consistently ranked among the best in Europe and worldwide. The school offers rigorous programs designed to develop leaders with a deep understanding of business management, leadership, and strategy. With a strong focus on both theoretical and practical learning, HEC Paris produces graduates who are well-prepared to excel in various industries across the globe.
Additionally, HEC Paris benefits from its prestigious faculty, a vast alumni network, and close connections with international corporations. The school’s diverse and vibrant student body further contributes to its excellence, attracting talent from all over the world. HEC Paris' high standards, combined with its strong partnerships with leading global institutions, make it a prime choice for students aiming to pursue a career in business at an elite level.
Studying at HEC Paris offers numerous advantages, especially when located in one of the world's most vibrant and influential cities. Below are five key benefits that make HEC Paris a top destination for students pursuing business education.
Studying at HEC Paris allows students to tap into a global network of successful alumni and industry professionals. The connections made at HEC can open doors to international career opportunities, making it easier for students to launch and grow their careers worldwide.
HEC Paris offers world-class education with its top-tier MBA and business programs. Students benefit from cutting-edge research, innovative teaching methods, and a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of business disciplines, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for leadership roles.
HEC Paris maintains close relationships with leading global companies, facilitating internships, job placements, and real-world project experiences. This connection to the business world gives students practical exposure to the challenges and opportunities in today’s global market.
Studying in Paris provides students with the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in the world. Paris is a hub for global business, innovation, and culture, offering students an unparalleled environment to both study and live.
HEC Paris is home to a diverse community of students from all around the world, creating a dynamic and multicultural environment. This diversity fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, allowing students to broaden their horizons and develop a global mindset essential for success in international business.
the various MBA programs offered at HEC Paris, which serve as an ideal platform for those looking to advance their careers in global business. These programs are designed to meet the needs of professionals from diverse fields, offering specialization options to enhance skills and expertise.
Program Name |
Duration |
Specializations |
Entry Requirements |
Full-Time MBA |
16-18 months |
Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship |
Bachelor's degree, GMAT/GRE score |
Executive MBA |
15-18 months |
Leadership, Strategy, Innovation |
Minimum 8 years professional experience |
Global Executive MBA |
18 months |
Digital Transformation, International Business |
Senior management experience |
MBA in Finance |
18 months |
Corporate Finance, Investment Banking |
Bachelor's degree, GMAT score |
MBA in Marketing |
18 months |
Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing |
Bachelor's degree, GMAT score |
Full-Time MBA with Dual Degree |
18-24 months |
Finance, Strategy, Entrepreneurship |
GMAT score, academic qualifications |
HEC Paris & ESCP MBA Joint Program |
16 months |
Global Business Strategy |
Bachelor's degree, GMAT score |
MBA in Entrepreneurship |
18 months |
Startups, Venture Capital |
GMAT score, entrepreneurial experience |
MBA in International Business |
18 months |
Cross-Cultural Management, Global Markets |
Bachelor's degree, GMAT score |
Dual Degree with Columbia Business School |
24 months |
Leadership, Strategy, Entrepreneurship |
GMAT score, work experience |
HEC Paris stands out among top European business schools due to its long history of academic excellence, global recognition, and strong ties to the business world. Founded in 1881, HEC Paris has consistently maintained a reputation for offering high-quality education and world-class research. Its commitment to fostering innovation and leadership makes it a go-to institution for aspiring business leaders.
One of the defining features of HEC Paris is its impressive faculty, which includes renowned professors and industry experts. The faculty's academic credentials, combined with real-world experience, provide students with the opportunity to learn from the best in the business. This expertise is a key factor in HEC Paris’s ability to offer a diverse and rigorous curriculum that prepares students for leadership roles in the global business arena.
HEC Paris’s robust alumni network is another critical advantage. With more than 60,000 alumni spread across the globe, the university fosters strong connections between students and industry leaders. This extensive network opens doors for internships, job placements, and collaborative opportunities, allowing students to tap into a wealth of experience and knowledge from successful business professionals worldwide.
Finally, HEC Paris’s strategic location in Paris, one of the world's major business hubs, further enhances its appeal. The school offers students access to top multinational companies, financial institutions, and entrepreneurial ventures, which provide valuable opportunities for internships, networking, and career development. Its location ensures that students gain a global perspective, preparing them for successful careers in an interconnected world.
To apply successfully to HEC Paris, applicants must meet various requirements based on the program they are applying to. Admission is competitive, and meeting academic, professional, and language prerequisites is key. The following is an outline of the main requirements you should be aware of when considering applying.
To gain admission to HEC Paris, prospective students must hold a recognized undergraduate degree or its equivalent. Applicants should have completed a Bachelor's or Master’s degree from a reputable institution. Strong academic performance is important, as HEC Paris seeks individuals with excellent academic records.
A relevant academic background in fields such as business, economics, or engineering can be an advantage. International students should ensure their degrees meet the institution's eligibility criteria, which may vary based on the program they are applying to.
HEC Paris requires applicants to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. For MBA applicants, a GMAT or GRE score is mandatory, and applicants are encouraged to score competitively for better chances of admission. Other programs may have specific test requirements, so it is important to verify these before applying.
HEC Paris places considerable weight on these scores as they help assess an applicant's intellectual capabilities and readiness for rigorous academic work. The school may also accept the Executive Assessment (EA) for its Executive MBA programs.
For most graduate programs, particularly the MBA, HEC Paris looks for applicants with significant professional experience. Ideally, candidates should have at least two to three years of relevant work experience before applying to the MBA program.
This experience enables applicants to contribute meaningfully to class discussions and case studies. Applicants with leadership experience or a strong professional background in business, management, or entrepreneurship are highly valued. HEC Paris recognizes the importance of practical, hands-on experience in shaping well-rounded business leaders.
Since HEC Paris programs are taught in both French and English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in one of these languages. For non-native English speakers, a TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English score is required to prove their English language skills. For those applying to French-taught programs, proficiency in French is mandatory.
This ensures that students can engage effectively in coursework, discussions, and academic activities. If an applicant is a native speaker of English or French, they may be exempt from submitting language test scores.
HEC Paris places significant emphasis on personal statements, motivation letters, and essays as part of the application process. Applicants are asked to explain their motivations for pursuing a program at HEC Paris and how it aligns with their career goals.
Additionally, some programs may require applicants to undergo an interview as part of the selection process. The interview serves as an opportunity for the admissions committee to assess the applicant's personality, leadership potential, and fit for the program. Preparing for these essays and interviews is critical to making a strong impression.