The HEC Paris MBA offers an empowering environment to cultivate 21st-century business leaders. Collaborating with accomplished peers and world-class professors in a limited intake of 300 students annually fosters an individualized approach and a tight-knit, diverse community. The 16-month program provides core management skills essential for global success, with the added flexibility for international exchanges, specialized studies, and hands-on sector experience.
With a rich legacy of producing Fortune Global 500 CEOs, HEC Paris stands as a distinguished alma mater of business leaders. The entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured, with about 25% of students venturing into their own businesses and benefiting from mentorship and entrepreneurial resources.
This blog aims to delve into the essence of the HEC Paris MBA experience, exploring academic excellence, global exposure, networking opportunities, an entrepreneurial environment, career development, and a vibrant student community. We will highlight the unique approach to leadership, the tradition of academic excellence, the potential for career transformation, and the role of HEC Paris in advancing innovative knowledge. Stay tuned to discover the six compelling reasons why choosing the HEC Paris MBA is a solid step towards achieving your career goals.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Engagement with HEC Paris
a. Reach Out: Before initiating the application, prospective candidates engage with HEC Paris to seek program information or feedback.
b. Online Connection: Utilizing the online form, they share their details and intentions. Attaching their CV and posing questions is encouraged. Personalized feedback and updates on exclusive networking events in their vicinity are provided within a few days.
2. Submission of Completed Application
a. Application Deadlines: Candidates select their desired application deadline, ensuring timely submission for consideration.
b. Online Application: Using the user-friendly online system, applicants submit their materials. The auto-save feature allows them to manage and edit at their convenience.
c. Application Completeness: Candidates validate the completeness of their application using the Application Checklist before final submission. The admissions team meticulously reviews the received applications for accuracy and completeness.
3. Pre-Selection Jury Assessment
Once applications are received, the Admissions Board convenes for a comprehensive Pre-Selection Jury assessment. This involves a detailed review of academic background, professional experience, international exposure, essays, and recommendation letters. The board evaluates motivation, a clear rationale for choosing HEC Paris MBA, and overall suitability for the program. Successful candidates advance to the interview stage.
4. Interviews with HEC Paris MBA Alumni
Eligible candidates undergo two interviews, conducted by HEC Paris MBA alumni. The interviews assess communication skills, leadership potential, aspirations, and values. They provide insights into the candidate’s overall persona, ensuring potential growth and success within the program. Both interviews hold equal weight and involve a 10-minute oral presentation on a topic of choice, followed by a comprehensive discussion regarding the application.
5. Admissions Jury and Notification
Following the interviews, the Admissions Jury meticulously reviews the applications, considering all aspects, including essays, recommendation letters, and interview notes. Representatives from various domains meticulously review each candidate’s profile. Within hours of the Admissions Jury, candidates receive notifications of their program acceptance. HEC Paris conducts 12 Admissions Juries annually.
6. Scholarship Evaluation
During the application process, candidates have the opportunity to apply for scholarships. Admissions Officers guide them through this process. Generous donations and the HEC Foundation’s efforts enable substantial financial aid to students, exceeding €1,000,000 annually.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Completed Application Form
- Completed Essays
- 2 Recommendations
- Current Professional Resume in English
- Passport-style Photo
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Copy of Passport (copies of both if you have dual nationality) or birth certificate
- Official GMAT* or GRE* Score Report and a scan of your score report
- Test taker copy of the TOEFL*, TOEIC, IELTS, Cambridge English Exam, PTE Score Report or Duolingo English Test.
- At least 2 years of professional experience.
- Non-refundable application fee of €200
HEC PARIS MBA ESSAYS
Essay 1. Why are you applying to the HEC MBA Program now? What is the professional objective that will guide your career choice after your MBA, and how will the HEC MBA contribute to the achievement of this objective? (500 words max.)
Essay 2. What do you consider your most significant life achievement? (250 words max.)
Essay 3. Leadership and ethics are inevitably intertwined in the business world. Describe a situation in which you have dealt with these issues and how they have influenced you. (250 words max.)
Essay 4. Imagine a life entirely different from the one you now lead, what would it be? (250 words max.)
Essay 5. Please choose from one of the following essays, 250 words max:
a) What monument or site would you advise a first-time visitor to your country or city to discover, and why?
b) Certain books, movies or plays have had an international success that you believe to be undeserved. Choose an example and analyse it.
c) What figure do you most admire and why? You may choose from any field (arts, literature, politics, business, etc)
Essay 6. Optional: Is there any additional information you would like to share with us? (900 words max.)
CLASS PROFILE
In the HEC Paris MBA, community and diversity are integral. The academic foundation is built on collaborative group work, bringing together students from diverse regions and professions. This approach enriches learning, allowing students to glean insights from both professors and peers.
A significant portion of MBA students choose to reside on campus, promoting group projects, fostering collaboration, and maximizing study and social time. This intentional community enhances the academic atmosphere and nurtures lasting bonds.
The HEC Paris MBA boasts a diverse class profile, reflecting a global mosaic. With 30% from the Americas, 32% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and 38% from Asia Pacific, the class embodies a rich mix of perspectives and cultures.
CURRICULUM
A 16-month-long program is specifically designed to give you the time needed to learn new skills, as well as gain specific work experience in a new sector or job function. It incorporates a personalized career-development program with our Career Center, as well as unique, hands-on learning and leadership opportunities.
Fundamental Phase: Building Core Skills
In the 8-month Fundamental Phase, a rigorous mix of academic training and hands-on learning imparts essential management skills, preparing students for business transformation.
Customized Phase: Tailoring the Journey
The subsequent 8-month Customized Phase allows students to align the program with personal aspirations and professional objectives. Options include specializations, elective courses, exchanges, internships, and research projects.
World-Class Faculty: Leading Research and Education
HEC Paris, a top research school in economics and management, boasts a faculty driving cutting-edge research at the intersection of business management and technology, ensuring students stay ahead with the latest in AI, data analytics, and machine learning.
FEES AND FINANCES
The comprehensive investment for pursuing the program at HEC Paris encompasses a range of essential expenses, ensuring a conducive environment for academic growth and personal development. The estimated costs cover key aspects of student life, including housing, study materials, meals, miscellaneous expenses, and transportation. Each element contributes to the overall enriching experience and successful completion of the program.
Breakdown of Estimated Costs for 16 Months –
- Accommodation: €9,925
- Books: €1,000
- Meals: €6,000
- Miscellaneous: €3,200
- Transportation: €4,700
SCHOLARSHIPS
HEC PARIS SCHOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR EXCELLENCE: RECOGNIZING THE BEST
The HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence aims to attract exceptional candidates who understand the value of an MBA from our top-ranked business school. This merit-based scholarship is designed to attract the best minds and help them realize their full potential, aligning with their personal and professional aspirations.
- Eligibility: All admitted candidates are automatically considered for this scholarship.
- Selection Criteria: The Scholarship Jury evaluates applicants based on academic excellence, overall application strength, interview results, and GMAT scores.
- Award Amount: Recipients can receive scholarships worth up to 50% of the tuition fees, deducted from the last tuition installment.
FORTÉ SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN CANDIDATES: Empowering Women Leaders
In collaboration with the Forté Foundation, the HEC Paris MBA offers significant scholarships to exceptional women candidates. These scholarships aim to enhance leadership opportunities for women in the business world.
- Eligibility: Only admitted candidates can apply for this scholarship.
- Selection Criteria: Applicants need to submit a 1,500-word essay explaining why they should be the Forté Scholar at the HEC Paris MBA.
- Award Amount: Up to €26,000.
HEC PARIS MBA SCHOLARSHIP FOR DIVERSITY: Celebrating Differences
At HEC Paris, diversity is a core value, and this scholarship strives to create MBA cohorts that enrich the learning experience and worldview of all students by fostering a vibrant, diverse community.
- Eligibility: All admitted candidates are automatically considered for this scholarship.
- Selection Criteria: Candidates must demonstrate an excellent professional and academic background and explain the unique value their individual profile would contribute to the class.
- Award Amount: Applicants can receive scholarships worth up to 50% of the tuition fees.
30% CLUB SCHOLARSHIP: Supporting Women in Business
HEC Paris is dedicated to fostering a diverse community of women in business. The 30% Club Scholarship supports high-potential female candidates with a strong sense of leadership, offering 50% of tuition fees for the first year of studies.
- Eligibility: All admitted candidates are automatically considered for this scholarship.
ARD/HEC PARIS SCHOLARSHIP: Facilitating Transitions
In partnership with the ARD, HEC Paris offers scholarships to officers from the French armed forces, aiding in their professional transition.
- Eligibility: Officers from the French armed forces admitted to the HEC Paris MBA through ARD transition processes.
- Award Amount: €16,000.
HEC Paris encourages students to explore and apply for multiple scholarships for a well-rounded financial support to pursue their MBA journey.
EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIPS
CMA CGM Excellence Fund for Lebanon: Empowering Lebanese Scholars
The CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, collaborates with the HEC Foundation to establish the CMA CGM Excellence Fund for Lebanon. This fund extends support to Lebanese students, providing them an opportunity to pursue their academic studies abroad at the HEC Paris MBA.
- Eligibility: Lebanese nationals residing in Lebanon (multinational candidates with dual French/Lebanese nationality are not eligible).
- Selection Criteria: Academic merit, outstanding potential, financial need, and proven completion of the most recent degree in Lebanon.
- Award Amount: Up to 50% of the HEC Paris MBA’s tuition fees and living expenses (average award is €25,000).
L’Oréal Scholarship: Celebrating Innovation and Leadership
L’Oréal, a pioneer in cosmetics, aims to make beauty accessible to all. The L’Oréal Scholarship recognizes outstanding candidates demonstrating significant professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and a proactive, innovative approach to leadership styles.
- Eligibility: Only admitted candidates can apply for this scholarship.
- Selection Criteria: 1,500-word essay discussing the style of leadership that maximizes creativity and innovation.
- Number of Awards: One scholarship per intake.
- Award Amount: €10,000.
Paris Saclay Innovation Cluster Scholarship: Fostering Innovation
HEC Paris, located at the core of innovation, is one of the founding members of the Paris Saclay campus, a top-tier “innovation cluster” globally. This scholarship aims to enhance and strengthen this network by funding MBA studies for members of this celebrated research cluster.
- Eligibility: Admitted candidates who are Alumni from Paris Saclay universities and Grandes Ecoles or employees working physically on the site of the ‘plateau de Saclay’.
- Selection Criteria: Not eligible for applicants sponsored by their companies or governments for more than 50% of their tuition fees.
- Award Amount: Up to €16,000.
Serge Bellanger French-American Business Student Scholarship: Bridging Nations
The French-American Chamber of Commerce Foundation offers the Serge Bellanger Scholarship to either American nationals attending an MBA program in France or French nationals attending an MBA program in the U.S., promoting cross-cultural education.
- Eligibility: American nationals attending an MBA program in France or French nationals attending an MBA program in the U.S. for the specified academic year.
- Selection Criteria: Merit-based with financial need taken into consideration.
- Number of Awards: Up to ten awards of $10,000 each.
For detailed application guidelines and deadlines, please refer to the respective scholarship’s official page. These external scholarships, in conjunction with HEC Paris scholarships, support a diverse and accomplished student body, reflecting HEC’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering global leaders.
CAREERS AND EMPLOYMENT
The emphasis on career development at HEC Paris was evident, with a remarkable 43% increase in career-development workshops compared to the previous year. This surge in resources received an exceptional average student rating of 4.5 out of 5. Additionally, a novel individual coaching framework was introduced, resulting in a 21% increase in individual coaching sessions, garnering an impressive satisfaction rate of 4.7 out of 5.
VARIOUS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT HEC
- MBA Career Week: The MBA Career Week, a comprehensive week-long event, centered on full-time MBA recruitment for the MBA Class of 2024 (September 2023). HEC Talents, the esteemed career center, collaborated closely with students to align their post-MBA aspirations with their personal values. Extensive career services were offered to facilitate well-informed career decisions
- MBA Internship Day (January 2024): A specialized event honing in on internship recruitment for the MBA Class of 2025, fostering early professional connections.
- MBA Retail & Luxury Fair (February 2024): An inter-school career fair catering to students keen on Retail and Luxury, offering targeted networking opportunities.
- Stand-Alone Individual Presentations: Scheduled flexibly between September to November 2023 and January to April 2024, providing students direct interaction with potential employers.
- MBA May Career Fair (May 2024): A focused event for just-in-time recruiting for the Class of 2024 (internship and full-time roles), laying the groundwork for the Class of 2025. This event marks the initiation of the pipeline for the upcoming year.
HEC Paris, through its dedicated career services and tailored events, is committed to empowering its MBA students for a successful and fulfilling career journey.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the right MBA program is a critical step towards realizing your professional ambitions. HEC Paris MBA offers not only a prestigious education but a transformative experience that goes beyond the academic realm.
With a diverse and collaborative community, a curriculum designed to mold global leaders, dedicated career support, and an array of scholarships, HEC Paris ensures you’re set on the path to success. It’s a place where diversity is celebrated, and connections made last a lifetime.
If you’re aspiring to be a business leader of tomorrow, HEC Paris MBA provides the environment, education, and network to make your dreams a reality. Your journey to excellence starts at HEC Paris MBA, where opportunities and success await.
