In a nutshell: HEC Paris, ranked #1 in France and #2 worldwide (Financial Times Master in Management Ranking 2025), offers two main admission pathways: the Grande École Programme (Master in Management) accessible via preparatory classes (~400 spots) or parallel admissions (Bachelor’s degree required, 5 rounds from October 2025 to May 2026), and the Bachelor in Data, Society & Organizations (joint program with Bocconi, 3 rounds from September 2025 to May 2026). The overall acceptance rate is approximately 11-18%. Tuition for the Grande École Programme (Master in Management) is approximately €60,000 total over two years. The campus is located in Jouy-en-Josas, 25 km southwest of Paris.

Why choose HEC Paris?

HEC Paris is France’s top business school and one of the most prestigious in the world. Founded in 1881 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it develops future leaders in business and innovation. The 130-hectare campus in Jouy-en-Josas provides an exceptional environment with over 150 student associations, world-class sports facilities, and a library housing 60,000 volumes. With an alumni network of over 70,000 graduates worldwide, HEC Paris opens unique doors in consulting, finance, tech, and entrepreneurship.

Programs and admission pathways at HEC Paris

HEC Paris offers several entry routes depending on your profile and academic level. Here are the main options for joining the school in 2026:

Grande École Programme: admission via preparatory classes

The traditional pathway to HEC Paris is through the post-preparatory class competitive exam (ECG track, formerly ECS/ECE). With approximately 400 spots offered each year, this is the largest intake channel. Written exams for the BCE competition will take place from April 22-29, 2026, followed by oral exams from June 22 to July 3, 2026. In 2025, the final average of the last admitted candidate was 13.24/20 (rank ~420), with oral exams counting for 54.5% of the final grade (coefficient 36 out of 66 total).

Grande École Programme: parallel admissions (AST2)

Parallel admissions allow you to join HEC Paris with a minimum Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS). This pathway is ideal for university students, graduates from other grandes écoles, or international profiles. Admission is only at the AST2 level (no AST1). Five application rounds are scheduled for 2025-2026:

Applicants must submit an aptitude test (GMAT, GRE, or TAGE MAGE), an English test (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, or Cambridge), two online recommendations, and a complete application file. The application fee is €220. Shortlisted candidates then undergo a 25-30 minute motivation interview in English. For more details on expected scores, see our HEC Paris score requirements guide.

Bachelor in Data, Society & Organizations (HEC-Bocconi)

This joint HEC Paris-Bocconi program is a 3-year Bachelor (180 ECTS) taught entirely in English. Students spend the first 3 semesters at Bocconi University (Milan) then the final 3 semesters at HEC Paris. The program combines data sciences (mathematics, AI), behavioral and social sciences, with applied management skills. Three specializations are available in the final year: Law, Public Policy & Government; Climate Change & Sustainability; or Management & Organizations.

Applications are submitted through the Bocconi portal (no application fee). Required tests include the SAT, ACT, or Bocconi online test, plus proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 88+, IELTS 6.5+, CAE 173+, or CPE 180+). A video interview is part of the selection process. For a detailed step-by-step guide, see our HEC Paris application guide.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Investing in an HEC Paris education is significant, but the return on investment is among the best in the world. The Grande École Programme costs over €70,000 in total for the full course. The HEC-Bocconi Bachelor follows Bocconi’s fee structure for the initial years. HEC Paris distributes over one million euros in scholarships annually through the HEC Foundation, including need-based scholarships, excellence awards, and programs such as the Eiffel Scholarship for international students and Forté Fellowships for women. Living costs on campus average approximately €1,200/month (housing, food, insurance).

Campus life in Jouy-en-Josas

The HEC Paris campus spans 130 hectares in Jouy-en-Josas, a 10-minute walk from the medieval village and 25 km southwest of Paris. Students have access to 18 residence halls comprising 1,763 furnished rooms and apartments (single room from approximately €649/month, apartment from approximately €899/month). Facilities include a newly built gym and sports hall, 8,000 m² of sports fields, a cafeteria, student bar, and study rooms. Student life is exceptionally rich with over 150 clubs and associations covering sports, culture, entrepreneurship, humanitarian work, and more.

How Your Dream School can help

Getting into HEC Paris is an ambitious goal that requires rigorous preparation. At Your Dream School, our specialized consultants guide you through every step: choosing the admission pathway best suited to your profile, test preparation (GMAT, TAGE MAGE, TOEFL), essay and motivation letter writing, interview coaching, and application file optimization. Contact us for a free initial consultation or discover our admissions coaching program.

Frequently asked questions about HEC Paris admission