HEC Paris, founded in 1881, is one of the world’s most prestigious business schools, located near the heart of Paris, France.
Renowned for its academic excellence and global reach, the HEC Paris MBA program offers a transformative experience for aspiring business leaders who seek to thrive in a competitive and fast-changing world.
The program’s dynamic curriculum focuses on leadership, strategy, and innovation, equipping students with the tools to excel in a global business environment.
With a faculty dedicated to academic rigor and real-world relevance, students gain a deep understanding of business fundamentals while developing the leadership skills necessary to navigate complex challenges.
Program Details
- Duration: The HEC Paris MBA is designed as a full-time program, ensuring an intensive and comprehensive learning experience over a span of 16 months or 12 months.
- Intakes: HEC Paris offers two intakes for its Full-time MBA program, providing flexibility to prospective students. The program starts in both January and September, allowing individuals to choose the entry point that best aligns with their personal and professional timelines.
- Language: Conducted entirely in English, the program caters to a diverse international student body.
- Cost: The program requires an investment of €99,000, reflecting the high-quality education, extensive resources, and global networking opportunities provided by HEC Paris.
- Location: Situated in the heart of France, HEC Paris provides an ideal setting for MBA students. The vibrant business environment in France, combined with the cultural richness of the region, enhances the overall learning experience.
Application Deadlines for HEC Paris MBA January 2026 Intake
Round 1:
- Application Deadline: 19 January 2025
- Decision Date: 13 February 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 13 March 2025
Round 2:
- Application Deadline: 16 February 2025
- Decision Date: 14 March 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 17 April 2025
Round 3:
- Application Deadline: 16 March 2025
- Decision Date: 18 April 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 15 May 2025
Round 4:
- Application Deadline: 20 April 2025
- Decision Date: 16 May 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 19 June 2025
Round 5:
- Application Deadline: 18 May 2025
- Decision Date: 20 June 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 17 July 2025
Round 6:
- Application Deadline: 22 June 2025
- Decision Date: 18 July 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 15 August 2025
Round 7:
- Application Deadline: 17 August 2025
- Decision Date: 19 September 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 16 October 2025
Round 8:
- Application Deadline: 21 September 2025
- Decision Date: 17 October 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 20 November 2025
Round 9:
- Application Deadline: 19 October 2025
- Decision Date: 21 November 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 18 December 2025
Round 10:
- Application Deadline: 23 November 2025
- Decision Date: 19 December 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 31 December 2025
Learn from Pranjal’s insights on her successful HEC Paris admit with scholarships to the January 2024 intake.
Admission Process
Connect with HEC Paris: Before starting the formal application process, prospective students are encouraged to connect with the HEC Paris team by filling out an online form. This step allows candidates to receive personalized feedback and guidance, as well as access to exclusive networking events in their region.
Submit Your Application: Candidates should choose their preferred deadline and submit a complete application through HEC’s online system. An auto-save feature allows applicants to work at their own pace. It is essential to use the Application Checklist to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Pre-Selection Jury: After submission, applications are reviewed by the Admissions Board. The pre-selection process evaluates academic background, professional experience, essays, and recommendation letters. Candidates must demonstrate clear motivation and a well-defined career vision.
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited to two separate interviews with HEC Paris alumni. These interviews assess communication skills, leadership potential, and alignment with program values. Each interview includes a 10-minute oral presentation and a discussion about the applicant’s profile.
Admissions Jury: Following the interviews, the Admissions Jury, consisting of faculty, alumni, and representatives from the French Ministry of Education, reviews the applications. Successful candidates are notified of their acceptance shortly after the jury meeting.
Scholarships: Applicants can apply for scholarships during the admissions process. HEC Paris offers over €1,000,000 in scholarships annually, supported by donations from alumni and the HEC Foundation.
Still unsure whether to begin your MBA journey in January or September? Read our in-depth article to help you determine the intake that best fits your timeline and career goals.
Admission Requirements
Academic Background
- Master’s in Management (MiM) Degree Holders: If you have a top-ranked MiM degree, you qualify for a test waiver and can join an accelerated 12-month MBA.
- Undergraduate Degree Holders: Completion of an undergraduate program at an accredited university. Official academic transcripts are required.
- Without an Undergraduate Degree: Must provide a secondary education completion certificate. At least 5 years of professional experience, including 3 years in a managerial role. Alternatively, national-level athletes may qualify.
Work Experience
- Recommended: 2-10 years of professional experience (average is 6 years).
Application Components
- Completed online application form.
- Essays: Addressing career goals and personal achievements.
- Two Recommendations from professional referees.
- Current Resume in English.
- Passport-style Photo.
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
- Copy of Passport (both if holding dual nationality) or birth certificate.
- Test Scores:
- GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, Executive Assessment (EA), or GRE.
- TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, Cambridge English, PTE, or Duolingo for English proficiency (if required).
- Non-refundable Application Fee: €200.
Essay Questions
HEC Paris MBA applicants for the 2025 intake must respond to the following essay prompts:
- Why HEC Paris? Explain your motivation for pursuing an MBA at HEC Paris and how the program aligns with your career goals.
- Life Achievement: Describe your most significant life achievement.
- Leadership and Ethics: Discuss a situation where you encountered leadership and ethical challenges, and how you handled them.
- Alternate Life: Imagine a completely different life for yourself and describe it.
- Choose One:
a) Recommend a monument or site to a visitor in your country or city.
b) Analyze an internationally successful book, movie, or play that you believe is overrated.
c) Discuss a figure you admire and explain why.
For more insights on crafting standout essays, check out our detailed guide on HEC Paris MBA Essays.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on an MBA at HEC Paris is a life-changing decision that opens doors to unparalleled opportunities in the global business world.
If you have questions or need support with your application, feel free to reach out to us.
Learn from Neeraj’s success journey to the HEC Paris MBA Jan 2025 intake