FAQ
Please read our FAQ sections for further information regarding the admission process, available scholarships and student life at HEC Paris.
1. Where do I start if I want to study at HEC Paris?
The first step is to check out the portfolio of our programs and find one that aligns best with your career objectives and interests. Our quizzes are super helpful in this regard too!
When choosing a program, it is important to review the course content, the admission requirements and the tuition fees! ß Here is an example of where to find this information for our Master in Management program.
Another key point to mention is that at HEC Paris, you can apply to two programs with one application—so make sure to submit a second choice if you are interested in multiple programs!
Your second-choice program will only be considered in the next round and only in case of your non-admission to your first-choice program – so please make sure to think about which program at HEC Paris is your number 1 priority.
If you have doubts about your program choice - another great tool to help you make the right decision is our chat with student ambassadors!
Now that you’ve found the program that interests you, you're ready to start working on your application. On to the next question!
2. How do I know if I am eligible for the program of my choice?
To be eligible for our Masters' programs, students must hold at least a bachelor's degree[MS5] [VT6] . Additionally, students must have less than three years of work experience, as our Masters are designed for pre-experience candidates.
There are specific eligibility criteria for the following programs: [LZ7]
Mastère Spécialisé/ LLM Droit et Management International (taught in French)
Mastère Spécialisé Médias, Art et Création (taught in French)
If you are still unsure whether you qualify, you can complete one of our online quizzes.
3. Do I need to speak French to study at HEC Paris? What are the language requirements at HEC Paris?
At HEC Paris, most programs are taught entirely in English. However, there are a few programs that require proficiency in French, including:
Master of Science X-HEC Entrepreneurs (B1 level is recommended)
All our programs require an English proficiency test at the C1 level.
This requirement can be waived only for:
Native English speakers (e.g., citizens of the UK, New Zealand, etc.)
Students who have completed their bachelor’s or master’s degrees entirely in English.
In all other cases, you must provide an English proficiency test. We accept TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge and TOEIC (online tests are accepted as well).
All four sections must be graded: Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening.
All English test results are valid for 5 years, except Cambridge certificates which have unlimited validity. Tests must be valid on the deadline of the program you are applying for.
All scores must be shared with HEC Paris:
For the TOEFL: your local center might ask you for the HEC Paris institutional code to transfer your test results confidentially to us. This code number is 0718.
For the TOEIC: send to admissionsmasters@hec.fr
For the Cambridge tests: send to admissionsmasters@hec.fr your unique ID number and your secret number. By sharing this information, you give us permission to verify the result. For more information: www.cambridgeenglish.org
For the IELTS you have 2 options:
Before taking the test, you should nominate the IELTS Application form HEC Paris School of Management as your score test recipient institution. Please fill in the next information: HEC Paris School of Management
Address : 1, rue de la Libération, 78351 Jouy en Josas CEDEX, FranceAfter the issue of IELTS results, please send your personal Test Report Form number (TRF) to admissionsmasters@hec.fr. By sharing this information, you give us permission to verify the result. For more information: www.ielts.org
4. Are there any other tests required for admission?
Some programs require management tests. We only accept GMAT, GRE, and TAGE MAGE (including new versions and online versions). Please note that we do not prefer any specific test – you are free to choose the one that suits you best.
While we do not have a minimum score requirement, we recommend aiming for our average scores:
GMAT Focus : 645/655 (equivalent to 700 in old GMAT version)
GRE : 320
TAGE MAGE: 440 (TAGE MAGE is not accepted for M2M with Yale)
The management test requirement cannot be waived.
You must take your management test before submitting your application – however, exceptionally you can submit it with unofficial scores. If we receive official scores within 1 week after the deadline – it won’t have a negative impact on your application.
You must share your scores with HEC Paris:
- GMAT and GMAT Focus: If taken online, please upload a screenshot of your results to your application and send your official score report to our institution via mba.com
- GRE and GRE shortened version: Please upload your test taker score report to your application and send your scores via ETS using code 3623. A department code is not required.
TAGE MAGE: HEC Paris will verify your score directly with FNEGE. There is no reporting procedure to be made by the applicant.
If you want to know whether the program, you’re interested in requires a management test, you can find the information on the “Admission” tab for each program. For example, here you can see the admission requirements for our Marketing program. Great news for the applicants: GMAT/GRE is no longer obligatory for our Master in Marketing - however, you are free to submit your GMAT/GRE scores if you believe this addition will make your application more competitive.
5. What does the application process look like?
The application process at HEC consists of two main steps: completing your online application on our portal here and an online interview.
To submit your application – you must have all elements ready (including English and GMAT/GRE test score and required reference letters) before[AP13] the deadline. Exceptionally you can submit your application with unofficial scores, but the tests must be taken before the deadline.
All applicants are required to pay an application fee (the amount varies from 125 euros to 180 euros depending on the program) – this fee cannot be waived (except for pre-selected students from partner universities, CROUS recipients, eligible applicants for Imagine Fellowship and ex-Summer School participants).
If pre-selected, you will be invited to an interview. The interview will be conducted in English for programs taught in English and in French for programs taught in French. All interviews are held online and typically last around 30 minutes. During the interview, you will have the opportunity to discuss your motivations for the program, your career ambitions, and your previous experiences with two representatives of HEC Paris.
IMPORTANT:Some programs like the
Double Degree candidates (e.g. Data & Finance program, M2M with Yale, etc.) will complete 2 interviews.
You can learn more about our interview process in the article The Art of Excelling in your Admissions Interview. This guide provides you with an overview of our interview process and will give you invaluable tips on how to best prepare for it.
6. Can you give me some tips on how to create a successful application?
Please find some tips below:
It is advisable to submit your application during the first three rounds, as there are more spots available. Round 4 is typically the most competitive. However, this doesn’t mean you should rush your application – ensure you submit the strongest one possible. If you need more time to prepare for your GMAT/GRE – it is better to apply in a later round.
There is no minimum GPA requirement due to the variances in grading systems around the world. However, academic excellence is an important factor in our decision. If you're concerned about your GPA, focus on strengthening your GMAT/GRE scores to compensate for a GPA that may be below the class average.
We require two letters of recommendation : one must be academic, and the second one can be either academic or professional. We recommend choosing professors who know you well. For the professional recommendation, it should come from your manager. Letters of recommendation must be written in English or French. You can either upload your recommendation letters in PDF format (it must be signed by your recommender), or you can send your referees a form via our portal which they can fill out.
If you are looking for essay tips – you can watch this video from one of our alumni.
At HEC Paris we take a holistic approach in our selection therefore the general profile of the admitted students is a well-balanced combination of academic excellence, strong motivation, competitive GMAT or GRE score, internships, extra-curricular involvement, and cross-cultural sensitivity.
7. How can I learn more about HEC Paris Master’s programs?
The best way to start is by downloading our brochures – you can do so right here.
The recruitment team organizes many events for prospective students – both online and in various countries! On this page, you can find where the recruitment team is currently travelling and check our online webinars.
Another great tool to help you learn more about the HEC Paris programs is our chat with student ambassadors!
Don’t forget to check out our social media: LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Once you are ready, we look forward to receiving your application on our portal.
1. Where can I find reliable information about HEC Paris scholarships?
If you want to learn more about the scholarships available at HEC Paris, you can find all the information under the Fees & Financing tab for each program. For example, here you can find all the details regarding scholarships available for Master in Management applicants.
2. Can you briefly explain the scholarship application process for students who are in a rush to meet the next admission deadline?
Of course, we can!
Here’s what you need to know: we offer two types of scholarships: merit-based and needs-based.
Merit-based scholarships at HEC Paris do not require an application or any additional documents. Every admitted international applicant will be automatically considered upon their admission.
Merit-based scholarships include:
HEC Foundation Excellence
Women’s High Potential
30%
Volkswagen (requires an additional essay)
XTX Markets (Only for Data Science & AI for Business and Data & Finance programs)
Needs-based scholarships require an application. Students can apply for these scholarships on the same portal as for their master’s application. The deadlines for applications are the same as the admissibility jury dates for the round you apply to.
Needs-based scholarships include:
The Equal Opportunity (open to all international applicants)
The Imagine Fellowship Scholarship (open to students who come from the war-torn countries)
CMA-CGM Excellence Fund for Lebanon Scholarship (only for applicants from Lebanon)
The Garzouzi Foundation Scholarship (Only MIM applicants from Lebanon)
The results of all scholarships are published by email within 72 hours after the publication of admission results.
IMPORTANT: Students have equal chances for a scholarship during every round of applications. All scholarship results are final and cannot be reconsidered.
3. Can I pay 100% of my tuition fees by combining the scholarships?
Unfortunately, it is not possible.
HEC Paris Scholarships cannot be combined.
Merit-based scholarships can go up to 15 000 euros maximum. Needs-based scholarships are evaluated depending on the financial situation of the applicant. All scholarships will be automatically deducted from the tuition fees.
IMPORTANT: HEC Paris does not offer fully funded scholarships except for the Imagine Fellowship (each case is evaluated on a case-by-case basis).
However, you can combine HEC Paris with external scholarships such as Charpak Scholarship (only for Indian applicants), The Eiffel Scholarship (only for Round 1 applicants), or any other external scholarship. We highly recommend checking Campus France for other funding opportunities.
1. How do I confirm my spot in the program once I am admitted?
Once you are admitted to HEC Paris, you will receive an email from the admissions team with all necessary information regarding your next steps.
To confirm your spot, you must complete your information on our enrollment portal and pay the deposit payment. Depending on the program, the deposit payment is either €5,000 or €6,000. You can double check this information on the Fees & Financing page for the program you were admitted to.
The deadline of confirmation is two weeks from the announcement of the admission results.
Once we acknowledge receipt of the payment, you will receive a certificate of enrolment which will be essential for your visa application.
All administrative details about your stay in France will be included in the Next Steps guide.
2. Is my admission offer conditional?
Admission offers at HEC Paris are unconditional. However, you must submit your Bachelor’s diploma to the Academic Affairs Office by November of the year you begin the program. Any changes in your GPA after admission will not affect your acceptance.
You must graduate from your Bachelor’s program to be enrolled in a Master’s program at HEC Paris.
To begin your studies at HEC Paris, you must confirm your place in the program (see point 1).
3. Can I defer my admission?
Deferrals are only granted in exceptional cases and are offered on a case‐by‐case basis at the discretion of both Director of Recruitment and the Director of Admissions. Please note that financial confirmation of your place is mandatory to defer your admission. Approval of deferral requests may be granted up to a maximum of one year.
4. What about on-campus housing?
International students and CROUS recipients are guaranteed on-campus accommodation for at least their first year at HEC Paris (except Round 5 applicants and waitlisted students).
The only way to book on-campus accommodation is through the housing campaign which opens around mid-June each year. All admitted students will gain access to the portal at the same time.
You can virtually explore our campus here. One of our MIM alumni also filmed a room tour which you can find on his YouTube page.
Students who could not get on-campus accommodation can explore off-campus options through our partners, such as Studapart or Twenty Campus.
5. Do I need a visa to study in France?
Check the France Visas website to determine whether you need a visa. Begin the process early, as HEC Paris cannot apply on your behalf.
Students who are nationals of an EU country do not need a visa to study in France.
All incoming non-EU students (including those from the UK) must apply for a visa to study at HEC Paris.
Your first step is to complete the procedure on Études en France portal. However, check the Campus France website to find out if your country is eligible for this process.
For all questions regarding visa applications – please, contact your regional Campus France office.