ESSEC Master in Management (MIM) – Applying with an International Degree
- Masters Experts
- Jul 23
- 15 min read
The Master in Management (MIM) – Grande École program at ESSEC Business School is a globally recognized and highly customizable business education journey. Established in 1907, ESSEC has built a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and industry relevance, consistently ranking among the top management programs worldwide. In the 2023 Financial Times Global MIM Rankings, ESSEC stood proudly at number 5, a testament to its strong academic roots, innovative curriculum, and exceptional graduate outcomes.
Table of Contents
Introduction to ESSEC MIM Program
Designed for international students, the ESSEC MIM offers a gateway to Europe and beyond. The program accommodates those who hold non-French undergraduate degrees, welcoming candidates from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. With students representing over 50 nationalities, the classroom environment fosters cross-cultural collaboration, global thinking, and inclusive leadership—skills that are indispensable in today’s interconnected world.
One of the hallmarks of the ESSEC MIM is its dual-track format: the Intensive Track, which is a fast-paced 1-year path ideal for professionals with at least one year of experience; and the Flexible Track, a 2–3 year customizable program perfect for early career professionals or fresh graduates. This unique structure enables students to align their academic path with career goals and personal learning preferences.
What truly sets ESSEC apart is its commitment to customization, international exposure, and professional readiness. Whether you're seeking to build a global business acumen, specialize in cutting-edge fields, or pivot into a new career direction, ESSEC’s MIM gives you the tools and support to do so confidently. From dual degrees with top institutions like UC Berkeley and Carnegie Mellon, to strong placement records with employers such as BCG, Google, L’Oréal, and JP Morgan, the outcomes speak volumes about the program’s value.
This blog explores the key aspects of the ESSEC MIM program, including its structure, curriculum, global learning opportunities, career support, and admission process. If you are an international student seeking a rigorous yet flexible graduate business education with world-class recognition, ESSEC might just be the place for you.
Program Structure: Flexible vs Intensive Track
The ESSEC Master in Management (MIM) – Grande École offers a distinctive two-track format, enabling students to choose a path that aligns with their professional experience, learning style, and career goals. This dual structure comprises the Flexible Track (2–3 years) and the Intensive Track (1 year), each designed to deliver a robust management education with differing levels of pace and customization.
Flexible Track: Personalized and Comprehensive
The Flexible Track is ideal for students who are looking to craft a deeply individualized academic and professional journey. Spanning two to three years, this track allows students to:
Choose two-thirds of their courses from over 50+ specializations
Study across multiple ESSEC campuses in France (Cergy), Singapore, and Morocco (Rabat)
Participate in international exchange programs, dual degrees, and internships
Accumulate at least six months of international experience, mandatory for program completion
The program is built on modular trimesters, with opportunities to pursue academic terms, internships, consulting projects, or study trips each term. Students can engage with Junior Consulting Experiences, explore faculty-industry research chairs, and complete immersive projects like the iMagination Week and Asian Business Strategy seminars.
This path is especially suited for students with little to no professional experience, offering them ample time to gain internships, language skills, and cross-cultural competence before entering the workforce.
Intensive Track: Accelerated and Strategic
For candidates with a minimum of 12 months of professional experience, the Intensive Track offers a condensed, one-year route to graduation. This track is crafted for professionals who wish to upskill and pivot their careers swiftly.
Key features of the Intensive Track include:
Structured curriculum with pre-selected core and elective courses
Options to start at either the Cergy (France) or Singapore campus
Inclusion of career modules, language training, and consulting projects
A mandatory study trip, which fulfills the international experience requirement
The Intensive Track allows professionals to fast-track their entry into high-growth sectors or new geographies while retaining the benefits of ESSEC's prestigious MIM credential and industry connections.
Comparative Snapshot
Feature | Flexible Track (2–3 years) | Intensive Track (1 year) |
Duration | 2 to 3 years | 1 year |
Ideal Candidate | Recent graduates or those with <12 months experience | Professionals with ≥12 months experience |
Start Locations | Cergy, Singapore, Morocco | Cergy or Singapore |
Customization | High (50+ specializations, double degrees) | Medium (pre-structured with elective options) |
Work Experience Required | Not mandatory | At least 1 year by June 30, 2025 |
International Experience | 6 months minimum (mandatory) | 1-month study trip (mandatory) |
Whether students opt for depth and breadth through the Flexible Track or fast-track their goals through the Intensive option, ESSEC ensures a transformational academic and professional experience tailored to diverse student profiles.
Curriculum Overview and Specializations
The curriculum of the ESSEC Master in Management (MIM) – Grande École is one of the most customizable and interdisciplinary frameworks in graduate business education today. Whether students follow the Flexible Track or the Intensive Track, the program is designed to foster strategic thinking, leadership skills, and a global perspective through a blend of core modules, electives, and experiential learning.
Core Components of the Curriculum
All MIM students, regardless of track, begin with a foundation in essential business disciplines. These include:
Refresher Courses (especially for non-business backgrounds)
Functional Core Courses (e.g., Corporate Finance, Marketing, Business Strategy)
Language Courses (minimum one language module is required)
Career Development Modules
ESSEC’s RISE Strategy SPOCs (Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship)
These SPOCs (Small Private Online Courses) are aligned with ESSEC’s broader strategic vision to produce future-ready leaders who understand emerging global challenges. They are integrated across the academic year and are mandatory for all students.
Elective Specializations and Tracks
ESSEC’s MIM offers over 50 elective specializations, covering both traditional and emerging sectors. These electives allow students to fine-tune their education to specific industries or roles. Popular specializations include:
Finance & Financial Markets
Data Science & Business Analytics
Strategy & Management
Marketing & Luxury Brand Management
Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Social Innovation & Sustainability
Students can also choose from thematic career-oriented tracks, including:
Corporate Finance Track (CFT)
Global Manager in Asia (GMA)
Health & Life Sciences
Sustainable Business Models
The Flexible Track allows students to change specializations as their interests evolve. This ensures not only academic freedom but also career adaptability.
ESSEC Singapore Campus Exclusives
The Singapore campus offers unique electives that reflect Asia’s dynamic business environment. Courses include:
Business Management in Asia
Fintech in Asia
Tech & Innovation in Asia
Consulting Projects with multinational firms
Study Trip-based Project Work
This regional focus equips students to navigate and succeed in fast-growing Asian economies and markets.
Experiential Learning Modules
iMagination Week: An interdisciplinary seminar focused on creativity and problem-solving.
Consulting Projects: Students tackle real-world challenges for partner companies.
International Study Trips: Fulfills the program’s global exposure requirement.
Apprenticeships (Flexible Track only): Eligible students can work part-time while studying, especially within France.
Double Degree & Exchange Options
Students may apply for dual degrees with:
UC Berkeley – Haas School of Business
Carnegie Mellon University – Tepper School of Business
They may also benefit from international exchange partnerships with prestigious institutions across North America, Asia, and Europe.
The ESSEC MIM curriculum ensures not only intellectual depth and flexibility but also real-world relevance and adaptability. With robust options to personalize the learning journey, it empowers students to craft a career path that matches their individual aspirations.
International Exposure and Campus Options
One of the defining strengths of the ESSEC Master in Management (MIM) – Grande École is its firm commitment to international education and global career preparation. With campuses in France, Singapore, and Morocco, as well as partnerships across the world, ESSEC ensures that its students develop a truly global mindset.
Multiple Campuses, One Global Vision
Students can start or continue their studies across ESSEC’s international campuses:
ESSEC Cergy Campus (France): Located just outside Paris, this is the flagship campus and hub for many core courses and corporate networking events.
ESSEC Asia-Pacific Campus (Singapore): A gateway to Asia, this campus offers specialized courses in fintech, innovation, and Asian business strategy.
ESSEC Africa Campus (Rabat, Morocco): An emerging destination for those interested in African markets and sustainable development.
Each campus has its own unique focus and facilities, allowing students to experience different teaching styles, business environments, and cultural perspectives.
Mobility and Exchange Opportunities
ESSEC offers exceptional inter-campus mobility, allowing students to spend one or more terms across its global campuses. This enables exposure to regional economies, diverse work environments, and global leadership practices.
Additionally, students can participate in international academic exchanges with partner schools on five continents, including:
UC Berkeley Haas (USA)
Carnegie Mellon Tepper (USA)
Asian and European elite universities
These exchange and dual-degree programs offer a powerful advantage for students targeting global leadership roles in multinational organizations.
Mandatory International Exposure
International exposure is not optional—it’s embedded into the program’s DNA:
Students in the Flexible Track must complete at least 6 months of international experience outside their country of origin.
In the Intensive Track, students must participate in a one-month international study trip, which is linked to a consulting or field project.
These experiences can be fulfilled through:
Academic exchange terms
International internships
Study trips
Campus mobility
This requirement reflects ESSEC’s belief that the ability to work across cultures, languages, and geographies is essential to effective business leadership in the 21st century.
Examples of Global Exposure Projects
Asian Business Strategy module in Singapore
Consulting Projects with multinationals in emerging markets
CSR fieldwork in Rabat with impact organizations
European sustainability seminars held across partner campuses
Through these immersive experiences, students not only develop technical and management skills but also cultural fluency and ethical leadership—traits that top global employers value highly.
The ESSEC MIM’s global reach, paired with its rich mobility options, prepares students to lead with confidence on an international stage. Whether you want to launch a global career, build a multicultural business, or contribute to international development, ESSEC’s campuses and partnerships can take you there.
Student Life and Community at ESSEC
Beyond its academic rigor, the ESSEC Master in Management (MIM) program stands out for its vibrant, student-led community and immersive campus life. From day one, students become part of a dynamic ecosystem that fosters leadership, creativity, and social engagement.
A Thriving Student Ecosystem
ESSEC students don’t just attend school—they build it. Over the years, students have founded and managed more than 100 clubs and organizations that span a wide variety of interests and themes, including:
Professional clubs: finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, digital innovation
Cultural groups: international student societies, language exchange clubs, regional celebration groups
Creative arts: music, dance, theater, photography
Sports teams: competitive and recreational teams in football, basketball, tennis, and more
Social impact initiatives: sustainability groups, humanitarian organizations, civic engagement clubs
These clubs play a crucial role in enhancing campus life, building professional networks, and nurturing leadership and project management skills among students.
Signature Student Events
ESSEC is known for hosting a range of high-energy events that promote collaboration and innovation:
iMagination Week: A creativity-focused event designed to push boundaries and encourage entrepreneurial thinking.
Talent Day: An in-house career fair connecting students with top global employers.
Consulting and Finance Fairs: Specialized forums where students interact with industry leaders and recruiters.
Innovation Hackathons and Business Challenges: Competitions that blend learning with real-world problem solving.
Participation in these events often leads to internships, job offers, and mentorship connections.
Inclusive and Global Community
With over 50 nationalities represented and 50% of students being women, ESSEC fosters an inclusive, multicultural environment. The school emphasizes:
Peer learning across cultures
Cross-campus collaboration (especially for group projects and international modules)
Language learning and intercultural communication
This diversity enriches classroom discussions and social interactions alike, offering a simulation of global business environments.
Campus Facilities and Student Support
Each ESSEC campus is well-equipped with modern amenities:
Collaborative learning spaces and libraries
Career services centers and startup incubators
Fitness centers and sports facilities
Cafeterias with international food options
On-campus housing (especially at the Cergy campus)
Student support services include:
Academic advising
Career coaching and job placement support
Visa and housing assistance for international students
Health and wellness resources
Whether it’s through academic projects, club leadership, or social outings, student life at ESSEC is designed to create a holistic growth experience—preparing students to thrive not only as professionals, but also as global citizens.
Career Outcomes and Placement Statistics
The ESSEC Master in Management (MIM) – Grande École program is globally recognized not just for academic excellence, but for its exceptional career outcomes. Whether students pursue corporate careers, entrepreneurship, or impact-driven work, ESSEC equips them with the tools and network to thrive.
Impressive Placement Success
ESSEC MIM graduates experience near-immediate employment post-graduation, reflecting the program’s alignment with global job market demands:
99% of graduates find a job within six months
80% secure their first job before graduation
65% hold international positions
58% take up CSR or sustainability-oriented roles
These metrics underscore how well ESSEC prepares students to take on diverse, high-impact roles across industries and geographies.
Career Sectors and Job Functions
Graduates of the MIM program are recruited across a wide array of industries and job functions:
🌍 Industry Sectors
36% – Consulting
19% – Finance and Management
10% – Marketing & Communications
20% – Diverse sectors (Luxury, NGOs, Law, Sustainability, Public Sector)
15% – Other emerging areas
🧭 Job Functions
Management Consulting & Audit
Strategy & Business Development
Corporate Finance & Asset Management
Marketing, Sales & Brand Management
Operations & Supply Chain
Data Science, Legal, and Compliance
Sustainable Development & CSR
This diversity reflects ESSEC’s broad-based curriculum and customizable paths, allowing students to target sectors of strategic relevance.
Global Employers and Alumni Destinations
The ESSEC MIM alumni network is vast and global, with graduates placed at leading firms and institutions. Recruiters include:
Consulting & Finance
McKinsey & Company
Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Bain & Company
Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG
Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley
Technology & Startups
Google
Amazon
Airbnb
Bytedance
Back Market
Luxury, Retail & FMCG
L'Oréal
LVMH
CHANEL
Danone
Ferrero
Public Sector & Nonprofits
United Nations (UN)
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
FAO
B Lab
NGOs and Developmental Institutions
This demonstrates the power of the ESSEC brand across continents and industries.
Career Support and Events
ESSEC provides dedicated career support through:
One-on-one career coaching
CV and interview prep workshops
Access to job boards and alumni mentors
Networking events and company presentations
Notable career fairs and recruitment events include:
Talent Day
Consulting Fair
Finance Fair
Start-up & Innovation Day
With such support and engagement, ESSEC ensures that students don’t just graduate with a degree—they graduate with a career trajectory.
Admissions Criteria and Application Timeline
The ESSEC Master in Management (MIM) – Grande École program is designed for ambitious and globally minded students who wish to accelerate their careers in a dynamic, international environment. Admission is competitive and holistic, with an emphasis on both academic excellence and leadership potential.
Who Can Apply?
The MIM program welcomes international students with non-French academic backgrounds. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
Hold or be currently pursuing at least a 3-year Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in any discipline from a recognized university outside of France
Be under 32 years of age
Demonstrate leadership potential, international mindset, and a strong interest in management
Track-Specific Requirements
Track | Requirements |
Flexible Track (2–3 years) | Open to applicants with little or no work experience. Ideal for recent graduates. |
Intensive Track (1 year) | Requires at least 12 months of professional experience by June 30, 2025, including demonstrated managerial or leadership responsibilities. |
Note: The admissions jury may transfer an application from the Intensive to the Flexible Track if the candidate's experience does not fully meet the criteria.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Prepare for Required Tests
GMAT, GRE, or TAGE MAGE (recommended)
TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge test (for non-native English speakers)
Start the Online Application
Complete personal details, education, and experience sections.
Upload Supporting Documents
Transcripts, resume, test scores, essays/motivation letter
Submit Your Application
Shortlisting
Candidates are shortlisted based on academic, personal, and professional background.
Interview
Online interviews are conducted for shortlisted applicants.
Final Decision
Results released a few days after the interview.
Confirm and Secure Your Place
Pay the non-refundable deposit within two weeks to confirm admission.
Application Rounds – 2025 Intake
Round | Application Deadline | Shortlist Results | Interview Dates | Final Decision |
Round 1 | October 10, 2024 | November 5, 2024 | Nov 13–18, 2024 | November 22, 2024 |
Round 2 | January 6, 2025 | January 30, 2025 | Feb 6–12, 2025 | February 18, 2025 |
Round 3 | February 27, 2025 | March 27, 2025 | Apr 3–10, 2025 | April 15, 2025 |
Round 4 | April 14, 2025 | May 14, 2025 | May 22–28, 2025 | June 10, 2025 |
Admissions Tips
Apply early for more scholarship opportunities and visa preparation time.
Tailor your essays to reflect why ESSEC, career aspirations, and alignment with the MIM program.
Showcase your international experiences, leadership roles, or entrepreneurial mindset.
The ESSEC admissions process is not just about meeting minimum criteria—it’s about demonstrating your potential to contribute to and grow within a globally elite business program.
Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Aid
Investing in a world-class education like the ESSEC Master in Management (MIM) – Grande École is a major decision. ESSEC offers a transparent fee structure and an array of scholarships and financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their education, regardless of nationality or financial background.
Tuition Fees for 2025 Intake
Intensive Track (1-Year Program)
Category | European Union Citizens | Non-European Union Citizens |
Total Tuition | €40,000 | €40,000 |
Deposit (deducted from tuition) | €6,000 | €6,000 |
Remaining Tuition Fee (due before Aug 31) | €34,000 | €34,000 |
Service Fee | €2,570 | €2,370 |
Flexible Track (2–3 Year Program)
Category | European Union Citizens | Non-European Union Citizens |
Total Tuition | €44,600 | €52,000 |
Deposit | €6,000 | €6,000 |
Remaining Tuition – Year 1 | €16,300 | €20,000 |
Remaining Tuition – Year 2 | €22,300 | €26,000 |
Service Fee | €2,570 | €2,370 |
Note: The service fee is a one-time charge applicable before joining ESSEC, irrespective of the program duration.
Estimated Living Expenses
In addition to tuition, students should budget for monthly living expenses ranging from €1,300 to €2,000, depending on location (France or Singapore) and lifestyle. This covers housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Scholarships and Financial Support
ESSEC offers a comprehensive range of merit-based and need-based scholarships, many of which are automatically considered during the admissions process.
ESSEC Scholarships Include:
ESSEC Academic Excellence Scholarship
Diversity of Geography and Profiles Scholarship
ESSEC Singapore Leaders Scholarship
External and Government Scholarships:
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
LIFE Financial Aid for Lebanese Students
Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship (Singapore)
Philippe Mathé Fellowship
Serge Bellanger Scholarship (USA students)
Additional Financing Options
ESSEC also supports financing through:
Apprenticeship Programs (especially available in the Flexible Track, with tuition waivers and salaries)
Prodigy Finance Loans
US Federal and Private Student Loans
Student Jobs and Internships
With careful planning and access to ESSEC’s scholarships and financing resources, the cost of the MIM program becomes a manageable and worthwhile investment in your future.
Why Choose ESSEC MIM: Rankings and Accreditations
Choosing the ESSEC Master in Management (MIM) – Grande École means choosing one of the world’s most prestigious, innovative, and globally recognized business education experiences. Its consistent global rankings, triple crown accreditations, and forward-looking curriculum place it among the elite institutions preparing the next generation of business leaders.
Global Rankings and Recognition
The ESSEC MIM has earned top spots in major international rankings, reflecting the quality of its faculty, curriculum, student outcomes, and global impact.
Number 5 Worldwide – Financial Times Master in Management Ranking 2023
Top rankings across career progress, international mobility, and alumni success
Recognized as one of the most customizable and globally immersive programs in the world
These rankings are not just statistics—they are indicators of employer perception, alumni success, and academic quality.
Triple Crown Accreditation
ESSEC Business School is part of a select group of institutions worldwide holding the “Triple Crown” of business school accreditation:
EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System)
AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
AMBA (Association of MBAs)
This prestigious combination assures students and employers alike of the school’s global standard of excellence in management education.
Strategic Global Alliances
ESSEC has built partnerships with over 175 leading universities and business schools across the globe. These alliances allow MIM students to benefit from:
Double degree programs (e.g., with UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon)
Exchange semesters on five continents
Joint faculty research and global consulting projects
The school’s membership in networks such as CEMS and affiliations with international academic consortia further reinforce its global standing.
Innovative and Impact-Driven Philosophy
ESSEC’s mission to “Enlighten. Lead. Change.” is embedded throughout the MIM program via:
The RISE Strategy: Curriculum aligned with global challenges in Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, and Entrepreneurship
A focus on CSR, ethics, and impact leadership
Strong integration of digital learning, including SPOCs (Small Private Online Courses)
The program fosters not just career readiness but also conscious leadership, preparing students to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
A Global Network for Life
With over 65,000 alumni across 100+ countries, the ESSEC alumni network is a lifelong asset. MIM graduates join a powerful community that offers:
Career mentorship
Global networking opportunities
Access to exclusive events and alumni platforms
Support for entrepreneurship and funding opportunities
The ESSEC MIM is more than a degree—it’s a transformative global experience backed by world-class credentials, a legacy of excellence, and a future-focused vision. For students looking to lead across borders and industries, ESSEC provides an unbeatable platform.
Conclusion: Is ESSEC MIM the Right Fit for You?
Deciding where to pursue your graduate management education is one of the most pivotal choices you'll make. The ESSEC Master in Management (MIM) – Grande École stands out as a program built for ambitious, globally minded individuals who seek both flexibility and excellence.
Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to explore diverse industries through internships and international exchanges, or a young professional aiming to fast-track your career, ESSEC offers a tailored pathway that matches your pace and purpose.
Key Takeaways on Why ESSEC MIM Shines
Dual-Track Flexibility: Choose between the immersive, exploratory 2–3 year Flexible Track or the career-accelerating 1-year Intensive Track based on your profile and goals.
Customizable Curriculum: With over 50 electives, sectoral tracks, and dual degrees, you can shape your own professional journey.
Global Opportunities: Study across campuses in France, Singapore, and Morocco, participate in international exchanges, and build multicultural fluency.
Elite Placement Outcomes: 99% of students placed within six months, with top recruiters from consulting, finance, tech, and luxury industries.
Triple Accreditation and Top Rankings: ESSEC is among the best globally, consistently ranked and internationally accredited.
Vibrant Student Life and Lifelong Network: More than 100 student organizations, career support, and an alumni network of 65,000+ across the globe.
If you are someone who thrives in diverse environments, values academic depth and career direction, and wants to make an impact in a global business context, ESSEC MIM offers the resources, structure, and community to support your ambitions.
The program doesn’t just prepare you for a job—it prepares you for a leadership journey in an ever-evolving world.
Want personalized guidance on your ESSEC MIM application?Speak to an admissions mentor at GOALisB and get expert feedback on your profile, essays, and application strategy.
FAQ
What is the duration of the ESSEC MIM program?
The ESSEC MIM offers a Flexible Track (2–3 years) and an Intensive Track (1 year), depending on your experience and career goals.
What is the cost of the ESSEC MIM program?
For the 2025 intake, tuition fees range from €40,000 to €52,000 depending on the track and your residency status. Additional service and living fees apply.
Does ESSEC offer scholarships for MIM students?
Yes, ESSEC offers several scholarships including the Academic Excellence, Diversity of Profiles, and the Eiffel Scholarship, among others.
What are the placement statistics for ESSEC MIM graduates?
99% of ESSEC MIM graduates find employment within 6 months of graduation, with 80% placed even before completing the program.
How can international students apply to the ESSEC MIM program?
International students must apply online and submit academic records, test scores (GMAT/GRE/IELTS), essays, and attend an interview if shortlisted. Application rounds run from October to April.
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