top of page

HEC Paris Master in Management (MiM)

  • Masters Experts
  • Aug 6
  • 13 min read

When it comes to global management education, the HEC Paris Master in Management (MiM) consistently ranks at the top—holding the number 1 worldwide position in the 2023 Financial Times rankings. This prestigious accolade is more than just a ranking; it’s a reflection of HEC Paris’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, career readiness, international diversity, and innovation in management education.


Table of contents


HEC Paris Master in Management (MiM)

Why HEC Paris MiM Stands Out?

For students aspiring to lead in a rapidly evolving global economy, HEC Paris offers more than just a degree. It’s a transformative journey shaped by intellectual rigor, cross-cultural learning, and personalized career development. Designed for recent graduates or early-career professionals, the program combines academic depth with real-world exposure, supported by a powerful alumni network of over 80,000 professionals in 130+ countries.


Located just outside Paris, HEC delivers the best of both worlds—proximity to one of Europe’s most vibrant business hubs, and the serene, focused environment of a world-class campus. The school attracts students from over 50 nationalities, fostering a diverse and collaborative classroom experience. With an average post-graduation salary of €121,000 within 3 years, and 98% of graduates employed within 3 months, the HEC MiM is not only academically rewarding but also professionally impactful.


One of the defining features of the HEC MiM is its unmatched flexibility and customization. From a solid foundation in general management to over 150 electives, 20+ specializations, a gap year, and international exchange programs—students can tailor the experience to fit their career ambitions. Whether your goal is consulting, finance, entrepreneurship, or global strategy, the HEC Paris MiM positions you at the forefront of business innovation.

This blog will walk you through every key aspect of the HEC Paris MiM—from the curriculum and admissions process to global exposure, placements, and ROI—so you can confidently decide whether this top-ranked program aligns with your professional goals.



Program Overview: HEC Paris Master in Management

The HEC Paris Master in Management (MiM), also known as the Grande École program, is a flagship two-year program designed for ambitious students seeking a comprehensive and globally respected management education. Structured with a balance of academic excellence, real-world exposure, and personal development, the program awards a Master’s degree recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education and accredited by CEFDG.


Degree Type and Accreditation

  • Degree awarded: Master in Management (Grade de Master, Bac +5)

  • Accreditation: CEFDG & RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles)

  • Credits: 120 ECTS over two years

  • Instruction language: English (no French proficiency required)

This academically rigorous program is designed to offer both breadth and depth. Students begin with a solid foundation in general management and progressively specialize through electives, certificates, and international modules.


Target Audience and Profile

The program is aimed at early-career professionals or recent graduates from any academic background—engineering, arts, social sciences, or business. What sets applicants apart is their motivation, leadership potential, and commitment to making a global impact. Importantly, no prior work experience is required, making it an ideal post-bachelor’s pathway to leadership roles.


Key Features at a Glance

Feature

Details

Duration

2 years (with optional 1-year gap)

Language

English

Entry Requirement

Bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS)

Average Cohort Size

Diverse, 52+ nationalities

Campus

Jouy-en-Josas, near Paris

Intake

September 1st, 2025 (for upcoming cycle)

Distinctive Advantages

  • International mobility: 70+ exchange partners and 30+ dual degree options

  • Customization: 150 electives, 20+ specializations, 10+ professional certificates

  • Career support: HEC Talents Center, on-campus recruitment, alumni mentoring

  • Top Rankings: number 1 in FT 2023 MiM Rankings, number 2 in Europe (FT 2024)

The HEC Paris MiM stands as a gateway to a high-impact international career, offering students a launchpad into industries like consulting, finance, tech, luxury, and entrepreneurship. Its comprehensive structure ensures students graduate not just with a degree, but with clarity, confidence, and global readiness.



Curriculum Structure: Core, Electives, and Certificates

The HEC Paris Master in Management (MiM) program is renowned for its multi-layered and customizable academic structure. Built to offer a deep foundation in general management along with opportunities for specialization, the curriculum spans two years and is designed to align with each student’s career goals and learning preferences.


Year 1: Core Management & Flexibility

The first year (M1) focuses on general management fundamentals and ensures students acquire cross-functional business knowledge. Courses in this phase cover a broad spectrum including finance, marketing, strategy, operations, and economics.

M1 Highlights:

  • Core courses in general management

  • Electives for early specialization

  • Waiver scheme: Students can waive up to 17.5 ECTS credits and replace them with advanced or specialized electives

  • Professional Certificate selection (starting preparation in Semester 1)

Students can also opt for a gap year between the two academic years, allowing them to intern, gain entrepreneurial experience, or explore other global opportunities in a real-world context.


Year 2: Deep Specialization (M2)

The second year (M2) is designed to help students sharpen their expertise and make critical choices toward their career trajectory. They can select from over 20 specializations, ranging from finance and marketing to digital innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

Examples of M2 Specializations:

  • Strategy & Business Development

  • Finance & Financial Engineering

  • Marketing

  • Digital Transformation

  • International Business (including the CEMS track)

  • Data Science for Business

Each specialization includes both core and elective courses, allowing for highly personalized learning paths.


Professional Certificates

In addition to the main curriculum, HEC Paris offers industry-recognized certificates developed in collaboration with corporate partners. These involve 100+ hours of coursework, hands-on projects, and real-world challenges.

Examples of Certificates:

  • Climate & Business

  • Energy & Finance

  • Data Science for Management

  • Mergers & Acquisitions

  • Private Equity & Infrastructure

  • Luxury Strategy

  • Strategy for Impact

  • Future of Money & Payments


Double Degrees & Custom Tracks

Students may also apply for double degree programs with top global institutions (detailed in the next section) or participate in the CEMS Joint Degree for a highly international curriculum experience.


Summary Table: Curriculum Flow

Year

Focus

Options

M1

General Management

Core courses, electives, waivers, certificates

Optional

Gap Year

Internships, entrepreneurship, global exposure

M2

Specialization

20+ majors, CEMS, study trips, international exchanges

This well-rounded and adaptive curriculum gives students not only technical knowledge and strategic thinking but also exposure to diverse industries, work cultures, and leadership challenges.



International Exposure: Global Pathways and CEMS Joint Degree

One of the most defining strengths of the HEC Paris Master in Management program is its global orientation. Designed to equip future business leaders with a truly international perspective, the program offers numerous global pathways, including international exchanges, dual degrees, and the prestigious CEMS Joint Degree.


A Truly Global Ecosystem

HEC Paris welcomes students from over 50 nationalities, creating a dynamic learning environment enriched with diverse perspectives. Beyond the classroom, students benefit from an expansive international network through partnerships with leading universities and multinational firms.


CEMS Joint Degree: International Prestige

The CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) is a globally recognized joint degree offered in partnership with 33 top business schools, including LSE, HKUST, ESADE, and Cornell. HEC Paris is a co-founding member of this alliance.


Key Highlights:

  • Available in the second year (M2) of the MiM program

  • Students spend one semester at HEC Paris and the other at a partner CEMS school

  • Requires completion of:

    • Two mandatory global strategy & leadership courses

    • CEMS electives (up to 45 ECTS)

    • Business project (15 ECTS)

    • Skill seminars (2 ECTS)

    • International internship

    • Proficiency in two foreign languages

Graduates of the CEMS program benefit from an expansive alumni network of 14,000+ professionals in 75+ countries, and 96% find employment immediately after graduation—a strong indicator of its global industry relevance.


Master Exchange Program (MEP)

The MiM also includes opportunities for semester-long exchanges at top-tier universities worldwide during the M2 specialization phase. Partner institutions span North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America.


Example Exchange Partners:

  • USA: Cornell, Duke, Michigan Ross, Georgetown, Berkeley Haas

  • Asia: HKUST, Keio University, National University of Singapore

  • Europe: Bocconi, ESADE, St. Gallen, Freie Universität Berlin

  • South America: Fundação Getulio Vargas (Brazil)

  • India: IIM Ahmedabad

These exchanges are part of the HEC “International Business” specialization and provide exposure to local economies, business models, and academic systems.


Study Trips: Business Meets Culture

HEC Paris also organizes study trips during the M2 year, blending academic insights with cross-cultural and industry-specific experiences. These immersive journeys are designed to expose students to emerging markets and global business hubs, building critical soft skills and intercultural intelligence.



Double Degree Options: Global Academic Alliances

To meet the evolving demands of global careers, the HEC Paris Master in Management (MiM) offers an impressive portfolio of 30+ double degree programs in partnership with elite academic institutions across the globe. These programs allow students to earn two master’s degrees while benefiting from the academic excellence, networks, and career services of both institutions.


What Are Double Degrees?

A double degree is a structured academic path where a student completes part of their coursework at HEC Paris and the remaining at a partner university. Graduates receive two official diplomas—one from HEC Paris and one from the partner institution—significantly enhancing their academic profile and employability.

These programs are especially appealing for students looking to specialize in law, public policy, analytics, finance, or global management, while gaining cross-border experience and networking advantages.


Featured Double Degree Partners by Region

North America

  • MIT Sloan School of Management (USA): MS in Management Studies, Finance, or Business Analytics

  • Yale School of Management (USA): HEC–Yale M2M program

  • Berkeley Haas (USA): Master of Financial Engineering

  • Columbia University (USA): Climate School

  • Georgetown University (USA): McCourt School of Public Policy

Europe

  • Bocconi University (Italy): 3 MSc programs

  • ESADE Business School (Spain): 4 MSc options

  • St. Gallen (Switzerland): 4 Master’s programs

  • Freie Universität Berlin (Germany): Public Affairs dual degree

  • Technische Universität München (Germany): Master in Management & Technology

Asia-Pacific

  • HKUST Business School (Hong Kong)

  • Tsinghua School of Economics & Management (China)

  • Keio University (Japan)

  • National University of Singapore (NUS): MSc in Management and Business Analytics

India & Latin America

  • IIM Ahmedabad (India): Post Graduate Program in Management

  • Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), São Paulo (Brazil): Professional Master in International Management

📌 Applications for these double degree programs typically take place during the M1 year and may have eligibility criteria specific to each partner institution.


Advantages of Pursuing a Double Degree

  • Expanded academic credentials from two prestigious schools

  • Access to dual alumni networks and career placement services

  • Regional expertise and specialization in emerging markets or global industries

  • Greater cultural fluency and language exposure

  • Strong positioning for global consulting, finance, policy, or tech leadership roles

Students interested in these pathways are advised to consult their HEC academic advisors and career counselors early during the M1 year to prepare for the application and selection process.



Admissions Process: Eligibility, Tests & Deadlines

Admission to the HEC Paris Master in Management (MiM) program is highly selective, reflecting the school's reputation for excellence and its global applicant pool. However, the process is designed to assess not only academic achievements but also motivation, leadership potential, and international mindset.


Who Can Apply?

The MiM is open to students of all nationalities with little or no professional experience, holding a recognized bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

Minimum Requirements:

  • A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS credits) in any field (engineering, social sciences, business, arts, etc.)

  • No prior work experience required

  • Fluency in English (program is fully delivered in English; French is not a requirement)


Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials through the online portal at hec.edu/applytomasters:

  • Degree certificate or enrollment confirmation

  • All higher education academic transcripts (including GPA)

  • Résumé/CV

  • GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or Tage Mage official score report (no minimum score required)

  • English proficiency test (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, or Cambridge) unless:

    • You are a native English speaker (passport proof required)

    • Your entire degree was taught in English (to be confirmed in transcripts or certificate)

  • One academic reference (must be submitted online before the application deadline)

  • Passport-style photo

  • Application fee of €150 (non-refundable)


Application Rounds & Deadlines for 2024–2025 Intake

Round

Application Deadline

Admissibility Results

Final Admission Results

Round 1

October 10, 2024 (12:00 CEST)

October 31, 2024

November 22, 2024

Round 2

January 6, 2025 (12:00 CET)

January 28, 2025

February 18, 2025

Round 3

February 27, 2025 (12:00 CET)

March 20, 2025

April 11, 2025

Round 4

April 14, 2025 (12:00 CEST)

May 12, 2025

June 3, 2025

Intake Date: September 1st, 2025Interview Format: 25–30 minute personal interview, either online or at one of the 80 global centers (if applying via “Join a School in France” platform)


Tips to Strengthen Your Application

  • Start early to gather recommendation letters and test scores

  • Use the optional essays and interviews to convey your career goals, values, and unique background

  • Showcase your international exposure, teamwork experiences, and extracurriculars


HEC Paris doesn’t impose a minimum GMAT/GRE score but looks for candidates with a strong holistic profile, combining academic performance, critical thinking, leadership traits, and a passion for impact. The admissions process is designed to spot future global leaders, not just high test scorers.



Fees and Financing: Scholarships, Loans & Living Costs

Pursuing a top-tier business education is a significant investment, and HEC Paris provides transparent fee structures and extensive support to make the Master in Management (MiM) program accessible to talented students from around the world. This section outlines the total cost of attendance, available funding options, and scholarship opportunities.


Tuition Fees Overview

The total tuition cost for the two-year MiM program is €55,800, spread across the two academic years. An additional administrative charge of €2,900 covers student services and registration.

Detailed Breakdown by Year:

Academic Year

Tuition Fees

Student Services (€1,950) + Admin (€950)

Total Cost

M1 (2025/26)

€25,000

€2,900

€27,900

M2 (2026/27) or Gap Year

€25,000

€2,900

€27,900

📌 Students taking an optional third year (post-gap year M2) continue to pay the €2,900 administrative/service fees annually until graduation.


Deposit and Application Fee

  • Application Fee: €150 (non-refundable)

  • Enrollment Deposit: €5,000 (deducted from tuition, required within two weeks of admission)


Living Costs in Paris

Living in Paris comes with additional expenses, estimated at €1,000 per month, covering:

  • Housing

  • Food

  • Health & liability insurance

  • Public transport

  • Leisure and daily expenses

This equates to approximately €12,000 per academic year, making total living costs over two years roughly €24,000.


Scholarships at HEC Paris

HEC Paris is committed to promoting merit and diversity, offering various scholarships to support international students:

1. HEC Foundation Scholarships

  • Merit-based and need-based

  • Open to all admitted students, regardless of nationality

  • Covers up to 50% of tuition

2. Women in Leadership Scholarship

  • Specifically designed to support high-achieving female applicants

3. Excellence Scholarships

  • For students with outstanding academic profiles and GMAT/GRE scores

4. Diversity Scholarships

  • Encourages applicants from underrepresented regions and backgrounds


External Funding & Loans

Students may also pursue third-party scholarships and student loan options, including:

  • Campus France scholarships

  • National government fellowships (e.g., DAAD, Chevening, Eiffel)

  • International student loans, some with or without co-signers (Prodigy Finance, MPOWER)

More info:HEC ScholarshipsExternal Funding


HEC Paris’ financial aid philosophy ensures that admission is based on merit—not financial capacity. With scholarships, flexible payments, and career placement support, the return on investment for this program remains one of the strongest among global business schools.



Career Outcomes: Placements, Alumni, and Salary Insights

One of the most compelling reasons to choose the HEC Paris Master in Management (MiM) is its exceptional career impact. Backed by a robust corporate network, personalized career services, and a powerful global alumni base, HEC Paris consistently produces graduates who thrive across industries and continents.


Career Success by the Numbers

According to the Financial Times MiM Ranking 2024, HEC Paris boasts some of the most impressive career stats in the world:

  • 98% employment rate within 3 months of graduation

  • €121,000 average salary 3 years after graduation

  • 40% of graduates are internationally placed

  • Ranked number 1 globally for MiM in 2023 (FT)

Graduates land roles in top global firms across consulting, finance, technology, luxury, and entrepreneurship—often with multiple offers before completing the program.


Top Recruiting Sectors and Employers

HEC Paris graduates are highly sought-after in competitive industries such as:

Consulting

  • McKinsey & Company

  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

  • Bain & Company

  • Roland Berger

Finance & Investment Banking

  • Goldman Sachs

  • JPMorgan Chase

  • Morgan Stanley

  • Rothschild & Co

  • BNP Paribas

  • Société Générale

Technology & Startups

  • Google

  • Amazon

  • Meta

  • Microsoft

  • Startups via Station F and HEC Incubator

Luxury & Consumer Goods

  • LVMH

  • L’Oréal

  • Chanel

  • Richemont

HEC Paris also maintains strong partnerships with multinational firms, ensuring students access exclusive job postings, on-campus interviews, and tailored career fairs.


HEC Talents Career Center

The HEC Talents Center plays a pivotal role in student placement. Services include:

  • Personalized career coaching

  • Resume and cover letter workshops

  • Mock interviews

  • Career treks and company visits

  • Sector-specific bootcamps (consulting, banking, tech)

Students also benefit from a dedicated alumni mentoring program where they connect with graduates currently working in their target industries.


A Global Alumni Network

With 80,000+ alumni across 130+ countries, HEC Paris offers lifelong professional connections and community. The alumni network actively supports graduates through:

  • Networking events

  • Global chapter meetups

  • Job referrals and mentorship

  • Entrepreneurship and venture capital support


HEC Paris doesn’t just help students find jobs—it helps them build meaningful careers with international relevance, strong compensation, and long-term growth potential. Whether you’re looking to enter the boardroom, launch a startup, or transition to a new continent, the HEC MiM can open the right doors.



Why Choose HEC Paris MiM: Rankings, Network & Impact

Choosing a Master in Management program is a major career decision—and when it comes to academic prestige, career outcomes, and international influence, the HEC Paris MiM stands in a league of its own. But what makes it the top choice for thousands of global candidates every year?


Globally Ranked and Recognized

HEC Paris consistently earns top spots in global rankings:

  • Number 1 Master in Management worldwide – Financial Times 2023

  • Number 2 Business School in Europe – Financial Times 2024

  • *Top 5 globally for ESG teaching, alumni network, and faculty diversity

These rankings reflect not only academic rigor but also exceptional career outcomes, global employability, and international exposure.


Academic Excellence Meets Real-World Relevance

The MiM program blends theory and practice through:

  • 150+ electives across disciplines

  • Practical consulting projects and case competitions

  • Internships, gap years, and business simulations

  • Corporate partnerships in sectors ranging from finance and consulting to tech and luxury


Global Perspective with Local Strength

  • 52+ nationalities represented in the student cohort

  • International modules, study trips, and exchange programs

  • 30+ double degrees with top institutions (e.g., MIT, Yale, Bocconi, TUM, HKUST)

  • CEMS Joint Degree—one of the most elite global management credentials


Powerful Alumni Network

HEC’s alumni community is one of its strongest assets:

  • 80,000+ alumni in over 130 countries

  • Active global chapters and events

  • Peer-to-peer mentoring and career guidance

  • Access to entrepreneurial funding, VC connections, and board opportunities


Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Located near Station F, the world’s largest startup campus, HEC Paris offers direct access to:

  • HEC Incubator and business lab

  • Entrepreneurship-focused electives and certificates

  • Internships in innovation-driven firms

Whether your goal is to work at McKinsey, launch a tech venture, or lead a family business into new markets, the HEC Paris MiM combines structure with flexibility to get you there.


What truly sets HEC Paris apart is its ability to deliver transformation—both personal and professional. You’re not just gaining knowledge; you’re entering a global network of purposeful leaders committed to making an impact.



Conclusion: Is the HEC Paris MiM Right for You?

The HEC Paris Master in Management (MiM) isn’t just a program—it’s a launchpad. Designed for high-potential individuals ready to explore the world, stretch their limits, and lead with purpose, it offers one of the most comprehensive and customizable business education experiences available globally.

From world-class academics and flexible career pathways to international immersion and access to a global alumni network, the HEC MiM equips you with the skills, mindset, and credibility to thrive in any industry, anywhere in the world.


You should consider HEC Paris MiM if you:

  • Want a globally ranked management program with top-tier career outcomes

  • Are seeking a customizable and flexible curriculum that aligns with your goals

  • Aspire to work in consulting, finance, entrepreneurship, or tech at an international level

  • Value access to 30+ double degrees, 70+ exchange destinations, and the CEMS joint degree

  • Are looking to join an elite network of 80,000+ alumni across 130+ countries

The program’s return on investment is clear—not just in salary numbers or job offers, but in its ability to transform young graduates into globally-minded leaders who drive meaningful impact.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, expand your global horizons, and position yourself for long-term leadership success, then the HEC Paris MiM could be the right next step.

Comments


bottom of page