Master in Management – Grande Ecole at Emlyon Business School
- Masters Experts
- Jul 9
- 16 min read
In the ever-evolving landscape of business education, the Master in Management – Grande Ecole program at Emlyon business school stands out for its blend of academic excellence, entrepreneurial mindset, and global orientation. Recognized among the top-ranked MiM programs globally, this degree isn't just about acquiring knowledge—it's about shaping future leaders ready to drive change in a complex world.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why Choose Emlyon’s Master in Management?
With a legacy dating back to 1872, emlyon has long been a pioneer in business education. As one of the few schools worldwide holding the prestigious triple accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA), it provides a globally respected qualification that opens doors across industries and continents. Whether you're aspiring to work in consulting, finance, tech, or launch your own startup, this program equips you with the skills, mindset, and network to thrive.
A Pedagogical Vision That Transforms Students into "Makers"
emlyon's unique educational philosophy is rooted in its “early maker” approach. Students are not just passive learners but active participants in a learning journey that encourages experimentation, collaboration, and impact. The MiM program is built on this foundation, offering immersive, hands-on projects and courses that help students master real-world business challenges while cultivating their critical thinking and innovation capabilities.
Rankings that Speak for Themselves
The strength of emlyon’s MiM is validated by top-tier international rankings:
4th in France and 8th globally – Financial Times 2024
2nd for employability in France – Times Higher Education 2025
3rd in France for social and environmental commitment – ChangeNOW & Les Echos Start 2024
Such accolades highlight the school’s academic rigor, global reputation, and strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
Designed for Global Citizens
Delivered in English and welcoming students from over 130 nationalities, the program offers a truly international experience. Students benefit not only from Lyon’s dynamic economic and cultural environment but also from global mobility opportunities through prestigious academic partnerships and double degrees with top institutions worldwide.
Whether you're looking to specialize in strategy, finance, marketing, or explore design thinking and innovation, emlyon’s MiM program offers the flexibility and personalization to shape your career path. Supported by an active alumni network of 48,000+ professionals across 130 countries, you’re never far from a potential mentor, opportunity, or collaborator.
Program Overview: Duration, Language, and Global Reach
The Master in Management – Grande Ecole program at emlyon business school is a two-year, full-time postgraduate program designed for students holding a non-French undergraduate degree. Recognized by the French State and accredited by top international bodies, the MiM program provides a rigorous academic foundation enriched with a global, experiential learning environment.
Program Duration and Structure
Spanning two academic years, the program follows a flexible structure that accommodates:
A strong core curriculum in the first year (Master 1) focused on the fundamentals of management
Progressive specialization options and international exposure in the second year (Master 2)
Optional pathways such as apprenticeships, gap year, customized study plans, or double degrees
This structure ensures that students can tailor their academic experience to align with personal goals, career ambitions, or entrepreneurial ventures.
Language of Instruction: 100% English
The program is delivered entirely in English, making it accessible to a global pool of students. No prior knowledge of French is required for academic success or admission, although learning the language is encouraged to enrich your cultural experience in France and increase employability.
For non-native English speakers, proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or equivalent) is required unless:
English is your native language
You hold a degree from a program fully taught in English
You have completed at least 3 academic years in an English-medium institution within the last 3 years
Global Reach and International Exposure
emlyon’s MiM program is designed to broaden horizons and foster multicultural fluency. With students and faculty from over 130 countries, the classroom is a dynamic international setting.
Beyond the classroom, global exposure is embedded through:
Study Abroad & Double Degree Programs: Partner institutions in Europe, North America, and Asia
International Internships and Projects: Field missions and business creation projects with global firms
Multinational Alumni Network: 48,000+ alumni across 130+ countries, offering professional and personal connections worldwide
The program also includes mandatory professional experience, ensuring at least 6 months of work exposure, which could be done abroad to further enhance your international profile.
Campus Location: Lyon, France
The program is based in Lyon, a city consistently ranked among the top student destinations in France. With its new Gerland campus—a futuristic and sustainable learning space—emlyon provides a cutting-edge academic environment with high-speed connectivity, innovation labs, and vibrant student life. The central location also offers direct access to France’s second-largest business district and numerous cultural attractions.
Curriculum and Specializations
The Master in Management – Grande Ecole program at emlyon business school is crafted to offer both academic depth and professional versatility. Through a combination of core courses, signature learning experiences, and customizable specialization paths, the curriculum empowers students to build a well-rounded, globally relevant management profile.
Year 1 – Mastering Core Competencies
The first academic year (Master 1) is centered on fundamental management knowledge, delivered through 500+ hours of intensive coursework. Students explore essential disciplines such as:
Strategic Management
Corporate Finance
Accounting and Control
Business Law
Marketing
Organizational Behavior
Project Management
Human Resource Management
Business Data Compliance
Corporate Social Responsibility
Refresher modules in economics, business statistics, and Excel are also offered to align students with varied academic backgrounds.
This core curriculum lays the groundwork for the experiential learning and specialization tracks that follow in the second year.
Signature Academic Elements
Several unique components define emlyon’s academic experience:
Modern Languages: Emphasis on multilingual proficiency to strengthen international employability
Responsible Engagement Program: A required 50-hour volunteer mission aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Makers’ Project: A team-based experiential initiative focusing on real-world problem-solving and project implementation
These initiatives ensure students not only learn management principles but also develop practical and ethical leadership skills.
Year 2 – Specialized Learning Tracks and Flexibility
In the second year (Master 2), students can shape their own path with flexible options:
Focused Tracks: Cohesive course clusters offering in-depth expertise in a specific domain
Electives: A wide array of standalone courses that enhance industry-specific or technical knowledge
Apprenticeship Path: A 12-month paid work-study experience in a French company (for eligible students under 30 fluent in French)
International Mobility or Double Degree: Opportunities to study abroad with top partner institutions
Sample Focused Tracks
Track Name | Career Orientation |
Accounting & Control | Auditing, Financial Compliance |
Data Analyst | Business Analytics, Big Data Roles |
Consulting | Strategy & Management Consulting |
Corporate Finance | Investment Banking, M&A, Financial Analysis |
Marketing & CSR | Brand Management, Sustainability Strategy |
Sample Electives
AI & Business
Consumer Experience and Service Quality
Digital Marketing
Finance for Startups
Global Strategy
Governance and Ethics
Intro to Machine Learning
Python for Data Analysis
Strategic HR Management
This structure provides students the freedom to either specialize deeply or build a multidisciplinary profile.
Signature Learning Experiences: DNA Courses and Projects
What sets the Master in Management – Grande Ecole program at emlyon business school apart from traditional business programs is its emphasis on action-based, interdisciplinary learning. At the core of this innovative approach are the DNA Courses—a suite of four signature academic experiences that develop entrepreneurial thinking, social awareness, and real-world problem-solving.
What Are DNA Courses?
DNA Courses are pedagogical pillars unique to emlyon’s learning model. They blend theory and practice, encouraging students to go beyond conventional business learning by engaging in consulting projects, business creation, applied research, and product prototyping.
Here’s a breakdown of the four DNA Courses:
Sustainable Futures
In this course, students work as consultants for major corporations like Société Générale and Vinci. The objective: help these companies imagine more sustainable and future-ready strategies.
Focus: Scenario planning, sustainability strategy, systems thinking
Outcome: Proposals for "livable worlds" that challenge traditional business paradigms
Format: Group project with real company interaction
This course is a first step into professional consulting, helping students combine analytical, environmental, and strategic thinking.
Business Creation Project (PCE)
A hallmark of emlyon’s entrepreneurial spirit, this project allows students to develop and pitch a startup from idea to execution. Supported by the school’s Makers’ Lab and entrepreneurship mentors, students create business plans, test models, and gain field experience.
Focus: Entrepreneurship, business modeling, validation through fieldwork
Outcome: Fully-developed business plan, often leading to actual venture launches
Fun Fact: Over 1,000 projects have been completed since inception
RECAPSS – Applied Research in Social Sciences
This course strengthens students’ analytical and research skills by addressing complex societal and business issues through field-based research. Topics often intersect with ethics, law, and social impact.
Focus: Academic research, team collaboration, critical inquiry
Output: Multimedia deliverables (podcasts, reports, videos)
Guidance: Supervised by faculty researchers
This project is ideal for students considering careers in consulting, academia, or public policy.
Prototype
“Having ideas is not enough”—this course introduces students to design thinking and product prototyping. In the Makers’ Lab, students learn to transform ideas into tangible solutions using tools like 3D printers, CAD software, and digital platforms.
Focus: Rapid prototyping, innovation methods, cross-functional teamwork
Outcome: Market-ready product concepts or business solutions
Application: Useful for careers in product management, innovation, and UX/UI
A Truly Experiential Curriculum
All four DNA courses offer a platform for students to experiment, fail, learn, and grow. Whether your career goal is launching a company, leading innovation in a multinational firm, or contributing to policy reforms, these experiences provide real-world training in a safe, academic setting.
These courses embody emlyon’s “early maker” philosophy—training students to be proactive, creative, and socially conscious leaders of tomorrow.
Double Degrees and International Mobility
The Master in Management – Grande Ecole program at emlyon business school isn’t just a degree—it’s a gateway to the world. Designed to foster global leaders, the program offers an impressive range of international mobility options and prestigious double degree opportunities, allowing students to customize their academic journey with cross-cultural experiences and dual credentials.
Why International Mobility Matters
In a competitive global job market, international exposure is a major differentiator. emlyon recognizes this by offering:
Global learning environments
Multi-country study paths
Cross-border internships
Immersion in new economic and cultural contexts
Whether you aspire to work in international consulting, finance, or innovation, this global emphasis equips you with adaptability, global fluency, and international networks.
Double Degree Opportunities in France 🇫🇷
École des Mines de Saint-Étienne – ICM (Engineering & Management)
Focus: Biomedical engineering, data science, smart mobility
Duration: Begins in Master 2; includes a 10–13 week engineering internship
École Centrale de Lyon – Engineer-Manager Program
Duration: 3 years
Features: Humanities, ethics, 3 internships, 6-month global mobility
Université Lumière Lyon II – Master 2 Economics and Finance
Tracks: Economics & Finance, Public Policy, Behavioral Economics
Emphasis: Research methodology and empirical analysis
Université Jean Moulin Lyon III – Master in Management Studies & Research
Outcome: Academic research or strategic consulting careers
Key Elements: Data analysis, consulting strategy, CSR
Strate – École de Design
Integration of management with user-centered design
Focus: Design Thinking, Prototyping, Innovation
Note: Most French double degrees are taught in French, requiring adequate language proficiency.
Double Degree Options Abroad
Emlyon’s International network spans five continents. Partner schools offer degrees that complement core MiM studies with a regional or industry-specific focus.
Europe
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management (Germany)
Aston Business School (UK)
Bayes Business School (UK)
UCL Global Business School for Health (UK)
North America
HEC Montréal (Canada)
Université de Sherbrooke (Canada)
New York Film Academy (USA)
Asia
Tongji University – SEM (China)
Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong)
National Chengchi University – College of Commerce (Taiwan)
Asian Institute of Technology – SOM (Thailand)
Specialized Triple Degree Option
emlyon + POLIMI + Bayes: Master in Management, Finance & Tech
Note: Agreements and slots may vary yearly. Consult your academic advisor for details.
Additional Global Exposure
Exchange Programs: Semester-long studies at partner universities
Internships Abroad: Career center support for finding roles in global firms
Mobility Scholarships: BRMIE and Erasmus+ funding available
International Seminars: Included in some research and innovation tracks
Admissions Process and Eligibility
Admission to the Master in Management – Grande Ecole program at emlyon business school is highly selective and tailored for ambitious, globally-minded candidates. If you're a student with a non-French degree and a passion for management, innovation, or international careers, here's everything you need to know to prepare a successful application.
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if:
You hold a non-French undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s, Licence, or equivalent)
You have completed at least two years of studies outside France
You are in your final year of study or have already graduated
The program is designed for early-career professionals and students from diverse academic backgrounds looking to build strong foundations in global management.
Admissions Timeline
Applications Open: October 7, 2024
Final Deadline: June 30, 2025 (subject to seat availability)
Next Intake: September 2025
Note: Seats fill quickly—early application is strongly recommended.
Two-Stage Selection Process
Step 1: Online Application File
You’ll need to submit the following documents:
Transcript of academic records
Bachelor’s degree certificate or progress report
Updated resume
Copy of passport or birth certificate
English proficiency score (if required)
Standardized test score (GMAT, GRE, TAGE MAGE, or CAT for Indian students)
English Test Waivers:
You are exempt if:
English is your native language
You completed a degree taught fully in English in the past three years
You spent three years in an English-taught academic program in the past three years
Recommended English Level:
C1 (Advanced User) – This ensures you can grasp demanding concepts and communicate fluently in a professional setting.
Step 2: Digital Assessment (Lasts ~1.5 hours)
The digital test includes:
Cognitive Tests (logical, verbal, numerical reasoning)
Mock Situational Test with avatars (professional role play)
Deferred Video Interview with timed responses (evaluates motivation and communication)
This stage mimics corporate recruitment processes and is designed to evaluate both behavioral and analytical competencies.
Evaluation Weightings
Component | Weight |
Academic Credentials | 3 |
Video Interview | 5 |
Situational & Cognitive Assessments | 1 + 1 |
Application Fee
€140 – Payable by credit card during online submissionExemptions:
Students with CROUS scholarships
Certified high-level athletes (subject to review)
Enrollment and Deposit
Once accepted, you will need to:
Confirm your spot within 10 calendar days
Pay a non-refundable deposit of €3,500
Disability Support
Students with permanent or temporary disabilities can benefit from tailored support through emlyon’s Disability Unit, ensuring equal access to assessments, campus life, and career services.
Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Support
Financing a top-tier education is a critical consideration for international students. At emlyon business school, the Master in Management – Grande Ecole program is backed by a robust financial support system that includes merit-based scholarships, social assistance, and external funding opportunities. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the tuition fees and the avenues available to help you invest in your future.
Tuition Fees for the 2025 Intake
Fee Category | Amount per Year | Total (2 Years) |
Tuition Fee | €19,900 | €39,800 |
Management Overheads | €1,500 | €3,000 |
Total Program Cost | — | €42,800 |
Optional Gap Year Fee | — | €2,000 |
Note: Fees are reviewed annually and subject to change. The gap year fee applies if you take a break between academic years.
Social Scholarships for CROUS Recipients
emlyon implements a voluntarist scholarship policy to support diversity and inclusion. Students receiving a French CROUS scholarship can benefit from 5% to 100% tuition fee waivers based on their echelon level:
CROUS Level | Tuition Fee Reduction |
0 bis | 5% |
1 | 10% |
2 | 15% |
3 | 20% |
4 | 30% |
5 | 50% |
6 | 75% |
7 | 100% |
This scholarship applies to students’ definitive CROUS level from the year prior to enrollment.
Emlyon Business School Admission Scholarships
Emlyon offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships that cover up to 30% of the first-year tuition. These are awarded to high-potential applicants based on:
Academic achievements
Personal background
Motivation and career plans
Early application increases your chances of receiving one of these awards.
Government and Institutional Grants
Campus France & French Government Scholarships
Explore funding options through your local French Embassy or Cultural Center
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
For outstanding candidates in the MiM program
Covers tuition and living expenses
Regional Mobility Grants (BRMIE)
For students pursuing international exchanges outside Europe
Offered by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
ERASMUS+ Scholarships
For academic exchanges and internships within Europe
Monthly allowance varies by host country’s cost of living
Emlyon Foundation Financial Aid
In your second year, you can apply for need-based scholarships provided by the emlyon business school foundation. Awards are based on:
Financial need
Academic merit
Social/personal background
Applications are submitted via the student platform at the beginning of the academic year.
Student Loans for International Students
emlyon has partnered with global education finance providers to help international students manage tuition and living costs:
Lendwise (UK-based)
Prodigy Finance (global, non-French students eligible)
These loans typically cover:
Full tuition
Living expenses in France
Grace period before repayment
Estimated Cost of Living in Lyon
Expense Category | Monthly Estimate |
Rent | €500–€600 |
Utilities/Internet | €130 |
Transport (under 25) | €25 |
Food | €200–€250 |
Books/Supplies | €40 |
Mobile Phone | €5–€20 |
Leisure | €100 |
Total Estimate | €1,000–€1,200 |
These figures provide a helpful guide to budgeting during your studies in France’s second-largest city.
Emlyon Business School Career Outcomes and Employer Connections
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue the Master in Management – Grande Ecole at emlyon business school is the program’s outstanding career outcomes and deep integration with the global job market. With a dedicated Career Center, specialized career tracks, and a powerful alumni network, emlyon equips students not just with knowledge, but with the tools and networks to launch high-impact careers.
Career Services and Support
The emlyon Career Center is an integral part of your journey from day one. It provides structured career preparation through:
Career Launchpad courses (mandatory in Year 1)
Specialized elective workshops (offered in Year 2)
One-on-one and group career coaching
CV clinics, mock interviews, and company-led seminars
Recruitment events, including job and internship fairs
More than 250 companies visit emlyon campuses each year, providing students with valuable connections and real-time insight into industry expectations.
Career Tracks: Fast-Track to Competitive Roles
emlyon offers elite career tracks for students targeting the most competitive sectors, such as:
Investment Banking (in English)
Intensive training in corporate and market finance
Personal coaching through PREPZfy for interview prep
Strategy & Consulting (in French)
Workshops focused on case cracking and firm-specific recruitment tests
Alumni-led networking and mentorship opportunities
These tracks are limited in number and designed to streamline access to top-tier firms.
Employment Outcomes at a Glance (Class of 2023)
Indicator | Value |
Job secured before program ends | 86% |
Employment rate at 3 months post-grad | 94% |
Employed within 6 months | 100% |
Average Salary (including bonuses) | €58,000/year |
Alumni Recommendation Rate | 89% |
These figures underline the ROI of the program, especially when compared to global MiM benchmarks.
Industries and Roles
Graduates of the MiM program find roles in diverse sectors and functions:
By Sector
Consulting/Audit – 43%
Finance/Banking/Insurance – 14%
Industry/Manufacturing – 12%
Technology – 9%
Media/Culture/Luxury/Retail – 11%
Other – 10%
By Job Function
Consulting/Strategy – 36%
Administration – 20%
Sales – 13%
Marketing/Communication – 10%
Executive & Audit Roles – 6%
Other Roles – 15%
Job Locations
France – 73%
International – 27%
Europe: 92%
Asia: 4%
Africa/Middle East: 2%
Americas: 1%
Emlyon Business School Partner Companies and Alumni Network
Top recruiters include:
Procter & Gamble
Société Générale
EY, PwC, Deloitte
L’Oréal
BNP Paribas
Amazon
emlyon also boasts a global alumni network of over 48,000 professionals across 130+ countries, accessible via the emlyon Forever platform. Alumni actively support current students through:
Mentorship
Job referrals
Career insights
Alumni events
Campus Life in Lyon: Innovation Meets Sustainability
The experience of pursuing the Master in Management – Grande Ecole at emlyon business school goes far beyond academics. Nestled in the heart of Lyon, France’s second-largest business hub and a UNESCO World Heritage city, the new Gerland campus is designed to offer a transformative, holistic environment that reflects emlyon’s forward-thinking ethos.
Welcome to Gerland: A Campus Built for the Future
Opened in September 2024, Emlyon’s state-of-the-art campus in the Gerland district offers a vibrant, connected, and sustainable ecosystem where learning by doing thrives.
Key Features:
30,000 sqm of facilities with 7,000 sqm dedicated to collaborative workspaces
8,500 sqm of modular learning zones designed for interactive and group-based activities
A Makers’ Lab (740 sqm) featuring:
15 3D printers
A textile lab
Professional design software
An Associative Village (700 sqm) for student organizations and professional development
Smart classrooms equipped with hybrid tools for both in-person and digital learning
The campus also includes a central event space capable of hosting over 1,500 people—ideal for international conferences, networking events, and graduation ceremonies.
Sustainability at Its Core
True to emlyon’s commitment to responsible leadership, the Gerland campus is a model for sustainable urban design.
Certified with HQE and BREEAM green building standards
600 sqm of solar panels
Natural air cooling system
One-third of the site is outdoor space
Soft mobility is encouraged through:
380 secure bike racks
Access to 3 metro lines, 6 bus lines, and 3 tramways
Proximity to Jean Macé TER Station and Part-Dieu Train Station
This commitment to sustainability aligns with the values taught in emlyon’s DNA and Responsible Engagement programs—making it not just a campus, but a living laboratory of ethical innovation.
Integrated Student Life and Well-being
Life at emlyon goes beyond classes and exams. The school fosters a strong community spirit, with an emphasis on student well-being and active engagement.
On-Campus Amenities:
Food court, brasserie, bakery with options for all budgets
Common areas and lounges for socializing and networking
Soundproof music rooms and event halls for cultural expression
Nearby Attractions and Services:
CROUS student dining facilities
Cultural venues like Ninkasi and Le Croiseur
Universities and research centers including ENS de Lyon and Université Lyon III
Groceries, fitness studios, and cafés all within walking distance
Sports and Physical Activities
emlyon encourages an active lifestyle through easy access to nearby sports centers:
Rugby and football fields at Plaine des Jeux de Gerland
Basketball at Tony Parker Academy
Tennis at All In Academy
Dance studios and boxing gyms nearby
Whether you're an aspiring athlete or looking for a way to stay fit, there’s something for everyone.
Conclusion: Is Emlyon MiM the Right Fit for You?
If you're looking for a business education that’s globally respected, experientially rich, and deeply rooted in entrepreneurial spirit, the Master in Management – Grande Ecole at emlyon business school may be your perfect match.
This is not just a management degree—it’s a platform for transformation. Whether your ambition is to break into strategy consulting, launch a startup, drive sustainability in corporate environments, or lead innovation in emerging markets, emlyon offers the curriculum, global reach, and support ecosystem to make it happen.
What Makes Emlyon Stand Out?
Academic Prestige: Top 10 global MiM ranking (Financial Times), triple accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA)
Global Mobility: Double degrees and exchanges with top institutions across Europe, North America, and Asia
Career-Ready: 100% employment rate within 6 months, €58K average salary, elite career tracks in finance and consulting
Innovation DNA: Signature experiential learning through Sustainable Futures, Prototyping, and the Business Creation Project
Smart, Sustainable Campus: A new facility in central Lyon with high-tech labs, green design, and vibrant student life
Holistic Growth: Real-world challenges, research opportunities, and socially responsible engagement embedded in the curriculum
Who Should Apply?
The emlyon MiM is ideal for:
International students from non-French academic backgrounds
Those seeking a career pivot or global management foundation
Aspiring entrepreneurs, consultants, strategists, and global leaders
Candidates with a strong academic record, fluent English skills, and the drive to make an impact
If you’re ready to invest in a future that’s bold, borderless, and built on innovation, this program offers the training, tools, and networks to help you thrive.
Want personalized guidance on applying to emlyon's MiM program?
Connect with an expert at GOALisB for a free profile evaluation and actionable insights tailored to your goals.
FAQ Emlyon Business School
What is the duration of the Master in Management – Grande Ecole program at emlyon?
The program is a two-year full-time master's degree delivered in English, with optional gap year and international mobility features.
What are the tuition fees for emlyon’s MiM program?
The total tuition and fees for the two-year program amount to €42,800, excluding optional gap year fees.
Does emlyon offer scholarships for MiM students?
Yes, emlyon offers merit-based scholarships up to 30% for the first year and social scholarships up to 100% for CROUS beneficiaries.
What are the career outcomes for MiM graduates at emlyon?
100% of MiM graduates find jobs within 6 months, with an average annual salary of €58,000 including bonuses.
Can international students apply to the MiM program at emlyon?
Yes, international students with a non-French bachelor's degree are eligible. The program is fully taught in English.
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