Frequently Asked Questions About the HEC Paris EMBA
An Executive MBA is a demanding, time-consuming process from start to finish, and applying to the program can seem a daunting enough task in itself.
Our admissions team's aim is to streamline that process as much as possible, at every stage of the admissions process. From professionals just beginning to collect information to applicants with upcoming admissions interviews and beyond, our team is here to help.
This article contains answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our Executive MBA program. For any additional questions, please feel free connect with us at any time in the application process.
HEC Paris Executive MBA Admission Requirements
WHICH TESTS ARE REQURED?
Admission to the HEC Paris Executive MBA program requires one of the following exams: the GMAT, the GRE, the Executive Assessment, or an in-house HEC Paris management test.
From an admissions perspective, they are all weighted equally; there is no preference between any of the four.
WHICH ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED?
We require proof of diploma. Your academic transcripts from your undergraduate and any graduate programs are a fundamental requirement of the EMBA admissions process.
There is, however, no average GPA requirement. If you were not an outstanding undergraduate student, test results become an important way of demonstrating your academic skills. This ability to quantifiably prove your aptitude is important, as it ensures you contribute to— and benefit from— a world-class learning environment with professionals of a similarly high standard.
You also might address this point in one of your essays.
HOW MUCH WORK EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED FOR THE EXECUTIVE MBA PROGRAM?
The work experience requirement at the HEC Paris EMBA is in line with the program’s objective of refining the management skills of established professionals. As such, though such requirements vary at business schools across the world, the minimum number of years of work experience required to be eligible for the Executive MBA program at HEC Paris is eight years.
The program’s participants have historically averaged closer to 15 years of work experience, though recent intakes follow the market trends of younger, high-achieving professionals not wanting to leave flourishing careers for a full-time program.
CAN EMBA PARTICIPANTS CONTINUE WORKING FULL-TIME DURING THE EMBA PROGRAM?
Yes, EMBA participants continue to work full-time. Though a handful of participants elect to take a break in their careers to focus on the program—particularly those with entrepreneurial ambitions— the vast majority continue learning in concert with their busy careers, applying insights from their EMBA education immediately to their jobs.
IS THERE A DISTANCE LEARNING OPTION FOR THE EMBA PROGRAM?
An immersive, interactive, in-person learning experience is a cornerstone of the HEC Paris EMBA program. We recommend on the strongest possible terms that our participants make every effort to come to class in-person.
Though we do not offer participants the option of completing the program remotely, the reality of the current state of affairs means that the program is equipped with distance learning solutions to use if necessary.
In addition, part of participants’ preparation for classes—from mandatory pre-reading material to homework to course support—takes place online.
Tuition & Financial Aid
WHAT TYPE OF FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE FOR PARTICIPANTS?
HEC Paris offers scholarships of to 10% of the cost of tuition to outstanding EMBA candidates. HEC Paris offers merit-based scholarships for any admitted candidate who is not company-sponsored. This can be awarded up to 10% of the tuition fees. We also offer merit-based Forté scholarships that are reserved exclusively for women.
Fully sponsored participants are not eligible for scholarships.
While some companies provide full or partial sponsorship to their employees, many of our candidates are not sponsored at all. In that instance, there are many options for self-funding the program by making use of savings, private loans, and bank loans, depending on your particular circumstances.
Candidates considering approaching their company about the EMBA are welcome to let us know, and we can share best practices.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF THE PROGRAM FOR SELF-SPONSORED PARTICIPANTS?
The total cost of the 18 month HEC Paris EMBA program includes tuition, participant fees, course materials, and meals during modules. It also includes additional coverage for Specializations weeks, such as course materials, room, board, and ground transportation.
As the program is composed of busy executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, the bulk of program logistics are handled by HEC Paris staff.
Participants expect to fully immerse themselves in the experience. As such, during on-campus or Paris modules, most choose accommodations that allow for easy access to academic facilities, common and group work areas.
Connect with us to learn more about how participants maximize their EMBA experience through their choice of accommodation, program costs, and more.
Visiting Campus
You are more than welcome to join us for a campus visit, either at our main campus in Jouy-en-Josas or at our downtown Paris location.
Campus visits are available throughout the year. We tailor each visit to your needs, whether you'd like to have a discussion with our recruitment team, sit-in on an EMBA class, take a walk around our Jouy campus, or have lunch with current EMBA participants in Paris.
We recognize the important role that partners play in the decision-making process for the EMBA, so they are very welcome to join as well.
Just let us know in advance!
Click here to sign up for a campus visit.
Careers
What career resources are available to EMBA participants?
HEC Paris’ EMBA Career team understands that flexibility is critical as your career evolves. Our Careers Team takes a holistic approach, focusing on long-term career trajectories. All EMBA students will have access to executive career coaching and specialized career programming.
Our curriculum also features a Personal and Professional Development component which runs alongside the academic curriculum. This Careers curriculum is delivered by our Career team and consists of seminars, workshops and other career support events.
HEC Paris’ commitment to you will last long beyond your graduation from the program. As an alumnus of HEC Paris, you will have access to career resources during professional transitions, and you’ll also benefit from lifelong career support.
Housing
Jouy-en-Josas is our main campus, and home to all modular tracks (beginning in September, November, and January).
Courses in the modular tracks take place every other month for 5-10 days at a time. Those joining a modular track can stay near campus (we encourage you to do so!) or may stay in Paris, but be aware that your commute may be up to 45 minutes, depending on where you are coming from in the city.
We encourage you to stay on campus during the program.
The Best Western Hotel, which is physically attached to Executive MBA facilities at HEC Paris, is the most convenient option for classes hosted at Jouy-en-Josas. The school also has its own “Chateau” a short walk from campus, with rooms available for EMBA participants.
For those who would prefer to not stay at the hotel, there are a handful of hotel accommodations scattered around Jouy-en-Josas. Otherwise, participants also book their stays via popular vacation rental online marketplaces.
Historic Saint-Michel is the base of operations for those on the March Track.
As the HEC Paris location in Saint-Michel is located in the heart of the city, there is no shortage of options for accommodation. For those participants coming from outside of Paris, many prefer to reserve accommodation in the immediate surroundings of the area to facilitate ease of access for their studies.
Admissions
The HEC Paris EMBA attracts highly qualified candidates from all over the world. Our admissions process is streamlined: most candidates have an official admission decision within 2-4 weeks of applying.
If your application is unsuccessful, you may re-apply for the following year’s class. If this happens, our teams can provide further resources and information for how to develop a strong application
HEC PARIS IS A FRENCH BUSINESS SCHOOL. DO I NEED TO SPEAK FRENCH IN ORDER TO APPLY?
Though HEC Paris is a French institution, knowledge of French is not needed in the EMBA program. The program’s language of instruction is English, though the November modular track is bilingual and taught in both English and French.
English is the only language required for admission.
WHAT IS THE ENGLISH REQUIREMENT?
English is the EMBA’s language of instruction. To be admitted, it is expected that you demonstrate a mastery of the language.
You may do so by submitting excellent scores in globally recognized English tests like the TOEIC, TOEFL, or IELTS, though the admissions team will consider other tests on a case-by-case basis.
You may be waived from this requirement if you have obtained a university degree in English within the last five years OR if you live and work in a country where English is the predominant language.
DOES A CANDIDATE AlREADY NEED TO BE AT AN EXECUTIVE LEVEL?
While our candidates do not yet need to be at the C-level, we look for applicants who have have management experience of some sort or have otherwise significantly contributed to the organizations they serve.
If candidates do not have management experience and/or direct reports at work, we look for high-level responsibilities and evidence of significant leadership activities. If you feel that you are lacking in this area, you may want to continue growing your career prior to applying to our program.
We have participants in their 30’s as well as participants in their 50’s. All of them have a sterling track record of management experience they can point to.
If you do not have significant management responsibility and/or direct reports at work, you should continue growing your career to include these responsibilities prior to applying to the program.
General Program Questions
WHERE DOES HEC PARIS OFFER ITS EMBA PROGRAM?
We are based in Jouy-en-Josas, Paris, and in Doha. The program has partnerships with some of the world’s most esteemed academic institutions.
Through our Specializations and International Mobility options, HEC Paris EMBA executive participants go abroad for part of their studies for a wealth of international experience and exposure to cutting edge perspectives.
Click here to learn more about the locations of our tracks and Specializations.
WHEN DOES THE EXECUTIVE MBA PROGRAM BEGIN?
The EMBA program is part-time and is designed to work with an Executive’s schedule constraints.
The program features five intakes that begin throughout the year: January, February, March, September, and November. The intake formats are either modular (5-10 day modules every two months) or every other week
The program lasts 18 months.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE EMBA PROGRAM?
The EMBA program is considered full-time due to the time commitment, but is run on either a part-time, end-of-week or modular schedule.
The January, February, March, September, and November tracks are modular format, meaning 5-10-day periods of intensive classes every two months. The March track is end-of-week, with classes every two weeks over the period of the program.
WHAT KIND OF WORKLOAD CAN PARTICIPANTS EXPECT?
This is a rigorous program. Participants can expect several hours of homework and/or class preparation per week, not including the times when they are on campus. For this reason, we encourage applicants to do in-depth research on the program prior to applying in order to decide which track suits their schedule best.
We also put candidates in touch with current EMBA students, for feedback and tips for balancing your schoolwork with personal and professional responsibilities.
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Connect with us any time, join a live webinar, or schedule a 1-on-1 chat with our recruitment team.
We are happy to help at any point in the admissions process.