FAQ
Geopolitics, Globalization and Business Strategy Summer Program
Please read our FAQ sections for further information regarding the admission process, the curriculum or the payment.
HEC Paris Summer Programs are intensive two-week courses taught entirely in English. All participants are expected to be proficient in English as you will be working and socializing with an international cohort.
In order to benefit in full from the experience, both inside and outside of the classroom, applicants should be able to understand spoken language with relative ease and express themselves fluently and spontaneously. An overall CEFR level C1 is therefore required, including level C1 specifically in the Speaking and Listening components.
One of the following documents can be provided to fulfill the English language requirement:
- Evidence of mother tongue* (e.g. passport)
- Evidence of English as the language of instruction of your current / most recent degree (e.g., transcript/certificate of enrolment) or
- English language proficiency test score report (TOEFL or TOEIC or IELTS or Cambridge or Duolingo)
If you have any question as to the acceptability of an English language report, please contact the Admissions Team at admissionsummerschool@hec.fr.
* The status of native speaker (English mother tongue) applies to citizens (passport holders) from a majority English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom) who are automatically considered to meet the minimum English language requirement. Please simply upload a copy of your passport to the relevant field.
In certain cases, the Admissions team can also grant a phone/ visio interview to evaluate English language proficiency. Please note that if we require an interview for English language evaluation purposes, the application decision can take longer.
Applications will open towards the end of each calendar year. Candidates who have pre-registered will be informed when applications open so that they can submit their application shortly afterwards. Note that eligible candidates will be accepted on a rolling basis so we advise candidates to apply early. Please check below for questions on Eligibility.
The Admissions team will strive to get back to all applicants quickly. Applicants will receive admission results within three weeks after having successfully submitted their application.
Please note that if we require an interview for English language evaluation purposes, the application decision can take longer.
The Summer School welcomes diverse participant profiles. Participants included university-level students, recent graduates and young professionals up to the age of 30 who are seeking to discover a new domain. The Summer School regularly includes participants from over 50 nationalities, often with over 20 in any one classroom.
The summer pedagogy is designed to take into account differences of age and experience. The average participant is 22 years old. At minimum, participants must be 19 years of age at the start of the program and have at least one year of post-high school studies under their belt.
Summer Programs are open to participants from all domains and who are seeking a high-level academic experience, whether the topic is a new or familiar one. In addition to the English language requirement, there are also pre-requisites for the Finance Programs.
Please note that we take an advisory-based approach to your application, so given your background, the team may recommend an alternative program.
Eligibility for Finance Programs:
Corporate Finance
This introductory level program offers an overall view of Finance. It is suitable for beginning level business or economics students, and participants from another domain who are interested in adding Finance skills to their profile.
The program also welcomes applicants with experience in the field, who are seeking to refresh their skills, and to gain concrete real-life applications.
Investment Banking & International Finance
Sustainable Finance & Investment
These intermediate programs welcome motivated, ambitious participants with at least 2 years of undergraduate studies in a related field, such as Economics, Corporate Finance or Accounting, at the time of the program. A first domain-related internship experience may be beneficial. These programs are more technical than Corporate Finance.
Students with an engineering background are also welcome to apply to the Sustainable Finance & Investment program.
Mergers and Acquisitions
This advanced program is designed for students or recent graduates who already have solid fundamental and technical knowledge in Finance and want to gain technicality and expertise. It is recommended that participants have a strong academic background in Accounting, Corporate Finance, or Economics.
Participants can also be considered eligible if they have attended in one of the following HEC Paris Summer School Programs:
‐ Corporate Finance or
‐ Investment Banking and International Finance
FinTech
This introductory level program welcomes participants with an interest in the FinTech field and strong motivation to explore the economic model behind FinTech companies and the new technologies that are shaping the world of Finance. A background in Finance or Economics may be beneficial to gain maximum benefit from the program. However, there are no formal academic pre-requisites.
Summer Programs are only offered in June and July.
However, we are introducing online certificate programs at other moments of the year. Check this page for these new opportunities.
Summer Programs are intensive two-week programs on campus. They involve classes, individual and group work and will be full-time. Participants select one program maximum per session.
Participants should carefully choose programs of interest when applying. Once admitted to a program, changes cannot be accepted.
Yes, participants are required to obtain insurance for the duration of their stay at HEC Paris. Insurance should include health coverage, including repatriation, and personal liability coverage. When you sign the Terms of Sale you agree to procuring this coverage.
We recommend that you select an insurance that suits your budget and your needs, perhaps through your bank or credit card provider. There are also many insurance companies that offer international student travel insurance online.
Full payment of the program fees is required within fourteen days after receiving official notice of program admission in order to confirm your place in the program. Payment occurs online by credit card. Wire transfers can also be accepted.
Please plan your program application date accordingly and in the time period when you will be prepared to make payment. Please contact the admissions office should you have difficulty for any reason.
Payment of the €50 fee per application occurs by credit card at the time of the online application. Please note that this fee is non-refundable.
Students attending HEC Paris partner institutions are exempt from the application fee if the application is made before the indicated deadline.
A participant has fourteen (14) days from the day of program payment to withdraw. In such a case, HEC Paris will reimburse all academic fees paid to HEC Paris in the course of the agreement, unless the withdrawal request is received on or after the start of the Program.
Any such request to withdraw a participant’s registration must be sent by email to Elyse Michaels-Berger at summerteam@hec.fr. Students will then be asked to indicate by online signature, their request to withdrawal.
The above information is included within the Terms of Sale. All participants are required to read and agree to the Terms of Sale, provided in full at the time of purchase.
Students may consider taking additional insurance to cover their potential cancellation, including for medical reasons, after the above cited withdrawal period.
The Summer Program is a full-time program, so you should plan any professional or other personal obligation outside of day-time program hours. Detailed schedules will be provided prior to program start.
100% attendance is strongly recommended for successful program completion. In the case of exceptional absence, missing a class does not exempt participants from preparation for the following session. All participants are expected to stay informed of work and assignments.
Evening work with other participants should be anticipated as part of class participation.
All students should plan to arrive on campus on the first Monday morning for check-in.
Please plan all return travel after 7 pm on the last Friday or as of the Saturday morning by 10 am following the program close. Students who are not present for the final exam or final student presentations will not earn credit.
100% participation (other than justified absences) is mandatory to obtain the Summer Certificate of Attendance and HEC Paris course transcript. Please consult the HEC Paris Summer School Academic Guidelines for further details.
Student readings are provided in eletronic copy. If students wish to purchase additional recommended books, this is at their own charge.
Programs culminate in final projects and/or team presentations.
HEC Paris Summer Programs are intensive, leading to the award of 5 ECTS credits over a two-week period. Students are required to attend all classes and participate in groupwork to earn credits.
For eligible credit transfer, students should verify with their home institution that any credits earned will be applicable.
Summer School students who successfully validate the program will earn a smart digital certificate upon program grading by the fall. This can be shared with schools or potential employers in a secured, digital format.
Only verified digital certificates are provided upon successful program completion. A paper copy of the certificate will not be provided.
An electronic copy of transcripts and the Certificate will be made available to students via a secure server at the end of September.
Students are encouraged to bring a laptop computer. If needed, there are computer rooms available to students on campus.
All Summer School students will have full access to the HEC Learning Center. The HEC Paris Learning Center welcomes you online 24/7 and is one of the richest in Europe in terms of business and finance resources. As part of the Summer School programs, all students will benefit from a tutorial on how to access library resources for their coursework and any research needs.
Participant evaluation criteria is communicated in each syllabus. Criteria can include the following elements: attendance, participation, individual and/or group work, final exam / presentation.
All HEC Summer School participants will have access to the fitness room and gymnasium as well as tennis courts, football fields, indoor and outdoor basketball courts. Tennis rackets and tennis balls are not provided; please plan to bring these with you.
HEC Paris has an on-campus student restaurant, a restaurant, two cafeterias where you can find a selection of food and drinks. There is also a supermarket a stone's throw from campus. Each student room is equipped with a kitchenette (fridge, hotplates, microwave oven).
Learning occurs both inside and outside of the classroom. An important component of the HEC Paris Summer School is teamwork that takes place after classroom hours. To fully benefit from your academic experience and HEC Paris campus life, located approximately 50 minutes outside of Paris, participants are encouraged to reside in on-campus residences. Housing will be guaranteed for all participants if the reservation is made at the same time as your program confirmation.
2023 Residential Fees follow:
· One Summer School session: 390€
· Two Summer School sessions: 680€
Participants who opt to reside off-campus are responsible for arranging their own transportation to campus in order to arrive in time for morning classes.
!! Please note that housing arrangements may differ for our dual programs with TUM and EHL.
All rooms are recently renovated single rooms equipped with a kitchenette, including a fridge, double hotplate, microwave oven and a sink. Each room also has a private shower and bathroom. The HEC Residence provides sheets for the duration of the summer stay. Soap, shampoo and toothpaste are the responsibility of each participant. Note that rooms do not include irons or hair dryers. Please plan accordingly.
!! Please note that housing arrangements may differ for our dual programs with TUM and EHL.
Check-in at the Residence occurs Monday morning of each program start from 9 am to 12 pm. The Summer team will be present to welcome you then. Please note that the rooms are not available before the Monday morning. If you arrive in France earlier, you are responsible for finding alternative accommodation until program start. There is a Best Western hotel adjacent to the campus.
Check-out of the Residence is requested by 10 am on the Saturday following your program close. If you are attending more than one consecutive summer school program, there is no need to check-out between programs. You may however be asked to switch rooms between periods.
!! Please note that times for check-in and check-out may differ for our dual programs with TUM and EHL.
HEC Paris is fully equipped to host students with disabilities. Upon acceptance into the program, students needing special assistance should contact summer admissionsummerschool@hec.fr.
The French government website states that persons entering France to take part in short training programs not exceeding 90 days require a Short-Stay Visa. A study visa is not required.
In addition, all international students are expected to verify requirements with their local French consulate for any country-specific details and plan accordingly.
All students who confirm their place and make full payment of their tuition fees will be sent a digital Certificate of Enrolment which can be used for visa application purposes.
In addition, if the admitted candidate selects the option of on-campus housing, they will also receive a Housing Certificate.
Both documents should be submitted with your visa application.
Yes, students are required to obtain travel insurance for the duration of their stay at HEC Paris. Insurance should include the following elements:
- Health insurance
- Medical expenses
- Personal liability or third party insurance (often covered by the home insurance policy)
- Repatriation (if family is living outside France)
When you sign the Terms of Sale, you agree that you are responsible for procuring the necessary insurance. There is no need, nor the possibility, to upload anything on the portal. It is your full responsibility and in the absence of the relevant insurance, you will be required to cover any expenses incurred.
The HEC Paris campus is located just outside of Paris in Jouy-en-Josas and accessible both from major airports (Orly and Roissy) and from center Paris. Please consult the Campus Access page here. Please contact us if you have any questions about how to reach the campus. Our team will be pleased to help you.
All rooms at HEC Paris are recently renovated single rooms equipped with small kitchenette, including a fridge, double hotplate, microwave oven and a sink. Basic cooking utensils will also be provided. Each room has a private shower and bathroom.
The HEC Residence provides you with bedding, sheets and towels for the duration of your stay. Soap, shampoo and toothpaste are the responsibility of each student. Note that rooms do not include irons or hair dryers. Please plan accordingly.
!! Please note that housing arrangements may differ for our dual programs with TUM and EHL.
Check-in at the Residence occurs Monday morning of each program start from 9 am to 12 pm. The Summer team will be present to welcome you then. Please note that the rooms are not available before the Monday morning. If you arrive in France earlier, you are responsible for finding alternative accommodation until program start. You might like to take the opportunity to explore nearby Versailles or spend a night in Paris. A free shuttle bus will be organized from Paris on the first day of the program. See the next FAQ for more details. There is also the Best Western Saclay hotel adjacent to the campus.
Check-out of the Residence is requested by 9 am at the latest on the Saturday following your program close. If you are attending more than one consecutive summer school program, there is no need to check-out between programs. You may however be asked to switch rooms between periods. Participants are responsible for organizing their own transport at the end of the program.
!! Please note that times for check-in and check-out may differ for our programs with TUM and EHL.
The HEC Paris campus is located just outside of Paris in Jouy-en-Josas and accessible both from major airports (Orly and Roissy) and from central Paris.
As a summer school student, you are expected to organize your own transportation to and from campus. A free shuttle bus will be proposed to all incoming students on the first day of the program. It will depart from Central Paris (metro station Denfert Rochereau) at 10am sharp on the Monday morning of the program start. This will enable participants arriving before program begin to enjoy Paris and travel to campus on the first day of classes. A registration link for this shuttle bus will be sent to all admitted participants at the end of May.
If you are coming directly to HEC Paris on the Monday morning, please consult the Campus Access page here for full details on how to reach campus.
Week 1 is held on the HEC Paris campus and Week 2 is held on the EHL campus in Lausanne, Switzerland. 2 weeks, 2 countries, 2 campuses.
Check-in HEC: from 8am on Monday 1st July. Classes will start at 9.30am.
Check-out HEC: Sunday 7th July before 9am.
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Check-in EHL: Sunday 7th July 3 - 6pm or Monday 8th July from 7.30 - 8.30am. Classes will start afterward.
The program will close at 5pm on Friday 12th July.
Check-out EHL: Friday 12th July before class, or Saturday 13th July before 10am.
You can book your accommodation for Week 1 @ HEC when you confirm your place and pay your program fees. You are responsible for booking your accommodation in Lausanne separately.
When you are admitted, you will be sent information about housing on the EHL campus, as well as a link to their booking tool.
At HEC, all rooms have a single bed with linen, a desk, closet, ensuite private bathroom with towels and an equipped kitchenette.
At EHL, the rooms are as described above, but have no kitchen facilities.
Please note that accommodation fees and meals are not included in the program fees.
Rooms are guaranteed at HEC and are available on a first-come first-served basis at EHL. You will learn more in the information sheet sent out when you have been admitted to the program.
Yes, both schools have a student restaurant on campus. Furthermore, there is a supermarket opposite the campus at HEC for groceries, and a Michelin starred restaurant at EHL. Quel choix!
A typical lunch at HEC will cost about €6. Please note that the student restaurant is not open in the evenings. The student rooms are equipped with a kitchenette and basic cooking utensils and there is a well-stocked supermarket opposite the campus.
At EHL, lunch and dinner are available on campus for CHF40 per meal (lunch and dinner options). You can also have breakfast for CHF15.
If you are travelling from outside the Shengen area, you will need a Shengen short stay visa to enter both countries. Please check with your local embassy for more details. Once you have confirmed your place in the program, we will provide you with an Enrolment Certificate and a Housing Certificate (if you select the option with housing) that will strengthen your visa application.
EHL applies a strict dress code for its students, which is compulsory from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Please respect this dress code. You may familiarize yourself with it here: EHL Guide for Professional Appearance.