ESSEC Business School

• Founded in 1907
• Grande École status
• Located near Paris in Cergy (about 1 hour from Paris)
• Offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral programs and MBA

Admissions process:

Applications are mainly submitted through ESSEC’s dedicated platform. There are four application rounds, but it’s best to apply early. The process has two stages: the online application (administrative documents, language certificate, CV, and essays about academic, sports, and volunteer activities) and interviews, where motivation, profile, and current economic/social topics are discussed. The interview stage may be waived if the university considers the candidate’s profile exceptionally strong.

Administrative registration:

Registration takes place before each academic year. The student‑life fee (CVEC) is mandatory.

Annual tuition:

Tuition depends on the student’s status. The amount can be reduced for students admitted with distinction.

Academic calendar & course registration:

Undergraduate studies last four years with two semesters per year. The academic year usually runs from mid‑September to mid‑May, with a one‑week break about every 1.5 months and two weeks at Christmas. Between years 1–2, each student completes a three‑month internship. Between years 2–3, each student completes a one‑month volunteer placement. In year 3, most courses are chosen based on personal interests.

Student life:

Student life at ESSEC is very rich: there are 100+ clubs and many events. Note that not all clubs are open to international students or non‑French speakers. Most first‑year students live in the “Résidence du Parc” dorm, which is the social hub for the first‑year cohort.

Exchanges:

The school offers extensive international exchanges and inter‑university programs. Participation depends on the grade average, especially after the first semester. ESSEC has campuses in Cergy, Singapore, and Rabat, and a wide network of partner schools worldwide.