The BCE exam (Banque Commune d'Épreuves ) is the primary entrance examination for France's top business schools. Organized annually, it pools written and oral exams for over twenty schools, including emlyon business school. Designed for students from preparatory classes in economics and business (ECG, ECT pathways, or literary tracks for certain schools), it allows candidates to apply simultaneously to multiple institutions with a single set of exams. The BCE exam takes place in two stages: common written exams (mathematics, modern languages, general culture, economics, history-geography, essays depending on the track) followed by, for eligible candidates, oral exams specific to each school (personality interviews, languages, specialized tests). Each institution sets its own grading scale and selects admitted students based on results. With over 20,000 candidates each year, the BCE constitutes the major access route to France's top management schools, recognized for their academic excellence and international career opportunities.
Join us for an information session dedicated to emlyon business school's Master in Management – Grande Ecole program on December 18 at 3 p.m. (Paris time).
Ranked 4th in France by the Financial Times and QS, this program blends academic excellence, innovative teaching, and exceptional career opportunities.
This webinar will be hosted by Justine Laplace, Program Advisor who will give you a detailed presentation of the program, its specific features, career opportunities and the admissions process.
This is the perfect opportunity to chat with our student ambassadors. Sharandindu, Vivek, and Mariia will answer all your questions and share their experiences as international students in Lyon, France.
Within a top business school, the range of specializations and Master's degree opportunities is often extensive for students, although certain trends can be identified from the latest survey by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles on the professional integration of business school graduates.
Graduates primarily pursue careers in consulting firms (21.9%, representing a 3.3-point increase in one year), the banking and insurance sector, and IT activities (ICT services and digital services companies), each accounting for approximately 13% of hires. This article explores all potential careers after business school.
A Master in Management (MiM) is a graduate level degree designed to develop advanced knowledge and leadership skills in business and organizational management. Unlike an MBA, which typically requires prior work experience, MiM programs are aimed at recent graduates or early career professionals seeking a strong foundation in management principles. The curriculum usually covers finance, marketing, strategy, operations, and leadership, often integrating practical projects, case studies, and internships. MiM degrees are offered globally and can enhance career prospects in consulting, finance, entrepreneurship, and corporate management. They are valued for their combination of theoretical knowledge and real-world application, preparing graduates to manage teams, make strategic decisions, and drive business growth.
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A business school via Parcoursup is an institution accessible directly after the baccalaureate, whose admission occurs through the French national platform Parcoursup. These schools offer programs in management, business, marketing, or finance, ranging from Bachelor's to BBA and up to the Master in Management Program. Candidates submit an academic application, sometimes participate in tests or entrance exams, and may be called for a motivation interview. Integration via Parcoursup allows high school students to compare several post-baccalaureate business schools, follow selection criteria, and secure their academic pathway. This process offers simplified access to professionally-oriented and international programs, with internship and international mobility opportunities. Choosing a business school via Parcoursup involves considering the institution's reputation, teaching quality, offered specializations, and career opportunities, to build a coherent academic and professional project right after high school.
A BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) is an undergraduate degree in business administration, typically completed in 3 to 4 years (bac+3 to bac+4). Internationally recognized, the BBA provides a strong foundation in business and management fundamentals, including finance, marketing, strategy, human resources, economics, and entrepreneurship.
A BBA program is known for its practical and career-oriented approach, combining academic theory with real-world application. Most programs include courses taught in English, mandatory internships, case studies, and international study opportunities or exchanges abroad, making the degree especially attractive to students seeking a global business education.
Accessible after the baccalaureate, the BBA is a popular alternative to a Master in Management (MiM) or a traditional university bachelor’s degree in business. After earning a degree in business administration, graduates can join the job market, pursue a master’s degree or MBA, or start their own business.