Direct Entry to Business Schools
Direct entry to business school, also called AST ("Admission Sur Titre" in french) or direct admission, is an admission process that allows students to join a top business school without going through preparatory classes. This pathway is open to candidates who have completed two ,three or four years of higher education (Bac+2 or Bac+3/4) and wish to join the Master in Management (MiM).
Students holding a Bac+2 degree apply through the AST 1 exams, which grant direct entry into the third year (Bachelor level) of the PGE. Candidates with a Bac+3 or higher qualification must take the AST 2 exams, enabling direct admission into the Master 1 level of the Master in Management.
This direct entry admission process is a popular alternative for students seeking fast-track access to leading business schools, combining academic excellence, career acceleration, and international opportunities.
Direct Entry: The Different Types of Entrance Exams
There are two distinct formats for AST exams: independent exams organized by a specific school for its own intake such as the emlyon business school exam and exam consortiums (common entrance exams) like Concours Tremplin, Concours Passerelle, or Concours ACCES.
A common entrance exam allows a candidate to apply to several business schools simultaneously through a single set of tests. However, note that the majority of schools, particularly those in the Top 5, hold their own independent AST exams. Nevertheless, the structure of these exams is often identical, consisting of an eligibility phase (shortlisting) and an admission phase. Registration typically opens in November and closes by March at the latest. Eligibility results are released starting in April, with final admission results following in June. This calendar does not account for schools that may offer multiple sessions throughout the year.
Direct Entry to the emlyon business school Master in Management
The French Admission by Qualification (ASTF) at emlyon business school is exclusively for candidates holding a French degree of at least Bac+3 level (Bachelor's), recognized by the State or Level 6 (European nomenclature). Obtaining the physical diploma is mandatory to be eligible; simply validating ECTS credits is not sufficient.
Please note that candidates may only apply once per year to a direct entry track leading to the Programme Grande École, with a maximum of three lifetime applications in total.
Business Schools: Direct Entry Test Formats
If you are a candidate for admission by qualification—another name for direct entry you must pass an initial eligibility phase. For this, you must prepare for a management aptitude test. Depending on whether you apply for AST 1 or AST 2, you will take the TAGE 2 or TAGE MAGE, respectively. You can also provide a GMAT score for both AST tracks. These tests evaluate your capacity to succeed in management studies and your potential to perform as a manager after graduation.
In addition to the aptitude test score, you must provide a score from an English proficiency test (TOEIC, TOEFL, or IELTS). The goal is to measure your ability to follow courses—often taught in English—and to successfully navigate internships. Finally, you will generally need to submit an application file compiling your post-secondary grades, a CV, a cover letter, and potentially a letter of recommendation.
In summary, the eligibility phase for direct entry consists of:
- A management aptitude test
- An English proficiency test
- A comprehensive application file
The Oral Admission Exams
Once shortlisted, you enter the admission phase. At emlyon business school, this consists of a motivation interview and an English oral exam.
The motivation interview demonstrates your knowledge of the school and its curriculum. The English oral assesses your ability to interact in an international environment, a prerequisite for graduation. While the English oral is fairly standard across schools (often based on a press article), the motivation interview format is unique to each school. At emlyon, this includes the "card test," where candidates answer spontaneous questions on personality, projects, or creativity to move away from overly rehearsed speeches.
Why Join a Business School via Direct Entry?
The primary reasons to choose the direct entry track are:
- No Loss of Academic Time: You enter directly at the level following your last degree.
- Dual Competencies: Students from law, engineering, or social sciences can add business expertise to their original background.
- Professional Experience: To graduate, you must validate professional experience. At emlyon, over 86% of PGE students secure employment before graduation due to this practical focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It allows students to join prestigious schools at advanced levels (3rd year Bachelor or Master 1), saving time while leveraging previous academic achievements. It also promotes a diversity of profiles, enriching the academic and professional exchange.
- Programme Grande École (Master in Management): An elite Master’s level program.
- Bachelor: A three-year degree for quick professional entry.
- Double Degrees: Partnerships allowing students to earn two certifications.
- Work-Study (Alternance): Combining academic study with corporate experience.
Success requires a structured strategy: understanding the written and oral components, practicing with past papers (annales), and potentially attending preparation workshops to refine your interview skills.
Key pathways include the AST exams, the Tremplin and Passerelle consortiums, the Ecricome exam, and the TAGE tests. Admission is based on a strong application file and performance in these aptitude and language tests.