Joining a business school
Joining a business school is possible after high school, a preparatory program, an undergraduate degree, or several years of professional experience. Depending on their background and career goals, students can apply for a bachelor’s degree, a Master in Management, a master’s degree, or an MBA.
Admission requirements may include academic transcripts, entrance exams, essays, interviews, recommendation letters, or professional experience.
This guide explains how to join a business school, prepare a strong application, and choose the right program based on accreditation, curriculum, international opportunities, career services, and graduate outcomes.
Joining a business school: key points
- Joining a business school provides specialized training in management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership through bachelor's, master's, MBA, and MiM programs.
- Admission routes vary: directly after high school, after a preparatory class, or through parallel admissions (AST) following higher education studies.
- At emlyon, students can enter through the Global BBA after high school or the Master in Management – Grande École via parallel admissions.
- Typical admission requirements include transcripts, CV, essays, recommendation letters, interviews, and sometimes GMAT, GRE, or competitive entrance exams.
- Schools seek candidates with academic potential, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, international openness, and clear career goals.
- Key selection criteria include accreditations, rankings, degree recognition, curriculum quality, career outcomes, and international opportunities.
- Business school can be a valuable investment, offering strong professional networks, practical experience, and access to diverse career opportunities.
What do you need to apply to business school?
Applying to business school typically requires submitting a complete school application that demonstrates your academic background, experience, and motivation. While requirements vary by institution and program, most schools evaluate your academic results, professional achievements, and career objectives.
Common admission requirements include academic transcripts, a résumé or CV, essays or personal statements, and letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers. For some graduate programs, especially an MBA application, schools may also request standardized test scores such as the GMAT or GRE, although many institutions now offer test-optional pathways.
Applicants may also need to complete an interview to assess their motivation, leadership potential, and fit with the program. Preparing strong application materials and clearly explaining your goals can significantly improve your chances of admission to business school.
The different paths to join a business school
Entering business school right after high school
Post-high school business schools offer three main types of degrees: Bachelors, BBAs, and Master in Management.
At emlyon, the Global BBA is a 4-year post-secondary management program conferring a recognized Bachelor's degree rank, taught in English or French, with internships, international exposure, and specialized tracks.
Admissions primarily run through Parcoursup, France's national higher education application platform for undergraduate tracks.
At emlyon, entry into the Global BBA involves Parcoursup and the SESAME Contest, followed by specific post-result selection steps.
Entering business school after a preparatory class
General Economic and Commercial Preparatory Classes (ECG) are designed for general high school graduates with strong mathematics skills. They prepare students to enter top-tier business schools through post-prep competitive exams.
The BCE Exam Contest is the primary joint entrance exam bank for French business schools, centralizing written and oral tests for over twenty institutions, including emlyon business school. The emlyon Master in Management after a french preparatory class offers an excellence track centered on academic hybridization, international exposure, action-based learning, and dedicated career guidance.
Joining via direct admissions
Direct admissions allow candidates to join a business school without going through a preparatory class. They are open to students holding a Bachelor's degree, BTS, BUT, or two to three years of university studies.
As highlighted in the emlyon guide on direct entry into business schools, parallel admissions (also called AST exams) allow entry after 2 or 3 years of higher education, depending on the school and track. For the Master in Management – Grande École via AST, emlyon targets applicants holding a French degree equivalent to 3, 4, or 5 years of higher education.
Choosing the right program and timing
Which academic path maximizes admission chances?
To join an ECG prep class, a strong foundation in high school mathematics is required. Recommended high school specialty tracks include Mathematics, Economic & Social Sciences, and History-Geography-Geopolitics.
For parallel entry, diverse profiles are valued: BTS, BUT, university licenses, bachelors, or double degrees. Schools appreciate varied backgrounds and soft skills, provided the overall project is coherent. The emlyon guide on joining a business school after 3 years of university notes that an AST application typically includes a CV, cover letter, aptitude test results, English proficiency proof, transcripts, and diploma certificates.
Why join after 2, 3, or 5 years of university?
Parallel entry offers several advantages. It allows students to build maturity and specialize in a specific field before entering a general management school.
Economically, joining later reduces study duration and overall tuition costs, as pathways last 2 to 3 years instead of 5. Work-study programs can also finance part of the degree: an apprenticeship contract is an employment contract alternating company work periods with academic learning.
Understanding entrance exams and admission protocols
Which entrance exams for which schools?
Post-high school exams are organized by national test banks.The ACCÈS Contest gives access to specific post-secondary business schools.The SESAME Contest opens doors to several major business schools post-high school.For post-prep exams, the BCE bank unites 18 member schools plus 3 associate schools, while the ECRICOME Contest gathers another group of partner institutions.
How do parallel admissions work?
Parallel entry follows a structured, multi-step process. First, an application dossier evaluation covers CVs, cover letters, grade transcripts, and recommendations. In some cases, written test scores are required.
Second, oral tests generally feature a motivation interview and language assessments. The interview evaluates student motivation, career goals, and program alignment. At emlyon, the AST process for the Master in Management relies on a dedicated track for candidates holding 3- to 5-year French higher education degrees.
Can you join a business school without an exam contest?
Certain schools recruit solely based on application dossiers and interviews, without specific written entrance tests. These institutions evaluate motivation, professional projects, and candidate experience.
Spring/deferred intakes sometimes allow mid-year entry for students changing academic tracks. However, selection criteria remain rigorous: high academic performance, project clarity, and meaningful experience.
Profiles, motivation, and preparation: keys to success
What profile are business schools looking for?
Business schools seek well-rounded candidates combining academic excellence with soft skills. Key valued competencies include analytical thinking, an international mind-set, teamwork, leadership, creativity, and adaptability.
Professional experience gained through internships, student jobs, or work-study contracts is highly regarded. Extracurricular activities show commitment. English proficiency is crucial, particularly in global degree pathways like emlyon Master's programs, taught in English and focused on management, finance, strategy, digital marketing, data, or sport business.
How to prepare a strong application file?
To prepare for your first year in business school, start by defining your career goals and understanding how your chosen program supports them. Research the curriculum, strengthen key skills in communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking, and familiarize yourself with current business trends. During the application process, focus on crafting a strong personal statement and follow proven school essay tips, such as highlighting your achievements, motivation, and leadership potential. Connecting with current students, alumni, or faculty can also provide valuable insights. To build a successful business career, stay curious, develop a professional network early, and take advantage of internships, projects, and international opportunities. Preparing in advance will help you transition smoothly and make the most of your business school experience.
Preparing effectively for entrance exams
Exam preparation requires structured organization. For post-high school exams, practice logic MCQs, reasoning tests, synthesis exercises, and language tests.
For motivation interviews, prepare structured arguments explaining your career path and knowledge of the school. Practicing how to present your background, motivations, and goals builds confidence for the oral rounds.
Choosing the right business school
How to evaluate and select a business school?
Rankings serve as an initial benchmark. International accreditations guarantee academic rigor: EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA form the prestigious "Triple Crown." The emlyon rankings and accreditations demonstrate that the school holds EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA badges alongside top placement in French and global league tables.
State recognition and Master's degree rank are essential safeguards. The CEFDG is the national evaluation body assessing degree quality in French business and management institutions.
Campus and environment: key factors
Geographic location directly impacts internship and job opportunities. While Paris hosts headquarters for many major corporations, regional campuses build powerful local corporate networks.
Campus infrastructure shapes student life quality, while student associations enrich the personal experience. Living costs vary significantly by city and should be factored into overall planning. The emlyon Lyon campus, located in the 7th arrondissement, spans 30,000 m², including 7,000 m² of collaborative space and 1,600 m² dedicated to student life.
Degrees and recognition: ensuring program value
State recognition is fundamental. A recognized Bachelor's or Master's degree rank facilitates international credit transfers and strengthens diploma credibility worldwide.
International labels like AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS boost global graduate employability. To verify professional degree certifications in France, France Compétences provides public records of RNCP-registered degrees.
Is business school worth it?
Yes, business school is worth it for many students, especially those seeking to accelerate their business career, gain practical skills, and access strong professional networks. Business schools provide expertise in management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership while offering internships, international experiences, and employer connections that can improve career prospects.
The return on investment depends on factors such as the program, tuition costs, career objectives, and salary outcomes after graduation. An MBA degree or specialized business qualification can increase earning potential and open doors to leadership positions. Many institutions also offer financial aid, scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to help reduce costs.
Ultimately, business school is a valuable investment if it aligns with your goals, helps you develop in-demand skills, and supports your path toward building a successful long-term career.
What to expect in business school?
When considering what to expect in business school, students can anticipate a rigorous and practical business education focused on leadership, strategy, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and data analysis. The curriculum typically combines lectures, case studies, group projects, presentations, internships, and real-world business challenges to develop both technical and interpersonal skills.
A Graduate School of Business may offer programs ranging from a master’s degree in management, finance, or marketing to a Business Administration MBA designed for experienced professionals. Students also benefit from networking opportunities, international exposure, career services, and connections with employers.
Success in business school requires active participation, teamwork, critical thinking, and strong time management. Beyond academic knowledge, the experience helps build professional confidence, leadership abilities, and a network that can support long-term career growth.
What salary can you expect after graduation?
According to the CGE 2024 placement survey, the average starting salary for management graduates from top French business schools stands at €40,241 gross per year (excluding bonuses). For graduates working in France, the average base salary is €39,010, with nearly 85% securing employment within two months of finishing their studies.
The highest-paying sectors include finance, management consulting, and digital industries. This high return on investment justifies tuition costs, provided students select a recognized institution backed by a powerful corporate network.
When should you apply to business school?
The best time to apply to business school depends on the program, but students should begin preparing several months before application deadlines. Most schools offer one or more admissions rounds, and applying early can increase access to scholarships, financial support, and available places.
When deciding when you should apply to business school, consider your academic background, professional experience, and readiness to submit a strong application. Research each institution’s requirements, gather supporting documents, and allow enough time to write essays and secure recommendations.
A successful application process starts with careful planning. Understanding the right timing helps you meet deadlines, avoid last-minute stress, and present a competitive application. Applying when your profile, goals, and application materials are fully developed can improve your chances of admission and help you choose the program that best matches your ambitions.