Become a global sales manager by mastering strategic, operational, and leadership skills in international sales.
Campus de Lyon
Take part in our Campus Open Days !
Presentation
The MSc in Global Sales Excellence prepares future sales leaders to succeed in an international, digital, and fast-changing environment. The program combines strategic insights, practical skills, and leadership training in sales management, integrating the latest sales technologies, processes, methods, and tools to enhance both product positioning and sales execution.
The program also includes a 4-to-6-month internship and an in-company project, offering valuable hands-on experience in real business environments, where students learn to manage time-sensitive sales cycles and optimize time-to-market.
Graduates will be equipped to lead international sales teams, boost sales performance, drive revenue growth, and master sales techniques while tackling the social and environmental challenges of the industry.
Key program information
- Program name: MSc in Global Sales Excellence
- Language: English
- Format: Full-time (next intake: September 2027)
- Duration: 18 months
- Entry requirements: 3- or 4-year Bachelor's degree
- Campus: Lyon + international experience
- Tuition fees: €29,300 (2027–2028 academic year)
- Rankings: #2 in France for employability (Times Higher Education - GEURS 2026)
- Degree obtained: Master of Science - accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles
Program core strengths
- Building responsible sales strategies
Develop and lead plans that integrate social, environmental, and ethical considerations. - Learn to drive growth through enablement
Gain a deep understanding of how aligning sales, marketing, customer service, and other key functions through shared tools, processes and training can boost business performance, and create a seamless customer experience.
- Acquire cutting-edge digital sales knowledge
Learn to use leading CRM platforms and AI tools to automate sales processes and improve customer engagement. - Gain practical international experience and build a global network
Apply these skills on real projects abroad, develop intercultural competence, and build a global professional network through the in-company project and international seminar.
Program
The Master of Science (MSc) in Global Sales Excellence offered by emlyon business school is accessible for international and French students.
- Program in 18 months: 12 months of classes and a 4-6 month internship/work placement
- Accessible upon completion of a Bachelor's degree (valid diplomas include both 3-year and 4-year Bachelor's degrees)
This program prepares responsible sales professionals capable of ultimately leading sales teams towards achieving the company's growth objectives. It meets the increasing demand for managers adept in advanced sales techniques and trains sales transformation architects to navigate global business challenges.
GLOBAL INTERACTIONS WITH CUSTOMERS
This module covers essential topics, including negotiation, key account management, mass distribution, buyer profiles, strategic approaches, partnering, and contracting.
STRATEGY, OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP
In this module you learn about:
- Salesforce management
- Gouvernance & infrastructure
- Team piloting
- Project & change management
- Business modeling
- Profitability and cash management
- International business law
You will learn to behave as a leader while respecting the ethics and CSR values of the company and managing a sales team globally.
INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR
This International Seminar takes place in Europe and is a unique opportunity to engage in insightful conferences and connect with numerous companies. It offers a firsthand understanding of how the economic landscape influences business strategies, while also immersing you in the local culture. Finally, it is also a way to start developing your international network.
> Watch the video of the 2025 edition
CONFERENCES AND MASTERCLASSES
Throughout the program, students engage with leading sales professionals through exclusive masterclasses and expert-led conferences. These sessions cover cutting-edge topics including sales enablement strategies, modern sales tools and CRM platforms, AI-powered sales technologies, prospecting techniques, and negotiation methodologies.
Featured Industry Experts:
- Carole Mahoney, Harvard Business School sales coach
- Joël Le Bon, Professor of Marketing & Sales and Executive Director of the Digital Business Initiative at Johns Hopkins University
- Boris Auché, Former Head of Sales Enablement at Eviden
- Matthieu Michaud, Co-founder of Hymalaia, an AI-powered sales and team acceleration company
*Speakers shown are from previous cohorts. Speaker lineups may vary for future cohorts and are subject to change.
SALES ENABLEMENT: PROCESS, METHODS & TOOLS
Dive into processes, tools, methods, and platforms crucial for sales enablement in this module. Explore leading solutions such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Gartner, and Forrester gaining a comprehensive understanding of how these technologies empower sales teams. This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize cutting-edge tools, enhancing your ability to facilitate, optimize the sales process and master sales on a global scale.
SALES ENGAGEMENT: DIGITAL TOOLS & AUTOMATION
This module explores the role of technology in transforming sales, focusing on remote selling using digital tools and face-to-face interactions. It underscores the importance of digital sales in effective leadership, emphasizing the advantage of understanding and leveraging technology for interpersonal engagement, communication, and productivity. The module highlights that, despite the universal challenge of sales, those who grasp and use digital sales have a distinct edge in the field. You will also explore marketing automation tools, engagement and go-to-market strategy.
TRANSFORMING EARLY MAKERS PROJECT
The Transforming Early Makers Track is a hands-on program designed to teach entrepreneurship, teamwork, and business plan creation. You’ll rethink business models, lead transformation projects, and leverage digital technology for innovation.
As a “maker,” you’ll work on real-world projects in a collaborative environment, supported by expert guidance. From January, you’ll join a thematic group aligned with your interests, with weekly activities focused on advancing your project and preparing for a career in driving transformation.
Key advantages of this track:
- Teamwork on topics you’re passionate about
- Real-world learning with clear goals and deliverables
- Guidance from a dedicated coach
- Early focus on employability through company meetings, workshops, and expert talks
- Rapid skill-building in sales and self-presentation (sales pitch)
> Read the article on the 2026 edition
TUITION AND DISCOVERY OF AN INTERNATIONAL MARKET
- Sales & Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Advanced Sales & Revenue Enablement
- Digital Engagement in Web 3
IN-COMPANY PROJECT
The in-company project, which is an important part of the curriculum, allows you to enter your internship or first job with solid experience. Working on a business project will help you to:
- Put your newly acquired academic knowledge into practice
- Gain first-hand experience while working on a tangible project while benefiting from the comfort of a supporting structure
- Learn intercultural skills, navigate different businesses and cultural environments
- Master sales techniques on a global scale
- Build a network (with local alumni, students and partners)
PROFESSIONAL THESIS
To conclude your graduate studies, you will have to write a professional thesis. The topic will be chosen in coordination with your academic supervisor and in line with your missions during your internship or first job.
The objectives of the Master’s Thesis are to:
- Identify a topic addressed during one of your courses or academic activities.
- Build a research framework around concepts and bibliographic resources.
- Build hypotheses and a methodology to validate or invalidate them.
- Collect data using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
- Provide a critical analysis based on objective observation.
- Recommend solutions, best practices, or strategies.
- Present a well-structured, relevant discussion with a proper conclusion.
INTERNSHIP
The professional mission will last from 4 to 6 months and can be an internship, a VIE (international volunteering mission), an entrepreneurial project, a fixed-term contract or a permanent contract. This is a great opportunity to put your academic knowledge to the test and acquire tangible experience within the industry. The school will give you all the support and tools you need to find the right job for you.
Beyond academic courses, the program also offers extensive interaction with top-tier industry professionals, including:
- Talks and conferences led by world-class experts, sales organizations and innovative start-ups.
- Company projects where students work in collaboration with sales teams and firms to tackle real business challenges.
- Workshops and masterclasses with professionals, professors and experts specializing in digital transformation, AI, sales enablement, and sales innovation.
- Company visits organized during the curriculum and during the international seminar, offering students direct exposure to global business environments.
- Networking sessions with executives, entrepreneurs, and alumni shaping the future of digital and AI-driven business.
Assessment methods
- Assessment methods may include case studies, presentations, mock exercises, tests, etc.
- Graduation rate following the last board: 100% of students who took the exam have graduated (Examination Board of July 2026).
CGE Accreditation: a mark of excellence
The Master of Science programs at emlyon business school are accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), a prestigious French association that recognizes academic excellence, rigorous admissions standards, and strong professional integration.
This label guarantees that the MSc programs meet the highest national and international standards, offering students a high-quality education that is both academically rigorous and closely aligned with the expectations of the global job market.
Being CGE-accredited also enhances the value of the degree, providing graduates with strong recognition among employers and institutions worldwide. At the end of your program, you will obtain a degree delivered by emlyon business school, a globally renowned business school recognized by the triple accreditation: EQUIS, ACCSB and AMBA.
Career
Sales is a diverse field, offering various career paths suitable for different personalities, types of companies, sectors, and countries. Students will have the opportunity to choose a career aligned with their aspirations in the sales domain.
Those interested in international clients can build trust, offer solutions, and become long-term partners in the sales profession. Those focused on customer engagement may design sales strategies and use AI for sales engagement, while others may want to excel in sales enablement by coaching teams, in sales operations with a focus on data, or as sales leaders managing teams and driving innovation.
- Amazon
- Groupe Publicis
- Cegid
- Mondelez
- DimoMaint
- L'Oréal
- Procter & Gamble
- PwC
- Kraft Heinz
- Bulgari
- Miniso
- Galytix
- Bull
- Software One
The companies shown reflect recruiters for internships and first job positions for the first cohort of the MSc in Global Sales Excellence (launched in 2024). Students have secured positions both in France and internationally.
Job placement statistics
Data not available for this program, first intake in September 2024.
About our Career Center
The Career Center provides continual support in identifying career goals and developing action plans. You graduate with real experience, strong connections, and concrete career opportunities.
- 1:1 coaching sessions with career advisors to define your goals and action plan
- Hands‑on workshops on CV writing, LinkedIn optimization, and interview practice
- Recruitment events with top companies (career fairs, company talks, job offers)
- Access to job platforms with internships, apprenticeships, and graduate roles
- International opportunities through global career support, partners, and worldwide job access
Targeted jobs
- Sales Manager
- Sales Engagement Director
- Sales Enablement Manager
- Sales Operations Manager
- Sales Excellence Manager
- Sales Engineer
- Sales Performance Consultant
- Channel Sales Manager
- Country Manager
- Regional Sales Manager
- Key Account Manager
- Partnership Manager
- International Sales Director
- International Business Developer
Alumni network
As a future graduate, you will hold lifelong membership of emlyon business school alumni network, a network of near 52,000 alumni covering more than 130 countries.
You will benefit from all services it offers, including the online assessment modules. Its members will help you further develop your career regardless of which stage you are at, by providing you with career development information, exchange business information with you and share their experience for you to build on.
Learn more about the alumni network by visiting the alumni website.
Admissions
Are you eligible ?
- A validated 4-year Bachelor's degree or Master 1 degree (equivalent to Bac +4)
- A validated 3-year Bachelor's degree or Licence 3 (equivalent to Bac +3)
Admissions Process
Start your application online or go to your applicant dashboard to complete your application file to join the MSc in Global Sales Excellence.
Applications open from October 6, 2026 to July 15, 2027 and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
The admissions process consists of three steps:
- Submit your application file
- Complete the digital tests
- Receive your admission decision and confirm your enrollment
As places are allocated progressively throughout the admissions cycle, emlyon business school reserves the right to close applications early if the program reaches full capacity. We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.
Mandatory documents
All the documents provided need to be in English or French (except passport and identity card):
- A resume / CV in English
- A copy of an official and valid identity card or passport
- A certified copy of all degrees obtained in a higher education institution (in English or French)
- A certificate of enrollment for applicants currently enrolled in higher education
- A certified copy of your transcripts from the first year of your undergraduate education up to the present date
Optional documents
- An official management aptitude test score: GMAT, GMAT online, GRE, TAGE MAGE, CAT
- An English proficiency test: TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, IELTS, Cambridge
- Recommendation letters
- Letter of motivation
Application conditions
- Applicants may apply to several programs simultaneously but may only apply to the same program once per academic year. Only complete application files will be granted access to the digital tests.
Expected English level
A strong command of English is essential to successfully complete the program. We recommend a minimum level equivalent to C1 (CEFR).
This means that you are an experienced speaker and that you can understand long and demanding texts, grasp implicit meanings, and express yourself spontaneously and fluently without searching for words.
Important information
- Students need to obtain (or maintain) a valid passport for the entire duration of their studies, to meet the international mobility requirements that are mandatory for the program. The application for a visa and obtaining all necessary visas are the sole responsibility of the student, including for international periods.
- While a visa is not required to submit an application, students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining a valid visa or residence permit for the intake and for the entire duration of their studies. Please note that it is not possible to apply for a student residence permit if you currently hold an APS (temporary residence permit for job search/business creation).
- Test validity:
- GMAT and GRE tests are valid for 5 years
- TAGE MAGE tests are valid for 2 years
- CAT tests are valid for 1 year
English tests are valid for 2 years
Application fee
The application fee for the 2027 intake is set at €120, payable directly by credit card through the online application system.
- Students with a French CROUS grant are exempted from paying the application fee if they provide the final notice of allocation of this grant for the current academic year.
- High Level Athletes are also exempted from paying the application fee if they provide a sport resume validated by the director of the Sports department at emlyon business school. If this is your case, please contact Mr Mickaël ROMEZY: romezy@em-lyon.com.
Application deadline
emlyon business school may close applications earlier, if all the seats in the class are filled, as it happens every year for many of our Master of Science programs. Consequently, we do advise students to apply as early as possible to ensure they secure a seat in the program and maximize their chances!
About the digital assessments
As part of its admissions process, emlyon business school uses a digital assessment platform aligned with today's digital environment and the recruitment practices adopted by leading organizations worldwide to identify and select top talent.
Once your application file has been completed, reviewed, and validated by the Admissions team, you will receive access to our digital assessment platform. Designed to highlight your skills, motivation, and potential, these assessments are tailored to the program you are applying for. They represent an important step in helping the Admissions Jury gain a comprehensive understanding of your profile.
Practical Information
- Assessment duration varies depending on the program, ranging from 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
- Assessments must be completed on a computer equipped with a webcam and a stable internet connection
- Practice tests are available to help you familiarize yourself with the platform before you begin
- Assessments may include:
- Reasoning and cognitive ability exercises
- Motivation-based questions
- General knowledge questions
- Evaluations related to the specialization of your chosen program
- We recommend completing your assessments in a quiet environment, on your own, and without interruptions
- The digital test can be completed only once
Need help before you begin?
Would you like to learn more about the digital assessment experience at emlyon business school?
Admissions results
Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Jury only after both the application file and the digital tests have been completed.
Applicants will receive their admission decision within a maximum of four to five weeks.
You will receive an email to inform you that your results are available on the applicant portal.
Enrollment
To confirm your enrollment and secure your place in the program, you must:
- Sign the enrollment form within 10 calendar days;
- Pay the non-refundable tuition deposit of €4,500.
Admissions statistics
The global acceptance rate for Masters, Masters of Science and Advanced Masters for the 2026 intake was 53,1% (admitted students on applicants rate).
Financing
Tuition fees
€29,300
The tuition and fee charges are in effect for the 2027-2028 academic year and are subject to change for future years.
- Tuition fees for the program
- Tuition for the international period at the partner university
- Travel and lodging expenses relative to the one-week international seminar when relevant
- Enrollment and administrative fees
- Career Center services during your program and for 3 years after graduation
- Several hours of individual career coaching during your program
- Lifelong membership to the emlyon business school alumni network
- Additional fees not payable to the institution, such as CVEC, student social security, sports club enrollment fees, the purchase of personal computer hardware or software, or the purchase of books other than course materials
- Optional courses or certifications
- Accommodation and travel expenses related to the program or work placement
How to finance your program?
emlyon scholarships
emlyon business school helps students finance their MSc in Global Sales Excellence by offering scholarships up to 50%.
- Individual Scholarship
Open to all candidates, regardless of their financial background. This scholarship considers a combination of factors such as academic excellence, diversity, and motivation. Applicants must submit the scholarship request form as part of their application file.
- Excellence Scholarship
Merit-based awarded for strong academic profiles:
10% scholarship for GMAT 700+ / GMAT Focus 645+ / GRE or Tage Mage equivalent
5% scholarship for GMAT 650+ / GMAT Focus 595+ / GRE or Tage Mage equivalent
Test scores can be submitted after admission, within a set deadline.
- Dean’s Choice Scholarship
Awarded to candidates with outstanding academic results, strong backgrounds, and achievements showing leadership and potential for impact. It cannot be applied for directly; candidates are identified during the admissions process through a holistic review by the program director. Final decisions are made by the Admissions and Scholarships Committee. This scholarship can cover up to 35% of the tuition fees.
- Early Bird Scholarship
A 10% tuition reduction for all applications sent before November 26th (application file and digital tests completed).
To find out more about the specifics of our scholarship policy and how to benefit from it, we invite you to contact your program advisor. To download the Scholarship Policy information, create or log onto your emlyon business school account.
Other scholarships
You should contact the French Embassy or the French Cultural Service in your country to inquire about individual scholarships granted by the French government.
- Campus France is a French national agency responsible for promoting French higher education abroad and welcoming foreign students and researchers to France. It manages Campus Bourses, a tool that lists all the financial aid available to foreign students from the the French and foreign governments, local authorities, companies, foundations and institutes of higher education. With Campus Bourses, you can filter your search by nationality, field and level of studies to find the assistance that corresponds to your profile. More information here
- Banking Partners: You may obtain a bank loan through emlyon business school financial partners only if you have a fiscal warrantor in France. If not, we advise you to obtain a loan in your country of origin before your arrival.
- Prodigy Finance loan opportunity: Applicants for the MSc in Global Sales Excellence are eligible to apply for a student loan with Prodigy Finance. Learn more on how to apply for a Prodigy Finance loan by clicking here (please scroll down the page to read about the benefits and conditions). This opportunity is opened to Non-French students only.
Please note: Master of Science programs at emlyon business school, including the MSc in Global Sales Excellence, aren’t eligible for either the CROUS scholarships or the following financing schemes: FAFSA, FONGECIF, DIF, CPF or other funding from Pôle Emploi. For further information regarding potential state scholarships, we recommend you contact your region or your department, as some of them have specific scholarships available for students going to another department in France to study.
emlyon business school is committed to investing in tomorrow’s entrepreneurial leaders by helping qualified students to further their education. Reductions in tuition fees can be offered through needs-based scholarships and may, in certain cases, be granted in addition to guaranteed scholarships.
Student life
Combining academic ambition with an exceptional quality of life, Lyon is a city where students can truly thrive. Discover your campus in a vibrant setting and a city that perfectly blends culture, innovation, and lifestyle.
The Lyon Campus
At the heart of Lyon, our campus provides a well-equipped environment to study, collaborate and work on projects.
- Modern 30,000 m² campus with study spaces, library, makers’ lab and entrepreneurship hub
- On-site restaurants, cafés and areas for student activities, making it easy to eat and meet.
- Easy access to public transport, companies and the main areas of the city
Student life in Lyon
Lyon offers a great mix of academic life, culture and everyday living, making it an easy city to settle into as a student.
- A historic city with lively districts, riversides, many parks and panoramic views
- Renowned for its food, from traditional "bouchons" to Michelin-starred restaurants
- Student-friendly lifestyle with good transport, reasonable costs and easy travel across France and Europe
I chose this program because I wanted to take my sales experience to the next level. I had already worked in client relationship management and sales, but I was looking for a program that would help me understand sales from a broader, more strategic perspective. What really stood out to me about the MSc in Global Sales Excellence was that it wasn't just focused on traditional sales. It combined strategy, technology, AI, negotiation, key account management, international business—all the skills that are shaping the future of the profession.
Meet us during dedicated events
emlyon's Program Advisors are hitting the road to connect with you and discuss your career aspirations. Don't miss the opportunity to meet them at international student fairs for guidance in shaping your future career. You can also stay tuned for information about our campus open days!
Contact our student ambassadors
Want to find out more about student life, program content, campus life or the emlyon business school experience? Connect with our student ambassadors to get a first glimpse of what awaits you. You can ask them all your questions via our dedicated platform.
Disability support services
You will find the welcome guide and all the information on how we welcome and support our students and participants with disabilities on the dedicated health, diversity and inclusion page.
FAQ
Frenquently asked questions
A Master of Science (MSc) is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities and business schools, under the CGE (Conférence des Grandes Écoles) label, designed with a strong international focus and often taught entirely in English. It is ideal for students aiming for global careers or academic mobility.
A Master’s degree in France, accredited by the French state and the CEFDG, offers a solid general foundation in management combined with a specialization that is highly recognized both academically and professionally in France, across Europe and in the rest of the world.
The MSc in Global Sales Excellence is a master of science degree accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles.
Whether you are an international student exploring business school programs, planning to study in France, or preparing your application to the program, emlyon business school provides comprehensive guidance to support your journey.
You can find essential information on:
- Admissions process, application deadlines, and program differences
- Tuition fees, scholarships, and cost of living in France
- Visas, housing, and dedicated international student support
- Academic content, language requirements, and learning experience
- Internships, part-time jobs, and career opportunities after graduation
- Campus life, student associations, and living in Lyon or Paris
For detailed answers and additional guidance, we invite you to explore the full FAQ page, where you will find everything you need to prepare your studies and future at emlyon.
You may also contact your Program Advisor for any questions.
Forging a career in sales enablement with the MSc in Global Sales Excellence
