Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Global Fall Early Bird Application Closing Date | Closing in 12 days |
ESSEC Business School's La Défense Campus, located in Paris's primary business district, serves as the primary venue for executive education programs. This facility, integrated within the CNIT convention center, accommodates postgraduate and executive curricula focused on strategic management, digital transformation, and sustainable leadership. The campus supports approximately 5,000 participants annually across modular and full-time formats, with instruction conducted in English.
Indian applicants, typically professionals with 3-8 years of experience from sectors such as information technology and finance, must satisfy eligibility criteria including a bachelor's degree, GMAT/GRE scores (minimum 650), and IELTS 7.0 or equivalent. The admissions process evaluates academic records, professional achievements, recommendation letters, and a 45-minute video interview. Post-admission, Indian candidates require a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS), processed through Campus France with proof of financial resources equivalent to €7,500 annually. Annual living expenses in La Défense range from €12,000 to €18,000 (₹1,225,656 to ₹1,838,484), inclusive of accommodation at €400-600 monthly and transportation.
Programs Offered at ESSEC La Défense Campus
The campus delivers executive-oriented postgraduate programs emphasizing practical application through case studies, international modules, and industry collaborations. All programs require 3+ years of professional experience and accept CAT scores as alternatives to GMAT/GRE for Indian applicants.
- Full-Time Global MBA: A 12-month program (extendable to 16 months) in responsible management and digital strategy, incorporating a one-week international field trip. Ranked #28 in QS Global MBA Rankings 2025.
- ESSEC Weekend Executive MBA: An 18-month part-time program (3.5 days per month) addressing artificial intelligence, innovation, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
- ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA: An 18-24 month part-time dual-degree program with cross-campus exchanges to Germany, concentrating on intercultural strategy.
- Hybrid Executive MBA: An 18-month blended program combining online and in-person sessions, including modules in Singapore and Rabat.
- Advanced Master in Strategy & Management of International Business (SMIB - Executive Track): A 12-15 month part-time program for senior managers, ranked #3 in QS Masters in Management 2025.
Fee Structure for Indian Students at La Défense Campus
Non-EU applicants, including Indians, incur standard international tuition rates. The following table details fees for the 2025-2026 academic year (EUR; conversions at €1 = ₹102.14). Additional costs include a €2,000 service fee and €5,000 non-refundable deposit. Employer sponsorship covers up to 50% in select cases.
| Program | Duration | Tuition Fee (EUR) | Approx. in INR | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Global MBA | 12 months | €55,000 | ₹56,17,700 | Includes course materials; early enrollment discount of €8,000 available until October 2025. |
| ESSEC Weekend Executive MBA | 18 months | €58,800 | ₹60,05,832 | Modular format; financing options through French banks. |
| ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA | 18-24 months | €65,000 | ₹66,39,100 | Dual-degree inclusive; €4,500 early-bird reduction. |
| Hybrid Executive MBA | 18 months | €49,000 | ₹50,04,860 | Reduced travel expenses due to blended delivery. |
Living expenses: €12,000-18,000 annually (₹1,225,656-1,838,484). Student visa permits 964 hours of part-time employment per year at €10-25 hourly rates.
Admission Process and Deadlines for La Défense Campus
Applications are submitted via the ESSEC online portal, with decisions issued on a rolling basis (acceptance rate: 25%). Required documents comprise a curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and English proficiency certification. Shortlisted candidates undergo a competency-based interview. Application fee: €130 (₹13,278), payable online and non-refundable.
Deadlines for the September 2026 intake:
| Program | Round 1 Deadline | Round 2 Deadline | Round 3 Deadline | Final Deadline | Decisions Issued |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Global MBA | November 17, 2025 | January 12, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2026 | Rolling (4-6 weeks) |
| ESSEC Weekend Executive MBA | Rolling | - | - | March 31, 2026 | 4-6 weeks |
| ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA | March 31, 2026 | Rolling | - | August 31, 2026 | Rolling |
| Hybrid Executive MBA | Rolling | - | - | April 30, 2026 | 4 weeks |
| Advanced Master SMIB (Exec) | October 31, 2025 | January 31, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | Rolling |
Visa processing for Indians requires Campus France pre-approval and financial documentation; allow 3-4 weeks.
Scholarships for Indian Students at La Défense Campus
ESSEC allocates over €5 million annually in financial aid, with 30% directed toward international candidates. Indian applicants are automatically considered based on merit, diversity, and need during admissions review; separate applications are not required unless specified. Up to 50% tuition coverage is available.
- Early Bird Scholarship: €8,000 (₹817,120) reduction for applications submitted by October 7, 2025, applicable to the Global MBA.
- Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship: €10,000-25,000 (₹10,21,400-25,53,500) for candidates enhancing cohort multiculturalism, including Indian professionals from underrepresented sectors.
- International Profile Scholarship: €5,000-10,000 (₹5,10,700-10,21,400) for applicants demonstrating global exposure and multilingual proficiency.
- Women in Leadership Scholarship: Up to 30% tuition waiver for female Indian executives with demonstrated impact in business or community initiatives.
- Academic Excellence Scholarship: 25-50% coverage for CAT/GMAT scores exceeding 700, prioritizing Indian high achievers.
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: €1,181 monthly (₹1,20,501) plus travel and insurance for candidates under 30; ESSEC nominates eligible Indian applicants by January 8, 2026.
- Charpak Master's Scholarship (Campus France): €700-1,000 monthly (₹71,498-1,02,140) plus tuition support; deadline February 2026 for Indian nationals.
External options include Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation grants up to €10,000 (₹10,21,400). Approximately 40% of Indian recipients secure aid exceeding €10,000.
Placement Outcomes and Career Support
ESSEC's Career Center facilitates connections with over 300 recruiters, yielding a 92% employment rate within three months of graduation. Indian alumni secure roles in consulting (e.g., EY Paris) and finance, with average starting salaries of €85,000 (₹86,86,190). The campus hosts dedicated recruitment events and lifelong alumni access.
Application Recommendations
Prospective Indian applicants should prepare GMAT/CAT examinations and align essays with ESSEC's emphasis on responsible leadership. Early submission enhances scholarship eligibility and visa timelines.
Essec business school Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MBA Global 12 months | Fall Early Bird Application Closing Date (17th Nov 2025) Winter Early Bird Application Closing Date (12th Jan 2026) | INR 56.1 L/Yr EUR 55,000 /Yr | 130 | TOEFL iBT: 100 | IELTS: 7 | Duolingo: 135 |
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The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
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