In a nutshell: ESSEC Business School offers several admission pathways to its Grande École Programme: direct admissions (AST) open from Bachelor’s level with 4 rounds (October to April), and the post-prépa competitive exam through the BCE. The admitted AST median TAGE MAGE score is around 380-400/600 and the GMAT around 660. For the prépa exam, the 2024 admissibility cutoff was 13.88/20. See our ESSEC application guide and score requirements to prepare your application.
Admission pathways to ESSEC in 2026
ESSEC Business School, consistently ranked among France’s top 3 business schools, offers several entry routes to its Grande École Programme (PGE). Each pathway targets a different profile and has its own selection criteria. Since 2025, ESSEC has opened its direct admissions to candidates from Bachelor’s level (3-year degree), significantly expanding the pool of eligible applicants.
| Admission pathway | Target profile | Available spots | Required test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct admissions (AST) | Bachelor’s degree minimum | ~150 | TAGE MAGE or GMAT + English |
| Prépa competitive exam (BCE) | French preparatory class students | ~430 | BCE written and oral exams |
| International admissions | International students (outside France) | Variable | GMAT or GRE + English |
Direct admissions (AST): the complete guide
Direct admissions (formerly AST2) are the main entry route to ESSEC for candidates from universities or other programs. Since 2025, the program is accessible from Bachelor’s level (3-year degree), compared to a 4-year degree requirement previously. The process runs across 4 rounds between October and April, with results communicated after each session.
AST application rounds 2025-2026
| Round | Application deadline | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1: Deadline October 30, 2025 (results December 4, 2025) | November 18, 2025 | |
| Round 2 | December 15, 2025 | February 16, 2026 |
| Round 3 | February 19, 2026 | April 8, 2026 |
| Round 4 | April 9, 2026 | Admissibility May 18, interviews May 26 – June 1, admission June 9, 2026 |
AST selection criteria
Your AST application is evaluated based on several complementary factors: your TAGE MAGE or GMAT score, academic record, professional and extracurricular experiences, motivation essays, and an oral interview for shortlisted candidates. There is no official cutoff score, but a TAGE MAGE around 380+ or a GMAT of 660+ is recommended to be competitive. See our dedicated page on ESSEC score requirements for full details.
Post-prépa competitive exam (BCE): cutoffs and coefficients
For students from French preparatory classes (ECG), admission to ESSEC goes through the BCE competitive exam. ESSEC is the second most selective school in this exam, just behind HEC Paris, with one of the highest admissibility cutoffs. In 2024, this cutoff was 13.88/20 and the last admitted candidate ranked approximately 823rd. The school admits about 80% of its shortlisted candidates, meaning oral exams play a less decisive role than at some other highly selective schools.
| Key BCE data | 2024-2025 value |
|---|---|
| Admissibility cutoff | ~13.88/20 |
| Last admitted rank | ~823 |
| Available spots (prépa) | ~430 |
| Admission rate of shortlisted | ~80% |
Oral exam coefficients
| Oral exam | Coefficient |
|---|---|
| Personality interview | 10 |
| Psychometric test | 10 |
| First foreign language oral | 6 |
| Second foreign language oral | 4 |
BCE 2026 calendar
The BCE written exams take place in April-May 2026. Admissibility results are published on June 11, 2026. Oral exams are held from June 22-26 and June 29 to July 3, 2026. Final admission results are announced on July 8, 2026.
International admissions
International candidates (degree obtained outside France) can apply directly through the ESSEC admissions portal. The process follows the same 4-round calendar as the AST track. Accepted tests include the GMAT, GRE, or CAT (for Indian candidates). An English test (TOEFL 95+, IELTS 6.5+) is required for non-native speakers. The motivation interview is conducted in English.
Why choose ESSEC?
ESSEC stands out for its academic excellence, strong international outlook with over 200 partner universities, and an alumni network of more than 60,000 graduates. The Grande École Programme offers great flexibility with customizable tracks, prestigious double degrees, and work-study opportunities. The school is consistently ranked in the European top 5 for Masters in Management by the Financial Times.
How Your Dream School can help
Our specialized consultants guide candidates to ESSEC Business School every year. We help you define your admission strategy, prepare for the TAGE MAGE or GMAT, write compelling essays, and get ready for interviews. Contact us for a free profile assessment or discover our admissions coaching program.