Quick summary: emlyon business school is a triple-accredited (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA) French grande école, ranked #12 worldwide for its Master in Management (FT 2025). The Global BBA is accessible via Parcoursup/SESAME or direct admission. The Programme Grande École (PGE) admits through Concours BCE, AST, or international admission (average GMAT 620). MSc and MBA programs require a bachelor’s minimum, GMAT/GRE, and TOEFL/IELTS scores. PGE acceptance rate is approximately 14%. See our emlyon application guide and score requirements to prepare your admission strategy.
Overview of emlyon business school admissions
emlyon business school, founded in 1872, ranks among Europe’s top business schools with campuses in Lyon (Ecully), Paris, Saint-Étienne, Shanghai, Mumbai, and Casablanca. Ranked 12th worldwide for its Master in Management by the Financial Times (2025) and 16th by QS (2026), the school offers programs ranging from BBA to Executive MBA. The admission process varies by program and candidate profile, with multiple entry tracks designed for both French and international applicants.
Global BBA admission
The Global BBA is a 4-year English-taught program available at the Lyon, Saint-Étienne, Paris, Shanghai, and Casablanca campuses. French applicants apply through Parcoursup and take the SESAME entrance exam. International applicants follow a direct admission process with an online test, transcript evaluation, and proof of English proficiency. A minimum IB score of 27 is recommended. Excellence scholarships are available for outstanding baccalauréat results, and a 10% tuition discount is offered to international candidates applying in the first session.
Programme Grande École admission (PGE/Master in Management)
The PGE is emlyon’s flagship program, ranked in the global top 15. Three main admission tracks exist. The Concours BCE welcomes preparatory class students with approximately 525 places. The AST (lateral admission) track targets French Bac+3/4/5 holders with around 365 places. Direct international admission (SAI) is open to candidates worldwide with a €140 application fee. The overall PGE acceptance rate is approximately 14%, making it one of France’s most selective programs. An average GMAT of 620 (minimum 550) is expected, along with a minimum TOEIC of 850 or TOEFL above 100.
MSc and specialized Masters admission
emlyon offers over 21 specialized MSc programs, including Master in Finance, MSc in Luxury Management, and MSc in Strategy & Consulting. Year 1 entry requires a bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS). Year 2 entry requires a 4-year bachelor’s (240 ECTS) or validated Master 1. Management aptitude tests (GMAT, GRE, TAGE MAGE) are strongly recommended. English proficiency must be demonstrated through an official test (TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or Duolingo). The selection process includes digital assessments with cognitive tests and professional role-playing exercises.
MBA and Executive MBA admission
The International MBA (11-month full-time) requires a bachelor’s in any field and minimum 3 years of professional experience. GMAT/GRE is strongly recommended. The Executive MBA (12 to 26 months) targets experienced professionals with minimum 7 years of experience and a Bac+4. emlyon’s MBA is ranked 44th worldwide by the Financial Times (2026) and 4th in France, with international mobility ranked 2nd globally. The admission interview assesses communication, career goal clarity, and cultural fit.
Campuses and student life
The main Lyon-Ecully campus offers a modern learning environment in France’s second-largest city. The 5,500 m² Paris campus, 5 minutes from Gare de Lyon station, features cutting-edge digital technologies and close ties to the business world. International campuses in Shanghai, Mumbai, and Casablanca provide global immersion opportunities. The school has over 150 academic partners for international exchanges and dual degree programs.
How Your Dream School can help
Our specialists guide emlyon candidates through test preparation (GMAT, TAGE MAGE, TOEFL), motivation essay writing, and interview coaching. We help you identify the best admission track for your profile and maximize your chances of acceptance. Contact us for a free profile evaluation or learn about our admissions coaching program.