In summary: Required scores at emlyon vary by program. PGE/MSc: GMAT (average 620, minimum 550, valid 5 years) or TAGE MAGE (valid 2 years). English: TOEIC minimum 850 (815 acceptable with strong profile), TOEFL above 100, IELTS above 8, or Cambridge. Global BBA: minimum 27 IB recommended. Check the emlyon admission guide for the full process and application guide for step-by-step details.
GMAT Scores for emlyon PGE and MSc
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is the most widely accepted management test at emlyon. A strong GMAT score significantly strengthens your application for PGE via AST and MSc programs.
GMAT Score Benchmarks at emlyon
| Score Range | Interpretation | Acceptability |
|---|---|---|
| 650+ | Excellent (90th percentile) | Strong candidate, differentiates your profile |
| 600–649 | Competitive (75th–89th percentile) | Aligns with accepted candidates |
| 550–599 | Acceptable (40th–74th percentile) | Minimum required, needs strong overall file |
| Below 550 | Weak | Not recommended for PGE/MSc |
Average PGE score: 620. Minimum recommended: 550. Validity: 5 years from test date. The GMAT evaluates analytical reasoning, quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing skills. It counts for 200 points in the overall PGE/MSc application evaluation (out of approximately 1000 total points).
GRE and TAGE MAGE Scores
emlyon accepts the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) as an alternative to the GMAT for PGE and MSc. TAGE MAGE is also accepted for French and francophone candidates.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The GRE assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Maximum score: 340 (170 verbal + 170 quantitative). emlyon considers GRE scores equivalent to a GMAT of 550+. Validity: 5 years. The GRE is accepted for PGE AST, MSc, and MBA.
TAGE MAGE
TAGE MAGE (Test d’Admission aux Grandes Ecoles) is developed in France and accepted for PGE AST and MSc. Maximum score: 600. emlyon considers scores 400+ as competitive. Validity: 2 years. TAGE MAGE is particularly recommended for French and francophone candidates due to its contextual relevance.
English Proficiency Scores Required at emlyon
Demonstrated proficiency in English is mandatory for all emlyon programs. You must submit an English test score or evidence of prior schooling in English. Four tests are accepted.
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
| TOEIC Score | Interpretation | Acceptability at emlyon |
|---|---|---|
| 900+ | Advanced professional proficiency | Excellent |
| 850–899 | Professional proficiency | Minimum required |
| 815–849 | Acceptable professional proficiency | Acceptable with strong overall profile |
| Below 815 | Insufficient proficiency | Not accepted |
Minimum required at emlyon: 850. Reduced acceptability: 815 may be accepted if your overall file is very strong (academic excellence, relevant experience, etc.). TOEIC is particularly accepted for MSc and PGE AST applications.
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL iBT assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Maximum score: 120. Recommended score at emlyon: above 100 (typically 103–110 for a competitive application). A 100+ score demonstrates solid academic English proficiency and fluency appropriate for university coursework.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS assesses English speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Maximum score: 9.0. Recommended score at emlyon: above 8.0 (typically 8.0–8.5 for a competitive application). A score 8+ indicates near-native proficiency and exceptional academic fluency.
Cambridge English Qualifications
emlyon accepts Cambridge English certificates (CAE, CPE). A valid CAE or CPE replaces an English proficiency test. These qualifications have no expiry date, making them suitable for candidates with an established English-language academic background.
IB Scores for emlyon Global BBA
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is the primary pathway for international candidates to the Global BBA. A minimum IB score of 27 is recommended.
IB Score Benchmarks for Global BBA
| IB Score | Interpretation | Acceptability |
|---|---|---|
| 38+ | Very strong (top 1%) | Excellence candidate, scholarships likely |
| 33–37 | Excellent (top 5%) | Well-positioned candidate |
| 27–32 | Strong (top 20%) | Minimum recommended, admissible |
| Below 27 | Acceptable | Can be admitted with strong CV and tests |
Minimum score: 27. Average score of admitted candidates: approximately 31. A 10% tuition reduction is offered to international candidates with an IB 35+.
Comparative Table of Required Scores by Program
| Program | Management Test | English Test | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global BBA | Not required | TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge (IB 27+ recommended) | IB 27+ |
| PGE BCE | No GMAT/GRE exam | Prior English proficiency proof | Concours BCE results |
| PGE AST | GMAT 550+ (avg 620), GRE, or TAGE MAGE 400+ | TOEIC 850+ (815 acceptable) | Bachelor+3 minimum |
| PGE SAI (Int’l) | GMAT, GRE, or TAGE MAGE | TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC | No specific minimum |
| MSc | GMAT/GRE/TAGE MAGE (recommended) | TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC/Duolingo | Bachelor 180+ ECTS |
| MBA | GMAT/GRE (strongly recommended) | Prior English proficiency | 3+ years work experience |
Test Preparation Advice
Begin GMAT or TAGE MAGE preparation at least 4 months before your target date. Aim for a GMAT 600+ score for a competitive PGE AST application. For English, TOEIC 880+ or TOEFL 105+ represents a very strong profile. Plan to prepare for 3–4 months on average for management tests. Use official resources (GMAT Official Guide, TAGE MAGE Officiel, Official TOEFL Prep) for optimal learning. Check our emlyon admission guide to align your preparation with score targets and the application guide for process details.
Acceptance Rates and Placement at emlyon
emlyon benefits from a highly selective reputation. The PGE acceptance rate is approximately 14%, making it a very competitive program. MSc programs show acceptance rates ranging from 40% to 51% depending on specialization. The school holds three accreditations: EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA, ensuring global academic standards.
emlyon Educational Rankings
| Ranking | Program | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Times | Master in Management (MiM) | 12th | 2025 |
| QS Rankings | Master in Management (MiM) | 16th | 2026 |
| Financial Times | MBA | 44th | 2026 |
Campuses and International Mobility
emlyon operates on 6 global campuses: Lyon (Ecully – main campus), Paris, Saint-Étienne, Shanghai, Mumbai, and Casablanca. International mobility is mandatory for all MSc programs, enriching the academic experience. SAI application fee (international PGE admission) is €140.
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