Emilio Ugarte
North America Recruitment and Business Development Manager
Region: USA, Canada, Mexico
Based in: Cancún Q.Roo, Mexico
AIRR-NA Member Institution
ESSEC Business School
Cergy, France
Institution at a Glance
- Year founded
- 1907
- Institution type
- Private International University, Specialist Institution
- Campus setting
- Suburban
- Population category
- Medium (5,000–14,999 students)
- Degree levels
- Postgraduate, Undergraduate
- Undergraduate length
- 4-year
- Undergraduate students
- 5,000
- Postgraduate students
- 7,000
- International students
- 7,000
About the Institution
ESSEC Business School is a world-class institution with French roots, combining academic excellence, experiential learning, and a truly global perspective across campuses in France, Singapore, and Morocco. ESSEC empowers students to design their own paths, gain meaningful international and professional experience, and become responsible leaders prepared to make an impact in a rapidly changing world.
North American Representatives
Academics and Programs
Undergraduate study
ESSEC offers direct-entry undergraduate business education with a strong international and flexible structure. The four-year Global BBA allows students to begin their studies in France, Singapore, or Morocco and build a personalized academic path through international exchanges, internships, and professional experiences. Students benefit from a broad business foundation before developing expertise in areas aligned with their career goals.
Popular areas of study include:
International Business
Finance
Marketing
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Data Analytics & Digital Business
Postgraduate study
ESSEC offers a broad portfolio of specialized and flexible Master’s degrees designed for students seeking strong international exposure and close connections with the business world. Programs combine academic excellence with internships, apprenticeships, international exchanges, and study opportunities across ESSEC campuses and partner institutions worldwide. Key strengths include management, finance, data analytics, luxury, strategy, and entrepreneurship.
Popular areas of study include:
Management
Finance
Data Sciences & Business Analytics
Luxury Management
Strategy & International Business
Areas represented: Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management Studies, Data Science, Economics, Hospitality, Law
Admissions and Applications
Application type
Direct
Entry requirements
Requirements vary by program, but generally include:
Academic transcripts (high school)
Motivation letter / essays
CV (mainly for graduate programs)
Letters of recommendation (mainly graduate)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo, unless exempt)
Standardized tests where applicable (SAT (optional) / ACADEMIC TEST for Bachelor AIDAMS)
Standardized tests where applicable (GMAT/GRE for select graduate programs)
Applications, dates and deadlines
Applications are offered 4 year starting in September ending in April
Deadlines vary by program (Regular Round 1 October 20, Round 2 January 6, Round 3 February 28, Round 4 April 22)
Early application is strongly recommended, especially for:
Scholarships
Visa preparation
Apprenticeship-track programs
How to apply
Online application through ESSEC’s official admissions portal
Program-specific requirements apply
Interviews conducted by admissions committees (by invitation)
Standardized testing
Undergraduate: SAT/ACT optional (program-dependent)
Graduate: GMAT/GRE strongly recommended or required depending on program
English tests may be waived for candidates with:
Native-level English
Prior studies or professional experience in English-speaking environments
Costs, Scholarships, and Funding
Tuition and fees
Undergraduate (Global BBA) – approximately €17,383 per year – $20,200 USD
Master’s Programs – approximately €20,000–€30,000 per year – $23,228–$35,100 USD
Tuition and fees vary by program, campus, academic year, and student status. Please review the latest tuition information on the official ESSEC Business School website.
Estimated cost of living
USD $21,000 – $28,000 per year
Scholarships and funding
Merit-based ESSEC scholarships
External scholarships (e.g. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Fulbright, national funding bodies)
Early application improves scholarship consideration.
Student Life and Support
Student life and location
ESSEC offers a vibrant, multicultural campus experience in Cergy, just outside Paris, giving students the best of both worlds: a close-knit student community and easy access to one of Europe’s most dynamic cultural and business capitals. The campus brings together students from around the world, creating an international environment where different languages, cultures, and perspectives are part of everyday life.
Student life is highly active, with more than 100 student clubs and associations covering entrepreneurship, business, consulting, finance, sports, arts, culture, sustainability, and international communities. From joining a student association and attending campus events to exploring Paris, traveling across Europe, and connecting with global companies, students have countless opportunities to build friendships, develop professionally, and enjoy a truly international experience.
Housing and support
ESSEC students can apply for accommodation through the school’s dedicated housing options, including several student residences located in and around Cergy, close to the main campus and public transportation. Students may also choose private accommodation in Cergy or the greater Paris area. University housing is limited, so international students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible once admitted and to follow the housing application deadlines provided by ESSEC.
Students have access to a range of support services throughout their studies, including academic guidance, career services, health and well-being resources, disability and accessibility support, and assistance with practical matters related to living in France. ESSEC’s international student services also help students navigate key steps such as visas, housing, administrative procedures, and integration into campus life.
Careers and Outcomes
ESSEC integrates career development and professional experience throughout the student journey. Students benefit from career coaching, workshops, recruitment events, employer presentations, networking opportunities, and support in securing internships and other work experiences. Depending on the program and eligibility, students may also pursue apprenticeships, allowing them to combine academic study with substantial professional experience.
ESSEC’s strong engagement with the business community gives students opportunities to interact with employers across sectors such as consulting, finance, technology, luxury, consumer goods, entrepreneurship, and international business. Internships, company projects, alumni connections, and career services help students develop practical skills, explore career paths, and prepare for graduate opportunities in France and internationally.
Information for Counselors
Counselors should encourage students to review the academic requirements and application timeline for their chosen ESSEC program early, as requirements vary by degree and educational system. Applications are reviewed holistically, and students should submit complete academic transcripts, required test results, supporting documents, and evidence of extracurricular, international, or professional experiences where relevant. For undergraduate applicants, counselors can help ESSEC understand the student’s curriculum, grading scale, course rigor, and predicted or final results, particularly for international, IB, AP, or other national curricula.
Counselors are welcome to contact ESSEC directly for guidance on student eligibility, application requirements, or curriculum interpretation. For undergraduate inquiries, contact essecbachelors@essec.edu; for graduate programs, contact essecmasters@essec.edu. Counselors planning to visit France may also contact ESSEC in advance to explore opportunities to visit the Cergy campus, meet the recruitment team, and learn more about the student experience.