HEC Paris MBA Scholarships for International Students

HEC Paris is a business school and a world leader in management education and research. As per the world university rankings, it is the 4th top business school for Master’s in Management courses. HEC Paris has 4 centres and 9 academic departments, with more than 167 full-time world-class professors. The business school is also renowned for providing the best scholarships for international students.

All students admitted into the HEC Paris MBA are eligible for scholarships. With the support of the HEC Foundation, the university provides over EUR 1,000,000 in aid every year to international students. Keep reading to know more about the HEC Paris MBA scholarships.

Overview of HEC Paris MBA Scholarships

HEC Paris MBA scholarships aim to attract top talent by addressing merit, diversity, leadership, and financial need. These awards not only cover tuition but also foster an inclusive learning environment. With options like merit-based and gender-focused scholarships, HEC Paris ensures opportunities for a wide range of applicants. Keep reading to discover specific scholarships and how they align with your profile.

HEC Paris offers a variety of scholarships tailored to different candidate profiles. Below, we detail each one, including eligibility, selection criteria, and award details. These HEC Paris MBA scholarships are primarily merit-based and automatically considered upon admission, making the process straightforward.

1. HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence

The HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence is awarded to exceptional applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional potential. This merit-based award reflects the school’s commitment to attracting top talent and supporting students in achieving their personal and career goals.

• Eligibility
  All admitted MBA candidates are automatically considered for this scholarship. Applicants who are sponsored by their company or government for more than 50% of tuition fees are not eligible.
• Selection Criteria
  The Scholarship Jury evaluates applications based on academic excellence, overall strength of the profile, interview performance, and GMAT score.
• Scholarship Amount
  Recipients can receive up to 50% of tuition fees, with the awarded amount deducted from the final instalment. In the case of a Double Degree, the scholarship is calculated on a prorated basis.
• Additional Benefits
  Awardees may still apply for other HEC Paris scholarships if eligible. However, the combined funding from the HEC Excellence, Forté Foundation, ARD, and Paris Saclay Scholarships cannot exceed 50% of tuition fees.
• Application Process and Decision Date
  There is no separate application required. Candidates are automatically considered once admitted to the MBA program. The final decision is announced within one week of admission.

2. Forté Foundation Scholarship for Women Candidates

The Forté Foundation Scholarship for Women Candidates at HEC Paris MBA supports outstanding female applicants who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to empowering women in business. This award reflects HEC Paris’s dedication to creating equal opportunities and advancing women’s leadership in management and entrepreneurship.

• Eligibility
  Only admitted MBA candidates are considered for this scholarship. Applicants must show strong academic and professional merit, with demonstrated leadership in academics, teamwork, creativity, or community involvement. Candidates already sponsored by their company or government for more than 50% of tuition fees are not eligible.
• Selection Criteria
  Recipients are selected based on overall application strength, leadership achievements, and demonstrated commitment to supporting women through mentorship, advocacy, or community engagement.
• Scholarship Amount
  Awardees can receive up to EUR 26,000. For Double Degree programs, the scholarship is calculated on a prorated basis.
• Additional Benefits
  Recipients may apply for additional scholarships if eligible. However, the combined funding from the HEC Excellence, Forté Foundation, ARD, and Paris Saclay Scholarships cannot exceed 50% of tuition fees.
• Application Process and Decision Date
  No separate application is required. Candidates are automatically considered upon admission, and the scholarship decision is communicated within one week of acceptance into the MBA program.

3. HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Diversity

The HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Diversity is designed to build a truly inclusive and multicultural learning environment. It recognises candidates who bring unique perspectives through their cultural, academic, or professional backgrounds, enriching the overall classroom experience. By promoting diversity, HEC Paris ensures that students benefit from a global exchange of ideas and values throughout their MBA journey.

• Eligibility
  All admitted MBA candidates are automatically considered for this scholarship. Applicants sponsored by their company or government for more than 50% of tuition fees are not eligible.
• Selection Criteria
  The Scholarship Jury evaluates candidates based on professional and academic excellence. Applicants must also demonstrate the distinctive value their individual profile contributes to the cohort, as explained in the final essay of their MBA application.
• Scholarship Amount
  Recipients may be awarded up to 50% of tuition fees. The awarded amount is deducted from the final installment. For Double Degree programs, the scholarship is calculated on a prorated basis.
• Additional Benefits
  Awardees remain eligible to apply for other HEC Paris scholarships if qualified. However, the combined total of HEC Excellence, Forté Foundation, ARD, and Paris Saclay Scholarships cannot exceed 50% of tuition fees.
• Application Process and Decision Date
  No separate application is required. Candidates are automatically considered upon admission. Results are announced within one week of admission to the program.

4. 30% Club Scholarship

The 30% Club Scholarship at HEC Paris is dedicated to supporting high-potential women with leadership aspirations in business. This initiative reflects the school’s strong commitment to gender diversity and empowering future female leaders. Awarded to exceptional female candidates, the scholarship provides significant financial support, enabling them to pursue an MBA while developing the skills and confidence to shape global business leadership.

• Eligibility
  All admitted female MBA candidates are automatically considered for this scholarship.
• Selection Criteria
  The scholarship is awarded to women who demonstrate high leadership potential, strong academic and professional achievements, and the ability to contribute to gender diversity in the business world.
• Scholarship Amount
  The scholarship covers up to 50% of tuition fees for the first year of studies.
• Additional Benefits
  This scholarship strengthens the representation of women in leadership and may be combined with other HEC Paris scholarships, subject to the overall funding cap of 50% of tuition fees.
• Application Process and Decision Date
  No separate application is required. Eligible candidates are automatically considered upon admission. Results are announced within one week of admission to the program.

5. ARD/HEC Paris Scholarship

The ARD/HEC Paris Scholarship is offered in collaboration with the Agence de Reconversion de la Défense (ARD), also known as Défense Mobilité, to support the career transition of officers from all branches of the French armed forces. This scholarship is designed to ease their transition into the business world while pursuing an MBA at HEC Paris.

• Eligibility
  The scholarship is open to officers from the French armed forces who have completed the required transition procedures with ARD and have been admitted into the HEC Paris MBA program.
• Selection Criteria
  Candidates must demonstrate successful completion of ARD procedures, along with meeting the HEC Paris MBA admission requirements.
• Scholarship Amount
  Recipients are awarded EUR 16,000. For Double Degree programs, the scholarship amount is calculated on a prorated basis.
• Additional Benefits
  ARD/HEC Paris scholarship can be combined with other HEC Paris scholarships. However, the total funding from HEC Excellence, Forté Foundation, ARD, and Paris Saclay Scholarships cannot exceed 50% of tuition fees.
• Application Process and Decision Date
  No separate application is required. Candidates are automatically considered once admitted and validated by ARD. The decision is announced within one week after admission.

6. Laidlaw Scholars Program

The Laidlaw Scholars Program at HEC Paris MBA is a prestigious award dedicated to supporting exceptional women who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, strong character, and financial need. This scholarship is designed to increase the representation of women in business leadership and foster inclusive, global environments.

• Eligibility
  The scholarship is open to admitted women candidates who show academic and professional excellence, career progression, international exposure, and clear leadership objectives. Candidates must also demonstrate financial need.
• Selection Criteria
  Applicants are evaluated on leadership potential, career vision, character, competence, and their ability to contribute to the development of future leaders. Submitted essays and a financial need form are required for consideration.
• Scholarship Amount
  Scholarships are granted with an amount up to 10 full tuition awards (100%) granted per class. Recipients must pay a EUR 5,000 enrollment deposit (reimbursed upon program start). Living expenses (~EUR 25,000 for 16 months) are not covered. The scholarship is not valid for Double or Joint Degree programs.
• Additional Benefits
  Laidlaw Scholars join a global network of women leaders and gain mentorship opportunities. This scholarship cannot be combined with other HEC Paris scholarships. Any previously awarded HEC scholarship becomes void if the Laidlaw award is granted.
• Application Process and Decision Date
  Candidates must submit two essays (200 words each) as part of the MBA application:
  • What does becoming a Laidlaw Scholar mean to you?
  • How will you contribute to developing a new generation of leaders?

Further, for the Laidlaw Scholars Program, a financial need form must also be submitted. Decisions on the scholarship are generally announced within one week after admission.

Also Read: List of Scholarships for Master’s in Agriculture in the USA

HEC Paris MBA External Scholarship for Excellence

The HEC Paris MBA External Scholarship for Excellence supports outstanding international candidates with strong academics. It recognises leadership potential and professional achievements. The scholarship provides financial aid to pursue the MBA while fostering global excellence.

1. CMA CGM Excellence Fund for Lebanon

The CMA CGM Excellence Fund for Lebanon is a joint initiative by the CMA CGM Group and the HEC Foundation. It supports talented Lebanese students who face financial barriers in pursuing an international MBA at HEC Paris. The scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also recognises academic merit, leadership potential, and career aspirations.

Category	Information
Eligibility	Lebanese nationals residing in Lebanon who completed their most recent degree in Lebanon. Dual French/Lebanese nationals are not eligible.
Selection Criteria	Academic excellence, leadership potential, financial need, and commitment to career development.
Scholarship Amount	Covers up to 50% of tuition and living expenses, averaging EUR 25,000.
Additional Benefits	Can be combined with HEC Paris Excellence and Diversity Scholarships. Reduces financial burden while offering global exposure.
Application Process	Candidates must first apply to the MBA program and submit an essay on eligibility and motivation, along with financial documentation.
Decision & Payment	Granted as a one-time payment at the start of the MBA program.

2. L’Oréal Scholarship

The L’Oréal Scholarship at HEC Paris MBA recognises candidates with strong leadership potential, creativity, and the ability to drive innovation. Established by L’Oréal, a global leader in beauty and research since 1909, the award reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting diversity, and supporting sustainable business practices.

Category	Information
Eligibility	Exclusively for admitted MBA candidates with proven professional achievements, leadership capacity, and the ability to foster collaboration and innovation.
Selection Criteria	Offers financial support while recognising candidates whose leadership aligns with L’Oréal’s mission of innovation and global impact.
Scholarship Amount	€10,000 (one award per intake).
Additional Benefits	Offers financial support while recognizing candidates whose leadership aligns with L’Oréal’s mission of innovation and global impact.
Application Process	Submit the L’Oréal essay alongside the MBA application.
Decision & Payment	Results announced in line with intakes — January intake (January), September intake (September).

3. Paris Saclay Innovation Cluster Scholarship

The Paris Saclay Innovation Cluster Scholarship at HEC Paris MBA highlights the school’s connection with the globally recognised Paris Saclay campus, ranked among the top eight innovation clusters worldwide by MIT Technology Review. By uniting universities, engineering schools, research centres, and leading industries in areas such as aerospace, defence, and energy, this scholarship supports candidates who are part of this thriving ecosystem.

Category	Information
Eligibility	Open to admitted candidates who are alumni of Paris Saclay universities or Grandes Écoles, or employees physically working on the ‘plateau de Saclay.’ Candidates sponsored for more than 50% of tuition fees by a company or government are not eligible.
Selection Criteria	Automatic consideration based on academic or professional ties to the Paris Saclay ecosystem.
Scholarship Amount	Up to €16,000; prorated for Double Degrees.
Additional Benefits	Strengthens connections with Paris Saclay’s innovation ecosystem and may be combined with other HEC Paris scholarships, provided total funding does not exceed 50% of tuition fees.
Application Process	No separate application is required; eligible candidates are automatically considered.

4. Serge Bellanger French-American Business Student Scholarship

The Serge Bellanger French-American Business Student Scholarship, established by the French-American Chamber of Commerce Foundation (New York), supports French and American nationals pursuing MBA studies across the Atlantic. With the aim of strengthening ties between France and the United States, this award encourages future leaders to advance careers in international business while gaining exposure to global education.

Category	Information
Eligibility	Open to American nationals admitted to MBA programs in France and French nationals admitted to MBA programs in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate career goals in international business. Applications may be submitted while awaiting admission, but awards are granted only to accepted candidates.
Selection Criteria	Based on academic excellence, leadership potential, professional vision, and motivation for international business. Merit-focused with financial need also considered.
Scholarship Amount	Up to 10 awards annually, each valued at $10,000.
Application Requirements	Complete application packet including: form, official transcripts, GMAT scores, budget form, personal essay (2–4 pages), CV/resume, and two signed reference letters. Optional supplemental materials may also be included.
Application Process	Packets must be submitted to the French-American Chamber of Commerce Foundation (New York).
Decision & Deadline	Deadlines and decision details are published on the FACC website.

Funding Resources from India for HEC Paris MBA

Apart from HEC Paris institutional scholarships, Indian students can also explore country-specific funding resources. These scholarships, fellowships, and education loans help students manage tuition fees and living expenses while pursuing an MBA at HEC Paris. The opportunities include government schemes, private endowments, educational trusts, and bank loan programs.

Please note that HEC Paris does not guarantee, co-sign, or endorse these external programs. Students are encouraged to research the eligibility requirements and deadlines before applying.

Resource of Funding for HEC Paris MBS	Type	Provider
B.D. Bangur Endowment Educational Scholarships	Scholarship	Private Endowment
Bank of Baroda Education Loan	Educational Loan	Bank of Baroda
Canara Bank Educational Loan Scheme	Educational Loan	Canara Bank
Credila Student Loan Program (via GEMS)	Loan	HDFC Credila
French Embassy in India	Scholarship / Fellowship	French Government
Ministry of Welfare – Government of India	Scholarship	Government of India
Gyandhan	Student Loan Platform	Private
ICICI Bank Education Loan	Loan	ICICI Bank
J.N. Tata Endowment	Loan Scholarship	Tata Trust
JN Tata Scholarship	Scholarship	Tata Trust
K.C. Mahindra Education Trust	Loan Scholarship	Mahindra Group
KC Mahindra Scholarship	Scholarship	Mahindra Group
Mariwala Trust	Scholarship	Private Trust
National Overseas Scholarship	Scholarship	Government of India
R.D. Sethna Scholarship Fund	Loan Scholarship	Private Endowment
Sahu Jain Trust	Scholarship	Private Trust
State Bank of India Education Loan	Loan	SBI
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Program	Loan Scholarship	Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in South Korea for International Students

Steps to Apply for HEC Paris MBA Scholarships

Applicants should carefully follow these steps to ensure eligibility and avoid disqualification for HEC Paris MBA scholarships.

• Apply to the HEC Paris MBA program to be considered for any scholarships.
• Submit the Forte or L’Oréal scholarship essay along with your MBA application.
• Ensure your application includes accurate essays, GMAT score, background details, and interviews.
• Meet all MBA application deadlines, as scholarship consideration follows the same schedule.
• Use the final essay section to provide additional information for Excellence and Diversity Scholarships.
• Contact the regional Marketing and Recruitment Manager to confirm potential scholarship eligibility.
• Scholarship awards are communicated with the final admission decision and applied to tuition fees.

HEC Paris MBA Scholarships offer valuable support to deserving candidates, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals. By recognising merit, diversity, and leadership potential, these scholarships empower students to excel and make a global impact.

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