News
How to get into SKEMA Business School: admissions guide for international students
Whether you are completing high school, already studying at a university or looking for a specialized graduate degree, SKEMA offers different admission routes based on your academic background and the program you choose.
With more than 11,000 students representing over 130 nationalities, SKEMA brings together an international community across campuses in France and around the world. SKEMA holds AACSB, EQUIS and EFMD Accredited EMBA accreditations and connects its students to a global alumni network of more than 66,000 graduates.
For international applicants, understanding the French higher education system and its different entry levels can sometimes be challenging. This guide makes the process clearer.
Discover how to get into SKEMA Business School, which programs you can apply to based on your current level of education, what admission requirements to expect and how to prepare your application.
How does admission to SKEMA Business School work?
Your route to SKEMA depends mainly on your current level of education, your academic background and the program you want to join. International students can apply at different stages of their studies:
- after high school for undergraduate programs
- after one or more years of higher education for selected undergraduate programs
- after at least two or three years of higher education for the Master in Management, depending on the admission route
- after three or four years of higher education for a Master of Science (MSc)
- after graduate-level studies for a Mastère Spécialisé®.
Most international applications are submitted directly through MySKEMApply, SKEMA's online application platform.
Some admission routes are specific to students following the French education system. These include Parcoursup, the SESAME entrance examination, the BCE examination and the AST admission process.
How to apply to SKEMA after high school
International students can join SKEMA directly after completing secondary education. Several undergraduate programs are available, depending on your interests, academic profile and career plans.
-
The Global BBA is a four-year international management program taught in English.
It is designed for students who want to explore business in an international environment from the beginning of their undergraduate studies. Depending on their academic choices, students can study across different SKEMA campuses and build an international academic experience.
Students following the French education system mainly apply through Parcoursup and the SESAME entrance examination. International applicants can apply through the appropriate international admission route.
The Global BBA leads to the Diplôme Bachelor en Sciences du Management – Diplôme d'Études Supérieures en Management International des Entreprises. The degree is officially recognized by the French Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research, carries the French grade de licence and is registered at RNCP Level 6.
-
ESDHEM combines university studies with preparation for competitive admission to leading French business schools. Students follow a university degree in Economics and Management or Private Law while preparing for business school entrance examinations.
The program lasts two to three years. It creates a bridge between university studies and further education in a French Grande École, including SKEMA's Master in Management.
The university degree is awarded by one of SKEMA's academic partners: Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale or Université Côte d'Azur.
Applicants following the French education system apply through Parcoursup.
-
The Bachelor in Management and Engineering Sciences brings together management, engineering sciences and technology in partnership with ITEEM – Centrale Lille Institut.
It is designed for students with a strong interest in science and technology who also want to understand how organizations, innovation and business work.
Students following the French education system apply through Parcoursup.
The program leads to a bachelor's degree officially recognized by the French Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research. It carries the French grade de licence and is registered at RNCP Level 6.
Can you join SKEMA after starting university?
Yes. Starting your studies at another university does not necessarily mean starting again from the beginning. Depending on your academic level and the program you choose, you may be able to join SKEMA after one, two or three years of higher education.
Joining the Global BBA or ESDHEM after one or two years of higher education
The Global BBA and ESDHEM accept applications at different stages of the curriculum for eligible candidates. Applications are submitted directly through MySKEMApply.
Your application includes your academic record, transcripts, résumé and motivation. An official English proficiency score is also required for the Global BBA and for the third-year ESDHEM apprenticeship track.
The third-year ESDHEM apprenticeship track combines academic study with professional experience in a company. Applicants therefore need to secure an apprenticeship contract alongside their admission process.
How to apply to SKEMA's Master in Management
SKEMA's Master in Management, also known in France as the Programme Grande École or PGE, offers several admission routes. The right route depends on where you studied and how many years of higher education you have completed.
International admission to the Master in Management
If you hold an international degree and have completed at least two years of higher education outside France, you may apply through SKEMA's international admission process.
Depending on your academic level, successful applicants can join the program at the undergraduate or graduate stage of the curriculum.
Your academic performance, previous experiences, English proficiency, motivation and career plans all contribute to the assessment of your application.
Admission after two or three years of higher education in the French system
Students with qualifications from the French higher education system can apply through admissions sur titre, known as AST admissions.
There are two main routes:
- AST 1 – after two years of higher education
Successful applicants join the third undergraduate year of the Master in Management curriculum and begin a three-year path leading to the master's degree.
- AST 2 – after three years of higher education
Successful applicants enter the first graduate year of the program and follow a two-year path toward the master's degree.
Admission includes an initial assessment of the application, followed by oral examinations for shortlisted candidates.
Academic results matter. So do your experiences, your English proficiency and the consistency between your background, your ambitions and the program.
Admission after a French preparatory class
Students completing a French classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles can join the Master in Management through the BCE entrance examination. The selection process includes written and oral examinations.
In 2026, 8,301 candidates registered for the BCE examination to apply to SKEMA, up 1.8% from 8,155 in 2025. This admission route mainly concerns students following the French preparatory-class system.
What degree does the Master in Management lead to?
SKEMA's Master in Management leads to the SKEMA Business School Grande École degree, officially recognized by the French Ministry and carrying the French grade de master. The qualification corresponds to RNCP Level 7.
Enroll at SKEMA to pursue a master's degree
-
If you want to develop expertise in a specific field of business, a Master of Science (MSc) offers another route into SKEMA. SKEMA's MSc programs are specialized degrees taught entirely in English.
Depending on your previous studies, you can follow the program over one or two years. SKEMA offers MSc programs across fields including:
- Finance
- Marketing
- Business, Strategy and Management
- Data and Artificial Intelligence
- Supply Chain
The duration of your MSc depends on your previous academic background:
- Students with three years of higher education can apply for a Two-Year MSc.
- Students with four years of higher education can apply for a One-Year MSc.
Applications are assessed based on your academic background and profile, followed by an interview.
-
Because SKEMA's MSc programs are taught in English, applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency. Accepted minimum scores include:
- TOEIC: 810
- TOEFL iBT: 71
- TOEFL ITP: 530
- IELTS: 6
- Duolingo English Test: 105
- Cambridge English Qualification: 165
- ICIMS: 61, upon request
Students completing an MSc receive the Master of Science degree and the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Management International (DESMI).
The DESMI is recognized by the French Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research, carries the French grade de master and is registered at RNCP Level 7 under RNCP No. 41056.
-
The Mastère Spécialisé® is designed for candidates who already have an advanced academic background and want to develop specialized professional expertise.
It is generally open to students with five years of higher education, or four years combined with relevant professional experience.
The Mastère Spécialisé® label is accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE). Students also receive the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Management International (DESMI), recognized at master's level by the French Ministry and registered at RNCP Level 7.
The RNCP certification completion rate reached 95% in 2026.
How can international students apply to SKEMA?
International students are part of SKEMA's everyday academic experience. Our community brings together students from more than 130 nationalities, creating opportunities to meet different cultures, perspectives and ways of thinking from the moment you arrive.
SKEMA has campuses in:
- Lille, Grand Paris and Sophia Antipolis, France
- Raleigh, United States
- Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Suzhou and Nanjing, China
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
International applicants can apply directly through MySKEMApply for eligible programs.
SKEMA's multi-campus model also gives students opportunities to move between academic environments during their studies.
Some programs can be started directly outside France. These include the Global BBA on the Belo Horizonte, Raleigh and Dubai campuses, as well as selected Master of Science programs, depending on the specialization.
What are SKEMA's admission requirements?
There is no single set of SKEMA admission requirements for every program. Requirements vary according to your academic level and the degree you want to join.
However, the admissions process generally considers:
- your previous degree and field of study
- your academic performance
- your English proficiency, when required
- your motivation
- your career plans
- your interview performance
- your academic, professional and extracurricular experiences
Internships, apprenticeships, student involvement and other experiences can strengthen your application when they help explain your trajectory and your goals.
The interview is an important part of the selection process for programs that include one. It is your opportunity to connect your past experiences with the direction you want to take next.
What documents do you need to apply to SKEMA?
Requirements vary by program, so always check the specific admissions page before submitting your application.
Depending on your profile, your application may include:
- transcripts from the previous two or three academic years
- official translations of academic documents when required
- proof of current enrollment or your latest degree
- high school diploma or equivalent qualification
- required English proficiency test scores
- a management aptitude test score, when required
- an updated résumé/CV
- a motivation letter connected to your chosen program and campus
- letters of recommendation
- a copy of your passport or identity document
- the completed SKEMA application form
- information about extracurricular activities
- additional supporting documents when relevant to your situation
Preparing these documents early makes the application process easier, particularly if official translations or language tests are required.
How to apply to SKEMA: step by step
The exact process varies by program, but most international applications follow the same general path.
1. Choose your program
Start with your current academic level and your goals.
An undergraduate program, Master in Management and specialized MSc do not lead to the same academic experience. Explore the curriculum, campuses, international opportunities and career perspectives before making your choice.
2. Check the admission requirements
Review the academic requirements for your chosen program.
Check whether you need a specific degree, number of completed years of higher education, English proficiency score or other admission test.
3. Prepare your application
Gather your transcripts, degrees, résumé, identification documents and required test results.
Use your motivation letter to explain the connections between your experience, your interests and the program you want to join.
4. Submit your application
International candidates can submit applications for eligible programs through MySKEMApply.
Candidates studying in the French education system may follow another procedure depending on the program, including Parcoursup, SESAME, BCE or AST admissions.
5. Complete the selection process
Depending on the program, shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview or additional admission tests.
Prepare to discuss your academic journey, experiences, motivations and the direction you want to explore at SKEMA.
6. Receive your admission decision
Once the selection process is complete, you receive the outcome of your application.
If admitted, you can move on to the enrollment process and prepare for the next stage of your studies at SKEMA.
Which SKEMA program can you apply to based on your academic level?
The French and international education systems do not always use the same degree structure. The table below gives international candidates a clearer overview of the main admission routes.
| Your current academic level | Main application route | SKEMA programs |
| High school / secondary school diploma | International application / MySKEMApply or French admission procedure when applicable | Global BBA, ESDHEM, Bachelor in Technology, AI & Sustainable Business |
| 1–2 years of higher education | Direct application / transfer admission depending on program | Selected entry points in Global BBA and ESDHEM |
| At least 2 years of higher education | International admission process or AST 1 for eligible French-system applicants | Master in Management |
| 3 years of higher education / bachelor's-level studies | International admission / AST 2 when applicable / MySKEMApply | Master in Management, Two-Year MSc |
| 4 years of higher education | Application through MySKEMApply | One-Year MSc |
| 5 years of higher education | Application through MySKEMApply | Mastère Spécialisé® |
Always check the requirements for your chosen program. Degree equivalencies and admission conditions may vary according to your academic background and country of study.
Q&A – How to get into SKEMA Business School
-
Yes. SKEMA welcomes students from around the world.
More than 130 nationalities are represented across its international community, with campuses in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and the Middle East.
International applicants can apply through the dedicated online admission process for eligible programs.
-
For most eligible programs, international candidates apply online through MySKEMApply.
The exact requirements depend on your program and academic level. You may need to provide academic transcripts, degree certificates, an English proficiency score, a résumé, a motivation letter and other supporting documents.
-
SKEMA uses a selective admissions process, but selectivity varies by program and admission route.
Admissions teams consider more than academic results alone. Depending on the program, your academic background, English proficiency, experiences, motivation, career plans and interview performance can all contribute to the decision.
A strong application shows consistency between what you have already done and what you want to explore next.
-
It depends on the program.
SKEMA offers programs taught entirely in English, including the Global BBA and Master of Science programs. Other programs or tracks may have different language requirements.
Check the language of instruction for your chosen program before applying.
-
English requirements depend on the program.
For SKEMA's Master of Science programs, accepted tests include TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English Qualification and ICIMS, subject to the required minimum scores.
Other programs have their own language requirements.
-
Some SKEMA undergraduate programs accept students who have already completed part of their higher education.
The Global BBA and ESDHEM, for example, offer entry points for eligible students joining the curriculum after previous university studies.
Your eligibility depends on your academic level, previous credits or qualifications and the program you choose.
-
Yes.Your options depend on the length and level of your bachelor's studies.
After three years of higher education, eligible students can apply to a Two-Year MSc or explore admission to the Master in Management.
After four years of higher education, eligible candidates can apply to a One-Year MSc.
-
Start with your current level of education.
After high school, explore undergraduate programs such as the Global BBA.
After three years of higher education, you may be eligible for the Master in Management or a Two-Year MSc, depending on your academic background.
After four years of higher education, explore SKEMA's One-Year MSc programs.
After advanced graduate studies, a Mastère Spécialisé® can help you develop deeper expertise in a specific professional field.
Your academic level determines which doors are open. Your interests, experiences and ambitions help you decide which one to take.
