Admissions

Your Application 

You must select one specialization from our eight available areas, described here. If you are interested in two specializations, you may indicate a second choice, which will be considered independently of your first choice.  

Sought After Profiles

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with an excellent academic record.
• Fluent in English.
• Strong motivation to conduct academic research and aim for an international academic career.
• Prior research or industry experience is not required but can be an asset, depending on the specialization.

Timeline

Preparing a strong PhD application takes time. You will need to complete the online application, write a compelling statement of purpose, and contact two referees early. Preparing for the GMAT or GRE may also require additional time.

To give applicants the best opportunity to submit a complete and competitive application, we offer two admissions rounds. There is no advantage to applying in Round 1 or Round 2—both are considered equally.

Round I

• Application opens: July 1, 2025
• Preferred deadline: December 18, 2025
• Final deadline: January 2, 2026

Round II

• Application opens: January 9, 2026
• Deadline: April 20, 2026

Interviews & decisions

Application packages are reviewed by the faculty of the department to which you are applying. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with faculty members. Interview decisions will be communicated 3–4 weeks after the application deadline.

Admissions and waitlist decisions are communicated 1–2 weeks after the interviews.

Application requirements

• Personal statement – A specific research topic is not required at this stage.
   
• Two recommendation letters
   
• Optional: Writing sample / research material that may support your application such as master thesis or research paper.
   
• CV
   
• Management test (GMAT or GRE).
  Exemption 1: Not required for the Law and Regulation specialization.
  Exemption 2: Applicants currently enrolled in a pre-experience program at HEC Paris or IP Paris may request a GMAT/GRE exemption. To apply, submit your CV and grade transcripts to doctorat@hec.fr at least 4 weeks before the application deadline. The exemption is subject to approval by the PhD Program based on academic excellence
   
• English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge)
  Exemption 1: Native English speakers.
  Exemption 2: Applicants who have completed at least two years of university studies in English may request an exemption. To apply, submit your CV and proof of English-taught studies (certificate, transcript, etc.) to doctorat@hec.fr.
   
• Official academic transcripts – All transcripts from higher education institutions (Bachelor and Master, if applicable). 
   
• Degree certificate(s) or current enrollment certificate
   
• Specific to the 3-Year Track in Law and Regulation: Master’s degree in Law required. A short proposal (max. 3 pages) outlining the envisaged PhD project or research area is required.
   
• Non-refundable application fee – €60

Please use the below HEC Paris codes to order your score report(s):
GMAT: 0TL-6C-99
GRE: 0795
TOEFL: 3306

FAQ