How to optimize the financing of your EMBA or MBA

Committing to an EMBA or an MBA is a decisive step in any career - whether it’s about accelerating your professional progression, changing direction, or taking on greater responsibilities. But for many candidates living in France, one aspect often proves particularly challenging - navigating the complex and fast-changing landscape of financing options. With tuition fees of €102,000 for the MBA and €110,000 for the EMBA, these programs represent a major investment at a time marked by economic uncertainty, stricter eligibility criteria for certain financing schemes, and reduced visibility around public funding.
 

To help future participants better understand options such as the Compte Professionnel de Formation (CPF), Transitions Pro, France Travail support, and employer financing, we reached out to Sophie Broussillon, our financing expert for the MBA and EMBA programs at HEC Paris. She provides tailored guidance to help candidates build a solid, realistic financing plan that will enable them to access our world-class programs.
 

In terms of budget, how do the MBA and EMBA compare?

Both the EMBA and MBA represent significant investments, but their costs differ slightly - the MBA is priced at €102,000 and the EMBA at €110,000. This difference is largely due to the program format, duration, and the pedagogical approach which has been specifically designed for more experienced profiles in the EMBA. This level of investment can naturally be a barrier for some candidates, which is why optimizing the financing has become a key factor in making these programs more accessible.
 

What are the main external financing options available to candidates?

Candidates can capitalize on three categories of external funding - the CPF, Transitions Pro, and aid offered by France Travail. These financing options are often complemented by two additional levers - employer contribution and personal funding, which can reinforce or complete public aid.
 

Can you finance an EMBA or MBA with just the CPF? 

In most cases, no. CPF funds rarely cover 100% of the cost of an MBA or EMBA, as the accumulated entitlement generally amounts to only a few thousand euros (around €5,000 to €6,000 maximum). However, it does provide an excellent foundation that can be combined with other financing options, such as Transitions Pro, an Aide Individuelle à la Formation (offered by France Travail), or personal or employer funding.

How can candidates check their CPF balance? It’s very simple - just log on to the official website, www.moncompteformation.gouv.fr, or the mobile app of the same name. The balance is displayed in euros and updated automatically each year based on your professional activity.
 

Who is eligible for the Transitions Pro scheme?

Transitions Pro is aimed at employees on permanent or fixed-term contracts who wish to change careers or make a major professional transition. This scheme is particularly attractive because it can cover the full tuition cost and, in some cases, maintain part of the participant’s salary during the training.

To be eligible, candidates must submit a strong application demonstrating the coherence and feasibility of their professional project. The dossier must be submitted at least three months before the start of the EMBA or MBA program, so anticipating and planning ahead are essential.
 

What are the conditions for receiving France Travail funding?

France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi) primarily offers the Aide Individuelle à la Formation (AIF), aimed at jobseekers. This aid is often used to compensate for an insufficient CPF entitlement.

Approval depends on the candidate’s professional project, potential employment opportunities, and available budget of the agency. My role is to help candidates prepare a well-structured application with the right arguments to maximize their chances of success.
 

Can companies contribute to the financing?

Yes, absolutely. Some companies co-finance the program through a skills development plan or via an individual agreement with the employee.

In these cases, I advise participants on the best way to approach this discussion with their employer and provide them with all the necessary documents (program details, quote, schedule…), as well as focusing on how to clearly demonstrate the return on investment for the company.
 

Is it possible to combine several financing sources?

Yes - and this is often the key to making the project viable. For example, it’s possible to combine CPF funds with Transitions Pro, or CPF with aid from France Travail. I help MBA and EMBA candidates identify the most advantageous combination depending on their profile and employment status.

 
How long does it take to receive a decision on a financing request?

Timelines vary depending on the financing option. CPF validation, for example, is almost immediate once registration is complete. Transitions Pro, however, typically takes two to three months, as the review committee only meets on a periodic basis.

For France Travail funding, the average processing time is between three and six weeks. This is why I encourage candidates to start the process as soon as they have been admitted to an EMBA or MBA program, to ensure that everything is in place before the program begins.
 

What should candidates do if their financing request is refused?

A refusal is never the end of the road and there are always alternatives. Other solutions can be explored, such as paying by installments, personal co-financing, or partial employer contribution.

The goal is that no one abandons their project because of financial obstacles. There are always levers you can activate. 

Do financing schemes cover additional expenses such as travel or accommodation?

No, financing options like the CPF or Transitions Pro mainly cover tuition fees.

At what point in the admission process should you start applying for financial aid?

As early as possible! Ideally during the application stage or immediately after admission, as some financing schemes can take several weeks to process.

My advice is to avoid waiting to the last minute if you want to ensure that your financing is secured before the program begins. 

Do candidates receive support throughout the entire process?

Yes – and this is precisely my role. I provide personalized support to every candidate - profile analysis, financing strategy, application review, following up on the exchanges with the different financing organizations…

My goal is that each participant feels supported and reassured throughout the entire process.
 

Navigating the many financing options available in France can feel complex - even intimidating - when you want to embark on an MBA or EMBA. Eligibility, administrative timelines, possible combinations, and the specific requirements of each organization can make it difficult to know where to start. However, one truth remains - there is always a solution.

At HEC Paris, we firmly believe that financial constraints should never limit professional ambition. This is why we provide individualized guidance to help each candidate build a financing plan that is solid, coherent, and aligned with their goals. With this expertise, future participants move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Even if the financing journey is challenging, you are never alone. With the right support, every project finds its path - and at HEC Paris our goal is to turn this challenge into an opportunity.