Financial Literacy Financial Literacy
The aim of this dynamic crash course, taught in English, is to bridge the gap between financial theory and practical application, making finance accessible, engaging, and directly relevant to students' lives. The program also exists in French
YOUTH PROGRAM 15 - 18 YRS
In today’s world, financial literacy isn’t just a skill, it’s a necessity. Yet many young people step into adulthood without a solid understanding of managing money, making investments, or navigating the markets that shape our global economy. This 3-day crash course aims to close that gap, equipping students with essential financial knowledge through hands-on activities, real-world case studies, and immersive experiences.
From budgeting and compound interest to portfolio building and company valuation, students will gain insights that could shape their financial futures. By the end of the course, they’ll be ready to make informed decisions, like what to do with €10,000. Would you keep it in a bank, buy shares in a booming tech startup, or invest in a Parisian apartment?
The 2026 English edition of the Financial Literacy program will be held 6 - 8 July on the HEC Paris campus. We will also be holding an edition in French in 2026. Please check the FR page for details.
The program consists of 18 hours of instruction spread over 3 days of in-person classes.
SCHEDULE
- Day 1: 8.30am - 5pm
- Day 2: 9.30am - 5pm
- Day 3: 9.30am - 6pm
Students who participate fully in this 3-day program will earn an HEC Paris Certificate of Participation. Any feedback will be given uniquely during the program.
Our Youth Programs are all non-residential. Participants will need to organize their own transport to and from the campus and their accommodation if needed. Please note that French hotels require guests under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult.
To make it easier to reach campus, we recommend staying at hotels near Versailles rather than in Paris.
Applications for the Summer 2026 edition are now OPEN and places will be filled on a rolling basis according to motivation.
Successful completion of this three-day program will enable participants to:
- Understand core financial concepts like budgeting, saving, and compound interest
- Learn the fundamentals of investing, risk management, and portfolio building
- Explore different types of investment and asset classes (stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate, cryptocurrencies, etc.)
- Analyze companies using financial statements and valuation metrics
- Gain insights into market cycles, crises, and behavioral biases that influence financial decisions
- Experience learning with HEC Paris, a world-leading business school
- Expand your network through peer connections
- Enhance and learn life skills that are applicable immediately
The program is designed for motivated 15 to 18-year-old students with a level C1 proficiency or above in English who are seeking to explore core financial concepts and gain insights that will shape their financial futures.
For non-native speakers, demonstration of proficiency in English is required for attendance. Please submit a recognized English language proficiency test score report (TOEFL or TOEIC or IELTS or Cambridge or Duolingo English Test) or a letter of recommendation from your English teacher, indicating your CEFR level overall and specifically in Speaking and Listening.
Programs are filled on a rolling basis for eligible candidates according to motivation.
Please note that this is a non-residential program and participants are responsible for organizing their own transport and accommodation.
