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For consulting MBAs in France, three names stand out — INSEAD, HEC Paris, and ESSEC.
INSEAD is the top global option. Over 50% of grads go into consulting, and firms like McKinsey and Bain hire in large numbers across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. If you're open to international roles, it's the most powerful launchpad — though the cost is high.
HEC Paris is ideal if you're focused on working in France. BCG, Bain, and McKinsey all run recruiting events there, and many HEC grads land offers in their Paris or Brussels offices. One recent HEC alum I came across joined BCG Paris as an Associate right after graduation.
ESSEC is more budget-friendly and still gets students into firms like Roland Berger, Kearney, and Deloitte. MBB is possible but less frequent. Salaries typically range from €90K–€110K at top firms, and slightly lower for Tier 2.
If MBB is the goal, INSEAD and HEC are your best bets. ESSEC is great if ROI and staying in France are the priorities.
For more details you can read this blog on "Best MBA for Consulting in Europe"
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If the target is consulting jobs after an MBA in France, a few schools really stand out.
• INSEAD is the top choice, with nearly half the class going into consulting. MBB firms recruit in big numbers, and salaries hit €110K+ in Europe.
• HEC Paris follows closely, placing about 40% into consulting, mostly with MBB and top European consultancies.
• ESSEC Global MBA places candidates into consulting, though fewer into MBB — firms like Roland Berger, Simon-Kucher, and Oliver Wyman often recruit here.
• ESCP offers consulting exposure but mostly through smaller firms and regional players, including companies like BearingPoint and Advancy.
• Location helps too — being based in Paris gives better access to European consulting offices and networking events.
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For consulting-focused MBAs in France, INSEAD is clearly at the top. Around 50% of its class goes into consulting, with many landing offers from McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. Starting salaries for consulting roles at INSEAD usually range from €110K to €120K in Europe, with some variation depending on office location.
HEC Paris is another strong option. Around 40% of HEC’s MBA grads enter consulting, and MBB firms recruit heavily on campus. Average salaries for consulting roles typically sit around €100K–€110K.
ESSEC’s Global MBA is also building a solid consulting pipeline, though the volume of MBB placements is smaller compared to INSEAD and HEC. ESCP’s MBA in International Management sees some consulting placements too, but mostly in boutique firms or second-tier consulting companies.
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If you're looking at France specifically for consulting, HEC Paris is the clear frontrunner. It’s a major target school for McKinsey, BCG, and Bain — all three firms recruit heavily from campus. The consulting club is very active, and alumni are well-placed across MBB offices in Paris, London, and Dubai. A lot of students land interviews straight out of case competitions or coffee chats with firm reps.
ESSEC is also a good option. While it doesn’t match HEC in MBB numbers, it has solid links with Roland Berger, EY-Parthenon, and Accenture. The case prep culture is strong, and being close to Paris helps with attending events and networking sessions.
INSEAD, although more global, is technically in France and sends the highest percentage of students into consulting — but it’s also the most expensive. For post-MBA roles, expect starting salaries around €95K–€110K at MBB firms, with slightly lower ranges at Tier 2 consultancies.