Which is better, an HEC MBA or an LBS MBA?

Question

S Raghav · Accepted Answer

Both are strong MBAs, but the better option depends on career goals and location preference. LBS has a clear edge if someone wants to work in the UK or explore roles in global consulting, finance, or tech. It&rsquo;s based in London, so access to recruiters, internships, and events is seamless. Plus, the program is flexible &mdash; students can graduate in 15, 18, or 21 months, which gives time for internships or exchange programs.
HEC Paris is stronger for placements in France and continental Europe. If someone speaks French or wants to work in EU-based firms (luxury, energy, consulting), it offers great value. Tuition and living costs are lower than LBS, and France&rsquo;s two-year post-study work visa gives enough time to job hunt.
Both have excellent reputations, but LBS has more global recruiters on campus, while HEC offers better access to European companies and a tight-knit alumni network in France.

Prateeksha Manral · Answer

Choosing between HEC Paris and London Business School (LBS) is no small decision&mdash;it&rsquo;s like picking between two gems, each shining in its own way! Let&rsquo;s break it down in a way that&rsquo;ll make things clearer for you.
Program Length and Flexibility

HEC Paris MBA : If you&rsquo;re looking to get back into the workforce quickly, HEC&rsquo;s 16-month MBA is perfect. It&rsquo;s compact yet covers everything you need, with a mix of core courses and electives.
LBS MBA : More of a &ldquo;choose your own adventure&rdquo; vibe here! Their MBA can be 15, 18, or even 21 months, depending on whether you want to do internships, exchanges, or just take your time exploring opportunities.
LocationHEC Paris: Picture this&mdash;peaceful countryside vibes just outside Paris, but close enough to tap into all the business action of the city.
LBS: You&rsquo;ll be in London, smack in the middle of one of the world&rsquo;s biggest financial and business hubs. Internships, networking, and endless city life are right at your doorstep.

Who&rsquo;s in Your Classroom?

HEC Paris: Super international&mdash;93% of your classmates are from outside France. You&rsquo;ll get perspectives from around the world.
LBS: Equally diverse, with students from over 70 countries. It&rsquo;s like the United Nations of MBA programs, preparing you for a global career.

Career Goals and Alumni Power

HEC Paris: Known for its strength in consulting and finance, especially in Europe. Plus, their alumni network is huge, giving you connections across the continent.
LBS: If your dream is to break into finance, especially in London, LBS has a killer reputation and a powerful alumni network in the UK and beyond.

Costs vs. Rewards

HEC Paris: It&rsquo;s a bit more budget-friendly, with tuition around $70,400. Plus, graduates report great returns on investment.
LBS: Yes, it&rsquo;s pricier (London living comes at a cost), but the salaries post-MBA can make it worthwhile if you&rsquo;re aiming for top-tier roles.

Which One Should You Choose?
If you&rsquo;re dreaming of a shorter program and love the idea of a serene campus near Paris, go for HEC Paris. But if the buzz of London life, a flexible program length, and a strong finance focus excite you, LBS might be your perfect match.
Think about what matters most to you&mdash;speed, location, cost, or industry connections&mdash;and pick the one that aligns with your career goals. Either way, you&rsquo;re in for a world-class experience! 🚀

Aarushi S · Answer

Both HEC Paris and LBS offer top-tier MBAs &mdash; but which one&rsquo;s better depends on you.If you&rsquo;re looking for strong European exposure, lower tuition, and faster ROI, HEC Paris might be a better fit. It&rsquo;s a 16-month program, well known for its strength in consulting, luxury, and entrepreneurship. Plus, it&rsquo;s slightly more affordable compared to LBS.
On the other hand, LBS (London Business School) offers a flexible 15&ndash;21 month program, access to a global network, and strong connections in finance, tech, and consulting, especially in the UK. It&rsquo;s located in London &mdash; a major advantage if you want to work in the UK post-MBA.
So, it really comes down to your career goals, preferred industry, and location after graduation.
If your goal is UK-based roles or global mobility, LBS has the edge.If you want continental Europe, entrepreneurship, or shorter payback time, HEC might win.

Mansih K · Answer

It&rsquo;s really about what kind of post-MBA life someone wants.

LBS offers a more international class and better access to global recruiters. For those aiming at consulting with MBB or tech roles in London, LBS usually provides more direct pathways.
HEC is well-known for its strength in luxury, energy, and consulting in Europe, especially if someone is targeting companies with a French or EU presence.
LBS&rsquo;s London location makes networking and job interviews more accessible &mdash; students often attend events at firms or work part-time during their MBA.
HEC&rsquo;s campus is more secluded, but the program includes study trips and solid internship support.
Cost-wise, HEC is more affordable, and the ROI is strong, particularly for those planning to stay in Europe.

If staying in or near the UK is the plan, LBS wins. For those open to working across Europe &mdash; especially with French language skills &mdash; HEC is an excellent option.

V Ritik · Answer

hoosing between an HEC MBA and an LBS MBA depends mainly on your career goals and preferred location. HEC Paris offers a 16-month program, ideal for those seeking time to explore industries, secure internships, and build leadership skills. It&rsquo;s especially strong in luxury management, sustainability, and strategy, and has excellent ties with European firms like L&rsquo;Or&eacute;al, LVMH, and Schneider Electric.
LBS, on the other hand, runs a flexible 15&ndash;21 month MBA and has unmatched access to London&rsquo;s finance and consulting markets. Recruiters like McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and Amazon hire heavily from LBS each year. The alumni network is broader across the UK and Asia, while HEC&rsquo;s is particularly strong in continental Europe.
If your goal is to work in London or global consulting/finance, LBS is the better fit. For European leadership roles or corporate careers, HEC Paris offers great long-term value.