Which is better, HEC or LBS for MBA?

Question

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

If the goal is to work in London or explore jobs across different sectors, LBS usually comes out ahead. HEC is better if someone is looking for an MBA with strong industry ties in continental Europe, especially in sectors like luxury or energy.

Factor    
HEC Paris MBA    
London Business School MBA

Duration    
16 months    
15&ndash;21 months (flexible format)

Location    
Near Paris (Jouy-en-Josas)   
Central London

Recruitment
Strong in EU (France, Germany, etc.)
 Strong in UK,

Cost    
 Lower tuition and living expenses
Higher tuition; London is costlier

Career Focus    
Consulting, luxury, energy in Europe
Consulting, finance, tech in the UK

Class Profile    
More regional diversity
Broader industry and global diversity

Networking    
 Focused alumni support in Europe

Larger student clubs and event exposure

For someone focused on international mobility and a more flexible MBA experience, LBS has the edge. For those who are more interested in the European job market and want a value-for-money program, HEC is a solid pick.

T Mehta · Answer

HEC is a great option if the goal is to work in Europe, especially France or Germany. The MBA is 16 months long, which gives enough time for internships, electives, and building networks. It&rsquo;s known for a strong presence in luxury, energy, and consulting. A lot of companies in continental Europe actively recruit from HEC, and the alumni are pretty involved during the job search.
LBS is more international in terms of job placements and offers better access to roles in London across finance, consulting, and tech. The location plays a big role since most big firms have offices nearby. The class profile at LBS also tends to be a bit more diverse in terms of industry backgrounds. If the plan is to stay in the UK after graduation, the two-year post-study work visa makes that path easier.
HEC has lower tuition fees compared to LBS, and living costs outside Paris are slightly more affordable than London. But LBS generally sees higher average salaries post-MBA. It comes down to whether someone prefers a more global recruiting base like LBS or a strong EU-centered network like HEC.
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