France's grandes écoles of business and engineering recruit mainly after a prépa, but several have opened three- or four-year bachelors open straight after the baccalauréat, often in English and in partnership with another institution. Two pair a grande école with a leading partner: the double programme of HEC Paris and Bocconi University, and the joint bachelor of ESSEC and CentraleSupélec. Their admission resembles neither standard Parcoursup nor a competitive exam.
The HEC-Bocconi Bachelor: the programme
HEC Paris and Bocconi launched a three-year double programme in September 2024: three semesters in Milan, then three semesters at HEC, in Jouy-en-Josas. Students earn two degrees, a Bachelor of Science in International Politics and Government from Bocconi and a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Data, Society and Organisations from HEC.
Applications go through Bocconi's platform, not Parcoursup. Selection looks at academic excellence, an SAT or ACT score or the Bocconi online test, motivation, a CV, a cover letter and English proficiency.
The HEC-Bocconi Bachelor: fees
Students pay the fees of the institution where they are in residence. For 2026-2027 entry, Bocconi publishes €23,000 for the first year, €25,750 for the second and €26,500 for the third, amounts subject to annual revision. Bocconi's financial aid only covers the share owed to Bocconi.
The ESSEC-CentraleSupélec Bachelor: programme and admission
The BSc in Artificial Intelligence, Data and Management Sciences lasts four years, between the CentraleSupélec campus at Paris-Saclay and the ESSEC campus at Cergy, with a semester abroad in the third year. A student in the French system can apply through Parcoursup; others use the schools' own platform, in several rounds, the first of which for 2027 entry opens at the end of October 2026.
Through Parcoursup, selection takes three steps: file review, then a 90-minute online maths test and an English assessment for shortlisted applicants, then a 25-minute online motivational interview in French with two interviewers. Results come out in June.
Published fees. HEC-Bocconi: €23,000, €25,750 and €26,500 depending on the year, for 2026-2027 entry (Bocconi). ESSEC-CentraleSupélec: €19,700 a year for an EU student and €23,000 outside the EU, 2025-2026 fees published by CentraleSupélec; the following year's fees should be checked with the schools.
What these bachelors ask of a student from a French lycée
Both programmes include a quantitative test. The ESSEC-CentraleSupélec online test and the SAT or Bocconi test require a good level in specialist maths, and speed. They also require strong English, a cover letter and an interview, pieces the French lycée prepares little. Compared with a prépa, they cost far more, but avoid two years of competitive exams and offer an international experience from the first degree.
We help families compare these bachelors with prépas, double degrees and foreign universities, and prepare the applications at Carmine. For the maths tests, I prepare students in private lessons. See also Getting into Bocconi from a French lycée and SAT Math from a French lycée.