Joining a grande école business school after a bachelor?
Joining a Master in Management after a Bachelor: what you need to know
After completing a Bachelor, the majority of students choose to continue their studies in a Master in Management at a business school. This route leads to a state-recognised degree conferring master's degree status, and to access to positions with greater responsibility.
But before applying, one essential point must be checked: the Bachelor's state recognition (“visa”).
State recognition: an indispensable prerequisite
To join a grande école de management after a Bac+3, the Bachelor must be recognised by the State. This official label, awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education following an opinion from the CEFDG, guarantees the academic quality of the programme.
A state-recognised Bachelor:
is registered with the RNCP,
awards 180 ECTS credits,
certifies a nationally recognised Bac+3 level.
This recognition is essential for applying through parallel admissions to a Master in Management.
The EDC Paris entrance exam: a route in through parallel admissions
Among the competitive exams open after a Bachelor, the EDC Paris entrance exam allows entry into the fourth year (master cycle) of a Master in Management.
Candidates can choose from several sessions held from February to August. The process includes written tests (aptitude test and English), followed by an oral interview at the chosen school.
Other exams such as Passerelle or Tremplin also exist, but the choice will depend on your career plans and the schools you are targeting.
When should you apply?
It is strongly recommended to apply for the first sessions, which often open from January. This means you can get an answer before the end-of-year exams and approach that period more calmly.
For work-study programmes, early admission also makes it easier to find a company, thanks to the schools' careers services and dedicated platforms.
How do you choose the right Master in Management?
Three main criteria should guide your decision:
Recognition of the degree: state-recognised programme and master's degree status.
The specialisation offered in the master cycle: consistent with your career plans.
Career entry: employability rate, starting salary, quality of the corporate network.
Continuing after a Bachelor is a strategic step. Choosing your exam and your school carefully allows you to build a solid pathway that is recognised on the job market.