The MBA at emlyon business school is one of Europe’s most established and practice-oriented programs, known for its “early makers” philosophy and strong focus on experiential learning.
With a legacy dating back to 1872, emlyon offers a highly hands-on MBA experience, designed for professionals seeking career transformation, international exposure, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Program Overview
- Location: Lyon
- Duration: 11 months (with optional extension to 16 months)
- Format: Full-Time MBA
- Class Size: ~35 students
- Average Work Experience: ~9 years
- Average Age: ~32 years
The program is designed for experienced professionals, offering a fast-track, immersive MBA with strong global exposure.
Rankings & Reputation
- Among the top European business schools
- One of the oldest business schools in Europe (est. 1872)
Triple Accreditation
emlyon is part of the elite 1% of global business schools with:
- AACSB
- AMBA
- EQUIS
This ensures strong global recognition and academic credibility.
Class Profile
The emlyon MBA cohort is small, diverse, and highly experienced:
- Class Size: ~35
- Average Work Experience: ~9 years
- Nationalities: ~20
- Gender Diversity: ~46% women
Academic Background
- ~40% STEM
- ~40% business-related
- ~20% diverse backgrounds (arts, law, etc.)
The small cohort enables:
- Personalized attention
- Strong peer learning
- Close faculty interaction
Curriculum & Program Structure
The emlyon MBA is built around its philosophy: “Do to learn, learn to do.”
Core Structure
- Pre-program preparation (Level Up + language training)
- Core modules (Sept–Jan)
- Electives + specialization (Mar–Jul)
- Optional extension (internship / exchange / certification)
Core Courses
- Thinking Differently
- Mastering Business Fundamentals
- Driving Business Performance
- Developing Yourself & Others
- Integrating Perspectives
- Reaching Beyond Business
Experiential Learning (Key Differentiator)
emlyon is one of the most hands-on MBA programs in Europe.
Students engage in multiple real-world projects:
- Strategy Simulation
- Design Thinking Project
- Strategy Consulting Project
- New Venture Project
- Business 360 Integrative Project
Entrepreneurial Leadership Project (ELP)
Students can choose between:
- Consulting with companies
- Launching their own venture
Global Exposure
- International learning trips (e.g., Berlin, Milan, Helsinki)
- Exchange opportunities
This makes the MBA highly practical, entrepreneurial, and globally oriented.
Career Outcomes & ROI
emlyon delivers strong outcomes, especially for career switchers:
- ~95% employed within 3 months
- Average salary: ~€79,000
- 89% job satisfaction post-MBA
Industry Distribution
Graduates move into:
- Industry & Manufacturing
- Consulting & Audit
- Technology & Digital sectors
Geography
- ~84% work in Europe post-MBA
Career Support (Key Strength)
- Dedicated career consultant for each student
- Weekly career-focused sessions
- Workshops on CV, interviews, networking
- Career fairs and employer interactions
This structured support makes emlyon strong for career transition and international placements.
Fees & Financial Investment
- Tuition Fees: ~€43,500
- Additional admin cost for extended program
ROI Advantage
- Lower tuition compared to top European MBAs
- Strong placement outcomes
Scholarships
emlyon offers multiple scholarships:
- Excellence Scholarship (~30%)
- Early Bird Scholarship (~20%)
- Merit and profile-based awards
Students are also encouraged to explore:
- External funding
- Loans and partnerships
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3 years of work experience
- GMAT / GRE / TAGE MAGE
- English proficiency (if applicable)
- Interview (by invitation)
Application Components
- Online application
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Test scores
- Application fee (~€120)
GMAT / GRE Insights
- No official average score published
- GMAT / GRE accepted
A balanced profile with strong experience and clarity of goals is more important than just test scores.
Location Advantage: Lyon, France
Studying in Lyon offers:
- Lower cost of living compared to Paris
- Strong quality of life
- Proximity to major European business hubs
Connectivity
- ~2 hours from Paris via high-speed train
- Access to European job markets
Why Choose emlyon MBA?
The emlyon MBA is ideal for candidates who:
- Want a highly practical, hands-on MBA
- Are targeting career switching or entrepreneurship
- Prefer a small, personalized cohort
- Want strong European career opportunities
- Value experiential learning over theory
Final Thoughts
The emlyon MBA stands out for its entrepreneurial DNA, hands-on learning, and strong career mobility.
While it may not have the same brand recognition as INSEAD or LBS, it offers:
- Strong ROI
- Deep experiential learning
- High career transition success
For candidates seeking a practical, transformation-focused MBA in Europe, emlyon is a compelling option.
Other Articles of Interest:
1. ESCP MBA: A Comprehensive Overview
2. INSEAD MBA : A Comprehensive Overview