Paris Ph.D. Programme

Is the ESCP Europe Ph.D. programme on the Paris campus available as a distance learning programme?

No. Full time attendance is required, particularly the first year. First year courses are mandatory and delivered in Paris between October and May.

Is fluency in French a requirement ?

Fluency is required in both French and English. In Paris Ph.D. courses are taught in French. In addition we require our doctoral students to lecture in French. The final dissertation, however, may be written in English, if this agreed with your dissertation supervisor.

Can I enrol in the ESCP Europe Ph.D. programme and remain employed on a full-time basis?

It is quasi impossible to hold down a full-time job and pursue doctoral research.
The first year of our Ph.D. programme consists of some twenty taught courses taken between October and May. This is a demanding period; the following two years are more flexible. 
Some students are able to remain employed on a part-time basis with at least two days per week for research.

What are the selection criteria for admission to the ESCP Europe Ph.D. programme?

We attach great importance to three criteria: your prior academic background; the relevance of your proposed research project; the fit of your proposal within the overall research activity of our Faculty.

What research areas and topics are preferred?

We examine all research proposals in connection with the field of management.

Can an appointment be arranged with the Dean of the Ph.D. Programme?

For obvious reasons of fairness, in particular in regard to applicants from far away countries, such an exploratory meeting is not possible. The facts on this website are the common reference for all applicants.
First round selection is based on the candidate’s application package. Successful candidates are invited to an interview with a panel which makes a final recommendation.
We are pleased to address additional queries and requests for information by email as you prepare your application.

Is there any financial assistance available ?

ESCP Europe does offer a research grant comprising two aspects. The first involves the waiving of tuition fees (€7,500 per year for the Ph.D. programme). The second is a stipend of €1,500 per month for twelve months, renewable three times.
A special jury examines grant applications and takes the decision to make an award to candidates who have successfully earned a place in the programme. The applicant’s specific financial needs are taken into consideration by the special jury.
If an applicant is awarded an ESCP Europe grant, s/he will not seek additional third-party grants. The applicant also agrees to pursue the programme and research on a full-time basis, refusing all other remunerated activity.

Do you require a GMAT score with the application ?

A GMAT score is not mandatory.

What is the decision procedure for an admissions application?

We follow a simple straightforward procedure.

• Round one selection is based on the application package,
• Round two is based on a panel interview with ESCP Europe research faculty,
• A test in French, if the applicant is not a native speaker of French,
• A test in English (multiple choice questions).