HEC Paris MIF for international students

Hi guys,

I am a Pakistani national currently working in KSA and looking for masters programs that can help me break into Investment banking/ Real Estate Private equity. I recently came across the MIF program at HEC and really liked the courses and stuff, however my goal is to work in London and I'm not too sure if IB firms recruit non EU nationals from HEC Paris. Would greatly appreciate any insights + alternate programs (other than target schools in UK as I am already looking into those but they seem way too expensive).

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, the HEC Paris Master in International Finance (MiF) is a strong program for breaking into Investment Banking (IB) in London. It consistently ranks among the top programs in Europe and has a solid reputation for placing graduates into front-office roles at top firms. However, there are a few considerations for non-EU nationals like yourself:

  1. Recruitment for Non-EU Nationals: While HEC Paris opens many doors, breaking into IB in London as a non-EU national can be challenging due to visa sponsorship requirements. That said, HEC has a strong track record of placing graduates in London, and many non-EU students have successfully transitioned into roles there. Networking and leveraging the school's alumni network will be crucial.

  2. Language Barrier: Since you don't speak French, you might face challenges in networking and mingling with peers, as a significant portion of the HEC cohort tends to be French-speaking. However, this is less of an issue if your focus is on London rather than France.

  3. Alternative Programs: If you're looking for other options outside the UK, consider:

    • Bocconi University (MSc Finance): Strong placement in London IB and relatively affordable compared to UK schools.
    • Stockholm School of Economics (SSE): Known for its MSc in Finance and good placement in London.
    • ESCP Europe: Offers a balanced program with a focus on corporate finance and decent placement in London.
  4. Cost Considerations: HEC Paris is relatively more affordable than UK target schools like LBS or LSE, with tuition around EUR 32K for the MiF program. Additionally, the program's one-year duration can help minimize living expenses.

In summary, HEC Paris MiF is a solid choice for your goals, but you should be prepared to navigate visa challenges and make the most of networking opportunities. If cost is a significant factor, Bocconi or SSE could be excellent alternatives.

Sources: European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), Msc Finance ranking Europe, HEC Paris to IB at London?, European Private Equity Associates backgrounds, Best non-UK university for London IBD

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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