HEC Montréal
Montréal, Canada • Founded 1907 • World Rank #1635
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
HEC Montréal is a French-language business school founded in 1907 as the first business school in Canada, and it remains a school of management only — it teaches no discipline outside business.
It is affiliated with Université de Montréal, which confers its degrees, and it occupies three buildings: the Côte-Sainte-Catherine campus (the Lise-et-Giuseppe-Racanelli Building) and the neighbouring Decelles Building on the Côte-des-Neiges side of Mount Royal, and the Hélène-Desmarais Building in downtown Montreal, where the MBA is taught. Teaching is organised into 11 departments — Accounting, Applied Economics, Decision Sciences, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Human Resources Management, Information Technologies, International Business, Logistics and Operations Management, Management, and Marketing — supported by 305 faculty members.
The School reports 14,484 students for 2025: 9,808 at undergraduate level, 4,167 at master's level and 151 at PhD level, of whom 3,815 are international students, alongside nearly 120,000 alumni. It offers more than 160 study programs from undergraduate to PhD level plus more than 100 in credited continuing education.
Language of instruction differs by level: undergraduate programs are taught in French, with the BBA offering a bilingual French-English stream and a trilingual mention including Spanish, while graduate programs are offered in both French and English.
HEC Montréal holds all three of the international business-school accreditations — AMBA, AACSB International and EQUIS — and states that only 2 Canadian business schools out of 136 worldwide hold that three-fold distinction. It runs one of the largest business exchange programs in Canada, with more than 200 partner institutions in 51 countries, and was the first French-language campus in the world to receive the Ashoka U Changemaker Campus designation.
Location & Contact
HEC Montréal's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.
Academic Details
Key statistics on HEC Montréal's student population, faculty size, and external recognition. International vs domestic student split is often missing from these figures but matters for campus culture.
Academic Structures
HEC Montréal's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.
Unit 12 items
- Department of Accounting
- Department of Applied Economics
- Department of Decision Sciences
- Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Department of Finance
- Department of Human Resources Management
- Department of Information Technologies
- Department of International Business
- Department of Logistics and Operations Management
- Department of Management
- Department of Marketing
- Executive Education HEC Montréal
Programs Offered
HEC Montréal's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.
12 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 2 programmes
Master of Business Administration 2 programmes
Master's Degree 8 programmes
How to apply to HEC Montréal
A short guide to applying to HEC Montréal — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
HEC Montréal's catalogue includes 12 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for HEC Montréal's admissions process.
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3
Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through HEC Montréal's official website at www.hec.ca. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (514) 340 6000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about HEC Montréal
Frequently asked questions about HEC Montréal, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
When was HEC Montréal founded?
HEC Montréal was established in 1907 (approximately 119 years ago).
What city is HEC Montréal in?
HEC Montréal operates from Montréal, Canada.
Is HEC Montréal public or private?
HEC Montréal is a public institution.
How big is HEC Montréal's student body?
HEC Montréal serves approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
What is HEC Montréal's ranking?
It ranks #1635 globally and #33 in Canada.
How is HEC Montréal organised academically?
HEC Montréal has 12 academic units.
Is HEC Montréal officially recognised?
Yes, HEC Montréal is recognised by Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur, Québec.
Where can I learn more about HEC Montréal?
The institution's website is www.hec.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
The leading universities in Canada are listed below — useful for sizing HEC Montréal against the country's top tier. Top-tier institutions in Canada typically set admissions standards that downstream universities track.
Members of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Universities sharing Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) affiliation with HEC Montréal offer comparable mobility and recognition benefits. Affiliated institutions often coordinate on academic standards and credit-transfer pathways.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cost of living varies meaningfully across cities and towns hosting the universities below. Even within a single region, accommodation and transit costs can differ by 30–50%.
Where Else to Study Business Administration
Below: institutions across Canada that offer Business Administration, providing comparison points for HEC Montréal's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.
Universities Compared with HEC Montréal
Below: institutions that students typically weigh against HEC Montréal when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.
Studying in Canada: guides and resources
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