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
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for HEC Montréal are listed below.
Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for HEC Montréal are listed below.
Academic Year: Three trimesters: Fall (September–December), Winter (January–April) and Summer. The BBA admits for the Fall and Winter trimesters only — the summer trimester takes no BBA admissions — while the full-time 1-year MBA starts in September only.
Recognition: Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur, Québec
Admission Requirements: Requirements differ sharply by level. For the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), a Quebec CEGEP applicant must hold a DEC, have a college R score (cote R) of at least 27.5, and have passed three mathematics courses — differential calculus, vector and linear algebra, and integral calculus. Applicants with an R score of 25 to 27.5 may still receive an offer carrying conditions (passing 8 of the 10 compulsory first-year courses within a year), and applicants below 25 may qualify with a DEC plus a year of university study of at least 30 credits at a minimum average of 2.7 on 4.3 (B-) including the required mathematics. Applicants holding a French secondary baccalaureate need one year of ECG preparatory class with mathematics, or a university year of 60 ECTS averaging at least 12/20 overall and in mathematics, or 30 university credits at 2.7/4.3 (B-) including the three mathematics courses; applicants with a Canadian secondary diploma from outside Quebec need 30 university credits on the same terms. Applicants who do not meet these routes can enter through the BBA with preparatory year. For the master's (MSc) programs, applicants submit official transcripts and diplomas, proof of meeting the language requirement, at least two letters of recommendation (preferably from professors), and a cover letter answering set questions on programme choice, career goals and field of interest; GMAT, TAGE MAGE or GRE results are optional but strongly recommended for applicants who studied abroad. Documents in a language other than French or English require an official certified translation. Language requirements are assessed on the language of instruction rather than the applicant's mother tongue. Every BBA stream requires an intermediate-advanced level of French; English at the same level is required only for the bilingual stream and is assessed by an online test before the start of term, so no English test result accompanies a BBA application. MSc applicants must show an English test or programme result at intermediate-advanced level obtained within the past two years — IELTS Academic 5.5, 6 or 6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94 for tests taken before 21 January 2026 or 4–4.5 for tests taken from 21 January 2026, TOEIC 601–780 (listening and reading) with 150–170 (speaking and writing), AP English 4, SAT 700, Cambridge English: First (FCE) or LinguaSkill 160–179, or PTE Academic 50–65 — with the advanced band set at IELTS 7, 7.5 or 8; TOEFL iBT 95–114 before 21 January 2026 or 5–5.5 from that date; TOEIC 781–959 (listening and reading) with 170–200 (speaking and writing); Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) or LinguaSkill 180 and above; or PTE Academic 66–90. Test results are valid for two years and must cover listening, reading and writing. BBA application deadlines are 1 March (Fall) and 1 November (Winter) for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and 1 February (Fall) and 1 June (Winter) for international applicants.
Total Students: 14,484
Academic Staff Range: 300-399
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Université de Montréal
Universities Canada (UC)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)
Academic Structures
HEC Montréal's academic structure — schools, colleges, and divisions — is listed below.
Unit12 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
The full set of programmes HEC Montréal offers is searchable and grouped by level below.
Business Administration · 3 years · 90 credits · On-campus
International tuition:CAD 32,323/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:September and January
Admission to HEC Montréal's Bachelor of Business Administration follows the routes set out on the university's own admission pages, since the programme page itself does not restate them. A Quebec CEGEP graduate needs a D...
Business Administration · 4 years · 120 credits · On-campus
International tuition:CAD 32,323/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:September
This route is for applicants who do not qualify for direct entry to the BBA, chiefly international candidates whose secondary schooling totals fewer than twelve years or who fall short of the entry averages HEC Montréal'...
Business Administration · 1 year · 54 credits · On-campus
International tuition:CAD 60,917/totalLocal tuition:CAD 5,612/totalStart:September
The MBA requires official undergraduate transcripts and diploma, a current resume, a letter of intent of at most 500 words, four video essays submitted through the Kira Talent platform, and two letters of recommendation,...
International tuition:CAD 97,000/totalLocal tuition:CAD 97,000/totalStart:September
Admission to the McGill-HEC Montréal Executive MBA normally requires an undergraduate degree, though candidates without one but with substantial managerial experience are encouraged to apply; those admitted on managerial...
International tuition:CAD 35,790/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,676/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:3.00 / 4.33
Applicants need an undergraduate degree of at least 90 credits in business administration or a related field, or an equivalent recognised by the programme administration. Where prior training does not meet the specializa...
International tuition:CAD 35,790/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,676/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:3.00 / 4.33
This programme requires an undergraduate degree of at least 90 credits in business administration or a related field, or an equivalent recognised by the programme administration, with priority given to engineering, compu...
International tuition:CAD 35,790/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,676/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:3.00 / 4.33
Applicants need an undergraduate degree of at least 90 credits in business administration or a related field, or an equivalent recognised by the programme administration; HEC Montréal prioritises candidates from actuaria...
International tuition:CAD 35,790/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,676/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:3.00 / 4.33
Applicants need an undergraduate degree of at least 90 credits in business administration or a related field, prioritising actuarial science, economics, finance, engineering, and pure or applied science backgrounds, or a...
International Business · 24 months · 45 credits · On-campus
International tuition:CAD 35,790/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,676/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:3.00 / 4.33
This programme requires an undergraduate degree of at least 90 credits in business administration or a related field, or an equivalent recognised by the programme administration. The masters admission page this programme...
International tuition:CAD 35,790/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,676/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:3.00 / 4.33
Quebec/Canadian applicants need an undergraduate degree of at least 90 credits in business administration or a related field; French-system applicants need at least a general licence or a state-recognised bachelor's degr...
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent in any field from a recognized institution, along with a demonstrated passion for the arts. Proficiency in English is required; candidates whose prior education was...
International tuition:CAD 35,790/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,676/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:3.00 / 4.33
Quebec/Canadian applicants need an undergraduate degree of at least 90 credits in business administration or a related field; French-system applicants need at least a general licence or a state-recognised bachelor's degr...
International tuition:CAD 35,790/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,676/totalStart:SeptemberMin. GPA:3.00 / 4.33
Quebec/Canadian applicants need an undergraduate degree of at least 90 credits in business administration or a related field, prioritising industrial design, business intelligence, marketing, psychology, statistics, info...
Applicants to the PhD in Accounting must hold a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another graduate degree in a related field. The program requires an average that the School deems exc...
Applicants to the PhD in Applied Economics must hold a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another graduate degree in a related field. The program requires an average that the School de...
Applicants to the PhD in Data Science must hold a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another graduate degree in a related field. The program requires an average that the School deems e...
Finance, Banking & Insurance · 5 years · On-campus
Start:September
Applicants to the PhD in Finance must hold a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another graduate degree in a related field. The program requires an average that the School deems excell...
Applicants must hold a Master of Science (MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another graduate degree in a related field, with an average the School deems excellent across all years of university study. Sub...
Information Systems & Technology · 5 years · On-campus
Start:September
Applicants to the PhD in Information Technology must hold a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another graduate degree in a related field. The program requires an average that the Scho...
Applicants to the PhD in International Business must hold a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another graduate degree in a related field. The program requires an average that the Scho...
Applicants to the PhD in Logistics and Operations Management must hold a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another graduate degree in a related field. The program requires an average...
Applicants to the PhD in Management Science must hold a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another graduate degree in a related field. The program requires an average that the School d...
Applicants must hold a Master of Science (MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another graduate degree in a related field, with an average the School deems excellent across all years of university study. Sub...
Applicants must meet one of the following: hold a Quebec Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC); have completed 30 university-level credits in a program (minor, major, certificate, or bachelor's degree); or have four years o...
Applicants must meet one of the following: hold a Quebec Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC); have completed 30 university-level credits in a program (minor, major, certificate, or bachelor's degree); or have four years o...
International tuition:CAD 34,000/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,700/totalStart:Fall, Winter and Summer
Admission to HEC Montréal's certificate programmes follows one of three routes: holding a Quebec DEC (diplôme d'études collégiales); having completed 30 university-level credits in any programme (minor, major, certificat...
Applicants must meet one of the following: hold a Quebec Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC); have completed 30 university-level credits in a program (minor, major, certificate, or bachelor's degree); or have four years o...
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than professional accounting, and must obtain, before applying, the personalized list of upgrading courses to complete at HEC Montréal as issued by the Ordre des...
International tuition:CAD 34,000/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,700/totalStart:Fall, Winter and Summer
Admission to HEC Montréal's certificate programmes follows one of three routes: holding a Quebec DEC (diplôme d'études collégiales); having completed 30 university-level credits in any programme (minor, major, certificat...
Applicants must meet one of the following: hold a Quebec Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC); have completed 30 university-level credits in a program (minor, major, certificate, or bachelor's degree); or have four years o...
International tuition:CAD 34,000/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,700/totalStart:Fall, Winter and Summer
Admission to HEC Montréal's certificate programmes follows one of three routes: holding a Quebec DEC (diplôme d'études collégiales); having completed 30 university-level credits in any programme (minor, major, certificat...
Applicants must meet one of the following: hold a Quebec Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC); have completed 30 university-level credits in a program (minor, major, certificate, or bachelor's degree); or have four years o...
International tuition:CAD 34,000/totalLocal tuition:CAD 4,700/totalStart:Fall, Winter and Summer
Admission to HEC Montréal's certificate programmes follows one of three routes: holding a Quebec DEC (diplôme d'études collégiales); having completed 30 university-level credits in any programme (minor, major, certificat...
International tuition:CAD 25,900/totalLocal tuition:CAD 5,200/totalStart:September, January and MayMin. GPA:2.70 / 4.3
For applicants from the Quebec or Canadian system: a bachelor's degree of at least 90 credits in a field other than business/management (marketing, accounting, finance, human resources, management or operations managemen...
International tuition:CAD 25,900/totalLocal tuition:CAD 5,200/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:2.70 / 4.3
For applicants from the Quebec or Canadian system: a bachelor's degree of at least 90 credits, with a minimum cumulative average of 2.7/4.3 (or the higher average required by the degree-granting university for graduate a...
International tuition:CAD 25,900/totalLocal tuition:CAD 5,200/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:2.70 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (at least 90 credits) in any field, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.3 scale (a higher average may be required if the applicant's home institution mandates one for grad...
International tuition:CAD 25,900/totalLocal tuition:CAD 5,200/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:2.70 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (at least 90 credits) in business administration or a related field, with priority given to candidates from actuarial science, economics, engineering, computer science, mathematic...
International tuition:CAD 25,900/totalLocal tuition:CAD 5,200/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:2.70 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (at least 90 credits) in an artistic or cultural field, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.3 scale (a higher average may be required if the applicant's home institution m...
International tuition:CAD 25,900/totalLocal tuition:CAD 5,200/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:2.70 / 4.3
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree of at least 90 credits in business administration or a related field, with engineering, computer science, mathematics, actuarial science, statistics, finance and quantitative...
International tuition:CAD 25,900/totalLocal tuition:CAD 5,200/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:2.70 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (at least 90 credits) in business administration or a related field, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.3 scale (a higher average may be required if the applicant's home...
International tuition:CAD 25,900/totalLocal tuition:CAD 5,200/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:2.70 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (at least 90 credits) in any field, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.3 scale (a higher average may be required if the applicant's home institution mandates one for grad...
International tuition:CAD 25,900/totalLocal tuition:CAD 5,200/totalStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:2.70 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (at least 90 credits) in any field, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.3 scale (a higher average may be required if the applicant's home institution mandates one for grad...
International tuition:CAD 25,900/totalLocal tuition:CAD 5,200/totalStart:SeptemberMin. GPA:2.70 / 4.3
Applicants must meet one of two profiles: hold a bachelor's degree (at least 90 credits) in business administration, finance or a related field, having preferably completed coursework recommended for the CFA Institute Le...
A short guide to applying to HEC Montréal — five steps.
1
Browse the programme catalogue
HEC Montréal's catalogue includes 70 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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.
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.
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.
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
Quick answers to common questions about HEC Montréal.
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 14,484 students.
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.
