HEC Business Analytics Master: X-HEC Data Science Admissions for 2027

Why is there no HEC MAM?

If you searched for an HEC MAM, you probably want a master that combines analytics with business. At HEC Paris business school, that role belongs to the X-HEC Data Science programme, which QS ranks second worldwide among business analytics masters for 2027. It is more technical than most analytics masters, so read the requirements carefully.

What is the MSc Data Science & AI for Business X-HEC?

This HEC data science master is a joint degree over two years. Year 1 at École Polytechnique builds the foundations: statistics, machine learning, deep learning, optimisation, Python and generative AI, followed by a compulsory four-month internship at companies such as Microsoft, Orange or Capgemini. Year 2 at HEC turns to business value: data engineering, advanced deep learning, algorithmic fairness, and week-long challenges using real company data, with a track in Data Entrepreneurship or Data Manager and Data Consultant. A research paper and a second four-month internship complete the degree.

The programme aims to train 70 students per year, and 46% of the class is international.

HEC business analytics master requirements

The HEC business analytics requirements put mathematics first:

• A bachelor's degree in science, engineering, business or economics, plus a strong level in mathematics.
• A GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE or TAGE MAGE score.
• An English test (TOEIC with all four parts, TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge), unless you are a native speaker or your whole degree was taught in English.
• A one-page CV, full transcripts and programme essays.
• Two confidential references: one academic, the second academic or professional.

Application process and deadlines for 2027

An admissibility jury reviews your file, then shortlisted candidates take a 30-minute Zoom interview in English with programme directors and alumni, which may include technical questions. The application fee is €150.

Round 1 has closed and dates may change, so check the X-HEC admissions page.

HEC data science tuition and career outcomes

HEC lists Year 2 fees of €29,985 for 2028/29, plus €2,500 for students from outside the EU. Year 1 fees are set by École Polytechnique, so add them to your budget, along with roughly €1,500 a month for living costs. Admitted students pay separate deposits to each school, and fees change each year.

In the 2024 graduation survey, 97% of graduates found a job within six months, with an average starting salary of €63,000, and the graduation rate was 98%.

How can you stand out?

• Show your mathematics: grades in linear algebra, probability and statistics carry real weight.
• Point to evidence that you can code, such as Python projects or data competitions.
• Explain in your essays which business problems you want to solve with data, not only which tools you like.
• Expect technical interview questions on anything you list, from regression to machine learning projects.

If your real interest is quantitative finance rather than data, compare this route with HEC MiF admissions.

Frequently asked questions

Is the X-HEC programme a business analytics degree?

Yes, in practice. HEC's official name is the MSc Data Science & AI for Business X-HEC, and QS ranks it among business analytics masters. Compared with many analytics programmes, it goes deeper into machine learning and AI, so it suits candidates who enjoy technical work as much as business strategy.

Should I choose this programme or the HEC MiM?

Choose the data programme if you want a technical career in data science, AI or data consulting. Choose the Master in Management if you want broad management training with the option to specialise later. Our guide to HEC MiM admissions explains that route.

Do I need a computer science degree for the X-HEC programme?

No. HEC says the programme suits IT specialists and applied mathematicians, but also students with little prior exposure to IT and statistics. Year 1 includes refresher courses in probability, statistics and the mathematical foundations of data science. A strong level in mathematics is still required, so your transcript needs to show it.