SESAME competition to enter ESCE
Join ESCE’s Grande École Program through the SESAME Competition.
The SESAME competitive entrance exam is a prestigious way to enter the first year of ESCE’s Programme Grande École (PGE), a program renowned for its academic excellence and international outlook. The competition is open to students in their final year of high school, all specializations combined, and holders of a French baccalaureate or equivalent.
What is the SESAME Competition?
The Concours SESAME is a common entrance exam for several leading business schools offering international management courses. It represents a unique opportunity for future students to join a renowned school like ESCE. As a candidate, you will be assessed not only on your academic skills, but also on your potential, your open-mindedness, and your ability to evolve in a multicultural environment.
Who is the SESAME competition for?
- Students in their final year of high school (all majors) who want to enter an international management program in their first year after high school.
- Graduates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent looking for a course combining academic excellence and opportunities abroad.
- Students motivated by careers in commerce, management or entrepreneurship, with a strong international dimension.
Why choose ESCE via the SESAME competition?
- Enroll in the Programme Grande École (PGE), a 5-year program recognized by the French government and accredited as Bac+5, awarding a Master’s degree.
- Explore the international scene from the very first year, thanks to our many partnerships with prestigious universities around the world.
- Develop the management and intercultural skills sought by recruiters worldwide.
Key stages in applying to the SESAME competition
1. Registration on Parcoursup and mySESAME
- Between January 19 and March 12, 2026, list the SESAME Contest schools among your wishes on Parcoursup.
- Then activate your account on the mySESAME platform to complete your registration and track your application.
2. Payment of registration fees
The one-off fee for the SESAME competition is €315 (regardless of the number of schools chosen).
Pay directly on Parcoursup during the registration period (January 19 – March 12, 2026).
3. Mandatory preparatory session
⚠️ Compulsory preparatory session on Saturday March 14, 2026 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm for all candidates who have formulated the SESAME wish on Parcoursup, on their reserved mySESAME space.
- Candidates will receive an e-mail with login details a few days before the test.
- SESAME’s goal is to have as many candidates as possible take the test simultaneously on March 14, 2026.
- Candidates who have not passed the compulsory preparatory session will not be called for the written tests.
4. Written tests
The written tests will take place on April 8, 2026.
They will assess :
- mathematical and digital skills
- French, English and another foreign language
- openness to the world, as well as the ability to analyze and synthesize information
5. Eligibility results
Available on April 23, 2026 at 6pm on mySESAME.
Eligible candidates will then be able to reserve their slot for the oral.
6. Making an appointment for the oral tests
From April 23 (8 p.m.) to April 26, 2026, book your appointment to take the oral exam at each chosen school via mySESAME.
7. Oral tests
The orals will take place between April 25 and May 18, 2026, in person at the chosen campus (Paris or Lyon) or remotely for candidates from outside mainland France.
These interviews are designed to demonstrate your motivation, interpersonal skills and the coherence of your career plan.
8. Admission results
Final results will be available in early June 2026 on Parcoursup and on mySESAME.
After the admission announcement, you will be able to confirm your enrolment and finalize your entry to ESCE.
Prepare for the SESAME exam
- Plateforme Prépa SESAME: practice for the written tests on a dedicated platform (available at www.prepa-sesame.net).
- Preparation sessions offered by ESCE: take part in our workshops to master the written exams (dates available on our events page – mainly distance learning) and oral exams (in-person or distance learning preparation with our professional coach).
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