ESCP MSc Finance Review 2025: Course Details & Career Scope

Introduction

The ESCP MSc in Finance is one of the best finance programs in Europe for students who want to build a strong global career in banking or finance. It’s ranked #1 in the world by the Financial Times (2025), showing how respected and trusted it is. The program lets you study in Paris and London, two of the biggest financial centers in the world. You’ll learn from expert professors, work on real finance projects, and connect with a powerful alumni network that opens doors to top jobs.

In this blog, you’ll learn everything about the ESCP MSC finance program — its highlights, fees, placements, and why it’s a great choice for students who dream of working in the finance industry.

ESCP MSc Finance Class Profile

When it comes to class profiles, ESCP shares very little. The school highlights the curriculum and career outcomes, but it does not publish the official ESCP MSc Finance class profile on its website. Information such as average age, gender ratio, or nationalities represented is not available publicly, so students won’t find these details on ESCP’s pages.

Acceptance Rate

The ESCP MSc Finance program is known for being highly competitive. However, ESCP does not publish an official acceptance rate for the programme. While the school shares information on academics, career outcomes, and rankings, it does not disclose how selective the process is or the percentage of applicants admitted each year. Students should be aware that this data is not available on the official ESCP website.

ESCP Business School MSc in Finance

ESCP MSC Finance Ranking

Rankings are often the first thing students check when they start looking at finance programs abroad. The ESCP MSc Finance has built a strong name for itself, regularly appearing in the top spots of the Financial Times list for pre-experience finance degrees. These rankings reflect how well the program performs in areas that matter to students, like career growth, teaching quality, and global exposure.

Program and Curriculum

The ESCP MSC Finance curriculum focuses on the following key areas:

• SEMESTER - 1: MSc in Finance program, the focus is on establishing fundamental finance concepts. Students in the Investment Banking track take courses on IFRS Standards and Mergers & Acquisitions, while the Financial Markets track covers Portfolio Management and Applied Econometrics & Programming. The semester includes introductory activities that bridge theory with practical finance applications and prepare students for future internships. This phase of the program primarily takes place at the Paris campus.
• SEMESTER - 2: MSc in Finance program focuses on advanced finance topics and specialization. Students in the Investment Banking track explore courses like Advanced Valuation, Debt Products, and Corporate Finance, while those in the Financial Markets track study Exotic Options, Trading, Fixed Income, and Python Programming. A mandatory seminar on Ethics, Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) is also part of the curriculum. Additionally, students gain hands-on experience through internship placements. The semester is largely based in London, allowing for extensive practical immersion.
• SEMESTER 3: This hands-on experience allows students to put their academic knowledge into practice, working with financial institutions or consulting firms to solve real-world financial challenges. During this period, students gain industry insights, develop professional networks, and enhance practical skills essential for their future careers.

Electives Courses

• Behavioral Finance
• Private Equity and Venture Capital
• Financial Modeling and Valuation
• Advanced Derivatives
• Corporate Restructuring and Mergers & Acquisitions
• Financial Statement Analysis

Eligibility and Requirements

The entry requirements for the ESCP MSc Finance are kept simple, but they do set a clear standard. You need a recognised bachelor’s degree with a good academic record, and the school prefers students who have studied finance, economics, business, engineering, or other quantitative subjects. Since the programme is taught in English, non-native speakers are asked to provide language test scores. A GMAT, GRE, TAGE-MAGE or even CAT score can also be submitted. Prior full-time work experience isn’t mandatory, though many students apply with at least some internships or short projects in finance.

Here’s a quick look at the eligibility and application requirements for the ESCP MSc Finance:

• Degree & GPA
  A recognised bachelor’s degree with at least 180 ECTS credits is required. For Indian applicants, this usually means a 3-year or 4-year undergraduate degree. A GPA of 3.3+ roughly translates to 65% or above at most Indian universities. Students from finance, economics, business, engineering, or mathematics backgrounds are especially well-suited.
• English Proficiency
  Since the entire programme is taught in English, proof of language proficiency is essential for non-native speakers. ESCP accepts IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL (72+). Remember, these are minimum scores — competitive applicants usually present stronger results. The test must have been taken within the last two years of applying.
• GMAT/GRE
  Unlike many top finance programmes, ESCP does not list GMAT or GRE as mandatory requirements on its official MSc Finance page. Applicants can apply without these scores. However, a good GMAT or GRE can still be used as an optional add-on to strengthen the application, especially if an applicant’s academic record is from a lesser-known university.
• Work Experience
  The programme is open to recent graduates, so full-time work experience is not compulsory. That said, most successful applicants have at least some exposure through internships, research projects, or part-time roles in finance, consulting, or related fields. This adds weight to the application and shows career focus.

Application Documents
The application requires a complete set of documents:

• University degree certificate or enrolment proof
• Transcripts from bachelor’s degree
• CV with academic and extracurricular highlights
• Passport or ID copy
• English test results (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Two reference letters (academic or professional)
• Passport-sized photo

Having well-prepared documents is crucial. Incomplete or weak submissions often lead to rejection, even for academically strong candidates.

ESCP MSc Finance Deadlines

The admission process for the ESCP MSc Finance is carried out in multiple rounds, giving applicants flexibility on when to submit their application. For the 2025 intake, ESCP has announced three deadlines spread across January, March, and June.

Submitting early not only improves your chances of securing a seat in a highly competitive programme but also gives you more time to prepare for visas, finances, and relocation. Many students prefer the first or second round to avoid the rush of the final deadline, as places can become limited later in the cycle.

ESCP MSc Finance Admission Process

While specific details may vary, here is a general overview of the ESCP MSc Finance admission process:

• Online Application: Prospective applicants are required to complete an online application form provided on the ESCP website. The form typically includes personal information, academic background, work experience, and language proficiency.
• Supporting Documents: Along with the application form, applicants are typically required to submit supporting documents.
• Review and Evaluation: Once the application and supporting documents are submitted, the ESCP admissions committee reviews each application thoroughly. They assess various aspects, including academic achievements, test scores, work experience, recommendations, and the applicant's fit for the MSc Finance program.
• Interviews: Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview as part of the selection process. The interview may be conducted in person, via video conference, or through telephone. The interview provides an opportunity for the admissions committee to assess the applicant's communication skills, motivation, and suitability for the program.
• Admission Decision: After the evaluation and interview process, the admissions committee makes the final decision regarding each applicant. The decision is usually communicated through an official letter or email. Admitted candidates will receive an offer of admission, while others may receive a rejection or be placed on a waiting list.
• It is important to note that the specific details and requirements of the ESCP MSc Finance admission process may vary over time. It is recommended to visit the official ESCP website or contact the admissions department directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the admission process for the MSc Finance program at ESCP.

When do the Admissions start?

The admissions process for the MSc Finance program generally begins several months before the program's start date to allow sufficient time for applicants to submit their applications, complete any required tests, gather supporting documents, and go through the evaluation process. Staying informed about the admissions timeline and being proactive in preparing and submitting your application in a timely manner will help maximize your chances of securing a place in the ESCP MSc Finance program.

Employment And Placement

One of the main reasons students choose the ESCP MSc Finance is the strong career outcomes it delivers. The programme is closely connected to banks, investment firms, and consulting companies across Europe, giving graduates a direct pathway into competitive roles. Most students secure positions in areas like investment banking, asset management, and financial markets within a short time after graduation. The average salary for ESCP Master in Finance graduates is €105,200, with a 100% employment rate achieved within three months. These results show why the ESCP MSc Finance is among Europe’s top programmes for finance careers.

Graduates step into high-responsibility positions across global financial hubs, with most joining front-office teams in leading firms.

Top Recruiters

Some of the leading recruiters hiring ESCP finance graduates include:

• Bank of America ML, Barclays, Blackrock, Blackstone, BNP Paribas
• Citi, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan
• Lazard, Morgan Stanley, Rothschild, UBS, S&P, Evercore, Jefferies
• Fidelity, Nomura, Macquarie, RBC, RBS, Moelis, and more

Ending this section, it’s clear that the ESCP MSc Finance stands out for its return on investment. A six-figure average salary, 100% employment within three months, and access to recruiters like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Blackstone make it one of the most reliable gateways into global finance careers.

ESCP MSc Finance Alumni Info

ESCP takes pride in its ESCP MSc alumni community, which offers valuable networking opportunities, professional development resources, and lifelong connections. Many alumni maintain active engagement with the school, participating in events, mentorship programs, and career-related activities. The alumni network serves as a valuable resource for current students and graduates, providing industry insights, job opportunities, and a sense of community.

Some Famous Alumni

• Hugo de Bailliencourt: Financial Analyst at Deloitte
• Valery Salazar Cabanillas: Imperial College Business School - Msc Strategic Marketing
• Emilie Manolas: London Business School - Master of Finance-Msc Financial Analysis
• Christoph Koenig: Founder at Clay

Application Essay 

Essay 1 
Please describe your motivation for pursuing the ESCP MSc Finance program. What specific aspects of the program, curriculum, and learning environment align with your career goals and how do you plan to leverage this experience to make a meaningful impact in the finance industry? (Word limit: 500 words)

Essay 2
In today's rapidly changing financial landscape, adaptability and innovation are crucial skills for success. Please share an example of a financial challenge or industry trend that you find particularly intriguing and explain how you would approach it as a finance professional. How would your unique background, skills, and experiences contribute to addressing this challenge or capitalizing on the trend? (Word limit: 500 words)

Tips for ESCP MSc Finance Essays

• Understand the Question: Read the essay prompts carefully and ensure that you understand what is being asked. Pay attention to keywords and specific instructions to address all aspects of the question effectively.
• Reflect on Your Motivation: For Essay 1, reflect on your personal motivations for pursuing the ESCP MSc Finance program. Consider your career goals, aspirations, and how the program aligns with them. Be specific about the aspects of the curriculum, learning environment, and resources that attract you to the program.
• Showcase Research: Demonstrate that you have conducted thorough research on ESCP, the MSc Finance program, and the finance industry. Incorporate specific details about the program's strengths, faculty, alumni network, and global reach. This shows your genuine interest and dedication to the program.
• Highlight Relevant Experiences: Use specific examples from your academic, professional, or extracurricular experiences to support your answers. Showcase how these experiences have shaped your interest in finance, developed your skills, and prepared you for the challenges of the program.
• Be Authentic: Let your true personality and passion shine through in your essays. Admissions committees appreciate genuine and unique perspectives. Avoid using clichés or writing what you think they want to hear. Instead, focus on showcasing your individuality and how it aligns with the values and goals of ESCP MSc Finance.
• Provide Concrete Examples: When answering Essay 2, provide concrete examples of a financial challenge or industry trend that you find intriguing. Demonstrate your understanding of the issue and showcase your analytical and problem-solving abilities. Use specific examples to illustrate your proposed approach and explain how your background and skills uniquely position you to address the challenge or capitalize on the trend.
• Connect with ESCP's Values: Show how your personal values align with ESCP's mission, values, and culture. Highlight any experiences or initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to diversity, global perspectives, sustainability, or ethical finance practices.
• Edit and Proofread: After writing your essays, revise and edit them carefully. Ensure that your ideas flow logically, sentences are clear, and there are no grammatical or spelling errors. Seek feedback from trusted advisors, mentors, or peers to polish your essays further.
• Stay within the Word Limit: Stick to the specified word limit for each essay. Concisely express your ideas and make every word count. Admissions committees appreciate well-structured and focused essays that effectively answer the question.
• Start Early: Give yourself enough  time to brainstorm, draft, revise, and finalize your essays. Starting early allows you to reflect, seek feedback, and make improvements without rushing. It also helps in avoiding last-minute stress and ensuring the submission of a well-crafted application.

Letter of Recommendation

To complete the ESCP MSc Finance application, you will need to include a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from a referee who can attest to your qualifications and suitability for the program. The LOR plays a crucial role in providing insights into your professional abilities, character, and potential for success in the MSc Finance program.

When selecting a referee for your ESCP MSc Finance application, you have a few options. The preferred choice is typically your current employer, who can provide firsthand insights into your work ethic, skills, and potential for growth. If you are unable to ask your current employer to serve as a referee, you may choose a colleague who knows you well in a work context. This colleague should be able to provide a comprehensive assessment of your professional abilities and potential.

Once you have identified your referee, you will need to provide their details in the online application form. The university will then send an email to your referee with login information for their online reference system. This system will allow your referee to submit the LOR directly to ESCP MSc Finance. It is important to ensure that you enter the correct and up-to-date contact information for your referee to facilitate this process.

ESCP MSc Finance Interview Questions

Set 1

• Can you walk me through your academic and professional background, highlighting any experiences or skills that are particularly relevant to the field of finance?
• What motivated you to pursue the ESCP MSc Finance program specifically? How do you envision this program aligning with your long-term career goals?
• Discuss a challenging financial situation or project you have encountered in your academic or professional life. How did you approach it, and what were the outcomes? What did you learn from this experience?
• How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the finance industry? Can you provide an example of a recent financial news or market trend that caught your attention?
• How would you describe your quantitative and analytical skills? Provide examples of how you have applied these skills to solve complex financial problems or make informed decisions.
• Describe a time when you had to work effectively as part of a team to achieve a common goal. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
• How do you approach risk assessment and management in financial decision-making? Can you provide an example of a situation where you had to assess and mitigate risks?
• Discuss a finance-related project or initiative you have undertaken that demonstrates your ability to think critically, analyze data, and provide strategic recommendations. What were the outcomes, and what did you learn from this experience?
• How do you define ethical practices in finance, and why do you consider them important? Provide an example of a situation where you had to make an ethical decision in a financial context.
• What do you hope to gain from the ESCP MSc Finance program, both academically and professionally? How do you see yourself contributing to the program's community and adding value to your peers' learning experience?

Set 2

• What sparked your interest in finance, and how has this passion developed over time? Can you provide specific examples of how you have pursued this interest in your academic or professional journey?
• Describe a situation where you had to demonstrate your leadership skills in a finance-related context. What challenges did you face, and how did you navigate them? What were the outcomes?
• How do you approach financial modeling and analysis? Can you provide an example of a complex financial model you have developed or utilized in the past?
• Discuss your understanding of global financial markets and their interconnectedness. How do you stay informed about international financial trends and their impact on local markets?
• Share an experience where you had to communicate complex financial concepts or ideas to a non-financial audience. How did you ensure clarity and understanding?
• In your opinion, what are the key challenges facing the finance industry today? How do you see yourself contributing to addressing these challenges as an ESCP MSc Finance graduate?
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult financial decision with limited information or under time pressure. How did you approach the decision-making process, and what were the outcomes?
• How do you handle pressure and tight deadlines in a finance-related environment? Provide an example of a situation where you successfully managed such pressures.
• Discuss your experience working with diverse teams or in multicultural environments. How have these experiences shaped your perspective on collaboration and understanding in the context of finance?
• What distinguishes you from other candidates applying to the ESCP MSc Finance program? How will your unique skills, experiences, or perspectives contribute to the program's learning community?

Tips for ESCP MSc Finance interview questions

Here are some tips to help you prepare for answering the interview questions effectively:

• Understand the question: Take the time to carefully read and understand each question before responding. Pay attention to keywords and specific aspects the question is asking for.
• Prepare in advance: Reflect on your academic, professional, and personal experiences that are relevant to the field of finance. Identify specific examples and accomplishments that highlight your skills, achievements, and unique qualities.
• Be concise and focused: Keep your responses clear and to the point. Structure your answers logically and provide relevant details without going off on tangents.
• Use the STAR method: When answering behavioral or situational questions, consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Describe the specific situation or challenge, explain the tasks you undertook, outline the actions you took, and share the outcomes or results.
• Provide specific examples: Back up your statements with concrete examples from your past experiences. These examples can showcase your skills, achievements, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork.
• Showcase your knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of finance concepts, trends, and industry news. Use specific examples to highlight your knowledge and engagement with the field.
• Be authentic and enthusiastic: Let your genuine passion and enthusiasm for finance shine through your responses. Show your motivation to learn and contribute to the ESCP MSc Finance program.
• Demonstrate adaptability and critical thinking: Highlight your ability to adapt to changing situations and think critically when faced with complex financial challenges. Discuss how you approach problem-solving and decision-making processes.
• Show your fit with ESCP: Connect your experiences, goals, and values to the ESCP MSc Finance program. Explain why you believe ESCP is the right fit for you and how you can contribute to the program's community and culture.
• Practice and seek feedback: Practice answering the interview questions with a friend or family member. Request their feedback on your responses, delivery, and clarity. Consider recording your practice sessions to review and improve your performance.

What Makes ESCP MFin Unique

ESCP MSc Finance is a program that stands out for several reasons, making it unique among other finance programs. Here are some key aspects that make ESCP MSc Finance unique:

• Global Perspective: ESCP MSc Finance offers a truly international experience, with campuses in multiple European cities, including Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid, and Turin. This global presence allows students to gain exposure to diverse cultures, markets, and financial systems, providing a comprehensive understanding of global finance.
• Academic Excellence: ESCP Business School, where the MSc Finance program is offered, has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. It consistently ranks among the top business schools in Europe and is accredited by prestigious international bodies such as AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. The program's curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of finance theories, concepts, and practices.
• Practical Orientation: ESCP MSc Finance emphasizes the practical application of finance knowledge. Through case studies, simulations, and real-world projects, students develop the skills necessary to tackle complex financial challenges and make informed decisions. The program also fosters close connections with industry professionals, providing networking opportunities and access to relevant internships and job placements.
• Diverse Faculty and Peer Network: ESCP MSc Finance brings together a diverse and talented faculty composed of experienced academics and industry practitioners. Students benefit from their expertise, gaining insights from different perspectives. Additionally, the program attracts a diverse cohort of students from around the world, creating a dynamic and multicultural learning environment that enhances collaboration and cross-cultural understanding.
• Extensive Alumni Network: ESCP MSc Finance boasts a strong and extensive alumni network that spans various industries and geographies. The alumni network offers valuable connections, mentoring opportunities, and professional development support to current students and graduates. This network provides a lifelong resource for career development and networking within the finance industry.
• Specialization Options: ESCP MSc Finance offers a range of specialization options, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals. These specializations may include Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Financial Markets, or Sustainable Finance, among others. The flexibility to choose a specialization enables students to gain expertise in their preferred area of finance.
• Career Development Support: ESCP MSc Finance provides comprehensive career development support to students. The program offers access to a dedicated career services team, industry workshops, recruitment events, and alumni networking opportunities. These resources aim to enhance students' employability and prepare them for successful careers in finance.

Overall, ESCP MSc Finance distinguishes itself through its global perspective, academic excellence, practical orientation, diverse network, and specialized options, all of which contribute to a unique and enriching educational experience for aspiring finance professionals.

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Conclusion

The ESCP MSc Finance is more than just a degree; it acts as a career accelerator for students looking to break into global finance. With its strong academic foundation, international campuses, and proven career outcomes, the programme offers the right balance of classroom learning and practical exposure. Graduates move into roles in investment banking, asset management, consulting, and financial markets, supported by ESCP’s reputation and global network. For students planning to study finance in Europe, the ESCP MSc Finance delivers solid skills, international opportunities, and long-term career value.