Overview
The ESSEC Master in Finance (MIF) is an intensive finance programme offered in France and Singapore. Students can complete the programme in one or two years depending on their previous degree. It is designed for careers in corporate finance, financial markets, investment banking, asset management, fintech and risk management.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School | ESSEC Business School |
| Programme | Master in Finance (MIF) |
| Duration | 1 or 2 years |
| Format | Full-time, In-person |
| Campuses | France (Cergy) & Singapore |
| Start Date | 24 August 2026 |
| Specialisations | Corporate Finance, Financial Markets, Fintech & Analytics |
| Internship | 4–6 months |
Programme Structure
The duration depends on the student’s previous degree. Students who need additional finance foundations enter Master 1 (M1) and complete the programme in two years. Eligible students can enter directly into Master 2 (M2) and complete it in one year.
Master 1
M1 starts with preparatory courses in finance, accounting, mathematics and statistics. Students then take core and elective courses before completing an internship.
Subjects can include:
- Financial Theory
- Statistics
- Calculus & Probability
- Programming in Python
- Management Control
- International Finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Sustainability Performance
Master 2
M2 provides more advanced finance training and allows students to specialise according to their career goals.
Core areas include Corporate Financial Management, Financial Markets, Big Data Analytics, ESG Investing and other advanced finance subjects.
Specialisations
Students can choose from three main tracks:
| Track | Key Subjects |
|---|---|
| Corporate Finance | Mergers & Acquisitions, Firm Valuation, Private Equity |
| Financial Markets | Fixed Income, Advanced Derivatives, Volatility Trading |
| Fintech & Analytics | Financial Econometrics, Big Data Analytics, Digital Financial Platforms |
The Fintech & Analytics track is offered in Singapore, while Corporate Finance and Financial Markets are available in France or Singapore.
Internship & Professional Experience
Professional experience is an important part of the ESSEC MIF. Students complete a 4–6 month internship, which can take place anywhere in the world.
Students entering through M1 also complete an internship at the end of their first year. In M2, students can complete an internship or choose an academic dissertation.
International Experience
The programme provides exposure to major international financial centres. M2 students can participate in two international study trips.
- London
- New York or Hong Kong
During these trips, students can meet professionals and ESSEC alumni working at major investment banks, financial institutions and consulting firms.
Fees
ESSEC tuition depends on whether a student enters the one-year M2 route or the two-year M1 + M2 route, as well as citizenship status. A separate service fee also applies.
Because ESSEC updates its fee schedule by intake and student category, applicants should check the latest financing section when applying rather than relying on an older intake’s tuition figure.
Career Opportunities
The programme prepares students for careers across corporate finance, investment banking, financial markets, fintech, asset management and risk.
Typical career paths include:
- Investment Banking
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Private Equity
- Corporate Finance
- Asset Management
- Portfolio Management
- Equity & Fixed Income Analysis
- Risk Management
- Sales & Trading
- Fintech & Financial Analytics
Recruiters
Companies that have recruited ESSEC finance students include:
- Goldman Sachs
- J.P. Morgan
- Morgan Stanley
- Bank of America
- Barclays
- BNP Paribas
- Citi
- HSBC
- Rothschild
- UBS
- EY
- KPMG
- PwC
Class Profile
| Profile | Current Figure |
|---|---|
| Economics, Business & Finance Background | 65% |
| Engineering & Science Background | 35% |
| Average Age | 24 |
| Women | 30% |
CFA & Professional Certifications
The programme provides strong preparation for professional finance careers and has links with the CFA Institute. Students can also access optional certifications and certificates in areas such as Fintech & Analytics, Energy & Commodities and AMF certification.
Campuses
Students can choose between the ESSEC France campus in Cergy, around 30 km northwest of Paris, and the ESSEC Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore.
The two-campus structure gives students the opportunity to study finance in either the European or Asian financial environment, with some opportunities for inter-campus mobility.
Admissions
Admission depends partly on the applicant’s previous degree because this determines whether the student enters M1 or directly enters M2.
The application includes academic and personal information along with the supporting documents required by ESSEC. Applications are reviewed by the Academic Directors and an admissions committee.
ESSEC uses several admission rounds, so applicants should check the current application calendar and apply early where possible.
Who Is the ESSEC MIF For?
- Students targeting investment banking or M&A
- Students interested in financial markets and trading
- Candidates targeting private equity or corporate finance
- Students interested in asset and portfolio management
- Students interested in fintech and financial analytics
- Candidates looking for finance careers in Europe or Asia
FAQs
How long is the ESSEC Master in Finance?
The programme takes one or two years depending on the applicant’s previous degree and entry level.
Where can I study the ESSEC MIF?
The programme is offered at ESSEC’s Cergy campus in France and Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore.
What specialisations are available?
Students can specialise in Corporate Finance, Financial Markets or Fintech & Analytics.
Does the ESSEC MIF include an internship?
Yes. Students complete professional experience through a 4–6 month internship. M2 students can alternatively complete an academic dissertation.
What careers can I pursue after the ESSEC MIF?
Common career areas include investment banking, M&A, private equity, asset management, financial markets, corporate finance, risk management and fintech.
Final Takeaway
The ESSEC Master in Finance is a specialised programme for students targeting careers across corporate finance, investment banking, financial markets and fintech. Students can choose between France and Singapore, select from three specialised tracks and gain professional experience through internships.
The programme’s international study trips, finance-focused curriculum and access to major global financial employers make it particularly relevant for students seeking an international finance career.
