EM Lyon Business School

What EM Lyon Business School does

EM Lyon Business School (emlyon), incorporated as Early Makers Group SA and headquartered in Lyon, France, is a private higher education institution founded in 1872 that delivers business education from undergraduate through doctoral levels. The school operates four campuses (Lyon, Paris, Shanghai, Mumbai) and serves approximately 9,375 students from 135 nationalities, supported by 178 professors and researchers from 34 nationalities and a global alumni network of 48,000+ across 130 countries. Its product portfolio spans the Global BBA and BSc in Data Science, the flagship Programme Grande École (Master in Management), over 15 specialized MSc programs, four advanced Mastères Spécialisés, Executive MBA and Executive Master programs (on-campus and online), a Global DBA, PhD, Summer and Winter Schools, and an expanding set of short executive certificates. Technology delivery is supported by an AI-integrated learning platform featuring AI Exercise Assistants and generative AI-powered adaptive learning materials, plus a dedicated AIM institute for AI-in-management research; the broader research output is organized across seven research centers, four corporate-funded research chairs (Carbone 4, Groupama, Malakoff Humanis, Terres Inovia), and four additional research institutes (Alternative Futures, HITS, I2E) plus an innovation facility (Makers' Lab).

The business model is primarily tuition-driven (MSc tuition ranges from €26,900 to €34,900 depending on program length and entry point; €4,500 non-refundable enrollment deposit; €120 application fee), augmented by executive MBA fees, customized corporate training contracts, and corporate sponsorship of research chairs. Distribution is executed via direct admissions through competitive exams (SESAME, ACCÈS, Passerelle, BCE, ECRICOME for French candidates; GMAT, GRE, TAGE MAGE, CAT for international candidates), a network of 237 academic partner institutions enabling exchanges and double degrees, and recruitment channels including Campus France. The institution is triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) and is a CGE-accredited Société à Mission since 2021. Strategic direction is governed by the Resonance 2024-2028 plan, which emphasizes sustainability, hybridization of skills, and global expansion, with a new tech school (emlyon ProPulse) launching AI, data, and cybersecurity programs in 2026 and additional offices planned in the Americas and Middle East.

Name

EM Lyon Business School

Legal name

Early Makers Group SA

Website

https://em-lyon.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1872

Operating status

Operating

Short description

EM Lyon Business School is a private French higher education institution founded in 1872 that delivers undergraduate, graduate (MSc, Grande École), executive (MBA, DBA), and doctoral business programs to ~9,375 students across four campuses (Lyon, Paris, Shanghai, Mumbai) via tuition, executive education, and corporate-sponsored research.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education - Business School

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International Business & Global Management Schools (EDAHAHAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

MBA & Executive MBA Programs (EDAHAHAB), Executive Education & Corporate Programs (Non-degree) (EDAHAHAN), Undergraduate Business Schools (BBA/BSBA Programs) (EDAHAHAA), Professional & Executive Short Courses (Non-Degree, International) (EDAIAIAH)

Keywords

• Business school education
• Executive education programs
• Graduate management degrees
• Higher education institution
• Professional development training

Headquarters

HQ city

Lyon

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees - MSc Programs: Full-time graduate programs charging tuition fees ranging from €26,900 to €34,900 depending on program duration and entry point
2. Tuition Fees - Executive Education: Executive MBA and specialized programs for working professionals
3. Application Fees: Non-refundable application processing fees (€120 for MSc programs)
4. Customized Corporate Training: Tailored training programs for enterprises developed through company partnerships
5. Research Chairs Funding: Partnership-funded research chairs with corporate sponsors including Groupama, Malakoff Humanis, Terres Inovia, and Carbone 4

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

emlyon business school delivers degree and continuing education programs in business and management, spanning undergraduate (Global BBA, BSc Data Science), graduate (Programme Grande École/Master in Management and ~17 specialised MSc/Master tracks), executive (Executive MBA, International MBA, Executive Master tracks), doctoral (PhD, Global DBA), and short-format programs (Summer/Winter Schools, certificates). Offerings are delivered across four campuses in Lyon, Paris, Shanghai and Mumbai, supported by a 48,000+ member alumni network in 130 countries and complemented by customized corporate training and partnership-funded research chairs.

Product overview

emlyon business school is a comprehensive business education institution offering a portfolio of over 35 programs across undergraduate, graduate, executive, and doctoral levels. The core offerings include the Grande École Master in Management program (ranked top 4 in France), specialized MSc programs spanning finance, digital marketing, data science, healthcare innovation, energy transitions, luxury management, and hospitality, and advanced Mastères Spécialisés in partnership with engineering schools. Executive education encompasses Executive MBA programs (on-campus and online), specialized Executive Masters, and short professional certificates. The institution operates a Tech School (emlyon ProPulse), research institutes focused on AI, healthcare innovation, and sustainability, and maintains four dedicated research chairs. Programs integrate AI exercise assistants for personalized feedback and adaptive learning materials, reflecting the school's 'Resonance 2024-2028' strategic emphasis on hybridization, sustainability, and global expansion across four campuses (Lyon, Paris, Shanghai, Mumbai).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ProPulse: Tech school offering AI, data, and cybersecurity programs starting in 2026
• Alternative Futures Institute
• MSc in Healthcare Innovation & Data Science
• MSc in Management of Energy Transitions

Products and services

• Global BBA Four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Business Administration program combining management theory, professional experience components and international exposure for high-school graduates seeking foundational business education.
• BSc in Data Science for Responsible Business Four-year Bachelor of Science program combining data science competencies with responsible business practices, delivered as a double degree with Centrale Lyon for high-school graduates.
• Programme Grande École (Master in Management) Flagship Grande École Master in Management program ranked 4th in France for 2025, conferring the Master grade and using a hybrid pedagogy that combines action and reflection to train students for contemporary business challenges.
• Master in Management, Finance & Tech Two-year Master in Management double-degree program with Polimi and Bayes combining finance management with technology expertise, for graduates entering finance and technology roles.
• Master in Finance Master's program in finance ranked 11th worldwide by the Financial Times in 2025, preparing graduate students for careers in financial management and investment.
• Master in Digital Marketing & Data Analytics Master's program combining digital marketing strategy with data analytics skills, for graduates entering modern, data-driven marketing roles.
• Master in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy Master's program focused on data science and AI strategy, preparing graduates to lead AI-powered business transformations.
• Master in Strategy & Consulting Master's program developing strategic thinking and consulting competencies for graduate students entering business advisory roles.
• Master in Sports, Entertainment & Lifestyle Master's program exploring business dynamics in the sports, entertainment and lifestyle industries for graduates seeking sector-specific management roles.
• MSc in Strategic Intelligence & Global Risks MSc program focused on strategic intelligence methodologies and global risk analysis frameworks, for graduates entering risk and intelligence functions.
• MSc in Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship MSc program cultivating innovation management skills and entrepreneurial mindset for graduates launching or scaling new ventures.
• MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations MSc program focused on sustainability leadership and transformation management for graduates targeting environmentally responsible business practices.
• MSc in Management of Energy Transitions Two-year MSc program based in Paris with a term in Shanghai, training graduates to lead energy transformations through renewable energy, nuclear, hydrogen, energy markets, decarbonisation strategies and climate finance modules; tuition €26,900 (1-year) to €34,900 (2-year).
• MSc in International Hospitality Management MSc program in partnership with Institut Lyfe focused on international hospitality and luxury service management, for graduates entering the hospitality sector.
• MSc in Healthcare Innovation & Data Science MSc program combining healthcare sector expertise with data science competencies, with a Shanghai term that includes industry consulting projects for healthcare technology partners.
• MSc in Supply Chain & Operations Management MSc program covering supply chain optimisation, operations management and logistics across international contexts for graduates entering operations functions.
• MSc in Global Sales Excellence MSc program developing advanced sales capabilities and relationship management skills for graduates entering international business development.
• MSc in Luxury Management & Marketing MSc program focused on luxury sector business strategies, brand management and marketing in high-end markets for graduates entering the luxury industry.
• MSc in International Marketing & Business Development MSc program combining international marketing with business development skills for graduates targeting global market expansion roles.
• MSc in Branding & Communication MSc program focused on brand strategy development and integrated communication management for graduates entering brand and communications roles.
• MSc in Innovation & Technology for Education MSc program exploring innovations in educational technology and their application in learning environments, for graduates targeting the edtech sector.
• MS Stratégie & Développement d'Affaires Internationales (Double diplôme CentraleSupélec) Advanced Master in International Strategy and Business Development (Mastère Spécialisé) offered as a double degree with CentraleSupélec, combining engineering and business education.
• MS Juriste Manager International Advanced Master (Mastère Spécialisé) combining legal expertise with international management skills for graduates entering global business law.
• MS Entrepreneuriat & Management de l'Innovation Advanced Master (Mastère Spécialisé) focused on entrepreneurship and innovation management for launching technology ventures.
• MS Transformation Digitale, Marketing & Stratégie Advanced Master (Mastère Spécialisé) in digital transformation combining marketing and strategic management for graduates entering digital business leadership.
• Executive MBA Executive MBA program for senior managers and executives seeking advanced leadership and strategic management education, delivered on campuses at Lyon, Paris and Casablanca as well as online.
• Executive MBA Online Online variant of the Executive MBA providing flexible remote access to executive management education for working senior managers.
• International MBA International MBA program with global orientation and international campus components for executives seeking cross-border leadership credentials.
• Executive Master Management Général Executive Master in General Management for experienced professionals seeking comprehensive business leadership education.
• Executive Master Management Général Online Online version of the Executive Master in General Management with flexible learning options for working executives.
• Executive Master en Leadership et Management de l'Assurance Specialised Executive Master focused on leadership and management in the insurance sector for executives in insurance and risk.
• Global Doctorate of Business Administration (GDBA) Global DBA program for senior executives combining business research with practical application, delivered in executive format.
• PhD Program Full-time PhD program preparing candidates for academic careers in business research across disciplines.
• Short Programs / Executive Certificates Short-term professional development programs and executive certificates covering AI strategy, generative AI, digital marketing, finance, leadership, governance, sustainability and transformation, delivered on campus and online.
• Summer School Intensive summer program offering international students exposure to French business education and culture.
• Winter School Intensive winter program providing short-term international academic experience for visiting students and professionals.
• emlyon ProPulse (Tech School) Tech school offering AI, data science and cybersecurity extension programs launching in 2026 as part of emlyon's Résonances 2024-2028 strategic plan, broadening the institution into technology-focused education.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90-95% graduate employment rate within 6 months
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Terres InoviacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Research chair 'Transitions et Evolutions des Marchés Agricoles' focused on protein sovereignty and agricultural market transitions. emlyon is the only business school in the national 'Formidable Protéine 2' consortium under France 2030. The partnership analyzes business models, market structures, and economic viability of agricultural training programs.
• Groupama Rhône-Alpes AuvergnecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFour-year research chair on 'Climate Risk and Property Insurance' addressing clay risk, hail damage, and extreme weather impacts on insurance. The partnership produces scientific publications and organizes seminars on climate risk modeling and insurance adaptation to environmental transition.
• Malakoff HumaniscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch chair on 'Mental Health of SME/VSB Executives' studying mental health challenges faced by small business leaders. Conducted survey of 2,750 participants including 1,750 executives, with findings showing nearly 7% face high burnout risk. Partnership aims to develop diagnostic tools and prevention strategies.
• Carbone 4coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch chair focused on climate strategy and sustainability, contributing to emlyon's positioning as a leader in environmental responsibility and green business education.
• SPH KDL HEALTHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare technology company partnering with MSc in Healthcare Innovation & Data Science students for industry consulting projects in Shanghai, addressing real business challenges in health technology and data strategy.
• OYMotion TechnologiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare technology partner for student consulting projects focused on data strategy and healthcare operations innovation in Shanghai.
• MustardTekminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare innovation partner providing real business challenges for MSc in Healthcare Innovation & Data Science students in Shanghai.
• 237 Academic Partner InstitutionscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal network of universities enabling student exchanges, double degree programs, and collaborative research across Europe, Asia, Americas, and other regions. Supports international mobility for all emlyon students.
• NEOMA Business SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench business school partnership involving AI integration in education, with NEOMA partnering with Mistral AI to provide students access to Le Chat LLM platform.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• EDHEC Business School: French Grande École with strong positioning in finance, MSc programs, and executive education across Lille, Nice and international campuses. Comparable in scale, triple accreditation, and French grande école competitive set.
• ESSEC Business School: French Grande École with Master in Management, MSc, and executive programs across campuses in France, Singapore and Morocco. Directly comparable in portfolio breadth, triple-accreditation status, and target student profile.
• IESEG School of Management: French Grande École with campuses in Lille and Paris, offering Bachelor, Master in Management, MSc, and MBA programs. Comparable in program breadth and French grande école student profile, slightly smaller scale.
• ESCP Business School: Pan-European multi-campus business school with undergraduate, Master in Management, MBA and executive programs. Most structurally similar peer to emlyon's four-campus international model and broad program mix.
• Grenoble École de Management: French business school with strong international and technology-oriented programs including MSc and MBA. Comparable as a French grande école peer with similar portfolio mix and triple accreditation.
• NEOMA Business School: French Grande École formed from the merger of Reims and Rouen schools, offering Bachelor, Master, and executive programs. Similar size tier, French grande école positioning, and is even named as an emlyon partner on AI initiatives.
• HEC Paris: France's leading Grande École, offering the Master in Management and MBA programs with deep corporate recruiter penetration. Closest direct competitor to emlyon in France, consistently ranked above it in FT and other league tables.

Broad incumbents

• INSEAD: Globally dominant business school with campuses in France, Singapore and Abu Dhabi and a flagship one-year MBA. Operates in the same space as emlyon but at a much broader global scale and brand strength, with a narrower program portfolio.

Regional players

• SDA Bocconi: Italy's top business school offering Bachelor, Master, MBA and executive programs with strong European rankings. Comparable in European peer set and program mix, though not a direct competitor in the French domestic market.
• IESE Business School: Spain-based business school with MBA, Master in Management and executive programs across European and global campuses. Comparable in European grande école positioning, though primarily regional rather than direct French market competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/emlyon-business-school
• Xx.com/emlyon
• Facebookfacebook.com/emlyonbusinessschool

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about EM Lyon Business School