Our history
Founded in Lille in 1906, EDHEC Business School is a private business school recognised by the French state.
The School
In the beginning
1906 sees the creation of a business studies section within HEI Lille that subsequently becomes HEIC Lille (Hautes Études Industrielles et Commerciales).
At the start of the 1921 academic year, the HEC Nord business studies section is attached to the Free Faculty of Law. In 1951, following legal disputes with HEC Paris whose name is protected, HEC Nord becomes EDHEC (École Des Hautes Études Commerciales du Nord). EDHEC has been accredited by the French state since 1971 and now runs five campuses in Lille, Nice, Paris, London and Singapore.
Lorem ippsum
EDHEC today
EDHEC Business School is a leading international business school specialising in business, entrepreneurship, management and innovation.
EDHEC Business School has five academic campuses open to the world (Lille, Nice, London, Paris and Singapore) and two entrepreneurship and start-up campuses (Station F in Paris and the Jean Arnault campus in Roubaix).
The School offers academic education programmes (EDHEC International BBA, MiM and MSc) either in person or digitally, the latter thanks to the range of 100%-digital degree programmes delivered by EDHEC Online. We also possess an extensive portfolio of programmes designed for executives (Global MBA, EMBA, PhD in Finance, together with numerous open and customisable programmes).
Based in Lille, Nice, Paris, London and Singapore, EDHEC is one of Europe’s top 15 business schools. As a fully international business school directly connected to the business world, we command a strong reputation for the excellence of our research and ability to train entrepreneurs and managers capable of anticipating changes affecting business.
In 2022, EDHEC will have 8,600 students enrolled in traditional undergraduate programmes, 285 exchange and dual degree agreements with the world's leading academic institutions, and a network of over 60,000 alumni of 127 nationalities.
Key dates
1906
Creation of a business studies section at HEI in Lille, under the impetus of industrialists in northern France keen to respond to a real need for the region at the time.
It takes the name HEIC (École des Hautes Études Industrielles et Commerciales). At the time, the city of Lille is the leading centre for the wool industry in France and the world’s largest wool trading centre.
1947
Birth of the graduates association, Amicale de l’EDHEC du Nord, which has now evolved into today’s EDHEC Alumni.
The association serves as a bridge between class years of graduates and the School’s current students. Starting in 1953, it publishes Quo Vadis, a bulletin that subsequently becomes EDHEC Informations in 1962, and joins AIESEC, the International Association of Business and Management Science Students in 1954. The Amicale’s philosophy is to raise the School’s profile and reputation, develop a sense of belonging and reinforce the EDHEC mindset. The Amicale later becomes the Association of Former Students, then the EDHEC Alumni Association.
1958
Choice of operational structure as an independent not-for-profit association with the status of Grande Ecole, offering master level degrees.
EDHEC obtains the status of Autonomous Association and equips itself with a Board of Governors.
1968
Birth of the EDHEC Business School Cup under the impetus of three students. It later becomes the EDHEC Sailing Cup (Course Croisière EDHEC) in 1976.
The race is recognised in 1980 as Europe’s largest student sports event. It has now built up an unprecedented reputation in the yachting and student worlds. As of today, it counts among the classics of the yachting calendar and a number of leading skippers learned their skills while studying at EDHEC.
1971
Recognition from the French state, through an accreditation awarded by France’s Ministry for Higher Education and Research.
1983
Signature of EDHEC’s first international agreement with the London School of Economics (LSE).
1991
1999
EDHEC obtains accreditation from EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) and has been triple-accredited (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB) since 2004.
 |
 |
 |
2001
Creation of the EDHEC-Risk Institute
A research centre geared to anticipating changes in the investment industry in order to meet the long-term objectives of investors and savers.
2008
Launch of the PhD en Finance
A doctoral programme preparing participants for high-level responsibilities in the financial industry.
2012
Signature of new strategic partnerships with US universities Yale and Princeton.
2016
2018
EDHEC joins Station F, the world’s largest international start-up campus, located in central Paris.
The project enjoys decisive support from EDHEC donors and strengthens the resources of the EDHEC Entrepreneurs incubator.
2020
EDHEC announces its Impact Future Generations strategic plan, a commitment in favour of future generations. The plan is based on the School's engagement with society, the development of research of real practical use and the creation of new learning models.
In the same year, EDHEC sells its Scientific Beta subsidiary to SGX (Singapore Exchange Ltd) and thereby strengthens the School’s financial independence.
2021
Inauguration of the Jean Arnault campus in Roubaix:
A hub for entrepreneurship comprising the EDHEC Entrepreneurs incubator and Live, a not for profit association that helps people into work and which is chaired by Brigitte Macron.
2022
Launch of EDHEC America:
Creation of a permanent structure located in the heart of the University of Berkeley in California. This partnership with a prestigious institution reinforces the School’s presence in the USA.
