Posted by : Shreya Bhattacharjee

Author Designation : Senior Counselor (Kolkata)

An overview of European School of Economics

The European School of Economics (ESE) is a boutique private business school that blends academic excellence with practical industry exposure across Europe’s most iconic cities. Founded in 1994, ESE has distinguished itself by offering a unique learning experience focused on international business, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. With campuses in London, Milan, Florence, Rome, and Madrid, ESE brings together a global community of learners and professionals. Its mission is to prepare international students to become visionary leaders capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving global economy.

One of the standout features of ESE is its customized academic model, which allows students to shape their degree around their career aspirations. Emphasizing small class sizes, multilingual instruction, and built-in internships, ESE offers personalized attention and an education tailored to the real world.

Rankings & Reputation

While the European School of Economics does not rank in the traditional global university rankings like QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education, it maintains a strong reputation within niche academic and industry circles. ESE is recognized for its specialized focus on international business and its boutique educational model, which emphasizes personal development and employability.

Its Global Student Satisfaction Score has placed it among top institutions for "Student Life Quality," according to student surveys. ESE's strengths lie in its practical learning environment, cross-border academic flexibility, and strong alumni outcomes, particularly in the fields of finance, fashion, music, sports management, and luxury brand marketing.

Employers value the hands-on training and internship-driven curriculum at ESE, making graduates highly employable, particularly in entrepreneurial and international business roles.

3. History

The European School of Economics was founded in 1994 in Milan, Italy. It was conceived as a response to the growing need for a business education model that not only equipped students with theoretical knowledge but also instilled entrepreneurial spirit and global awareness.

A defining moment in ESE’s history occurred in 1997 when Nobel Laureate Mikhail Gorbachev addressed students at a major academic conference organized by the institution. Over the years, ESE expanded to major European capitals, establishing fully operational campuses in London, Florence, Rome, Madrid, and Milan.

In 2013, ESE London became a registered UK charity and expanded its academic partnerships, further solidifying its position as a pan-European institution with global reach.

Courses Offered and Fees

Degree Programs

ESE offers a range of UK-validated programs through its partnerships with British universities, including:

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business Administration
Master of Science (MSc) in Management, Marketing, and Finance
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Short courses and executive education

All courses are designed to be flexible, allowing students to study in different ESE centers across Europe during their academic journey.

Popular Majors/Specializations

International Business
Marketing and Communications
Fashion and Luxury Goods Management
Finance and Investment
Sports Management
Art, Music & Entertainment Business
Entrepreneurship
Event Management

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary slightly depending on campus and program level. Approximate costs are as follows:

Bachelor’s Degree (BSc): €10,700 – €13,600 per year
Master’s Degree (MSc): €16,500 – €18,000
MBA: €20,000 – €24,000
Short Courses and Certifications: €1,100 – €3,500
Registration Fee (one-time): €1,000

Tuition is payable annually or by installment and may vary slightly depending on country-specific tax and regulatory considerations.

Admission Requirements for International Students

ESE welcomes students from over 90 countries, making it a culturally rich academic community. Below are the general admission requirements for international applicants:

Undergraduate (BSc)

Completed application form
High school diploma or equivalent (with academic transcripts)
Personal statement or motivation letter
Two letters of recommendation
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80)
Passport copy and passport-sized photos
Registration fee payment

Postgraduate (MSc and MBA)

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
Academic transcripts and certificates
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Two letters of recommendation
Personal statement or motivational essay (minimum 800 words)
Proof of English language proficiency
For MBA: Minimum of 2–3 years of professional work experience is preferred
GMAT/GRE not mandatory but may strengthen application

Applicants may also undergo an interview with admissions officers, either virtually or in person, to assess their academic goals and career vision.

Scholarships for International Students and Eligibility

To support talented students worldwide, the European School of Economics offers a variety of scholarships, including merit-based and need-based awards.

Types of Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarship
- For students with outstanding academic records
- Covers up to 30% of tuition
Need-Based Scholarship
- Requires documentation of financial status
- Covers up to 25% of tuition
Leadership Scholarship
- For students demonstrating leadership roles in community, business, or academics
- Covers up to 20% of tuition
Alumni Scholarship
- For children/siblings of ESE alumni
- 10% tuition waiver
Early Bird Scholarship
- For students who apply and pay early
- 5%–10% discount

Eligibility Criteria

Academic merit (minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent)
Demonstrated leadership or extracurricular excellence
Financial documentation (for need-based aid)
Completed application and essay
Timely submission of scholarship application (alongside main admission application)

Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships during the application process. Results are generally declared within 4–6 weeks.

Placement Record (Last 3 Years)

ESE maintains a strong commitment to student career development. Each campus has a Career Services Office that facilitates internships, talent fairs, and career coaching sessions.

Placement Highlights

Over 96% of students placed within 12 months of graduation
70% placed within 6 months
Average graduate starting salary: €32,000
Top employers: Ferrari, Gucci, PwC, Unilever, Google, Bloomberg, JP Morgan, L’Oréal, Calvin Klein
MBA graduate average salary: €40,000 – €60,000 within 3–5 years
20% of alumni go on to start their own businesses
Internships arranged with global corporations during the course itself

Internship participation is integrated into the academic curriculum, and students are required to complete multiple placements across industries like finance, marketing, and luxury brand management.

Notable Alumni

Although ESE maintains a boutique student base, several of its alumni have gone on to achieve international recognition in sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.

Well-known ESE Alumni:

Roberto Di Matteo – Former Chelsea FC Manager and UEFA Champions League winner
Cafu – Legendary Brazilian footballer and World Cup champion
Numerous business executives and creative professionals working at Google, LVMH, Louis Vuitton, and leading consulting firms

The school prides itself on cultivating leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking—traits visible in the success of its graduates across diverse sectors.

Conclusion

The European School of Economics is not just a business school—it is a global experience. Its unique model blends academic theory, real-world application, and mobility across campuses in Europe’s cultural capitals. ESE’s personalized programs and intimate learning environment provide students with more than a degree—it provides them with a life-changing platform for leadership and entrepreneurship.

While it may not carry the brand recognition of Ivy League or top-tier B-schools, it offers tremendous value for students who prefer hands-on learning, international exposure, and career-driven education.

International students looking for flexibility, strong business networks, and a cosmopolitan study experience will find ESE to be a compelling choice.

FAQs

1. Can I switch campuses during my program at ESE?

Yes. ESE’s flexible model allows students to study at different campuses across Europe, even within the same academic year.

2. Do I need IELTS if I studied in English before?

Students who have completed at least two years of prior education in English may be exempted from submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores.

3. Is ESE accredited?

Yes, ESE degrees are validated by UK partner institutions, and its campuses operate under national higher education regulations in the UK, Italy, and Spain.

4. Does ESE help with internships?

Absolutely. Internships are a compulsory part of every program. ESE has tie-ups with over 150 companies worldwide and provides support through its Career Services team.

5. What kind of students thrive at ESE?

ESE is ideal for internationally minded students with an entrepreneurial spirit who value personalized education, cultural mobility, and real-world experience over traditional lecture-based learning.

Popular countries:

Study in UK

Study in Canada

Study in Australia

Study in Germany

Study in Ireland

Study in France

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