European School of Economics
Florence, Italy
European School of Economics (ESE) – Florence
Florence, Italy
Founded
1994
Institution Type
Private Business School
Campuses Worldwide
5 Centres
Nationalities Represented
80+
Overview & History of the European School of Economics
Overview & History of the European School of Economics
The European School of Economics (ESE) is a private College of Higher Education founded in Italy in 1994 by Elio D'Anna. It operates as a multicultural, international business school with centres in London, Rome, Milan, Florence, and Madrid, offering UK-accredited degree programmes taught entirely in English.
ESE awards UK degree courses in partnership with recognised British universities and degree-awarding bodies. The institution holds ASIC Premier Institution Status, UCAS Accreditation, OIA membership, and Erasmus+ membership, ensuring its qualifications are recognised across Europe and beyond.
The Florence centre is housed in a Renaissance palazzo on Borgo Santi Apostoli, just steps from the Ponte Vecchio, a five-minute walk from the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Students benefit from small class sizes, a highly international environment, and the opportunity to transfer between ESE campuses worldwide on a per-term or per-year basis.
Key Milestones
- 1994: ESE founded in Italy by Elio D'Anna as a private institution of higher education with an international business focus.
- 1997: Former Soviet President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Mikhail Gorbachev addressed ESE students at the Peace is Economy conference.
- 2003: ESE won a landmark ruling at the European Court of Justice affirming the right to deliver UK-accredited degrees in Italy under EU law.
- 2021: ESE won the Global Student Satisfaction Award by StudyPortals for Quality of Student Life, selected from over 4,000 participating institutions.
Academic Programmes & Structure
Academic Programmes & Structure
ESE Florence offers UK-accredited undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and short professional programmes focused on business and management. All courses are delivered in English, and students can specialise in cutting-edge sectors such as fashion, sport, art, media, hospitality, and finance. The institution emphasises practical learning through mandatory internships sourced from over 1,500 partner organisations worldwide.
Business Administration (BSc Hons)
A three-year undergraduate programme providing a strong foundation in business principles with specialisation options. Students can transfer up to 240 UK credits and switch between ESE campuses at any point during the academic year.
- BSc (Hons) Finance
- BSc (Hons) Management
- BSc (Hons) Marketing
Media & Communications
Programmes designed to prepare students for careers in global media, digital marketing, and communications industries. Coursework combines theory with hands-on projects and industry placements.
- BSc (Hons) Media & Communications
- Short Course in Digital Marketing
- Short Course in Event Management
Postgraduate Programmes (MSc)
Master of Science programmes that build advanced expertise in core business disciplines. These programmes are validated by UK partner universities and include a dissertation component.
- MSc in Finance
- MSc in Marketing
- MSc in Management
MBA Programme
The MBA in Entrepreneurship and Leadership is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers or launch their own ventures. The programme combines strategic thinking with practical business application.
- MBA Entrepreneurship & Leadership
- MBA with Finance Specialisation
- MBA with Marketing Specialisation
Hospitality, Tourism & Sports Management
Specialised programmes delivered in partnership with the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH), FIGC, and CONI. These courses focus on the Italian luxury, sports, and hospitality sectors.
- Diploma in Hospitality Management (CTH)
- Sports Management Programme (FIGC/CONI)
- Short Course in Hospitality Management
Art, Fashion & Luxury Culture
Programmes offered in partnership with the Florence Academy of Art, focusing on the intersection of business and the creative industries. Ideal for students passionate about the Italian fashion, art, and luxury markets.
- Short Course in Fashion & Luxury Management
- Art Management Programme
- Executive Programme in Luxury Real Estate
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate (BSc Hons)
- EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent (A-levels, IB of 24+, or 12-year American diploma)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 (min 6.0 per skill) or TOEFL iBT 90+
- Documents RequiredApplication form, personal statement, passport copy, passport-size photos
- Application FeeEUR 50 (non-refundable)
- Language ExemptionStudents with 2+ years of English-medium education may be exempt from IELTS/TOEFL
Graduate (MSc / MBA)
- EducationGood first degree (second class honours or GPA 3.0+)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 (min 6.0 per skill) or TOEFL iBT 90+
- Documents RequiredApplication form, CV/resume, personal statement, two letters of recommendation
- Work Experience (MBA)Candidates without a degree may qualify with 3+ years of managerial experience
- Application FeeEUR 50 (non-refundable)
The main intake period for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Rolling admissions apply.
Available for select programmes. Contact the ESE Florence admissions office to confirm availability for your chosen course.
Additional start dates available for short courses, executive programmes, and certain degree programmes.
ESE accepts applications year-round with start dates throughout the academic year. Limited places are available per intake at each campus.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
ESE applies the same tuition fees for domestic and international students across its Italian campuses. Fees vary by programme level and include registration costs. Students should contact ESE Florence directly for the most current fee schedule, as rates may be updated annually.
| Programme | Tuition (Annual) | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| BSc Business Administration | EUR 22,000 | EUR 2,500 |
| MSc Business Management | EUR 28,000 | EUR 3,500 |
| MBA Entrepreneurship & Leadership | EUR 35,000 | EUR 3,500 |
| Short Course (3 months) | EUR 6,400 | EUR 600 |
| Total | Contact ESE for total programme costs | Includes dissertation fees where applicable |
ESE Merit Scholarship
ESE offers merit-based scholarships and financial aid to outstanding students. Eligibility and amounts vary by programme and campus. Students are encouraged to inquire directly with the ESE Florence admissions office.
- Type: Merit-based tuition reduction
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic record and personal statement
- Application: Contact ESE Florence admissions directly
ESE Foundation Bursary
The ESE Foundation, established as a UK charity in 2013, provides financial support to eligible students who demonstrate financial need alongside academic potential.
- Type: Need-based financial aid
- Eligibility: Demonstrated financial need and academic merit
- Application: Submit financial documentation with your application
Campus & Facilities in Florence
Campus & Facilities in Florence
The ESE Florence centre is located in a historic Renaissance palazzo at Borgo Santi Apostoli 19, in the heart of Florence's historic centre. The campus is just steps from the Ponte Vecchio, a five-minute walk from the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, and ten minutes from the Santa Maria Novella railway station.
ESE Florence occupies a beautifully restored Renaissance palazzo combining historic charm with modern educational facilities.
The campus features an IT lab with computers, internet access, wireless printing, and copy machines for student use.
Students enjoy studying in the cultural heart of Florence, surrounded by iconic Renaissance landmarks and vibrant city life.
Housing & Student Services
Accommodation
ESE Florence does not provide on-campus housing but assists students with finding accommodation in the city. The Student Service Department provides pre-arrival information and housing guidance.
- Shared apartments in the historic centre
- Student residences near campus
- Homestay options with Italian families
Student Services
ESE Florence offers comprehensive support including visa assistance, ISIC student cards, and partnerships with local businesses for dining, fitness, and cultural activities.
- Visa and immigration support
- ISIC Student Card with local discounts
- Partnerships with gyms, restaurants, and museums
Student Life at ESE Florence
Student Life at ESE Florence
Life at ESE Florence combines rigorous academic study with the rich cultural experience of living in one of the world's most celebrated cities. The multicultural student body, drawn from over 80 nationalities, creates a dynamic environment for personal and professional growth.
Florence – A Living Classroom
Florence – A Living Classroom
Studying in Florence, Italy
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the world's foremost centres of art, architecture, and culture. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city offers an inspiring backdrop for business education, with a thriving economy built on fashion, luxury goods, tourism, and artisanal craftsmanship. Florence is a safe, walkable city with a low crime rate compared to other Italian cities.
Cultural Capital
Home to the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, and the Duomo, Florence houses some of the world's most important art collections and architectural masterpieces.
Fashion & Luxury Hub
Florence is the birthplace of major fashion houses like Gucci, Ferragamo, and Pucci, making it an ideal location for studying fashion and luxury management.
Central Location
Excellent rail and air connections place Rome at 1.5 hours by train, Milan at under 2 hours, and major European cities within easy reach via Florence Airport.
Quality of Life
Renowned Tuscan cuisine, a Mediterranean climate, and a compact historic centre make Florence one of the most liveable cities in Europe for international students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Industries & Sectors Where ESE Graduates Work
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
The ESE Florence Student Service Department assists all international students with visa documentation and the Italian permit of stay process. Non-EU students staying over 90 days must obtain health insurance.
Non-EU students must obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay in Italy. EU students can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access Italy's National Health Service (SSN).
ESE's Internship Department sources placements from over 1,500 partner organisations worldwide. Career development consultants assist with CV reviews, practice interviews, and job searches.
Key Contacts – ESE Florence
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Recognition & Rankings
Recognition & Rankings
As a private business school that awards degrees through UK university partnerships, ESE does not appear in traditional global university rankings such as QS or Times Higher Education. However, ESE has earned significant recognition for student satisfaction, accreditation quality, and its unique educational model.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | Core strength across all ESE campuses | Contact ESE for current data |
| Finance | BSc, MSc, and MBA specialisations available | Contact ESE for current data |
| Marketing | Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes | Contact ESE for current data |
| Fashion & Luxury Management | Specialised short courses and executive programmes | Contact ESE for current data |
Features
The ESE bachelor, master, MBA, and certificate programmes aim to prepare international entrepreneurs and managers with the cultural awareness, abilities and moral qualities most needed in the world of contemporary business. This is achieved through the unique ESE educational philosophy:\n\n“The Dream is the most real thing there is” – students develop a unique academic and professional pathway through their selected course specialisation, internship placement, and final dissertation\nPragmatism – hands-on experience in contemporary business practice through the comprehensive internship programme\nInternationality – student body originating from more than 60 nations, ESE centres around the world, and internships with global organisations.\nThe European School of Economics is a new concept in higher education. A college of international business, the scope of an ESE education extends beyond a thorough preparation in the principles of economics, management, marketing or finance.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - August
Location
Borgo Santi Apostoli, 19, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
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