Warsaw School of Economics
Warsaw, Poland
SGH Warsaw School of Economics
Warsaw, Poland
Founded
1906
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
11,000+
Accreditations
Triple Crown (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS)
About SGH Warsaw School of Economics
About SGH Warsaw School of Economics
SGH Warsaw School of Economics (Szkola Glowna Handlowa w Warszawie) is the oldest and most prestigious university of economics and business in Poland. Founded in 1906 by August Zielinski as the Private Courses of Commerce for Men, SGH has grown into one of the leading economics universities in Central and Eastern Europe, educating over 11,000 students annually across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
SGH holds the distinguished Triple Crown accreditation, comprising AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS — a distinction held by only about 1 percent of business schools globally. The university is also a proud member of CEMS (Community of European Management Schools), the CIVICA European University alliance, and the Partnership in International Management (PIM) network, cooperating with over 300 partner universities worldwide.
The university's academic structure is organized into five Collegia rather than traditional departments, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to economics, finance, management, and social sciences. SGH graduates are consistently ranked among the highest-earning professionals in Poland, with many alumni holding top decision-making positions in government, banking, and international organizations.
Key Milestones
- 1906: Founded by August Zielinski as the Private Courses of Commerce for Men in Warsaw under tsarist rule.
- 1933: Renamed to Szkola Glowna Handlowa (SGH), establishing the brand identity that endures to this day.
- 1991: Regained its historic pre-war name SGH after the fall of communism, ending decades as the Main School of Planning and Statistics.
- 2025: Achieved Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), joining the elite group of top global business schools.
Academic Structure and Programs
Academic Structure and Programs
SGH has replaced the traditional departmental model with five interdisciplinary Collegia, each grouping professors and research programs around broad thematic areas. Students at both the bachelor's and master's levels study a common core curriculum in their first semesters before specializing, and programs are offered in both Polish and English.
Collegium of Economic Analysis
Focuses on quantitative methods, econometrics, and advanced economic modeling. This Collegium is home to the Polish Journal of Economics, one of Poland's leading academic publications in the field.
- Quantitative Methods in Economics and Information Systems
- Advanced Analytics – Big Data
- Data Science and Business Analytics
Collegium of Socio-Economics
Examines the intersection of economics with social policy, public governance, and regional development. It publishes the Journal of Public Policy Studies and addresses contemporary socio-economic challenges.
- Economics
- Social Policy
- Public Administration and Governance
Collegium of World Economy
Dedicated to international economics, global trade, and cross-border business relations. This Collegium oversees many of SGH's English-language programs and international partnerships.
- International Economics
- International Business
- Global Business, Finance and Governance
Collegium of Business Administration
Concentrates on enterprise management, entrepreneurship, innovation, and corporate strategy. It bridges academic theory with practical business application through close industry collaboration.
- Management
- Management, Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation
- Corporate Strategy and Entrepreneurship
Collegium of Management and Finance
Covers finance, accounting, banking, and capital markets, offering programs recognized by professional bodies such as ACCA. This is one of the most popular Collegia among students pursuing careers in financial services.
- Finance and Accounting
- Finance and Accounting Practical Profile with ACCA Qualification
- Banking and Financial Markets
Centre for Foreign Languages and Extra-Collegial Units
Supports all Collegia by providing foreign language instruction, academic writing courses, and interdisciplinary electives. Students can study English, German, French, Russian, Spanish, and Italian.
- Business English and Communication
- Academic Writing and Research Skills
- Polish Language for International Students
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate (First-Cycle) Studies
- EducationCompleted secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 79 / CAE (C) or equivalent
- Application FeePLN 85 (non-refundable)
- DocumentsCertified school leaving certificate, passport copy, motivation letter
- Duration6 semesters (3 years) leading to a licencjat (bachelor's) degree
Graduate (Second-Cycle) Studies
- EducationAt least a bachelor's degree in any field of study
- English ProficiencyIELTS 5.5 / TOEFL iBT 72 / FCE, CAE, CPE or equivalent
- Application FeePLN 85 (non-refundable)
- DocumentsBachelor's diploma, transcript, passport copy, CV, motivation letter
- Duration4 semesters (2 years) leading to a magister (master's) degree
Online registration in the Internet Registration System (ISR) opens in early to mid-June for both undergraduate and graduate programs in English.
Main round registration closes in late July (typically July 23 at 3:00 p.m. CET). All documents must be submitted by this date.
Admission decisions are communicated via email. Accepted students receive instructions for enrollment and housing applications.
The winter semester starts in October. Orientation activities for international students are held in the weeks prior to the first day of classes.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
SGH offers competitive tuition fees compared to other leading European business schools. Programs taught in Polish are tuition-free for EU/EEA citizens, while English-language programs carry per-semester fees payable in EUR. Below are the approximate fees for the 2025/2026 academic year.
| Fee Category | EU/EEA Students (English programs) | International Students (English programs) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per semester) | EUR 2,400 | EUR 2,400 |
| Graduate Tuition (per semester, standard) | EUR 2,300 | EUR 2,300 |
| Graduate Tuition – Finance & Accounting with ACCA (per semester) | EUR 3,000 | EUR 3,000 |
| Estimated Living Costs (per year) | EUR 6,000 – EUR 8,000 | EUR 6,000 – EUR 8,000 |
| Total | EUR 4,800 per year (UG) / EUR 4,600 per year (Grad) | EUR 4,800 per year (UG) / EUR 4,600 – EUR 6,000 per year (Grad) |
Rector's Scholarship for Academic Excellence
A merit-based scholarship awarded to top-performing students based on their academic results, research achievements, or outstanding extracurricular accomplishments during the previous academic year.
- Eligibility: All enrolled students with outstanding academic records
- Type: Merit-based financial award
- Application: Applied for through the Student Union each academic year
Social Scholarship and Financial Aid
Need-based financial support available to students who demonstrate financial hardship. The Student Union administers housing subsidies and additional financial aid programs for both Polish and international students.
- Eligibility: Students demonstrating financial need with supporting documentation
- Type: Need-based grant and housing subsidy
- Application: Contact the Student Union or Dean's Office for current procedures
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The SGH campus is located at the northern edge of Warsaw's Mokotow district along Aleja Niepodleglosci, a historic complex of interwar-period architecture that has been continuously expanded and modernized. The campus is well-connected by public transport, with bus, tram stops, and the Pole Mokotowskie metro station nearby.
The iconic main edifice features the famous parachute lecture theatre and serves as the architectural heart of the campus.
Housing over 786,000 monograph volumes and access to 30,000 electronic journal titles, the SGH Library is the largest economics library in Poland.
Opened in 2024, this new four-storey building spanning over 9,000 square meters provides state-of-the-art study and teamwork spaces.
Housing and Student Services
Student Residences
SGH offers on-campus accommodation in residence halls including Sabinki and Grosik. International students admitted to first-year programs should apply through the Admissions Office.
- On-campus dormitories with priority for international students
- Affordable housing in central Warsaw location
- Assistance with off-campus private accommodation options
Sports and Recreation
The campus features comprehensive sports facilities available to all students. Physical education classes and varsity team activities are offered but are not compulsory.
- Two gyms, fitness room, swimming pool, and sauna
- PE classes in soccer, basketball, volleyball, aerobics, and swimming
- Varsity teams in karate, sailing, rock climbing, tennis, and more
Student Life at SGH
Student Life at SGH
SGH fosters a vibrant student community with representatives from nearly 60 countries. The Student Union plays a central role in campus life, representing all students in the university Senate, organizing cultural events, and administering housing and financial aid programs.
Warsaw – Poland's Dynamic Capital
Warsaw – Poland's Dynamic Capital
Living and Studying in Warsaw
Warsaw is Poland's financial, political, and cultural capital, home to major international corporations, EU institutions, and a thriving startup scene. The city offers an excellent quality of life with affordable living costs compared to Western European capitals, a rich cultural scene, and outstanding public transportation.
Affordable Cost of Living
Warsaw offers significantly lower living costs than cities like London, Paris, or Berlin, with student budgets typically ranging from EUR 500 to EUR 700 per month for accommodation, food, and transport.
Financial and Business Hub
As Poland's economic center, Warsaw hosts the headquarters of major banks, consulting firms, and multinational companies, providing abundant internship and career opportunities for SGH students.
Rich Cultural Heritage
From the UNESCO-listed Old Town to world-class museums, theaters, and a vibrant nightlife scene, Warsaw offers endless cultural experiences for students from around the world.
Excellent Transport Links
The SGH campus is served by the Pole Mokotowskie metro station, multiple bus and tram lines, and Warsaw Chopin Airport is just a short ride away, connecting students to destinations across Europe.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where SGH Graduates Work
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
Each international student is assigned an SGH buddy who assists with orientation, navigating campus life, and settling into Warsaw during the first weeks of their stay.
The Admissions Office provides guidance on student visa applications, residence permits, and the NAWA diploma recognition process required for international applicants.
SGH's Career Service connects students with employers through job fairs, internship listings, workplace tours, and professional development workshops throughout the academic year.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
SGH Warsaw School of Economics is consistently recognized as the leading economic university in Poland and holds strong positions in multiple international rankings. Its Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) places it among an elite group of global business schools.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Management Studies | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #301-375 (2026) |
| Economics and Econometrics | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #301-350 (2026) |
| Accounting and Finance | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #351-400 (2026) |
| Masters in Finance | QS Global MBA and Business Masters Rankings | #92 (2026) |
Features
As a leading Polish economic university, SGH Warsaw School of Economics attaches great importance to social responsibility and sustainable development. The SGH Rector has repeatedly emphasised that CSR issues are crucial and he views them as a priority. CSR is becoming an extremely important area for the SGH community, both in educational and scholarly activities as well as in social life. Our commitment in these areas goes hand in hand with efforts to ensure responsible operation of SGH as an enterprise. The growing interest in CSR among employees and students stems from the growing awareness of contemporary challenges and, on the other hand, it is a response to the proactive attitude demonstrated by the Rector and the SGH authorities in this respect.
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
June - September
Location
al. Niepodległości 162, 02-554 Warszawa, Poland
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