3 Unique Reasons to Study at ESSCA School of Management in France

ESSCA School of Management has expanded from its roots in Angers, France, to become a leading international business school with a global presence. But why should you study at ESSCA School of Management?

With triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS – placing it among the top 1% of business schools worldwide – ESSCA combines academic excellence with a commitment to developing responsible leaders. Today, the school welcomes over 7,800 students from more than 80 countries across its impressive network of 10 campuses spanning France, Hungary, Luxembourg, Spain, and China.

Here are three unique features of ESSCA that make it an excellent choice for business studies in France.

Why Study at ESSCA School of Management?

Study in distinctive destinations worldwide

When students think of studying in France, they think of popular student cities like Paris or Lyon. ESSCA, meanwhile, offers a remarkable multi-campus network that extends beyond these cities, opening doors for unique experiences across France.

ESSCA has campuses in six French cities: Angers, Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Aix-en-Provence, and Strasbourg, plus four international locations: Budapest (Hungary), Luxembourg, Málaga (Spain), and Shanghai (China).

Furthermore, an international immersion is actually a required piece of your student experience at ESSCA. Whether you choose to explore a semester abroad at a different ESSCA campus or an experience at a partner institution (ESSCA has partnerships with more than 250 universities across 54 countries), you’ll gain valuable international experience during your studies.

In Budapest, for example, you’ll experience Central European business culture while making the most of the city’s vibrant café scene and thermal baths on days off. Luxembourg, meanwhile, is the heart of European finance and home to numerous international institutions, making it an ideal destination for budding finance professionals.

These alternative study destinations offer more than just a change of scenery – you’ll enjoy cultural immersion and professional networking opportunities unique to each destination.

Other opportunities available include the Winter Programme, a 7.5-credit programme at the Budapest campus, and Summer Programmes held at the Aix-en-Provence, Angers, Bordeaux, Budapest, Luxembourg, Málaga, and Paris campuses.

Learn to be a responsible leader

Businesses increasingly require leaders who understand that profit and purpose aren’t mutually exclusive. ESSCA takes ethical leadership seriously and embeds sustainable development and corporate social responsibility into its programmes.

As a result, every degree programme at ESSCA includes modules on sustainable development, ethics, and corporate social responsibility – a feat that helped the school’s Master’s in Management programme rank 7th globally in the ESG and Net Zero Teaching Rank. This ranking factor considers how many teaching hours are dedicated to ethics, societal, and environmental issues.

The school’s focus on responsible leadership, meanwhile, stems from its broader humanist mission. As a result, the school considers not just the economic dimensions of business but also the human, ethical, and environmental impacts of organisational decisions.

In 2024, the school was recognised with the DD&RS (Sustainable Development and Societal Responsibility) label, one of just 41 French institutions that have proven their commitment to sustainability.  Meanwhile, in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which measure universities’ contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ESSCA ranked 4th among French management schools.

To combine innovative technology with sustainability, ESSCA has also established the AI Sustainability Institute. Here, students can participate in research into how artificial intelligence can contribute to environmental conservation.

Consequently, when you graduate from ESSCA, you’ll be equipped not just with technical business skills but with the ethical framework and critical thinking abilities to become a genuinely responsible leader.

Lead an enriched student life

University is about more than just lectures and exams. ESSCA understands this deeply, and endeavours to create a student experience that’s as enriching outside the classroom as it is inside it.

There are 80 student clubs and societies at ESSCA, plus 80 individual and team sports on offer, and over 200 events hosted each year. Whether you’re passionate about sports, arts, entrepreneurship, or social causes, you’ll find your people and your purpose.

Additionally, there’s a comprehensive support system available to students to ensure they grow inside and outside of their studies. At the Learning Support Centre (CAP), you’ll have access to individual tutoring and specialist workshops covering concentration, stress management, and work methodology, ensuring you’re set up to succeed at business school.

International students will find plenty of support in navigating housing, visas, and settling into life in France at ESSCA. Each campus organises Welcome Days in collaboration with international student societies, and international students receive free access to Livinfrance, an online platform offering webinars, tutorials, and personalised support to help make your transition seamless.

As a result of its integration efforts, the school holds the ‘Welcome to France’ label, recognising its quality reception and guidance for international students.

Conclusion

Choosing where to study is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and ESSCA School of Management offers something truly distinctive in the crowded field of European business schools.

The multi-campus network gives you access to extraordinary study destinations beyond the usual destinations, from Malaga to Luxembourg. Its deep commitment to sustainability and ethical leadership ensures you’ll be able to make an impact in your career. Finally, an enriched student life means you’ll grow as a person while you develop your professional skills.

If you want to learn more about what it’s really like to study at ESSCA, head to their EDUopinions profile, where you can read verified reviews from students who’ve experienced it firsthand.