A Journey Through Time
Discover over a century of ESSCA's history through the landmark moments that have shaped the institution.
Milestones in the Century-Long Legacy of a Leading Grande École Business School
1909, birth of ESSCA
Founded by Paul Baugas, then Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Université Catholique de l’Ouest, ESSCA emerges in the city of Angers.
Since its creation, ESSCA has been synonymous with academic excellence, a legacy ingrained in the very fabric of our institution.
From 1909 to 1977
1909
Founded by Paul Baugas, then Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Université Catholique de l’Ouest, ESSCA emerges in the city of Angers. Since its creation, ESSCA has been synonymous with academic excellence, a legacy ingrained in the very fabric of our institution.
1967
ESSCA is incorporated as a non-profit association under the 1901 Act and becomes a founding member of FESIC (Federation of Higher Education Establishments of Collective Interest).
1977
An important milestone in our history: ESSCA becomes the 1st post-baccalaureate school to be admitted to the Confederation of French Grandes Écoles. This is a decisive turning point for the institution, reinforcing its commitment to teaching quality and educational innovation.
International expansion
From 1980 to 2007
1980
ESSCA is authorised to award accredited degree qualifications. This official recognition consolidates the School’s position as a major player in the French higher education landscape.
1993
ESSCA expands with the opening of a campus in Paris and a campus branch in Budapest. This marks the beginning of solid ties with international partners.
2004
The School obtains authorisation to confer a Master’s degree (le grade de Master) recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education Research and Innovation, a key step in its international development.
2006
ESSCA becomes the first French business school to obtain EPAS (EFMD Programme Accreditation System) accreditation. Further recognition of the School’s efforts to promote excellence in education and research.
2007
ESSCA establishes a presence in China, opening a site in Shanghai. This ambitious initiative extends ESSCA’s presence in Asia and consolidates its status as an international school.
A quality of education recognised the world over
From 2014 to 2018
2014
ESSCA’s management programmes receive accreditation from AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), a testament to their quality and standards.
2015
ESSCA is listed in the coveted Financial Times Global Masters in Management ranking, proof of the value of its Grande École programme in the professional world and the excellence of its graduates’ career paths.
2016
A remarkably eventful year, highlighted by EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) accreditation, EESPIG (Private Higher Education Institution of General Interest) qualification, and the inauguration of three new French campuses in Aix-en-Provence, Bordeaux and Lyon.
2017
Achieving AMBA accreditation, with its emphasis on student impact, employability, and learning objectives, reaffirms ESSCA’s standing among the world’s premier business schools.
2018
ESSCA’s commitment to sustainable development is recognised through the BSIS and PRME labels. The BSIS (Business School Impact System) label evaluates and certifies a business school’s academic, scientific, economic, societal, and environmental influence on its local communities. Meanwhile, PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) aims to promote responsible management education, research, and practices internationally. These certifications underline the School’s positive impact on its local surroundings and its role in contributing to a responsible economy.
ESSCA’s triple international accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS) positions it among the elite group of “Triple Crown” business schools worldwide, representing less than 1% of institutions. This demonstrates the institution’s commitment to achieving excellence against the highest international standards in higher education.
A School committed to shaping the future
From 2020 to 2024
2020
Celebrating 111 years of existence, ESSCA launches ODYSSÉE 20/24, a bold strategic initiative centred on organisational design, innovation, and quality.
2021
ESSCA obtains the grade de Licence from the French Ministry of Education Research and Innovation for its Bachelor’s degree in International Management. The same year, it introduces sliding-scale tuition fees, making its post-secondary study programmes accessible to diverse student profiles.
2022
With the inauguration of the Strasbourg campus, ESSCA expands its footprint in France, achieving coverage of 90% of mainland regions.
2023
ESSCA receives the DDRS (Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility) label, confirming over a decade of commitments and initiatives in favour of sustainable development and social responsibility.
2023-2024
With the opening of campuses in Malaga, Spain, and Luxembourg, ESSCA reinforces its position and territorial coverage in Europe.
ESSCA in Numbers: Today’s Key Figures
- Present on 10 campuses worldwide.
- Over 7 000 students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education programmes
- A faculty and support team of over 500 members
- Collaborations with partner universities across 54 countries
- Partnerships established with 2 500 companies
- An alumni network comprising 21 500 graduates
ESSCA tomorrow: creating the future together
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Since its creation, ESSCA has led the way in educational innovation, and in advancing social and economic inclusion. We are dedicated to integrating the demands and complexities of today’s world into our educational approach, aiming to cultivate responsible leaders and support organisations in their transformations, shaping a brighter future for all.