ESE — European School of Economics, Rome
The European School of Economics (ESE) is a private international college of higher education with a Rome campus, one of several European centres operated by the institution. ESE is accredited by ASIC and validated by Richmond, The American International University in London, offering UK bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, MBA programmes, and short specialised courses at campuses across Italy and beyond.
At a glance
- Type
- Private international college of higher education
- Period
- Established 1994
- Style
- Contemporary academic institution
- Location
- Rome, Lazio, Italy
- Coordinates
- 41.8965° N, 12.4733° E
Overview
The European School of Economics offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business, economics, and management with a strong international orientation. Its Rome campus attracts students from across Europe and the wider world seeking English-language higher education in one of Italy’s most culturally rich cities. ESE positions itself at the intersection of European business education and the cultural heritage environment of its host cities.
History
ESE was founded in 1994 with an initial focus on providing internationally oriented business education in European capitals. The institution expanded progressively to establish campuses in London, Rome, Milan, Florence, Genoa, and Madrid. Accreditation by ASIC and validation by Richmond University in London formalised its place within the UK higher education framework. The Rome campus operates within the historic city centre, giving students direct access to one of the world’s greatest concentrations of cultural and artistic heritage.
What you see
The Rome campus occupies premises in central Rome, placing students within walking distance of landmarks that span three millennia of history, from the Roman Forum to Baroque piazzas and Renaissance palaces. The academic environment blends contemporary educational facilities with the ambient cultural richness of the Eternal City. Campus life reflects the international character of the student body, with courses taught in English and a diverse faculty drawn from across Europe and beyond.
Cultural significance
ESE Rome represents the model of the international European university campus embedded within historic urban fabric — a pattern that distinguishes European higher education from many other global models. Its location in Rome connects students enrolled in economics and business programmes directly to the city’s living layers of classical, medieval, and modern heritage.
Practical information
- Address
- Rome, Italy (check official ESE website for current campus address)
- Hours
- Academic year calendar; check official website for open days and campus visits
- Website
- ese.edu
Getting there
Rome is served by two international airports: Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) and Ciampino. The city centre is connected by metro lines A and B, extensive bus networks, and regional rail. From Termini station, the central railway hub, most locations within Rome are reachable within 20–30 minutes by public transport.