ESE & London: crafting future entrepreneurs and global leaders in the world’s premier city

For the aspiring entrepreneur or global leader, choosing where to begin their journey is a monumental decision. London stands as a beacon of global commerce and innovation, but its vast potential is best unlocked with a guiding vision and a deeply personal educational approach. At the European School of Economics (ESE), we believe that this city, when experienced through our unique student-centered philosophy, becomes the ultimate launchpad for those who dream of making a significant impact on the world. It’s not just about being in London; it’s about how ESE empowers you to thrive because of London.

London’s unrivalled ecosystem: opportunities amplified by the ESE experience

London’s consistent ranking as the world’s best student city is no accident. It’s a testament to its world-class academic environment, vibrant international community, and abundant career pathways. But for an ESE student, these attributes are more than just statistics; they are active ingredients in a transformative educational journey:

• A Global Financial Hub, Accessible Through ESE: With over 250 foreign banks, London is an undeniable financial powerhouse. ESE doesn’t just acknowledge this; we immerse you in it. Our curriculum, real-world projects, and connections prepare you to understand and engage with this epicentre of international finance, turning abstract concepts into tangible career possibilities.
• Europe’s Unicorn Capital – Fuelled by ESE’s Entrepreneurial Spirit: The UK’s 89 unicorn companies (startups valued over $1 billion) as of 2025, with London at their heart, signify a thriving startup culture. ESE nurtures the “pragmatic dreamer” within each student, providing the mentorship, business planning skills, and a “dream and forget about boundaries” atmosphere essential to envisioning and potentially launching the next generation of innovative ventures.
• Dynamic Venture Capital & Accelerators – Navigated with ESE Insight: London’s rich ecosystem of venture capital and accelerators like Entrepreneur First and Founders Factory can be daunting. ESE demystifies this landscape, offering insights into innovation management and connecting students with entrepreneurs and executives who’ve navigated it successfully.
• Unmatched Cultural Diversity as an ESE Classroom: The 300+ languages spoken daily in London create an unparalleled multicultural environment. At ESE, this isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of our learning experience. Our international student body and faculty engage with this diversity daily, fostering the global mindset, diplomatic skills, and collaborative spirit essential for true international leadership – a core ESE value.

ESE London: your personalised launchpad in Mayfair – where “your dream is the mark”

This synergy between city and school crystallises at ESE London, 11-13 Mandeville Place W1U 3AJ. Our campus, a grand Edwardian building in prestigious Mayfair, reflects ESE’s commitment to harmonising tradition with a forward-thinking vision. Here, our philosophy that “Your Dream is The Mark” shapes every aspect of your education:

• Elegant, personalized classes: More than just intimate learning spaces, these are crucibles for individual talent, designed to foster your unique voice and help you articulate and pursue your distinct aspirations.
• Professors who are practicing entrepreneurs and executives: You’ll learn from leaders who bring the dynamism of London’s business world directly into your studies, embodying ESE’s dedication to pragmatic, real-world learning.
• A curriculum centred on holistic leadership, ethical innovation, and profound self-development: ESE believes that impactful careers are built on a foundation of self-awareness and integrity.
• The ESE international campus network: Study in London, Florence, Milan, Rome, and Madrid, transforming your education into a truly borderless experience, reflecting the global nature of modern enterprise.

At ESE, learning is an active, immersive process. Our philosophy of “Visibilia ex Invisibilibus” – making the invisible visible – comes to life through transformative internships, strategic corporate visits, and hands-on projects that connect you directly with London’s economic pulse, empowering you to turn your vision into reality.

Courses that evolve with you and the world 

ESE’s curriculum is meticulously designed for aspiring pragmatic dreamers and visionary leaders. We blend timeless business fundamentals with critical insights into emerging global trends, ensuring you are prepared to lead with clarity, ethics, and adaptability. Key areas of study include:

• Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management
• Leadership and Business Psychology
• AI and Digital Transformation in Business
• Luxury Brand and Marketing Strategies
• Global Political Economy and Diplomacy

Central to the ESE experience is the development of your personal business plan – a blueprint for your unique ambitions – complemented by multiple internships that serve as vital steps in your journey of self-discovery and skill application, and one-on-one mentoring from industry professionals who champion the ESE ethos.

The transformative power of this approach is echoed by ESE alumnus Vladimir Andryukin, who studied across our London, Florence, and Madrid campuses: “ESE gave me a wider view on business and taught me how to recognise opportunities and make the most out of them. It taught me to be more open-minded. The atmosphere created within the walls of ESE allows you to dream and forget about boundaries. While studying at ESE, you absorb that creative energy and can direct it to build your future.” 

— Vladimir Andryukin, ESE Graduate, Chief Development Officer at Mains Lab, an AI-insurtech firm.

Vladimir now spearheads AI-driven fraud detection technologies across Europe, embodying the ESE spirit of impactful, forward-thinking

Internships: your ESE journey into London’s industry leadership 

Internships at ESE London are a cornerstone of our educational philosophy, designed as profound experiences in your academic and personal evolution. They are your opportunity to apply ESE’s principles in London’s most dynamic sectors, offering unparalleled exposure and helping you to shape and pursue your individual career path with confidence. Our ESE Integral Team is dedicated to finding placements that resonate with each student’s unique dreams and talents, with students securing roles at leading organisations like:

• Bloomberg
• Christie’s
• Deloitte
• MaxMara
• St. James’s Place
• St. Andrew’s Golf Club …and many others across finance, fashion, tech, hospitality, and media.

These experiences are further enriched by ESE’s vibrant international alumni network of over 6,000 graduates. This global community of founders, executives, and innovators, united by the ESE vision, provides inspiration, mentorship, and invaluable career connections. Upon graduation, you join this lifelong fellowship of leaders and innovators, equipped to make your distinct mark.

A life of creativity, connection, and growth within the ESE family 

Student life at ESE London is a dynamic fusion of academic rigor and cultural immersion, fostering holistic individual growth. From high-impact networking events to student-led initiatives like the ‘Exduco’ podcast – where tomorrow’s ESE entrepreneurs share their insights today – your time here is about building meaningful connections and undergoing transformative experiences. It’s where our diverse, international student body comes together, challenging, inspiring, and supporting one another, creating a true global family dedicated to personal and collective advancement.

London & ESE: A Partnership for Your Global Future

While London offers an extraordinary classroom, the European School of Economics provides the individualised guidance, the philosophical grounding, and the entrepreneurial spirit to transform that classroom into your personal launchpad. Here, you are not just a student; you are an aspiring leader, a pragmatic dreamer, an individual whose unique vision we are committed to nurturing.

Apply now and begin your journey with ESE in London – where your dreams are the blueprint for the future.