ESA Business School

ESA Business School, established on April 5, 1996, is a distinguished private business institution in Beirut's Clemenceau district. Its creation was the result of an intergovernmental agreement between France and Lebanon, and it is now operated under the oversight of the Paris Île-de-France Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with academic affiliation to the renowned ESCP Business School. The campus spreads across 35,000 square meters, delivering high-quality education to around 550 students annually and training over 500 professionals through its robust executive education programs. ESA holds prestigious accreditations including the AMBA certification and the Business Graduates Association (BGA) label, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and global standards. In Eduniversal's latest ratings, ESA ranked #1 in Lebanon with a 4 Palms of Excellence distinction and placed in the 181+ bracket worldwide for Executive MBAs (2023).

ESA’s mission is to shape the future leadership of Lebanon and the broader Middle East by delivering education that merges European managerial excellence with regional business context. Its vision is rooted in leveraging Beirut’s historic role as a crossroads for commercial, cultural, and linguistic exchange, enhancing student exposure to global business norms while preserving local relevance. From its inception, ESA has prioritized real-world competencies through the development of programs like its flagship MBA, responding to demands for entrepreneurship, strategic management, and leadership in competitive markets. With an academic force composed of roughly 250 visiting professors and professionals, the school upholds a legacy of distinction and relevance—underscored by a ceremonious inauguration led by former French President Jacques Chirac and Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.

The institution’s Franco-Lebanese foundation ensures a culturally dynamic and pedagogically robust educational environment, where theoretical learning is matched with practical application. This unique positioning supports ESA’s ambition of offering world-class education tailored to the Middle East's evolving business landscape. Students benefit from bilingual instruction, diverse faculty, and networking opportunities within both European and regional frameworks. The school’s curriculum is intentionally designed to balance lessons in innovation, ethics, and strategy, creating a community of adaptable, high-impact professionals who are empowered to drive growth and development across sectors in the region and beyond.

ESA Business School’s career services and professional network form the cornerstone of its reputation for strong graduate outcomes. With a strategic campus location in the economic heart of Beirut, ESA offers students organic access to Lebanon’s and the wider region’s vibrant business ecosystem. Alumni thrive in dynamic sectors such as finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, and multinational operations. The practicality of ESA’s MBA and Executive Education programs is evident in their integration of real-world projects and field experiences, designed to prepare students for performance in competitive labor markets. Each program embeds elements of business transformation, leadership, and innovation—qualities that employers globally seek in emerging talent.

Since 1996, ESA has cultivated long-term corporate partnerships bolstered by its direct link to the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These alliances enable students to gain coveted internships and post-graduate opportunities at elite European institutions like HEC Paris and ESCP. Over 500 executives per year enroll in its continuing education offerings, further strengthening ESA’s presence within leading industries. Numerous on-campus networking events, career workshops, and guest lectures by regional executives offer students personalized professional visibility. Meanwhile, tailored entrepreneurship modules equip future founders with startup guidance, business development tools, and mentorship, extending ESA’s contribution to regional economic innovation.

The alumni network plays a pivotal role in career support, spanning not only Lebanon and the Middle East, but global markets as well. ESA graduates often hold senior positions in sectors undergoing technological and financial transformation, showcasing the adaptability and readiness instilled during their studies. Through internship placement assistance, corporate immersion opportunities, and professional mentoring, students maximize their career development potential. Part-time formats allow professionals to pursue higher education without interrupting their careers, while career services facilitate transitions into leadership roles. Ultimately, ESA’s multifaceted career approach positions graduates to create sustained impact in both established firms and entrepreneurial ventures across international business landscapes.

ESA Business School stands out as a premier choice for aspiring business leaders due to its unique synthesis of European academic pedigree and Middle Eastern market insight. Its programs are not only recognized for their international quality through AMBA accreditation and BGA labeling, but also for their emphasis on practical relevance in real-world business environments. Ranked #1 in Lebanon by Eduniversal and widely respected across the region, ESA fosters ambition through structured, immersive learning experiences. Central to its appeal is the flagship 16-month part-time MBA program, competitively priced at $20,600, which offers unparalleled flexibility for working professionals seeking leadership advancement or entrepreneurial success. All programs are crafted for accessibility and impact, responding to evolving global and regional demands.

Institutional partnerships with some of Europe’s leading business schools, such as HEC Paris and ESCP, give ESA degree-seekers the rare opportunity to earn dual credentials with advanced exposure to cross-continental best practices. Unlike remote or isolated institutions, ESA leverages its central location in Beirut—a hub linking Europe and the Middle East—to offer real industry access through company visits, recruiting fairs, and business immersion modules. The campus itself is a cutting-edge academic space with over 100 innovation-ready classrooms, collaborative labs, and think tanks, all designed to foster personal initiative and group synergy. Students are encouraged to explore start-up opportunities and community-driven projects that reinforce ESA’s culture of solution-oriented leadership.

What further differentiates ESA is its commitment to cohort-based learning in small, focused groups of 550 students, allowing for personalized mentorship from 250 international experts. The learning curve is supported by modules on ethics, technology, and sustainability, positioning ESA graduates not only as business leaders, but also as conscientious change-makers. Practical considerations such as visa support, housing assistance, and scheduling flexibility ensure international and regional students are well-integrated into the campus life. Ultimately, ESA’s Franco-Lebanese roots, world-class faculty, and tailored programs offer an unmatched value proposition in the Middle Eastern education market: a gateway to global leadership framed by deep cultural intelligence and enterprise agility.

ESA prioritizes research and initiatives that address global and regional business challenges, promoting innovation through entrepreneurship labs and start-up support programs. These initiatives encourage creativity and practical problem-solving, reinforcing the school’s role as a driver of economic advancement in the region.

The school integrates sustainability and digital transformation across its curriculum and operations, ensuring students gain relevant future-ready skills. ESA collaborates with industry on applied research, and its case studies published with Harvard Publishing highlight its academic influence. Consistently top-ranked in the MENA region, ESA’s impact extends far beyond the classroom.

What are the language requirements? Most programs are offered in English and French, and applicants must demonstrate proficiency in one language, depending on program needs. Requirements vary by degree.

Are scholarships available? ESA provides financial aid and merit-based scholarships for both Lebanese and international students. Support eligibility depends on academic performance and financial circumstances.

Can students work while studying? Yes. Many programs, especially part-time or executive formats, are designed for working professionals and allow students to maintain employment while receiving career support from the school.

Admission to ESA is competitive and based on academic results, professional background, and personal motivation. Applicants submit transcripts, a resume, recommendations, and a statement of purpose, with some programs requiring standardized test scores or language certifications. Applications are handled entirely online with deadlines varying by intake.

Tuition reflects ESA’s international standards, and detailed fee structures are available on the school’s website. Scholarships and financial aid are accessible to eligible candidates. ESA supports international students with housing assistance, visa guidance, and orientation programs. The main campus is located at 289, rue Clemenceau, Beirut.