ESCA Ecole de Management

ESCA Ecole de Management, established in 1992, has emerged as a flagship institution for business education in Morocco and Francophone Africa. Located in Casablanca, it educates over 1,100 students annually from diverse cultural backgrounds, preparing them to lead with innovation, responsibility, and strategic vision across the African continent. ESCA earned a landmark achievement in 2018 by becoming the first business school in Morocco and French-speaking Africa to obtain AACSB accreditation, underscoring its global academic credibility. In 2017, it also became the first private Moroccan business school whose diplomas were officially recognized as equivalent to national degrees, ensuring its programs meet top-tier academic standards.

The school’s mission is centered on developing leaders who drive innovation, internationalization, and sustainability in business practices across Africa. Built around core values such as ambition, innovation, and commitment, ESCA has designed its academic philosophy to address the emerging needs of African economies. Its new-generation campus, located in Casablanca Finance City (CFC)—a central hub for regional financial and corporate activity—supports this mission by providing students proximity to 78+ partner companies and practical business ecosystems. The school collaborates with 135 international partners and offers double degrees from 12 globally respected institutions, ensuring a blend of local expertise and global outlook for its students.

Rankings reflect its consistent excellence: ESCA has been the #1 business school in Morocco and Francophone Africa for 12 consecutive years according to Eduniversal, and is currently ranked #3 in all of Africa. Led by President Thami Ghorfi, ESCA is a member of elite networks including the Moroccan Conference of Grandes Écoles, EFMD, AABS, and GBSN, and is a committed UN PRME signatory. With 4,800+ alumni, 360 annual exchange opportunities, and bilingual programming in French and English, ESCA combines academic rigor with regional relevance. In over three decades of existence, it has carved a unique space as a transformative institution at the intersection of African needs and international business standards.

ESCA Ecole de Management places employability and leadership readiness at the core of its educational model, supported by a robust network of 4,800+ alumni who occupy influential positions across sectors in Morocco, Africa, and beyond. Located in Casablanca Finance City (CFC), the campus enjoys direct integration with more than 78 corporate partners, offering exceptional exposure to industries such as finance, consulting, digital economy, and sustainable business development. These relationships translate into powerful career pipelines, producing graduates who are not only skilled but also immediately valuable to employers in strategic and growing sectors across the continent.

Through a strategically structured ecosystem that includes mandatory internships, real-world consulting projects, and corporate mentorships, ESCA aligns academic learning with current market needs. Its dedicated Career Services office provides services such as personalized job coaching, resume workshops, mock interviews, and talent placement at career fairs. The school strengthens employability with Coursera-accredited certificates focused on vital 21st-century business skills. Additionally, ESCA’s network comprises 125+ international school partnerships and exchange agreements, offering pathways for global mobility and experiential learning in regions such as Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Each year, ESCA also delivers executive education to 1,000+ professionals, particularly in emerging domains like geoeconomics and responsible leadership, further amplifying its influence within executive ranks. Alumni frequently return to contribute as guest speakers, recruiters, or mentors, sustaining a mutual value system that energizes future cohorts. This dynamic approach, grounded in both academic excellence and real-world integration, ensures that graduates leave as well-connected, globally competent professionals prepared for impactful roles. With such depth in corporate alliances and alumni outreach, ESCA cultivates lifelong professional advantages that set its students apart.

ESCA Ecole de Management stands out not only as a top-ranked institution but as a transformative launchpad for careers in global and African business arenas. As the first AACSB-accredited school in Moroccan and Francophone African history, ESCA guarantees quality and global competitiveness. Its programs are officially recognized by the Moroccan State since 2017, ensuring equal footing with national credentials. Over the past 12 years, Eduniversal has consistently ranked ESCA as the #1 business school in Francophone Africa and among the top three across the entire continent. These accolades reflect the institution’s steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation in management education.

Its bilingual French-English curriculum, intertwined with a network of 135 global academic partners and 12 double-degree arrangements, opens doors to international opportunities while grounding students in regional realities. ESCA tailors its offerings to prepare graduates for real-world challenges: internships are mandatory, and applied research through chairs in digital economy, sustainability, and innovation shape thinking that is both critical and practical. The on-campus Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center empowers students with mentoring, competitions, and incubation support to nurture startup-scale ideas. With 300+ students from 38 countries, cross-cultural collaboration becomes second nature, fostering essential leadership abilities in diverse settings.

ESCA’s educational advantages are furthered by its community and affordability factors. Living in Casablanca, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, offers international students an exciting lifestyle at a comparatively low cost, supported by merit-based scholarships and personalized integration services. Unique among its peers, ESCA emphasizes not just academic mastery but ethical, socially responsible management anchored in its UN PRME commitment. This positions ESCA students to act not only as successful professionals but also as agents of sustainable development across Africa. For students seeking a globally recognized, Africa-centric, and opportunity-rich education, ESCA remains the clear and compelling choice.

At its core, ESCA drives progress through a deliberate focus on research, sustainability, and digital transformation, aligning academic goals with Africa’s evolving socio-economic priorities. The school is home to multiple research chairs in high-impact domains such as social innovation, geoeconomics, digital economy, family business, and sustainable development. These research platforms integrate academic inquiry with real industry data and insight, allowing for actionable solutions that resonate within African ecosystems. Faculty and corporate stakeholders collaborate closely, shaping policies and practices that aim at long-term resilience and inclusive growth across the continent.

Innovation is baked into ESCA’s infrastructure and methods. From a digitized campus that includes connected trading rooms and an on-site innovation lab to the comprehensive use of online learning via Coursera integrations, ESCA leverages technology to maximize student readiness for digital economy demands. Entrepreneurship takes center stage through the school’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, a vibrant incubator offering mentoring, competitions, collaboration spaces, and technological resources, especially tailored for future founders. This commitment not only encourages new business formation but also enhances the entrepreneurial thinking of all students, regardless of chosen specialization.

Sustainability acts as a guiding principle across the ESCA experience. As a UN PRME signatory, the school integrates responsible management into both curriculum and campus culture. Its response to Africa’s pressing challenges—such as inclusive economic development and climate change—is proactive and rooted in ethical leadership. Events hosted at the school include forums on green finance and social entrepreneurship, often attended by public and private sector leaders. Moreover, the launch of the new CFC campus in 2022, officiated by key government ministers, symbolized a bold leap into business research and learning futures. Through this unique triad of research, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, ESCA is cultivating leaders capable of not only anticipating the future—but shaping it.

Q1: What language are ESCA programs taught in? ESCA offers its courses in a bilingual French-English format, enabling students from diverse linguistic backgrounds to thrive while ensuring alignment with global business communication standards. This approach also enhances employability on both the African and international stages.

Q2: What support does ESCA provide for career development? ESCA offers a wide range of career services, including individualized coaching, job fairs, internship placement, and alumni mentorship. Collaborations with 78+ companies based in Casablanca Finance City give students a direct channel to employment opportunities in industries such as finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship across Africa and globally.

Q3: How are international students supported during their integration? ESCA’s International Relations Office streamlines integration with visa assistance, airport reception, housing options, introductory Arabic classes, and cultural excursions. International students live in either residences or nearby apartments, with support provided to ensure comfort and adaptation.

Q4: What extracurricular opportunities are available for students? Students can participate in 30+ active clubs covering entrepreneurship, arts, sports, and social impact. Activities include hackathons, speaker events, and networking nights, all designed to enhance leadership and collaborative skills outside the classroom.

Q5: What types of housing are available near the campus? Housing options include the Study Lodge residence with double and studio accommodations, and shared apartments located 5–10 minutes from campus. ESCA provides detailed housing lists and relocation guidelines to streamline the process. Monthly living costs in Casablanca range from 5,000 to 12,000 MAD, including food, making it accessible yet refined.

Admission to ESCA Ecole de Management is based on a holistic evaluation of academic performance, motivation, and aptitude for business studies. The school operates with rolling admissions throughout the year, accepting applications for both Bachelor and Graduate programs (Grande Ecole and MBA). Typical intake periods are in September and February. Undergraduate applicants must hold a high school diploma, while graduate candidates should possess a recognized bachelor’s degree and demonstrate French and/or English proficiency. International students can apply either via direct admission or through exchange agreements with partner institutions globally.

Tuition fees vary by program and are detailed on the official website. ESCA offers competitive merit-based scholarships and limited financial aid options to qualified candidates. The school also provides extensive guidance for exchange students, including visa documentation, nomination processes, and housing arrangements, ensuring a smooth transition. Its strong international network enables over 250 exchange positions annually. Living in Casablanca is affordable by international standards, with costs for food, housing, and transportation ranging between 5,000 and 12,000 MAD per month. Public transport is accessible, with tram and bus services costing approximately 8 MAD per ride or 230 MAD/month.

The main campus is situated at 55 Rue Jaber Ben Hayane, Casablanca Finance City, placing students within Morocco’s most sophisticated business district. For accommodation, students may opt for the Study Lodge residence (8,500–10,200 MAD/semester for a double room) or shared private apartments (5,000–12,500 MAD/month depending on size and occupancy). ESCA supports students through curated housing lists and pre-arrival assistance. Additional campus features include high-speed wireless internet, a fitness center, a cafeteria, and academic resources accessible through cloud platforms. With structure and support at every level, ESCA’s admissions process ensures candidates are not only academically prepared but also practically equipped for a transformative journey.