The ESSCA School of Management is one of the world’s leading business schools, known for its academic excellence and international focus. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate management programs across 10 global campuses. The institution emphasizes a humanistic and responsible approach to business education, with programs designed to foster leadership skills, prepare students for the global marketplace, and promote entrepreneurial spirit through its various campuses, research, and extensive alumni network.
Why ESSCA?
High-quality academic content taught by international faculty
Immersive cultural and professional experiences
Prestigious triple accreditation: AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS
Preferential fees for nominated exchange students
Programs designed to boost global employability
Saint Mary’s students are invited to participate in the ESSCA Summer School for an enriching academic and cultural experience across Europe. In 2026, ESSCA Summer School will offer 7 English-taught programs in 4 cities from June – July 2026:
Malaga (2 programs) – Video Games / Global Management & Finance
Luxembourg (1 program) – Sustainable Finance & Blockchain
Budapest (2 programs) – Marketing & Leadership / EU-Asia Business
Paris (2 programs) – Luxury Branding / Global Leadership
Each program awards 12 ECTS credits, includes up to 90 hours of study, and is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Fees
SMU students pay normal SMU tuition for the transfer credit hours at SMU. In addition, students will pay a fee at ESSCA to cover cultural visits, company tours, and social events. Travel, accommodation, travel insurance, immigration application costs (if applicable), personal expenses, etc. are also each participating student’s responsibility.
Transfer credits
Students may be able to earn credits to the extent that those credits are applicable to the program requirements of their SMU degree. Meet with your academic advisor of your program (visit https://www.smu.ca/academics/academic-advising.html) to see if any of your remaining degree requirements can be completed at another university. If your advisor confirms that there is room for transfer credits in your degree, you will request approval to take courses for transfer credits by submitting a Letter of Permission Request Form (found here https://www.smu.ca/academics/student-forms.html) to the SMU Records Office as soon as your acceptance is confirmed. Typically, 3credit hours at SMU is earned for each 6 ECTS credits given at European partner schools.
How to apply:
Interested students should submit the SMU Exchange Program application* by February 28 2026 to the Global Learning Office.
*To complete your application, you will:
fill out your Study Abroad Application (https://studio.smu.ca/s/StudyAbroadApplication2021.pdf)
write a one-page letter of intent. (Tip: book an appointment with The Writing Centre or ask if personal statement workshops are coming up https://studio.smu.ca/wc-student-tutoring)
print in pdf your unofficial transcript from banner
prepare your resume, and
secure two references (one must be from a SMU professor of one of your courses) – referees can email their letters directly to Global@smu.ca. Alternatively, they can email Miyuki.arai@smu.ca to inquire.
Once you have all four pieces of application documents (except for references), upload them at the application link here https://smuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55UpfboKu5sImUe.
What happens after you apply?
Once your application package is received, the Global Learning Office will be in touch to schedule a short interview. If you are selected, 1) you will be nominated to the host university by the SMU Global Learning Office and 2) you will be instructed to complete a set of applications for the host university by April 15. Once the host university accepts you into the program, they will provide all program-related information as well as instruction for the payment of the program fee. You will also be expected to attend our pre-departure orientation meetings.
Questions?
Email the Global Learning Office Global@smu.ca.
