SGH Warsaw School of Economics

What SGH Warsaw School of Economics does

SGH Warsaw School of Economics (Szkoła Główna Handlowa w Warszawie) is a public research university in Warsaw, Poland, founded in 1906 as Private Male Commercial Courses by August Zielinski and operating continuously for over 120 years. It functions as Poland's oldest and highest-ranked economics university, holding triple crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA/BGA), national PKA accreditation, CEEMAN IQA, and the European Commission's HR Excellence in Research award. The institution delivers a full academic stack — bachelor's, master's, doctoral (SGH Doctoral School), 177 postgraduate programmes across six thematic areas (Administration and Law, HR, Finance and Accounting, Marketing, Digital Transformation, and Management), and four MBA variants (CEMBA with Université Laval, Executive MBA-SGH, SGH-WUM MBA in Healthcare with Warsaw Medical University, and MBA for Startups). It maintains an international mobility network covering 290 partner universities in 60 countries, participates in CEMS and CIVICA, and runs ACCA-accredited finance programmes.

The business model layers multiple revenue streams: Polish state subvention for stationary (full-time) programmes serving Polish and EU students at no tuition; tuition fees for non-stationary (part-time) Polish students and international (non-EU) students; postgraduate and MBA programme tuition; and a corporate training business delivering customized executive education and managerial development programmes to enterprise clients including Bank Pekao, DB Schenker, Biedronka, Lidl, Pepco, PZU, and Sandoz. Delivery is centered on the Warsaw campus (al. Niepodległości 162), supplemented by an extensive digital infrastructure comprising the e-SGH e-learning platform, the USOS WEB student information system, a Virtual Dean's Office, the COR SGH open-access research repository, the CRIS research information system, and an SGH Expert Network Database. Direct distribution runs through the ISR Internet Registration System for self-service enrollment, dedicated domestic and international admissions offices, corporate direct-sales for business training, and CEMS/Erasmus+ channels for international mobility.

Name

SGH Warsaw School of Economics

Legal name

Szkoła Główna Handlowa w Warszawie

Website

https://sgh.waw.pl

Company type

Public

Founded year

1906

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

SGH Warsaw School of Economics is a public research university in Warsaw, Poland, founded in 1906 and ranked #1 among Polish economic universities, delivering bachelor's, master's, doctoral, postgraduate, and MBA programmes to Polish and international students, plus customized corporate training to Polish enterprises.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education (Business School)

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Finance, Accounting & Economics Schools (EDAHAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marketing, Sales & Brand Management Schools (EDAHAHAE), Specialized Master’s in Management (MiM) & Business Analytics (EDAHAHAC), International Business & Global Management Schools (EDAHAHAJ), Accounting, Bookkeeping & Tax Basics (EDAMAHAF), Economic & Macroeconomic Research (BPAHALAD)

Keywords

• Higher education programs
• Business school training
• Executive education services
• MBA degree programs
• Corporate training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Warsaw

HQ country

Poland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition fees (domestic students): Tuition fees charged to Polish citizens enrolled in non-stationary (part-time) study programs at bachelor's and master's levels. Fee structures vary by program and study mode.
2. International student tuition: Tuition fees charged to international (non-Polish) students for English-language and Polish-language study programs.
3. Executive education and business training: Revenue from corporate training programs, executive education, closed training sessions for businesses, and customized programs delivered for companies including Bank Pekao, DB Schenker, Biedronka, Lidl, Pepco, PZU, and Sandoz.
4. Postgraduate programs (177 programs): Tuition from over 177 postgraduate programs across six thematic areas: Administration and Law, HR, Finance and Accounting, Marketing, Digital Transformation, and Management.
5. MBA programs (4 programs): Revenue from four MBA programs: CEMBA (Canadian Executive MBA), Executive MBA-SGH, SGH-WUM MBA in Healthcare, and MBA for Startups.
6. Government subвенция (subvention): State funding received for maintaining and developing research potential, as well as European Funds project financing for research and educational initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

SGH Warsaw School of Economics is a public university delivering higher education in economics, finance, management, and business. It offers first-cycle (bachelor's), second-cycle (master's), doctoral, and 177 postgraduate programs, four MBA variants (CEMBA, Executive MBA-SGH, SGH-WUM MBA in Healthcare, MBA for Startups), and customized corporate training (Szkolenia dla biznesu) for companies including Bank Pekao, DB Schenker, Biedronka, Lidl, Pepco, PZU, and Sandoz. Programs are delivered on-campus in Warsaw with international mobility through 290 partner universities in 60 countries.

Product overview

SGH Warsaw School of Economics offers a comprehensive educational portfolio built around its core academic programmes (bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and postgraduate studies) supplemented by executive education through multiple MBA variants (CEMBA, Executive MBA, SGH-WUM MBA, MBA for Startups), professional business training services, and international exchange opportunities via CEMS and Erasmus+. The institution also provides student support infrastructure including a library system with digital repositories, career services, sports facilities, and an online student administration platform. The offering represents a platform-based model where the core academic programmes serve as the foundation, with executive education and training services extending the reach to professional development audiences, and international programmes expanding geographic accessibility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Studia licencjackie (Bachelor's Studies) First-cycle (undergraduate) degree programmes delivering higher education in economics, finance, management, international business, logistics, and quantitative methods, available in full-time, part-time evening, and part-time weekend formats for Polish and international applicants.
• Studia magisterskie (Master's Studies) Second-cycle graduate degree programmes including Advanced Analytics – Big Data, Finance and Accounting with ACCA qualification, International Business, Management, and specialized fields in economics, taxation, and transport systems (Zielona gospodarka / Green Economy and Systemy transportowe / Transport Systems launched October 2025).
• Szkoła Doktorska SGH (SGH Doctoral School) Doctoral programmes preparing students for academic and business careers, offering both general academic and implementation-oriented profiles for conducting doctoral research in economics and business.
• Studia podyplomowe (Postgraduate Studies) More than 177 postgraduate programmes across six thematic areas — Administration and Law, Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, Marketing, Digital Transformation, and Management — including professional certification preparation courses for working professionals.
• Executive MBA (CEMBA) Award-winning Canadian Executive MBA (CEMBA) programme offered in collaboration with Université Laval in Canada, providing advanced management education for senior professionals; consistently ranked among the best MBA programmes in Poland.
• Executive MBA - SGH The highest-rated Polish-language MBA programme, designed for executives and managers seeking advanced business education delivered by SGH.
• SGH-WUM MBA in Healthcare Management Joint Executive MBA programme in healthcare management delivered with Warsaw Medical University (WUM), addressing the unique leadership and management challenges of the healthcare sector.
• MBA for Startups Online MBA programme designed specifically for young entrepreneurs and startup founders, providing business education tailored to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Szkolenia dla biznesu (Business Training) Customized corporate training programmes covering Executive Education, Managerial Development, Specialized/Industry-specific training, Future Competencies, and Power Speech motivational presentations, delivered by SGH professors and specialists. Clients include Bank Pekao, DB Schenker, Biedronka, Lidl, Pepco, PZU, and Sandoz.
• CEMS Master's in Management International CEMS Master's in International Management joint degree programme offered in partnership with CEMS Global Alliance member schools, providing global management education and career opportunities for selected students.
• International Exchange and Erasmus+ Programmes Student and staff exchange programmes enabling study abroad at 290 partner universities in 60 countries, including double degree programmes, joint degree programmes, short mobilities, and Erasmus+ internships.

Quantifiable outcome

• SGH economists analyzed 11 CEE countries that achieved nearly double the growth rate of EU-15 countries over two decades, closing ~30 percentage points of the development gap

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• CEMS Global Alliance in Management EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGH is a member of CEMS, a global alliance of leading business schools, multinational corporations, and NGOs. The partnership enables the CEMS Master's in International Management program, joint admissions, and international exchange. SGH participates in CEMS selection processes and preselection for CEMS courses.
• Erasmus+ ProgrammecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGH participates in the Erasmus+ program enabling student and staff exchanges with partner universities across Europe, including study abroad, internships, and teaching mobility for faculty.
• CIVICA - The European University of Social SciencesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGH is a member of CIVICA, a European University alliance focused on social sciences. The partnership supports joint educational initiatives, research collaboration, and student mobility within the CIVICA consortium.
• EFMD Global (European Foundation for Management Development)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGH maintains membership in EFMD and holds EQUIS accreditation through this partnership. EFMD provides networking, best practice sharing, and international accreditation standards for business education.
• AACSB InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGH holds AACSB accreditation, the longest-standing global accrediting body for business schools. AACSB accreditation is held by less than 6% of business schools worldwide.
• CEEMAN (International Association for Management Development in Dynamic Societies)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGH is a member of CEEMAN and holds IQA accreditation through this partnership, supporting quality assurance in management education.
• EUA (European University Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGH is a member of the European University Association, supporting institutional policy, research, and higher education development across Europe.
• PIM (Partnership in International Management)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSGH participates in PIM Network, a consortium facilitating international exchange and joint programs among management schools globally.
• 290 partner universities in 60 countriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGH maintains exchange agreements with 290 universities across Europe, South America, Asia, Middle East, North America, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand enabling student and faculty mobility.
• Bank PekaominorGTM or Marketing PartnerBank Pekao utilizes SGH business training services for employee development and professional education programs.
• DB SchenkerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDB Schenker utilizes SGH corporate training programs for logistics and supply chain management employee development.
• BiedronkaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBiedronka utilizes SGH business training services for retail management and operational excellence programs.
• LidlminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLidl utilizes SGH training programs for retail sector professional development and management training.
• PepcominorGTM or Marketing PartnerPepco utilizes SGH business training programs for retail sector employee development.
• PZUminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPZU (Polish insurance company) utilizes SGH training programs for insurance and financial services professional development.
• SandozminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSandoz utilizes SGH corporate training for pharmaceutical industry business and management education.
• NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGH participates in NAWA programs supporting internationalization, including student and researcher exchanges with partner institutions abroad.
• Peking University Guanghua School of Management (China) - Double Degree ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble degree program for bachelor's students enabling study at Peking University Guanghua School of Management in China, culminating in degrees from both institutions.
• Kyungpook National University (South Korea) - Double Degree ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble degree program for bachelor's students enabling study at Kyungpook National University in South Korea.
• European University Viadrina (Germany) - Double Degree ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble degree program for bachelor's students with European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany.
• Pforzheim University (Germany) - Double Degree ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble degree program for bachelor's students with Pforzheim University in Germany.
• Kyiv National Economic University (Ukraine) - Double Degree ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble degree program for bachelor's students with Kyiv National Economic University in Ukraine.
• Warsaw University of Medicine (WUM) - Joint MBA ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint SGH-WUM Executive MBA program in healthcare management, combining business administration expertise with medical and healthcare sector knowledge.
• Université Laval (Canada) - Master's Double DegreecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble degree master's program with Université Laval in Canada as part of the CEMBA (Canadian Executive MBA) consortium.
• QEM (Quantitative Economics Master's) Joint ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint QEM program for master's students providing quantitative economics education with international partner universities.
• EDHEC Business School (France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange and double degree cooperation at master's level with EDHEC Business School in France.
• NOVA SBE (Portugal)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange and double degree cooperation at master's level with NOVA School of Business and Economics in Portugal.
• PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGH is a signatory of PRME, committing to responsible management education and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Magna Charta Universitatum ObservatoryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGH participates in the Magna Charta Universitatum Observatory, supporting fundamental values of universities including institutional autonomy and academic freedom.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cracow University of Economics (UEK): Second-largest Polish economics university, offering comparable bachelor's, master's, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in economics, finance, and management. A direct competitor for domestic students and corporate training clients in southern Poland.
• Kozminski University: Warsaw-based private business school and SGH's principal domestic competitor. Comparable in offering Polish-language and English-language economics, finance, and management programs at undergraduate, master's, MBA, and doctoral levels, with triple-crown accreditation.
• Poznan University of Economics and Business (UEP): One of Poland's leading economics universities offering comparable degree programs, postgraduate studies, and corporate training. Competes with SGH at the national level and is a member of similar European academic alliances.
• Wroclaw University of Economics and Business (UEW): Another top-ranked Polish economics university offering parallel economics, finance, management, and IT-business programs. Competes with SGH for top-tier students and Polish corporate training contracts.

Emerging players

• EDHEC Business School: French triple-crown business school with which SGH has an exchange and double-degree partnership. Comparable as a European peer in finance, management, and MSc programs with similar triple-crown accreditation profile.
• NOVA School of Business and Economics (NOVA SBE): Portuguese triple-crown business school and SGH exchange/double-degree partner. Comparable as a European economics and management school with similar accreditation, international program offerings, and corporate training operations.

Others

• CEMS - The Global Alliance in Management Education: SGH's membership alliance for the CEMS Master's in International Management. Comparable as a network of top business schools delivering joint international management programs — analogous to SGH's international graduate program franchise.

Broad incumbents

• HEC Paris: Globally elite French business school with MBA, MSc, and executive education portfolio comparable in structure to SGH's premium offerings. Competes for international students and executive education budgets, particularly via CEMS and FT-ranked programs.

Regional players

• Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW): Major Warsaw-based public university with overlapping economics, management, and finance programs. Less specialized in economics than SGH but competes for the same Polish domestic student pool.
• ESCEM Business School (ESCEM / Poitiers-Tours): French regional business school accredited by AACSB and EQUIS, offering undergraduate, master's, and executive programs comparable to SGH's portfolio in scope, though operating primarily in France.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/rzecznikSGH
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/sghbeep
• Facebookfacebook.com/sghwarsaw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/warsaw-school-of-economics
• Instagraminstagram.com/sghwarsaw

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SGH Warsaw School of Economics