Year of foundation: 1986
Approx. number of students: 620
MCI partner since: 2016
The City
Monaco is a sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera. France borders the country on three sides while the other side borders the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco has an area of 2.02 km2 and a population of about 37,800; it is the second smallest and the most densely populated country in the world.
Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with the opening of the country's first casino, Monte Carlo, and a railway connection to Paris. Since then, Monaco's mild climate, splendid scenery, and upscale gambling facilities have contributed to the principality's status as a premier tourist destination and recreation center for the rich and famous. In more recent years, Monaco has become a major banking center and has successfully sought to diversify its economy into services and small, high-value-added, non-polluting industries. The state has no income tax, low business taxes, and is well known for being a tax haven. It is also the host of the annual street circuit motor race Monaco Grand Prix, one of the original Grands Prix of Formula One.
The University
The International University of Monaco (IUM) is located on the western edge of the Principality of Monaco, next to the Port of Fontvieille, the Monaco Heliport and the Princess Grace Rose Garden. The principality's only university, it enjoys a scenic spot on the French Riviera steps away from the Mediterranean Sea. Founded in 1986, IUM offers various undergraduate and graduate degrees in business that range in length from 10 months to 4 years. Students can opt for specializations in Finance, Luxury, Marketing, Sport Business Management and International Management. All business programs are taught in English and the school is housed in a section of the principality's Stade Louis II. Related internships are actively encouraged and the school maintains an active alumni network throughout Europe, North America and Asia.
The international university of Monaco has the support of the Monegasque royal family with Prince Albert II sometimes lending his assistance to the year-end graduating ceremonies. Past ceremonies have been held at the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, as well as the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. In addition, a range of scholarships exist to help qualifying students with their tuition fees. The school was originally known as the University of Southern Europe before updating its name in 2002 to better reflect both its ideology and location in Fontvieille, Monaco.