Business study programs in Switzerland for international students
- Advantages of Business Education in Switzerland
- Formats and Levels of Business Programs in Switzerland
- Top Universities and Business Schools in Switzerland
- Additional Recommended Business Schools in Switzerland
- How to Apply for Business Programs in Switzerland
- Language of Instruction and Preparation for Business Programs in Switzerland
- Tuition Fees for Business Programs in Switzerland
- Scholarships and Grants for Business Programs in Switzerland
- Career Prospects After Business Education in Switzerland
- Is Business Education in Switzerland Worth It?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - Business or Marketing
International Management Institute SwitzerlandStudents will be prepared to enter the tough sector of international business management after completing this program. The program focuses on cross-border strategic business development as well as the political, cultural, and economic problems that organizations face in the global economy. The dissertation…
MBA - Innovation and Entrepreneurship
B.H.M.S - Business and Hotel Management School - Lucerne, SwitzerlandTo help young professionals improve their managerial knowledge and skills, the B.H.M.S. Business & Hotel Management School and York St. John University provide an MBA program that emphasizes hands-on training through the use of case studies, group projects, and actual business scenarios.
The…
MBA - Global Marketing
B.H.M.S - Business and Hotel Management School - Lucerne, SwitzerlandThrough its partnership with York St. John University, the B.H.M.S. Business & Hotel Management School provides young professionals with the opportunity to obtain an MBA and develop their managerial skills through hands-on experience with real-world scenarios, team projects, and case studies.
Students…
Bachelor of Arts - Global Business Management
B.H.M.S - Business and Hotel Management School - Lucerne, SwitzerlandThe BA in Global Business Management equips students with the knowledge and abilities that are highly sought after by employers in a variety of international business settings, including but not limited to:
- international sales and marketing;
- financial and controlling;
- banking;
- human…
Master of Science - Global Business Management
B.H.M.S - Business and Hotel Management School - Lucerne, SwitzerlandStudents having a bachelor's degree, with or without work experience, are the target audience for the Master of Science in Global Business Management.
In today's global and rapidly evolving environment, it provides insight into managing both the economy and people. It offers a rigorous and…
Master of Arts - International Hospitality Business Management
SHMS - Swiss Hotel Management SchoolDuring this one-year program students will:
- Gain a practical experience that is followed by a project for a business in that area
- Study the theory and put their newfound knowledge to use
Bachelor - International Management
Geneva Business SchoolA Bachelor of International Management can be completed in three years and will prepare you to be a competent manager in today's dynamic corporate environment. You will receive both general education classes that serve as a foundation and more advanced training that will better prepare you for the…
Master - International Management
Geneva Business SchoolA Master of International Management can be earned in one and a half years of full-time study, and it will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective manager in today's dynamic global economy. In addition to learning cutting-edge theory in the classroom, you'll have the opportunity…
MBA - Business Administration
Geneva Business SchoolThe world is evolving rapidly. A future-oriented education is crucial for staying one step ahead of the competition. Our Geneva Business School MBA program is founded on the principle of experiential learning. Everything that today's and tomorrow's ethical business leaders need to succeed is covered…
Doctorate - Business Administration
Geneva Business SchoolGeneva Business School is widely recognized as a world-class educational institution due to its pioneering approach to teaching and its dedication to implementing cutting-edge technological tools in the classroom.
Our Doctor of Business Administration program makes use of these advantages…
Advantages of Business Education in Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the leading countries in business education. Its universities and business schools consistently rank in international ratings due to high academic standards, innovative approach, and close ties with international business.
Key advantages:
- Prestige of a globally recognized diploma.
- Modern teaching methods with practical orientation.
- Multilingual environment – programs available in English, German, and French.
- Extensive internship opportunities with international companies.
- Excellent career prospects in Europe and beyond.
Formats and Levels of Business Programs in Switzerland
Business education in Switzerland is offered at different levels:
- Bachelor's (Bachelor) – duration 3 to 4 years. English-taught programs focused on foundational knowledge in management, economics, and marketing.
- Master's (Master/MBA) – duration 1–2 years. Often require previous education in economics or related field. Options: MSc, MA, MBA.
- Doctorate (PhD, DBA) – for those pursuing academic research or leadership positions in academia.
- Short-term courses and Executive MBA – designed for professionals with work experience seeking qualification upgrades.
Top Universities and Business Schools in Switzerland
| University | Program | Tuition fee for international students | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of St. Gallen (HSG) | Master in Strategy and International Management (SIM) | from 3,300 CHF/semester | One of Europe's best business faculties, #1 in FT ranking for SIM. |
| IMD Business School | MBA | approx. 80,000 CHF/year | Top-10 global business school, focused on experienced executives. |
| ETH Zurich | Management, Technology, and Economics (MSc) | from 730 CHF/semester | World-class technical university with strong technology-management integration. |
| University of Lausanne (HEC Lausanne) | MSc in Finance, MSc in Economics | approx. 1,200 CHF/year | One of Switzerland's oldest universities, top-100 globally. |
| Geneva Business School | Bachelor of International Management | from 12,450 CHF/semester | Private school with international campuses, English-taught business programs. |
Additional Recommended Business Schools in Switzerland
| University | Program | Tuition fee for international students | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss School of Business and Management | BBA, MBA, DBA | from 7,000 EUR/year | Internationally accredited school, flexible learning formats. |
| EU Business School Geneva | Bachelor in Business Administration, MBA | from 6,450 CHF/semester | QS-ranked, campuses across Europe. |
| Business and Hotel Management School (BHMS) | BA in Global Business Management | from 24,000 CHF/year | Practice-oriented education, internships included. |
| Swiss School of Higher Education | BA/MBA in International Business | from 13,000 CHF/year | English-taught programs, focus on international careers. |
| HIM – Hotel Institute Montreux | Bachelor in Business Administration | from 33,000 CHF/year | Prestigious school specializing in international management and hospitality. |
How to Apply for Business Programs in Switzerland
Application steps:
- Program and university selection.
- Document preparation and submission.
- Entrance exams or interviews.
- Receiving admission letter.
Required documents:
- Valid passport.
- Diploma/degree certificate with transcript.
- English proficiency certificate (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL 80+, Duolingo 110+).
- CV (for Master's and above).
- Motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters (1–2).
- For MBA – work experience confirmation.
- Sometimes GMAT/GRE results.
Application deadlines:
- Fall intake – until March-June.
- Spring intake – until October-December.
- Entrance exams may be online, requiring advance registration.
Language of Instruction and Preparation for Business Programs in Switzerland
Most business programs for international students in Switzerland are taught in English. However, French, German, and Italian programs are also available depending on the region.
Foundation programs:
- Offered by many universities.
- Help improve English and adapt to academic requirements.
- Often include introductory courses in economics, mathematics, business.
Tuition Fees for Business Programs in Switzerland
Price range:
- Bachelor's: 7,000–35,000 CHF/year.
- Master's: 1,200–45,000 CHF/year.
- MBA: 30,000–90,000 CHF/year.
Additional expenses:
- Accommodation: 700–1,500 CHF/month.
- Food: approx. 500 CHF/month.
- Transport: 70–100 CHF/month.
- Insurance: from 100 CHF/month.
- Study materials: approx. 300–500 CHF/year.
Total living costs average 18,000–30,000 CHF annually.
Scholarships and Grants for Business Programs in Switzerland
International students can access these funding types:
Government scholarships:
- Provided by Swiss authorities.
- Requirements: high academic performance, motivation, language proficiency.
- Available for students from CIS, India and other countries.
University scholarships:
- Examples: Excellence Scholarship (ETH Zurich), St. Gallen Starters Scholarship.
- Conditions: high grades, motivation, recommendations.
Private/corporate funds:
- Support students with leadership potential.
- Often cover partial tuition.
Application deadlines:
- Typically 6–12 months before program start.
- Require supporting documents and motivation letter.
Career Prospects After Business Education in Switzerland
Graduates of Swiss business programs are globally sought-after. Universities actively collaborate with international companies and offer internships during studies.
Popular fields:
- Finance and banking
- International management
- Marketing and brand management
- Entrepreneurship
- Project management
Example employers:
- Nestlé
- Credit Suisse
- Novartis
- UBS
- PwC
- Google (Zurich office)
- Richemont Group
Switzerland also offers student visas with part-time work rights and post-graduation job search opportunities.
Is Business Education in Switzerland Worth It?
Switzerland combines academic excellence, global diploma recognition, and career prospects. Compared to other countries (e.g., USA or UK), tuition fees are often lower while program quality ranks among the world's best.
Business education in Switzerland particularly benefits those aiming to work in Europe, engage in international business, or start their own company.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What business programs in Switzerland are available for international students?
Available: Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, Executive MBA, and foundation courses in English at private and public universities.
2. What are the tuition fees for business programs in Switzerland?
Fees range from 7,000 to 90,000 CHF/year depending on program level and university type.
3. Can I apply for business programs in Switzerland without German/French?
Yes, most business programs for international students are English-taught.
4. What documents are needed for business program applications in Switzerland?
Passport, diploma/certificate, language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo), motivation letter, recommendations, sometimes GMAT/GRE.
5. Which Swiss universities are considered best for business studies?
Leaders include University of St. Gallen, IMD, ETH Zurich, HEC Lausanne, and Geneva Business School.