MBA in Switzerland : Top 10 Universities, Requirements, Jobs

Choosing to pursue an MBA in Switzerland was a leap of faith that transformed my life in ways I never imagined. 

From the moment I arrived in Zurich, the breathtaking alpine views and the vibrant city pulse filled me with a sense of awe and possibility. 

Every day, as I immersed myself in my studies and explored this beautiful country, I felt a profound joy and gratitude for the chance to grow both professionally and personally.

In fact, the business schools in Switzerland have received accreditations from the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which further motivated me to study in Switzerland.

Uncover with me which are the best b-schools for you in the country, cost of living and more.

MBA in Switzerland Highlights

Switzerland is an ideal destination to study for an MBA as it offers global networking opportunities, specialized programs, post-study work opportunities for international students, and a quality lifestyle.

Program Duration	The duration of studying for an MBA in Switzerland is between 15 to 18 months
Top MBA Institutes in Switzerland	ETH Zurich, University of St.Gallen, University of Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, University of Bern, EHS Hospitality Business School
Average Cost of Studying	The average annual cost of studying for an MBA in the top business universities in Switzerland varies between 14,000 CHF and 115,000 CHF
Standardized Tests Required	GMAT, GRE, or EA scores (not older than five years). Language proficiency with either Level C1 or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Scale (CEFR), IELTS, or TOEFL
Top Specializations	International Business International Finance Luxury Management Global MBA International Marketing  Finance and Banking
Modes	Full-time, Part-Time, and Blended Learning

Why MBA in Switzerland (Student’s Perspective)

Universities in Switzerland offer MBA programs that are internationally recognized and would also help you understand the concepts of general business topics and specialized disciplines. 

Switzerland’s vital industries include the high-tech and finance sectors, offering broad job prospects to graduates after completing an MBA in Switzerland. 

Besides these benefits in terms of the course and career opportunities, many more reasons make Switzerland an attractive country for pursuing an MBA degree:

Here are the reasons why I chose a renowned MBA university in Switzerland.

1. Top-Ranked Business Schools:

Switzerland houses multiple globally renowned B-schools. For instance, IMD Business School and the University of St. Gallen are consistently ranked among Europe's top 10 business schools. IMD is renowned for its leadership programs, while St. Gallen is celebrated for its strategic management and finance courses.

2. High Graduate Employability:

MBA graduates from Swiss institutions enjoy impressive employment rates. According to the Financial Times, 93% of IMD MBA graduates secured job offers within three months of graduation, often landing roles in prestigious firms like McKinsey, Google, and UBS. Moreover, the annual wage of an MBA graduate is around $1,57,000.

3. Strategic Location:

Switzerland's central European location offers unparalleled access to major financial hubs such as London, Paris, and Frankfurt. This proximity facilitates frequent networking events, international business seminars, and internship opportunities with leading global companies.

4. Strong Alumni Networks:

Swiss MBA programs boast powerful alumni networks. For instance, the University of St. Gallen has an extensive global network of over 28,000 alumni, many of whom hold influential positions in major corporations, providing students with invaluable mentorship and career opportunities.

5. Hosts High Percentage of International Students

Studying for an MBA in Switzerland will help you to develop cross-cultural management skills since you will learn from classmates and professors from various nationalities. Switzerland is home to nearly 50,000 international students, and 21% of students and 40% of the faculty come from different countries.

6. Post-Graduation Work Opportunities

Switzerland's advantageous post-graduation work policies allow international students to pursue career opportunities within the country after finishing their MBA. For those interested in remaining in Switzerland for professional endeavors, it is crucial to comprehend the work visa regulations and job market dynamics.

Best MBA Universities in Switzerland

Switzerland is home to some of the best business schools globally, providing students with a combination of impressive educational experience, the best salaries for graduates, a high standard of living, and a chance to know the world’s leading employers. Here’s an overview of the top business schools for an MBA in Switzerland and the eligibility criteria, fee structure, and total duration of the course. 

University of St.Gallen

The University of St. Gallen has been ranked fourth in the European Business School Ranking by Financial Times for the last two years. The University has earned triple-crown accreditation from AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB.

Moreover, this institution encourages an entrepreneurial spirit of innovation in business and society.Below are the details for the same:

Type	Public
QS World University Rankings- MBA 2024	22
Course Duration	Full-time- 1 year, Part-time-  2-3 years
Requirements	GMAT score required- 656 Minimum work experience of 3 years Minimum English language proficiency test scores- IELTS 6.5 and TOEFL 80
Average Tuition Fees	CHF 75,000 for Full-time
Location	St. Gallen and Zurich (part-time)

IMD Business School

International Insitute for Management Development or IMD is an independent business school with a global reach offering various business management. It is recognized as one of the best business schools by The Economic Times, Financial Times, Forbes, and many more. 

Type	Private
QS World University Rankings -MBA 2023	21
Course Duration	Full- time 1 year, Executive MBA, 15-19 months
Course Offered	EMBA (Executive MBA) , MBA
Requirements	Average GMAT score – 676 Minimum work experience of 3 years and average seven years experience Minimum English language proficiency score: TOEFL- 90 and IELTS – 7
Average Tuition Fees	EMBA- 115,000 CHF/year, MBA- 97,500 CHF/year
Location	Lausanne

United International Business Schools

 UIBS is a QS ranked MBA university, which is among the favorite choices amongst multiple international students. The university offers a wide range of MBA specializations and elective courses that students can pursue. 

Type	Private
QS World University Rankings- MBA 2024	61-70
Course Duration	Full-time 1 year, Executive MBA, 15-19 months
Courses Offered	EMBA (Executive MBA) , MBA
Requirements	Average GMAT score – 676 Minimum work experience of 3 years and average seven years of experience Minimum English language proficiency score: TOEFL- 60 or higher and IELTS – 6.0 and higher
Average Tuition Fees	MBA Course based- 42,000 CHF/year, Executive MBA- 50,400 CHF/year

University of Geneva – Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM)

The University of Geneva – Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM) offers a distinguished MBA program that blends rigorous academics with practical experience, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and global business acumen. Located in a globally connected city, GSEM's MBA program leverages partnerships with international organizations and businesses. Renowned for its research excellence, the program prepares students to tackle complex business challenges sustainably and innovatively.

Type	Private
QS World University Rankings- MBA 2024	N/A
Course Duration	Full-time 1 year
Courses Offered	Executive MBA
Requirements	Average GMAT score – 676 Minimum work experience of 3 years and an average of seven years of experience Minimum English language proficiency score: TOEFL- 90 and IELTS – 7
Average Tuition Fees	CHF 42,500

Eligibility or Requirements for Pursuing MBA in Switzerland

To pursue an MBA in Switzerland, students must furnish all mark sheets from the 10th grade to the final year of their graduation and should have earned first class from a recognized university. Besides, there are a few more requirements that a candidate needs to comply with before getting admission to a B-school in Switzerland. 

GMAT

A Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT is not mandatory in all universities. Some premium institutions, like IMD Business School, University of St. Gallen, etc., require high scores in the GMAT. A student needs to prepare for the exam for at least 2.5 to 3 months, and the score is valid for at least five years.

Language Requirements

Since the medium of instruction in Switzerland is English, and you need to prove your efficiency in the language. Various English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL are required to procure admission to a university. In IELTS, a score of 7.0 or 6.5 is preferred. Meanwhile, in TOEFL, a score of 80-90 is preferred by various universities for computer-based tests.

Essays

To get admission at a business school in Switzerland, you need to write three topical essays to make you stand out in front of the admissions committee. The Swiss universities assess your leadership, teamwork, networking, and interpersonal skills and the ability to sustain pressure through these essays. 

Resume

You should craft your resume so that it makes you stand out from other students. It should talk about your education, previous work experiences, and achievements. Keep your resume short and to the point. 

Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation has to be submitted and written by any professor, supervisor, or employer from your previous academic institution or workplace. The LOR should add value to your candidature and highlight your managerial or leadership skills. Most Swiss universities require at least 2 to 3 recommendations the referee should submit before the deadline. 

Work Experience

Most B-schools in Switzerland require students to have a work experience of at least two years, and the average preferred work experience ranges from seven years. 

Documents Required 

Once you fulfill the eligibility criteria for an MBA in Switzerland, you must submit all the documents required for the application process. Though different universities have different requirements, some documents are necessary for general education.

• Certified copy of high school degrees
• Relevant qualification in the original language
• Copy of Bachelor’s degree mark sheet
• Filled out the application form
• Four passport-size photographs
• A copy of a valid passport with the photo ID page and personal information
• English language proficiency proof
• Translated overview of the courses studied earlier

Application Process

To apply for an MBA in Switzerland, start by searching for various universities offering the program. Check the eligibility criteria, and if you fulfill them, arrange for the financial resources with which you will aid your studies in Switzerland. Apply for admission at a business school online from their official website. Once you get admission, apply for a residence permit and look for available accommodations near the university.

Cost Of Studying MBA In Switzerland,

The cost of studying for an MBA in Switzerland is based on two factors, i.e., tuition fees and cost of living. 

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee to pursue MBA in Switzerland ranges between 14,000 CHF- 115,000 CHF/annually. These fees are based upon any MBA specialization students choose, such as Flex MBA, Full-time MBA, etc.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Switzerland varies from 1,400 CHF- 2,250 CHF/per month. The monthly costs include accommodation, transport, health insurance, food, and miscellaneous expenses.

Scholarship Opportunities To Study MBA In Switzerland

International students willing to pursue MBAs in Switzerland can avail of many scholarship opportunities. The best MBA scholarships to apply in 2024 are as follows:

Scholarship	Criteria	Benefit
Nestle Scholarship for Women	Open to women coming from developing countries. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, including high GPA, GMAT, and GRE scores.	International exposure and career progression, and a reward of CHF 25,000.
University of St. Gallen General MBA Scholarship	Open to all applicants of the university. Rewards are offered based on the overall quality of the application.	Reward ranging between CHF 5,000 to CHF 40,000
Young Leaders Assessment Challenge Scholarship	Applicants must be between the ages of 24 and 28 and have at least two years of working experience. They must also demonstrate academic excellence through high GMAT, GRE, and GMAT scores.	Global exposure and career progression. A reward of CHF 50,000.
University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowship Program	Applicants must pursue a master's program from the university and demonstrate academic excellence.	Grants of CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year.
IMD MBA Merit Scholarship	This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence with high GPA, GMAT, and GRE scores.	International exposure, career progression, and rewards of CHF 30,000, CHF 40,000, and CHF 50,000.

After completing a degree of mba in Switzerland, the best job positions one can fulfill and enjoy lucrative salaries are listed below:

Job Profiles	Average Annual Salary
Global Project Manager	CHF 1,14,000
Chief Operating Officer	CHF 1,90,000
Chief Financial Officer	CHF 1,15,000
Managing Consultant	CHF 1,19,250
Operations Manager	CHF 1,18,500
Finance Manager	CHF 1,30,000
Business Development Manager	CHF 1,09,500
Senior Consultant	CHF 1,08,338
IT Manager	CHF 1,47,000
Product Manager	CHF 1,20,000

Skyrocket Your Career with MBA in Switzerland

Pursuing an MBA in Switzerland can significantly enhance career prospects due to the country's robust economy, international business environment, and prestigious educational institutions. Swiss MBA programs offer high academic standards, multicultural exposure, and strong industry connections, providing graduates with valuable networking opportunities and practical experience.