Switzerland is the 5th most popular place to study MBA in Europe, after the UK, Germany, France and Spain. Moreover, MBA graduates who have studied in Switzerland have received high-paying jobs in western Europe. This is because of the high quality education given by the best colleges in Switzerland for the MBA. In this blog we will give a gist of these colleges and their entry requirements. Consider this article as a handy guide to your MBA career in Switzerland.
Best Schools & Universities In Switzerland For MBA
Switzerland is home to some of the best colleges in Switzerland for the MBA. IMD Business School in Lausanne consistently ranks in the top 25 of the Financial Times Global MBA ranking, while the University of St. Gallen’s SIM programme tops the FT’s Masters in Management list. Business schools in Switzerland offer students a combination of a top educational experience, high standard of living, impressive graduate salaries, and access to the world’s leading employers. Here’s a list of the top MBA programmes in Switzerland, with the best universities.
IMD Business School
IMD is a premier business school in Switzerland known for its MBA programmes and global impact. Rooted in Swiss heritage, IMD focuses on developing transformational leaders and organisations. The school offers diverse business management programmes, including specialised courses such as Leading the Family Business (LFB), catering to family-owned businesses and senior executives. IMD consistently ranks highly in global rankings by Forbes, Financial Times, The Economist, and others.
| QS Ranking 2024 | #108 |
| Fees (Approx.) | CHF 115,000 |
| Location | Lausanne |
| Courses Offered (Full-time) | MBA, Executive MBA, PGDM |
Universität St. Gallen School of Management
Universität St. Gallen (HSG) is a top-ranking public university and the leading business school in Switzerland and the German-speaking region of Europe. It promotes integrative thought, responsible action, and an entrepreneurial spirit. HSG has achieved Triple Crown accreditation from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA, highlighting its commitment to excellence in business education.
| QS Ranking 2024 | 436 |
| Application Fees (Approx.) | UG: CHF 250 or 23,405.29 PG: CHF 250 or 23,405.29 MBA: CHF 100 or 9,362.12* |
| Location | St. Gallen |
| Courses Offered (Full-time) | MBA, PGDM, MS. |
Université de Lausanne – HEC Lausanne
HEC Lausanne, part of the University of Lausanne (UNIL), is recognised for its MBA programmes and international research contributions. EQUIS and AMBA highly ranked and accredited the faculty’s training and research. HEC Lausanne holds a prominent position among Swiss higher education institutions.
| QS Ranking 2024 | #220 |
| Fees (Approx.) | CHF 580 – CHF 1,160 |
| Location | Lausanne |
| Courses Offered (Full-time) | MBA, PGDM, MIM, BBA |
Université de Genève – Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM)
The University of Geneva, home to GSEM, is one of Switzerland’s largest universities with a strong international reputation. GSEM offers Executive MBA and International Organisations MBA programmes accredited by AMBA, reflecting its commitment to quality education and research.
| QS Ranking | #128 |
| Fees (Approx.) | CHF 42’500.- |
| Location | Geneva |
| Courses Offered (Full-time) | Bachelor in Economics and ManagementMaster ProgrammesDoctoral Programmes |
ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is a university globally famous for its MBA programmes and research excellence. The Department of Management, Technology, and Economics (D-MTEC) at ETH Zurich offers comprehensive business education and conducts cutting-edge research in various disciplines.
| QS Ranking | #7 |
| Fees (Approx.) | Varies |
| Location | Zurich |
| Courses Offered (Full-time) | MBA, Executive MBA, Master of Advanced Studies |
University of Zurich
The University of Zurich is a leading research university in Switzerland offering a range of business programmes with a strong focus on economics, banking, and finance. UZH’s Business Administration department covers various aspects of business management, including accounting, entrepreneurship, marketing, and strategy.
| QS Ranking | #91 |
| Fees (Approx.) | CHF 75,000 |
| Location | Zurich |
| Courses Offered (Full-time) | MBA, and full time masters courses |
Geneva Business School
Geneva Business School (GBS) is a globally ranked institution offering business programmes at bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. GBS’s accreditation by IACBE and Swiss quality label ‘eduQua’ underscores its commitment to delivering quality education.
| QS Ranking | Ranks in top 100 |
| Fees (Approx.) | Tuition per semester: CHF 12,700 |
| Location | Geneva, Barcelona, Madrid |
| Courses Offered (Full-time) | Master of International Management, Master of Business Administration, Doctorate of Business Administration |
EU Business School
EU Business School is renowned for its MBA programmes and international business education. With campuses in various European cities, EU Business School offers a wide range of business administration programmes accredited by ACBSP and IACBE.
| QS Ranking | #81-90 |
| Fees (Approx.) | Fees per semester CHF 6750 |
| Location | Geneva |
| Courses Offered (Full-time) | bachelor’s, master’s, MBA and doctorate degrees in Business Administration |
Rushford Business School
Rushford Business School, a part of James Lind Institute, offers online MBA programmes with a focus on business and management. Accredited by Swiss quality label ‘eduQua’ and affiliated with ACBSP and IACBE, Rushford prepares students for industries like pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
| QS Ranking | 4 QS Stars |
| Fees (Approx.) | CHF 5220 |
| Location | Geneva |
| Courses Offered (Full-time) | MBA, Executive MBA |
Admission Requirements For MBA In Switzerland
Prospective MBA students planning to study in Switzerland should possess a Bachelor’s degree, Diploma, or equivalent qualification from a recognised university or institute in their home country. For full-time MBA programmes, candidates should ideally have 2-3 years of work experience, whereas Executive MBA applicants typically require a minimum of 10 years of work experience. While specific document requirements for admission may vary across institutions in Switzerland, the following documents are commonly requested for MBA applications:
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree, Diploma, certificates, academic achievements, etc.)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation
- References
- GMAT/GRE/EA (Executive Assessment) scores
- English Language Proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, BEC Higher, CAE, CPE)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Completed application form
- Statement of Purpose or video presentation
- Copies of a valid passport
- Proof of financial means to cover educational and living expenses
- Application fee payment receipt
Please note that specific requirements may vary and applicants should refer to the respective institution’s official guidelines for accurate details.
Admission Process For Top Universities In Switzerland For MBA
Admission process for top universities in Switzerland is pretty much the same as the admission process for other universities and courses. Though the requirements may vary, you can follow the step given below to get an idea:
Step 1: Identify top MBA colleges in Switzerland based on rankings, reputation, curriculum, and career outcomes. Choose programmes that align with your career goals and interests.
Step 2: Review the admission criteria for each MBA programme, including educational qualifications, work experience, standardised test scores (GMAT/GRE/EA), English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), letters of recommendation, and other specific requirements.
Step 3: Gather necessary documents such as academic transcripts, degree certificates, letters of recommendation, CV/resume, standardised test scores, English proficiency test scores, passport copy, statement of purpose (SOP), and any other required materials.
Step 4: Register for and take any required standardised tests (GMAT/GRE/EA, TOEFL/IELTS) well in advance of application deadlines. Prepare thoroughly to achieve competitive scores.
Step 5: Craft an interesting SOP, and prepare for the interview. They might ask you about your academic achievements, community initiatives, extra-curricular activities, etc.
Step 6: Wait for the acceptance letter, which you’ll receive over the mail or on your address.
Scholarships To Study MBA In Switzerland
Several scholarship opportunities are available to assist students facing challenges with MBA tuition fees in Switzerland. These scholarships often provide grants that cover tuition costs. Below, we have highlighted five such scholarship opportunities.
| Scholarship Name | Amount/Grants/Covers/Benefits |
| IMD MBA Class Scholarship For Emerging Markets | Purse MBA in Business and ManagementPartial funding |
| IMD MBA- Financial Need Scholarship | Pursue MBA studiesUp to 30k CHF |
| The Nestle Scholarship For Women | Pursue MBA in IMDUp to 25k CHF |
| ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarship | Pursue Masters in ETH ZurichCovers full study and living expenses, offer assistantship and partial stipend |
| EPFL Excellence Fellowship for Masters students | Pursue Masters in EPFLGrant amount- 8,000 CHF/semester. Covers accommodation, tuition fees for a maximum of four semesters |
Job Opportunities After An MBA In Switzerland
Graduates from Switzerland’s top universities can choose from a variety of job profiles. The following is a list of popular job profiles and their expected salaries.
| Job Profile | Expected Salary Range |
| Finance Manager | 126,825 CHF |
| Analytics Consultant | 85,947 CHF |
| Digital Marketing Manager | 91,792 CHF |
| Human Resource Manager | 103603 CHF |
| Marketing Manager | 92,179 CHF |
FAQs
Q1. Is doing an MBA in Switzerland worth it?
Doing an MBA in Switzerland is absolutely worth it. As Switzerland is known to be a business hub, chances of getting placed in a global business corporation with high pay are high.
Q2. How much does an MBA cost in Switzerland?
The average cost of doing an MBA in Switzerland is around CHF 20,000 TO CHF 85000.
Q3. Is GMAT required for an MBA in Switzerland?
While the GMAT scores largely depend on the university you choose, a minimum GMAT score of 550 is preferred, with an average GMAT score of 676.
Q4. What salary one can expect after MBA in Switzerland?
Switzerland is the second highest paying MBA country (after Australia) and highest in Europe for MBA compensation – $139,400 (salary plus bonus) – according to the QS TopMBA.com Jobs & Salary Report.
Q5. Which exam is required for an MBA in Switzerland?
For an MBA program in Switzerland, candidates usually need to pass two entrance exams: the GMAT- Graduate Management Admission Test & English Proficiency Test (IELTS or TOEFL)
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