Why study an MBA in Switzerland?
It may be small, mountainous and most famous for chocolate, but Switzerland has a strong economy and attracts major companies from all over the world. Global brands as diverse as McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble, Nissan and Yahoo base their European activities in Switzerland.
The country offers a low-tax regime at the heart of the European Union (EU) and the Eurozone, yet is not constrained by EU membership or by the ups and downs of the Euro. Consequently, Switzerland is a business giant and a great place to study an international MBA program particularly if you want to make industry contacts.
What international MBA programs are offered in Switzerland?
Switzerland is home to high percentage of international students looking to study an MBA program, making it an excellent place to develop your cross-cultural management skills.
As a European business hub, you will find that most Swiss MBA programs are closely affiliated with major corporations, providing you with a great opportunity to make contacts with some high-level companies.
Switzerland offers many MBA specialisations, with strategy, operations management and finance MBAs particularly popular.
Immigration and visas in Switzerland
Although not a member of the EU, Switzerland does allow EU citizens to attend university in the country. Students from the EU taking an international MBA program must register with the Residents’ Registration Office at their relevant authority within 14 days of arriving, and will also need to show:
- A valid passport
- Proof of a place at a registered university
- Evidence of funds to support themselves
- Proof of address
- Health insurance
Non-EU students will need to check the relevant details for studying and MBA program in Switzerland with their own country.
What are the costs of studying for an MBA in Switzerland?
Tuition fee costs for MBAs in Switzerland vary depending on the institution and type of course you choose to study. As a guide, you should expect your MBA program to cost anywhere from €3,000 to €10,000 per term of study. Check with your chosen MBA provider for more details.
Working in Switzerland
Switzerland has one of Europe’s most stable and prosperous economies and is well known for its wealth. Indeed, it was ranked the wealthiest country in the world in 2011 in per capita terms.
Its economy is founded on manufacturing, particularly in chemicals, health and pharmaceuticals. It also has a highly developed services sector, with banking and insurance being a particularly important industry and one the country specialises in.
Switzerland has relatively low taxes for such a well developed country, making it a haven for multinational companies. Graduates looking for a career in Switzerland should expect some of the best salary rates in the world.
The transport infrastructure is outstanding and the quality of life is known for being extremely high. Geneva and Zurich consistently rank among the best cities in the world in which to live and work. A multilingual workforce and a strong, stable banking sector complete what is a commercially compelling picture.
What to do next
If you would like more information on choosing and applying for an MBA program in Switzerland, sign up to our Free Application Service. We’ll get in touch with you with information tailored to your requirements, including advice on the best business course for you.
