Geneva Business School
Description of Geneva Business School
Geneva Business School is one of the most prestigious private universities in Switzerland. In the school, opened in 2001, 150 students study. The share of foreign students reaches 90%.
Geneva Business School provides Swiss-quality business education in Geneva, Barcelona, and Madrid. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, International Executive MBA, and DBA programs that are 100% in English, and offers innovative learning methods and new state-of-the-art campuses. Students can study specializations in the fields of International Management, Entrepreneurship, International Finance, Sports Management, Digital Marketing, and International Relations.
Students enjoy personalized mentoring, unique networking events, and support and guidance for internships and business ventures. A practical education in the classroom, combined with exposure to the real world of business means Geneva Business School students graduate job-ready.
Faculty members all work actively in their sectors and offer their insights into current business trends as well as access to their own global networks. They organize business challenges, from creating companies and writing business plans to market research and much more.
This commitment to quality teaching and their interactive campuses provide a 360º learning experience to fully prepare students for the modern workplace.
The institution is professionally accredited by IACBE, AASBI, CHEA and is certified by EduQua.
Geneva Business School provides Swiss-quality business education. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, and diverse continued education options that are 100% in English, and offers innovative learning methods and new technologies.
Students enjoy personalized mentoring, unique networking events, and support and guidance for internships and business ventures. A practical education in the classroom, combined with exposure to the real world of business means Geneva Business School students graduate job-ready.
Faculty members all work actively in their sectors and offer their insights into current business trends as well as access to their own global networks. They organize business challenges, from creating companies and writing business plans to market research and much more.
This commitment to quality teaching and our interactive campuses provide a 360º learning experience to fully prepare students for the modern workplace.
The educational institution accredited by the international profile organizations ECBE, IACBE, offers its students a large number of programs in several fields. Geneva Business School provides Bachelor's, MBA’s, Master's as well as Dcotorate’s (DBA) programs.
Can students work while studying?
Student visas allow part-time work of up to 20 hours per week during term time, including volunteering or unpaid internships. Universities often have Career Development Services to help find part-time jobs and plan future careers.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Geneva Business School
- Duration: 3 years
- Credits: 180 ECTS
- Language: English
- Intakes: February and September
- Transfer Opportunities: Students have the option to transfer for a semester between our Geneva, Barcelona, and Madrid campuses. Furthermore, there is a study abroad option to international students who wish to study on one of our campuses for a semester
- Internships: Geneva Business School offers support and guidance for internships and business ventures as part of our mission to prepare students for the world of work
- Locations: Geneva Campus, Barcelona Campus and Madrid Campus
Bachelor’s courses are organized to offer students the theory they need, but with a strong focus on the practical side of business. Traditional teaching models that concentrate almost entirely on theory were left behind, and nowadays the school provides a more effective, balanced structure. This way, students can put what they learn into practice like never before.
The first two years offer students a solid business foundation through the lens of your chosen sector specialization. They study key areas, such as finance, management, and marketing, while they discover how their chosen sector works, meet key people from the sector, visit companies, and more.
Their final year sees students focus intensely on their chosen specialization to be able to graduate job-ready. Specializations include:
- International Management
- Entrepreneurship
- International Finance
- Digital Marketing
- International Relations
- Sports Management.
Throughout the program, students can pick up additional qualifications, so that they graduate not just with their Geneva Business School degree, but with a symphony of diverse skills to help them take on the modern business world. This additional knowledge doesn’t just make joining the workforce easier, but it gives recent graduates the edge when it comes to applying for top positions.
Students can choose from five other specializations:
- International Management
International Management teaches you the key theories and principles of running a global team. Students gain the leadership tools and confidence to successfully run a modern international enterprise.
- Entrepreneurship
The Entrepreneurship specialization focuses on developing ideas and analyzing business plans. You will launch your own projects and graduate with the confidence to excel in the world of business.
- International Finance
The International Finance program makes you proficient in financial and investment theories, while providing strategies to understand the intricacies of valuation and quantitative analysis.
- Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing highlights the latest in marketing technologies, business development, and strategic planning. Graduates often pursue leadership roles in content creating, publishing, and media.
- International Relations
International Relations teaches you about world politics and its impact on business. Upon graduation, you can pursue a career in global conflicts management and international cooperation.
- Sports Management
Sports Management teaches the skills needed for a career in sports marketing. You will focus on event management, new technologies, and networking so you can make an impact in this booming industry.
Students who have completed a bachelor’s course will be able to transfer directly to the master’s courses and students who have completed the master’s courses will be able to return after three years of work experience to do a shortened version of the MBA.
Admission Criteria for Bachelor’s Programs
Students who wish to apply to a Geneva Business School bachelor’s degree must have successfully completed their final secondary school examinations and any other required examinations qualifying them for university admission in their country or in the country where their secondary school studies took place.
- Swiss Maturité, International Baccalaureate of minimum 30 points, 3 A-levels, high school diploma or equivalent (Geneva Business School uses a country-specific admissions criteria for prospective bachelor’s students)
- IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 70 / DET 95-100 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of 3 years
- A scanned copy of all required academic diplomas, transcripts, and academic certificates
- A 500-word written response to a business case study
- An interview with a representative from the academic team on their chosen campus. Their response to the case study will be discussed in the interview.
- Photocopy of valid passport / national ID
- 1 reference letter from a former teacher or employer
Exceptional admissions conditions – COVID-19 (For bachelors)
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Geneva Business School Board of Management has decided that it will accept students even if they are unable to obtain their high school diplomas due to the pandemic.
This measure is on the condition that their grade transcripts, English level, and school recommendations are of the high level we expect from applicants worldwide, and our admissions requirements remain unchanged.
Candidates accepted to Geneva Business School without TOEFL/IELTS or high school examination results will be afforded one additional academic year, from the time they join our school, to provide the missing documents.
Doctor of Business administration In International Management
- Age: 21+
- Language of instruction: English
- Duration of the program: 3 years = 9 trimesters.
During years one and two of your Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), you will undertake six self-study courses through our innovative online learning platform. These are designed to equip you with the skills you will need for your business research project during your third and final year.
Your project could focus on a real-life business situation, or a problem that you are dealing with in your current work situation. It could also be a business idea that you want to explore or focus on, or current ideas that are impacting the industry you are working in.
Throughout your time at Geneva Business School you will be supported by the DBA Program Manager and the program team in Barcelona. In your final year you will also receive direct support from an experienced professional from your field of interest.
Once the project is complete, you will present it to a panel of experts in your field.
Admission Criteria for Doctorate Programs (DBA)
- Completion of master’s in a relevant field.
- IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 85 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of 3 years
- A scanned copy of all required academic diplomas, transcripts, and academic certificates
- Students should have at least 2 years of work experience after gaining a master’s-level qualification
- Photocopy of valid passport / national ID
- Resume/CV
- Reference letters from their former academic institution and from their current employer (if applicable)
- Completion of the Thesis Proposal form
Additional fees:
- Application fee = 1900 euros (non-refundable, paid upon application)
- Registration fee = 150 euros (non-refundable).
- Duration: 1.5 years / 3 semesters
- Evening Learning: Yes
- Credits: 90 ECTS
- Language: English
- Intakes: February and September
- Degree Awarded: Master of Business Administration
- Locations: Geneva Campus
The Master of Business Administration program at Geneva Business School is aimed at active professionals who are looking to boost their careers. Students are pushed to achieve their potential and apply what they have learned directly in their working life. We insist on MBA candidates having professional experience, which creates a thriving and collaborative learning environment where ideas and projects can be shared and analyzed.
Totally customizable, this MBA allows you to choose the courses that best relate to your professional situation. We will provide dedicated sector specialists who will offer personalized support and feedback to help you achieve your goals. The MBA is focused on practical learning, with vast networking opportunities, events, and company visits that connect academic studies with the real world of business.
Classes are taught outside of working hours, which means working students can continue with their careers while studying. The first two semesters are taught on campus, with personalized mentoring and exclusive webinars and conferences. In the third and final semester, you will continue your studies remotely, with close and constante tutelage from your personal mentor.
Mentoring at Geneva Business School goes above and beyond your studies. We offer two career days per year and access to personalized career guidance. You will get active support in finding work and access to exclusive networks through your fellow MBA candidates and the faculty you will work with.
Admission Criteria for MBA Programs
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in a related field
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 74 / DET 105-110 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of 3 years
- Scanned copy of all required academic diplomas, transcripts, certificates
- A 500-word written response to a business case study + interview
- Some previous business/professional experience
- Photocopy of valid passport / national ID
- Resume/CV
- Reference letters from a former academic institution and from current employer (if applicable)
Admission Protocol
- APPLICATION SUBMITTED: Applications from prospective students are reviewed only once all documentation is submitted and admission criteria met.
- ENGLISH EXAM: As English is the common language used in Geneva Business School, TOEFL/IELTS/DET test scores, phone or face to face interviews measure each student’s English proficiency level. Online English tests can be an alternative.
- PHONE INTERVIEW: After all references have been checked, a final phone interview is made.
MBA PROGRAM FEES at Geneva Campus:
- Application Fee: EUR 150 (non-refundable, paid upon application)
- Administration Fee: CHF 3,000 (one-time fee, 80% refund if the entry visa or residence permit is refused by the visa authorities)
- Tuition per semester: CHF 12,950 (1.5-year / 3-semester program) (100% refund if the entry visa or residence permit is refused by the visa authorities)
Exceptional admissions conditions – COVID-19 (for Masters, MBA & DBA)
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Geneva Business School Board of Management has decided that it will accept students even if they are unable to obtain their TOEFL/ IELTS English exam results due to the pandemic.During the application interviews, we will apply the same level of rigorous assessment as well as thoroughly evaluate the candidate’s level of comprehension in English to ensure that everyone has the capacity to participate in class.
Candidates accepted to Geneva Business School without TOEFL/IELTS or high school examination results will be afforded one additional academic year, from the time they join our school, to provide the missing documents.
The Master of International Management at Geneva Business School pushes you to take your skills to the next level. Advanced theory in the classroom and unique practical experience help you graduate with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make a real impact on your future career.
This master’s program is ideal both for those who are new to business, and those building on a bachelor’s degree. Master’s graduates can gain three years of professional experience before pursuing a shortened MBA.
Key Facts about the Master of International Management
- Duration: 1.5 years / 3 semesters
- Evening Learning: Yes
- Credits: 90 ECTS
- Language: English
- Intakes: February and September
- Locations: Geneva Campus and Barcelona Campus
- Number of Specializations : The Master of International Management consists of 5 SPECIALIZATIONS including:
International Management
Studying International Management shows you how to lead a global team. You will explore the latest trends in management and master the tools, practical skills, and leadership for a successful career.
International Finance
International Finance explores theories and practices that can be the difference between success and failure. You will gain the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the world of finance.
Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing studies where marketing began and what it means in the modern age. You will master the techniques, tools, and strategies to become a leader in your field.
Sports Management
Sports Management gives you a 360-degree perspective of the industry, including media, technology, and event planning. You will network, attend top events, and graduate ready to take on the sector.
International Relations
Earning a master’s degree in International Relations will give you a practical understanding of the symbiotic relationship between the politics, markets, and people that make up the world we live in.
Admission Criteria for Master’s Programs
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in a related field
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 74 / DET 105-110 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of 3 years
- A scanned copy of all required academic diplomas, transcripts, and academic certificates
- A 500-word written response to a business case study
- An interview with a representative from the academic team on their chosen campus. The candidate’s response to the case study will be discussed in the interview.
- Photocopy of valid passport / national ID
- Resume/CV
- 1 reference letter from a former academic institution
Admission Protocol
- APPLICATION SUBMITTED: Applications from prospective students are reviewed only once all documentation is submitted and admission criteria met.
- ENGLISH EXAM: As English is the common language used in Geneva Business School, TOEFL/IELTS/DET test scores, phone or face to face interviews measure each student’s English proficiency level. Online English tests can be an alternative.
- PHONE INTERVIEW: After all references have been checked, a final phone interview is made.
Fees for Master’s Programs at Geneva Campus:
- Application Fee: EUR 150 (non-refundable, paid upon application)
- Administration Fee: CHF 3,000 (one-time fee, 80% refund if the entry visa or residence permit is refused by the visa authorities)
- Tuition per semester: CHF 10,250 (1.5-year / 3-semester program) (100% refund if the entry visa or residence permit is refused by the visa authorities)
Barcelona & Campuses
- Application Fee: EUR 150 (non-refundable, paid upon application)
Exceptional admissions conditions – COVID-19 (for Masters, MBA & DBA)
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Geneva Business School Board of Management has decided that it will accept students even if they are unable to obtain their TOEFL/ IELTS English exam results due to the pandemic.During the application interviews, we will apply the same level of rigorous assessment as well as thoroughly evaluate the candidate’s level of comprehension in English to ensure that everyone has the capacity to participate in class.
Candidates accepted to Geneva Business School without TOEFL/IELTS or high school examination results will be afforded one additional academic year, from the time they join our school, to provide the missing documents.
Accommodation, meals, prices
As a rule, Geneva Business School provides all the necessary assistance to its students in terms of accommodation, making available at least 3 options: student residence, host family, and/or apartments for rent in the private sector of the city. Students must ensure that they submit a request to the university in this regard as soon as they have the confirmation of admission to study in order to succeed in finding a home according to their preferences.
If you like French food with the occasional taste for Thai, Italian or a good burger and fries, you will love eating in Geneva. Eating out in the international hub of Switzerland is reflected in the wide variety of cuisine you can sample in its restaurants. If you want to try something quintessentially Swiss, Fondue is a popular Swiss dish foodies can't get enough of when in Switzerland. The distinctive assortment and variety of cheeses you can get in Switzerland means that the fondue can be a different experience in every restaurant. There are close to 475 unique types of cheese that come from the Swiss region.
If you order Fondue at a Swiss restaurant, you will receive a heavy pot of melted cheese kept on a heated stand. Most Swiss fondues are made with Gruyère and other types of cheese such as Emmental and creamy Vacherin Fribourgeois. It's mostly eaten with bread or potatoes. Swiss fondue is undeniably the public dish of Switzerland and is surely something that cheese lovers will worship.
Subjects, specialties
Activities Geneva Business School
Events at Geneva Business School Geneva
Geneva Business School, Geneva Campus is located in the heart of the International District, the worldwide headquarters of diplomacy, and home of the Palace of Nations and the World Trade Organization.
This enviable location in Geneva offers students the incredible possibility to network and gain internships in the city’s top financial and international institutions, maintaining close proximity to the campus.
With three official languages and a population made up of over 190 nationalities, Geneva is a premier cosmopolitan hub spot for business, international relations, and tourism.
Daily Routine:
Geneva Business School students typically have classes on campus in the morning from 08:00. For lunch, students will often bring in food to eat in the School’s canteen, or go out to one of the plethora of restaurants all within five minutes walking of the campus. They will then return to the classroom, study privately, or do group work. After classes, there are often events created by the School, or just in the city, where students can go to share ideas, network, and just have fun.
Advantages
Geneva Business School is a global leader in Swiss quality education, dedicated to preparing world-changing leaders, ready for the fourth industrial revolution. Above all, Geneva Business School encourages its students to reach their full potential and pursue excellence at all levels. As a leading private institution in Switzerland, Geneva Business School maintains its superior quality of education through our accreditations with some of the world’s most respected organizations.
Geneva Business School is professionally accredited by four main accrediting bodies (IACBE, AASBI, EDUQUA, and CHEA). Successful accreditation is a result of the school’s commitment to provide high-quality education and promote the best opportunities for students. The rich variety of international accreditations allows Geneva Business School’s students to receive a high standard of learning experiences with a balanced blend of theory and practice.
Geneva Business School has also formed strong ties with partner universities who meet the same standards of quality education. The school’s network has consistently grown over the years, ever-expanding towards new horizons.
These organizations enable Geneva Business School to work on exchange programs and dual degrees with universities and business schools that share the same passion for quality education and vision for helping students get ready to lead.
Facilities and equipment at Geneva Business School
The Geneva Campus offers 4 classrooms that seat 25 people and equipped with live stream cameras, an auditorium that seats 80 people, a cafeteria, a lounge, a state-of-the-art media room with audiovisual equipment for our network to use, a reception area, a faculty staff room, and several administrative offices. Geneva Business school Geneva is equipped with a computer room containing 30 computers and a touchscreen in every classroom and around the campus, you will find four big TV screens where all the news and events run throughout the day. The Geneva Campus is located in the epicentre of the International District and opposite the UN, with students enjoying exclusive access to the UN library.
Admission dates and extra charges
Term dates and fees
- Application Fee: EUR 150 (non-refundable, paid upon application)
- Administration Fee: CHF 3000 (one-time fee, 80% refund if the entry visa or residence permit is refused by the visa authorities)
- Tuition fees for Bachelor: CHF 12,450 (3-year / 6-semester program) (100% refund if the entry visa or residence permit is refused by the visa authorities)
- Tuition fees for Master: CHF 10,250 (1.5-year / 3-semester program) (100% refund if the entry visa or residence permit is refused by the visa authorities)
- Tuition fees for MBA: CHF 12,950 (1.5-year / 3-semester program) (100% refund if the entry visa or residence permit is refused by the visa authorities)
- International Executive MBA:
- Application Fee: EUR 150 (non-refundable, paid upon application)
- Administration Fee: EUR 1,900
- Tuition per semester: EUR 9,960 (1.5-year / 3-semester program)
- Doctorate of Business Administration
- Application Fee: EUR 150 (non-refundable, paid upon application)
- Administration Fee: EUR 1,900
- Tuition per Term: EUR 3,900 (3-year / 9-term program) * One year = 3 terms
Term dates:
February to June (Winter Semester) and September to December (Fall Semester)
- Application Final Deadlines:
- September 2021 intake: 30 May 2021
- February 2022 intake: 31 January
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Admission Criteria for Bachelor’s Programs
Students who wish to apply to a Geneva Business School bachelor’s degree must have successfully completed their final secondary school examinations and any other required examinations qualifying them for university admission in their country or in the country where their secondary school studies took place.
- Swiss Maturité, International Baccalaureate of minimum 30 points, 3 A-levels, high school diploma or equivalent (Geneva Business School uses a country-specific admissions criteria for prospective bachelor’s students.
- IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 70 / DET 95-100 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of 3 years
- A scanned copy of all required academic diplomas, transcripts, and academic certificates
- A 500-word written response to a business case study
- An interview with a representative from the academic team on their chosen campus. Their response to the case study will be discussed in the interview.
- Photocopy of valid passport / national ID
- 1 reference letter from a former teacher or employer
Admission Criteria for Master’s Programs
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in a related field
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 74 / DET 105-110 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of 3 years
- A scanned copy of all required academic diplomas, transcripts, and academic certificates
- A 500-word written response to a business case study
- An interview with a representative from the academic team on their chosen campus. The candidate’s response to the case study will be discussed in the interview.
- Photocopy of valid passport / national ID
- Resume/CV
- 1 reference letter from a former academic institution
Admission Protocol
- APPLICATION SUBMITTED: Applications from prospective students are reviewed only once all documentation is submitted and admission criteria met.
- ENGLISH EXAM: As English is the common language used in Geneva Business School, TOEFL/IELTS/DET test scores, phone or face to face interviews measure each student’s English proficiency level. Online English tests can be an alternative.
- PHONE INTERVIEW: After all references have been checked, a final phone interview is made.
Admission Criteria for MBA Programs
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in a related field
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 74 / DET 105-110 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of 3 years
- Scanned copy of all required academic diplomas, transcripts, certificates
- A 500-word written response to a business case study + interview
- Some previous business/professional experience
- Photocopy of valid passport / national ID
- Resume/CV
- Reference letters from a former academic institution and from current employer (if applicable)
Admission Criteria for the International Executive MBA
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in a related field
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 74 / DET 105-110 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of 3 years
- A 500-word written response to a business case study
- An interview with a representative from the academic team on their chosen campus. Their response to the case study will be discussed in the interview
- A scanned copy of all required academic diplomas, transcripts, and academic certificates
- Photocopy of valid passport / national ID
- Resume/CV
- Reference letters from their former academic institution and from their current employer (if applicable)
- Prerequisite: Extensive previous business/professional experience
Admission Criteria for Doctorate Programs (DBA)
- Completion of master’s in a relevant field.
- IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 85 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of 3 years
- A scanned copy of all required academic diplomas, transcripts, and academic certificates
- Students should have at least 2 years of work experience after gaining a master’s-level qualification
- Photocopy of valid passport / national ID
- Resume/CV
- Reference letters from their former academic institution and from their current employer (if applicable)
- Completion of the Thesis Proposal form
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Geneva Business School
Powerful, very powerful university. Real case studies, teachers with practical experience, many additional workshops and lectures. Sometimes professors from other countries and universities come - this is a plus of small European distances. There is a lot of information, but it is easily digested, since everything is understood in practice, and even I was ready to master everything in my specialty, this is my vocation.
Of the minuses - the price, of course. But I think the diploma will be worth it.
I study at the Geneva Business School.
I'm a student. After receiving secondary education, I decided to get Bachelor's degree in Switzerland. I want to associate my future career with business (following in the footsteps of my father). Now I understand why I chose Geneva and the Geneva Business school (and all this with the help of the website SMAPSE). I like it here: firstly, there is an opportunity to obtain a double diploma; secondly, studying is closely connected with practice, i.e. integrated into the business! There were ni problems with living conditions, food, rest.
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
