Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva (SSBM)

• Location: Geneva, Switzerland,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of study: mixed.

Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva (SSBM) is a global, innovative, and unique school that offers higher education programs to students from all over the world. SSBM's academic courses have been developed in conjunction with more than 30 industry partners to ensure that every graduate succeeds in their careers.

SSBM guarantees Swiss quality and excellence in the programs taught. The teachers of the educational institution are well-known experts in their fields and are in close contact with the business world. With solid professional experience in business and consulting, the school's teachers apply an applied approach to the formation of business practice, the education of today's managers and leaders of the future. 

SSBM has various accreditations, certificates of its educational programs, which it has obtained either directly or in partnership with various internationally accredited organizations. 

SSBM offers Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and PhD programs that provide a high level of scheduling flexibility for both face-to-face on-campus and online study. Students of the university also have access to a mixed format of passing the academic plan: a combination of online and offline classes allows them to combine their studies with work, internships, and research activities.

Students are provided with comprehensive assistance: from academic and language support to finding housing, internships, and their first job. The Career Department does a tremendous job with students, providing them with services such as:

• Education in the process of career development, planning and realization of potential,
• Support in professional research, identification, search and integration of personal, professional career goals,
• Connect directly with employers and continuing education opportunities, including internship opportunities,
• Highlighting effective strategies, skills and methods for building a career,
• Informing about career opportunities, labor market trends, workplace paradigms,
• Collaborating with colleagues, administrators, colleges, alumni, employers on projects that expand career opportunities for students and graduates,
• Assistance in the decision-making process,
• Identify a network of employer contacts for student internships, future employment opportunities through the development of effective long-term relationships with organizations.

SSBM specializes in educating students in bachelor's, master's, MBA, and doctoral programs. The main focus of SSBM is business and related areas.

SSBM strives to conduct theoretical and practical meaningful research aimed at solving modern organizational and managerial problems faced by enterprises, public organizations, regulatory bodies.

SSBM scholars work at the forefront of global business research and teaching,  regularly publishing the Global Business Journal of Integral Security – GBIS.

Areas of research:

• Finance and Economics – disseminating research findings to practitioners, policymakers, peers from academia to create a more robust financial and economic ecosystem,
• Innovation and entrepreneurship are at the heart of all research activities of the institution, scientific works contribute to the ongoing digital transformation, new innovative business models,
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – exploring the impact of these areas on business and how these new paradigms are changing the way we do business,
• Sustainability and Integrated Safety is a  study of the role and impact of sustainable development on the environment, health and business.

One of the recent Ph.D. students was an 80-year-old business administration major. At the end of his studies, he ran the Dublin Marathon, and a few months later he decided to continue his education by enrolling in another doctoral course!

A team of staff will support students in finding suitable accommodation by providing information, advice and a list of vetted landlords. When planning a move to Geneva, it is always worth remembering that this city is one of the most expensive in the world: the monthly cost of a room can exceed €1000, and a room in a shared apartment can exceed €1200. However, there are other options for a comfortable stay that will help you save money:

• Renting an apartment is quite an expensive option, but it can be divided among several students. The business school has a variety of partner agents who will be happy to help by offering convenient options,
• Student Residences – offer different types of accommodation. The price usually starts from 600€ and up.  Another important condition when renting a room in a residence is the need to apply at least six months in advance,
• Living with a host family is another great accommodation option for those who would like to experience the Swiss way of life, learn languages as quickly as possible.

SSBM itself does not provide accommodation on campus.

The main direction of extracurricular activities is represented by volunteering and charity.

Volunteering at SSBM is not just an opportunity: it is a commitment to the impact of society, shared values, based on the belief that positive change starts from within. The volunteering program in Geneva engages students, alumni, and faculty in a collective effort to give back to society. By participating in local community projects, organizing charity events, or contributing their skills and knowledge to initiatives, volunteers embody the ideal of social responsibility. Through volunteering, people not only improve their leadership skills, cultural awareness, but also foster a sense of unity that goes beyond the academic sphere. 

Recent initiatives organized by SSBM:

• Raising funds through the sale of greeting cards, aimed at buying gifts for children who spend long months in the City Hospital of Geneva,
• Donations on the occasion of the 2023 earthquake in Turkey,
• Donations to the flood-affected Bago region of Myanmar,
• Helping socially vulnerable children in Croatia.

The Student Council is the main student body, responsible for most activities. Events such as:

• Outdoor activities: organizing hikes, nature walks to give students a break from the academic routine,
• Cultural Exchange Day: an event where students from different countries demonstrate their culture, national dishes, music, traditions,
• Professional Development Workshops: Classes on resume writing, interview techniques, and other skills to help students in their future careers,
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Challenges: Encouraging students to come up with innovative business ideas, providing a platform for their presentation. 

• ACBSP Accreditation, EduQua Certification,
• The student body is represented by students from more than 135 countries,
• Cooperation with well-known, leading scientists, international and national organizations,
• No. 69 in the CEOWorld ranking of business schools,
• Five stars QS for the quality of online learning,
• It is one of the TOP-10 European universities for distance education.

The SSBM study area is strategically located in Geneva, Switzerland, offering students a vibrant and cosmopolitan environment for their academic pursuits. Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva and nestled at the foothills of the Alps, Geneva is renowned for its international appeal, attracting foreign students, tourists, and researchers from around the world. The city holds a prominent position as a global hub for finance and diplomacy, housing the headquarters of numerous international organizations, corporations, and agencies.

Accessibility is a key feature of the SSBM campus, making it convenient for students to reach their academic destination. The city boasts an extensive network of bicycle paths and a well-developed public transportation system that provides easy access to the city center, its various attractions, and the scenic natural landscapes of the surrounding countryside. The campus is conveniently located just 12 minutes by car from the city center, 15 minutes from the train station, and 10 minutes from the international airport.

The academic facilities at SSBM are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources, including modern classrooms, scientific laboratories, seminar rooms, and performance halls. The library is a valuable resource for students, featuring an extensive book repository and a computer room with access to electronic resources and databases. The campus also provides comfortable and welcoming recreational areas, complete with upholstered furniture and vending machines. Self-study areas are designed to enable students to engage in self-development and collaborate on individual or group projects in a peaceful and conducive atmosphere.

While the campus itself may not have dedicated sports facilities, students at SSBM have exclusive access to the GE sports center, a comprehensive facility that includes gyms, game rooms, a fitness area, and wellness rooms. This access allows students to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle while pursuing their academic goals in Geneva.

The dates of the academic year vary depending on the chosen program. The campus is open almost all year round, without organizing classes only on national and international holidays and standard weekends. Taking online courses also has unique class dates, while the curriculum is quite flexible, so it adjusts to the goals and pace of the student's learning.

An approximate list of additional costs:

• Registration fee upon admission,
• Accommodation, off-campus meals,
• Graduation thesis defense,
• Some extracurricular activities,
• Personal expenses: mobile communications, utilities, clothes, and others.

Future students will have to go through several registration stages:

• Filling out an online form, submitting documents,
• Payment of the registration fee,
• Receiving a response from the Admissions Committee,
• Passing possible entrance exams, interviews,
• Receiving an official letter of invitation to start your studies, with the help of which you can apply for a long-term visa,
• Making a deposit to book a place on the course,
• Arrival at the campus for orientation activities.

Admission to online programs is much easier: the candidate needs to fill out an online application and wait for admission, which consists of providing access to a personal online account.

To date, SSBM has graduated more than 7,200 business professionals. They continue their academic path, starting their careers in the next six months after the end of the program. Many of the alumni hold leadership positions, from managers to business leaders in more than 80 countries.

International applicants applying for undergraduate programs should provide:

• Certificate of completion of upper secondary education, evaluation certificates, exam results,
• At least one year of work experience in a commercial environment or completion of a one-year career development program,
• Certificate confirming the level of English proficiency: TOEFL IBT (from 90), IELTS (from 6.5) or equivalent,
• A summary that takes into account the previous successes of different areas,
• Personal documents: passport, health insurance, visa or residence permit, one passport-size photo.

Future Master's students need to meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or its equivalent, transcripts of grades,
• Personal CV with academic, extracurricular successes and achievements,
• Personal documents: passport, health insurance, visa or residence permit, one passport-size photo,
• Certificate confirming the level of English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge.

For admission to MBA programs, a master's degree in management with at least two years of experience is required.

Admission to doctoral specializations is based on the following criteria:

• MBA or equivalent qualification from a recognised higher education institution,
• Master's degree in management with at least two years of professional experience/Master's degree in a field other than management but with at least five years of professional experience,
• Transcripts of grades,
• Personal CV,
• Personal documents: passport, health insurance, visa or residence permit, one passport-size photo.

SSBM has a scholarship fund open to all students. Funding is possible in the form of tuition discounts, scholarships, grants. 

Some of the ways you can get a discount:

• One-time payment for a year of study — 10%,
• The average score for a completed bachelor's and master's program is from 3.5 to 5 — from 5 to 15%,
• Discount for graduates wishing to continue their education – 5%,

The school offers a wide range of scholarships to help cover tuition and other expenses: These scholarships are designed to support academic excellence, financial need, unique talents, and interests, ensuring that financial barriers do not interfere with education. In emergency situations, SSBM offers emergency grants, flexible payment plans,  financial counseling services to help the student in times of need.

Some scholarships that recognize a student's exceptional academic ability cover part or all of the cost of study: 30, 50, or 100%. In addition, for financial convenience, SSBM provides installment payments, which allows you to spread the cost of the program over monthly installments. This approach increases financial flexibility by making it easier to budget and pay for academic classes. 

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision