American University in Switzerland

At AUS, all the Bachelor and Master Degrees are taught in English to small dynamic cohorts by leading business visionaries who bring extensive experience in successful business ventures, giving them the in-depth background to create a lively and interactive classroom. Leveraging their networks, AUS teachers invite industry leaders to guest lecture and speak, bringing additional practical experience and expertise to the institution. AUS’ teacher-to- student ratio is roughly 1:7, facilitating a deeper working relationship between students and professors. The small class size provides students with optimum personal interaction, allowing professors to mentor and advise a larger number of students.

AUS builds on existing networks of alumni and companies around the world to ensure that its programs are connected to the latest business developments and respond to the diverse labor market needs; the institution also works on increasing the impact on the community within which it operates. Globally, AUS joins the efforts of all individuals and organizations that have shifted their operations to a more sustainable way of work; not only are our programs inclusive of sustainability competencies, but we also prioritize environmentally conscious and sustainable practices in our daily operations.

The American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland prepares students with the skills they need for the future. In combination with subject programs, class discussions, projects, guest speakers regularly improve the quality of learning through lectures, seminars, debates.  Monthly events led by leading experts who share their experience and knowledge enrich the academic process and enable students to engage in the development of important skills, research Work.

Speakers will talk about best practices, life lessons learned, and provide advice in a variety of areas, including entrepreneurship, future business realities, leadership. Speakers will cover the entire industry spectrum and present real facts about marketing, hospitality, recruiting, communications, pharmacology, technology. 

The institute has two academic departments: bachelor's and master's degrees. Mentors have been assigned to each of the levels of education, and their own premises have been allocated.

The working hours of foreign students are limited during the academic year:

• Foreign students can work up to 15 hours a week,
• During the holidays, it is possible to work up to 100% of your free time,
• Students from non-EU countries can start working only six months after the start of their studies.

AUS programs are accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education and the institution is also recognized as an official IATA (International Aviation Transportation Association) Authorized Training Center, as an Apple Authorized Training Center for Education and has a collaboration with the IBM Academic Initiative that allows students to acquire professional certificates alongside their degrees.

AUS has developed an academic partnership with Tiffin University (TU) in Ohio, United States of America, which allows students to obtain a Dual Degree in various specializations; students can therefore take on an extra volume of courses and credits, but graduate with two degrees at the same time.

The team at the educational institution strives to make all students feel at home while being far from it. The campus offers fully furnished single and shared rooms with en-suite bathrooms. There are communal kitchen areas and self-study halls, as well as a laundry room. The cost of living includes all necessary services: cleaning, utilities, and internet.

If there are no vacancies in the residence, students are offered to choose from one of the nearby landlords. Students can stay in a room, apartment, or suite, either alone or with a group of classmates. University staff will assist in finding and filling out paperwork.

The popular Metropolis snack bar offers hot meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the day at attractive prices and serves as a place for informal meetings. There are many cafes and restaurants near all residential buildings.

Student Life – A Community Experience
At AUS, students get to meet new people, make friends, and interact with the student community in various ways: through sports, excursions, special events, and many other group activities.

Students have the opportunity to ski and snowboard on Swiss slopes: around 20 ski resorts are located near the campus. Student housing groups take advantage of this by organizing regular ski trips and excursions.

Multicultural Environment
While English is the main language in Switzerland, over 40 nationalities living here speak at least three languages. AUS offers an international environment where cultures from around the world meet, unite, and develop together.

Take a Break from Studies
For students to gain the most beneficial skills and knowledge, they need leisure and entertainment. Throughout the year, students can choose from various activities, including barbecues, karaoke evenings, quizzes, and a multicultural day that showcases the diversity of the student community.

Amidst the beautiful landscapes of the Swiss Riviera, tourist trips are organized, acquainting students with the country's cultural heritage and beautiful architecture. Offering many attractions and places, Switzerland is the perfect place for students to learn skiing, go hiking, or attend local festivals.

Sports, Events, and More
The university promotes an open and inclusive environment for students. Through team sports clubs - Eagles, Sharks, and Tigers - students participate in competitions at the institutional and city level.

• Ranked #3 among the best higher education institutions in Switzerland,
• Authorized Apple training center, collaborating with the IBM Academic Initiative,
• Partnership with Tiffin University in the USA. The collaboration allows students to earn dual degrees in various specializations, access to a larger number of courses and disciplines,
• Accreditation of programs by the International Council for Business Education Accreditation (AICBE, USA), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Ohio Department of Higher Education, and other organizations,
• Multicultural environment represented by students of over 50 nationalities,
• Mandatory internships during the study process, providing practical experience and a high level of skills.

The American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland has been recognized by the QS Ranking in 2023 for its outstanding performance. Achieving remarkable rankings, the institution has secured its position as a Top 80 institution in Europe, and Top 130 globally. Additionally, it has been ranked as the 3rd best institution in Switzerland. This prestigious recognition highlights the institution's dedication to delivering high-quality education and serves as a testament to its ongoing pursuit of excellence.

The AUS campus is located in La Tour-de-Peilz, on the shores of the beautiful Lake Geneva, between the picturesque Montreux and Vevey. The institute's stunning location in the heart of Europe provides good connections to major European cities - for example, Milan and Paris are just a few hours away by train or car. For sports enthusiasts, world-famous Swiss ski slopes and mountains are easily accessible, with La Tour-de-Peilz conveniently located 30 minutes from the Olympic capital of Lausanne.

On the educational grounds, there are modern classrooms and facilities that provide students with an innovative and interactive learning environment. All lecture halls are equipped with the latest interactive smart screens, projectors, and computers, making the learning experience contemporary and technologically advanced.

The campus library contains specialized research materials and online databases such as EBSCO, ProQuest, and the Financial Times, and students also have access to a computer lab with fiber-optic connectivity.

The educational territory also boasts sports facilities: courts and open-air spaces, training halls, and classrooms for individual lessons.

The academic year consists of three semesters:

Winter:

• January-April,
• Spring: May-August,
• Fall: September-December.

The institute operates year-round, providing short-term courses during the summer months.

• Approximate list of additional expenses:
• Application fee,
• Registration fee for program enrollment,
• Accommodation and meals,
• Books and writing supplies,
• Utilities and registration fees,
• Final fee,
• Course materials,
• Medical insurance,
• Personal expenses,
• Exam retakes (if necessary),
• Community activities/trips,
• Transportation, Tutoring.

The step-by-step admission process for AUS is as follows:

1. Fill out the online application form and submit the required documents.
2. Receive a positive response from the admissions committee.
3. Pay registration fees, apply for a visa or residence permit (if necessary).
4. Arrive on campus for entrance exams and interviews.
5. Pay administrative fees and tuition fees.
6. Commence classes.

AUS strives to offer an admissions process that is fair, transparent, and provides applicants with equal opportunities. Candidates are admitted on the basis of their individual qualities, abilities, and aptitudes, while meeting established minimum selection criteria.  However, the AUS Admissions Committee recognizes that not all applicants have equal opportunities to demonstrate their full academic potential and will take into account the context and circumstances, related to individual statements.

Admission to the programs is subject to availability and the candidate's eligibility. The Institute reserves the right to reject applications from applicants who do not meet the necessary minimum requirements for admission. 

Students of AUS programs achieve success not only in the learning process, but also at the end of it - most graduates continue their academic path or find a job within a year after completing their studies.

The institute is looking for students with a wide range of experiences, interests, and perspectives, representing a diverse community and possessing exceptional enthusiasm and determination to achieve success in addition to their academic accomplishments. Admissions are open three times a year at the beginning of each semester.

Requirements for applicants for all candidates include a completed application form and the necessary documents:

1. High school diploma/Bachelor's degree certificate - depending on the chosen degree level,
2. Transcripts,
3. Resume/CV,
4. Motivational letter,
5. Proof of English proficiency: IELTS (minimum 6.0), TOEFL (minimum 80/550), or their equivalent,
6. Personal documents: passport, medical insurance, visa or residence permit in Switzerland,
7. 2 recommendation letters: professional and/or academic.

AUS aims to provide its students with access to quality higher education and, therefore, offers various scholarships designed to assist them with tuition fees. Scholarships can be awarded to students based on merit or financial need, covering approximately 20% of the program cost.

Types of scholarships include:

1. Merit-based scholarships,
2. Financial aid based on demonstrated need,
3. Academic scholarships for high achievers.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision