Bachelor in Business Administration (International Management)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

Program Overview

The Bachelor in Business Administration (International Management) at FHNW is your perfect launchpad for a thriving career in global business, offering a solid foundation in key areas like finance, marketing, and cross-cultural management through hands-on projects and a mandatory semester abroad (for full-time students). It's ideal for ambitious students who want real-world experience, international exposure, and flexible study options—full-time (3 years), part-time, or part-time flex (up to 4 years)—all taught in English at campuses in Olten or Brugg-Windisch.

Curriculum Structure
Year 1 lays the groundwork with essential business basics, diving into Financial Accounting, Economics, and Statistics to give you a strong analytical toolkit right from the start. You'll tackle real-world case studies that sharpen your understanding of how global markets operate, building confidence in handling numbers and economic trends. By the end, you'll see how these fundamentals connect to bigger business pictures.

Year 2 ramps up with practical management skills through modules like Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Supply Chain Management, where you'll explore strategies for international teams and efficient global operations. Hands-on assignments simulate multicultural business challenges, helping you develop negotiation and leadership techniques. This year transforms theory into actionable insights for dynamic workplaces.

Year 3 lets you specialize while honing advanced topics in Innovation and Digital Business, Data Analytics, and International Business, culminating in projects that mirror multinational corporate demands. A mandatory stay abroad (full-time) immerses you in cross-cultural environments, and your chosen focus area gets listed on your diploma for a personalized edge. You'll graduate ready to lead with a global mindset.

Focus areas: Tailor your final year to interests like finance, intercultural marketing, innovation, or digital business, creating a custom portfolio that stands out on your BSc diploma.

Learning outcomes: Master international management disciplines, gain proficiency in leadership, negotiation, and data-driven decision-making, and build a global perspective for tackling complex business challenges in multicultural settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Earn a Bachelor of Science FHNW in Business Administration (International Management) with 180 ECTS credits, backed by FHNW's rigorous study regulations and practical focus aligned with Swiss applied sciences standards.

Reputation (employability rankings): FHNW's School of Business programs are designed for the digital, networked world, producing graduates with in-demand skills for multinational firms, SMEs, startups, and NGOs—our global curriculum and hands-on approach ensure you're job-ready from day one.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor in Business Administration (International Management) at FHNW's School of Business, you'll dive straight into hands-on learning that builds real-world skills from day one. Through group work, projects, and mandatory international experiences, you'll apply business concepts in multicultural settings across campuses in Olten or Brugg-Windisch, all while using your own laptop to access specialized software and digital tools tailored for business studies. This practical focus, including a required semester abroad in the full-time track, ensures you're not just learning theory—you're ready to thrive in global business.

Here are some standout ways you'll gain experiential learning specific to this program:
- Integrated group projects and multicultural lectures: Collaborate with diverse classmates on real business challenges, rotating through English instruction in Olten to build teamwork and international perspectives.
- Mandatory semester abroad (full-time track): Spend your 3rd semester gaining global exposure through exchanges, double degrees, or intensive international programs, fulfilling the international experience requirement.
- Laptop and software requirements: Bring your own device (laptop or tablet with camera/microphone) to download university-specific software; opt for the Neptun project laptops optimized for business studies.
- Practical project opportunities: Engage in live projects addressing company challenges, bridging classroom theory and real applications, similar to those in FHNW's international setups.

Progression & Future Opportunities

In the Bachelor in Business Administration (International Management) at FHNW's School of Business in Olten, you'll dive straight into experiential learning that builds real-world skills from day one. Through hands-on group work, projects, and mandatory internships, you'll apply business concepts in multicultural settings, bridging theory and practice just like professionals do. The full-time track in Olten gives you access to essential digital tools like a required laptop or tablet (via the Neptun project for high-quality, study-optimized devices) that supports software downloads for business simulations and collaborative work.

This setup prepares you perfectly with specifics like these:
- Integrated group projects and multicultural lectures: Work closely with diverse classmates on real business challenges every semester, rotating through English instruction in Olten.
- Mandatory semester abroad (full-time track): In your 3rd semester, gain international exposure through exchanges, double degrees, or intensive global programs to build cross-cultural competencies.
- Laptop and software requirements: Bring your own device with camera, mic, and keyboard capability—FHNW's Neptun project offers tailored laptops at great value for running business software seamlessly.
- Practical internships and live projects: Full-time students fulfill requirements via company-based projects where you solve actual business problems, with options aligning to the program's international focus.

Additional Information & Requirements

Mandatory study abroad semester (full-time track)
Laptop or tablet with a keyboard, integrated camera and microphone
Ability to download software
Recommended B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all language skills
Mandatory induction days in week 37
University entrance qualification incl. report card
Federal diploma of higher education
Residence permit (if available)
Exmatriculation attestation (if available)
Student Personal Data Form, including additional documents, must be signed and submitted before the start of the studies.
Professional Baccalaureate, commercial Type Economics
Professional Baccalaureate, commercial Type Services
Higher Business Vocational School HF Diploma (acceptance of credits subject to study regulations)
Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Transfer from Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences after consultation
At least one year of commercial work experience after completion of upper secondary education required for: Professional Baccalaureate (other than commercial), General Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate (Grade point average requirements), Specialised Middle School Baccalaureate, German University of Applied Sciences Entry Diploma (minimum grade 2.5), Higher Vocational School (not listed above).
Entrance exam required for: Federal PET Diplomas + 1 year of commercial work experience, EFZ (Federal Certificate of Competence) and minimum age of 25 years.
For Double Degree students: must be enrolled at one of our Double Degree partner universities at bachelor’s level.
For Double Degree students: must have successfully completed the first part of their studies at their home university.
For Double Degree students: must be selected and officially nominated by their home university and submit an application dossier within the deadline.
For Double Degree students: must complete a learning agreement.
For Double Degree students: responsible for covering tuition fees to their home institution for the entire duration of their studies.
For Double Degree students: responsible for covering travel expenses.
For Double Degree students: responsible for covering costs associated with entry requirements, such as visas and residence permits.
For Double Degree students: responsible for covering all expenses for accommodation and meals.
For Double Degree students: responsible for covering insurance.
For Double Degree students: responsible for covering personal expenses, including books, clothing, and public transportation.
For Double Degree students: responsible for covering any mandatory fees related to student services payable to the host institution.
Basic health insurance is compulsory for every citizen living in Switzerland.
Private liability insurance is strongly advised.