de Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Europe - United International Business Schools (UIBS)

Graduate Programs / Metropolitan Master of Business Administration (MBA)

1-minute introduction

Watch our animated one-minute introduction video to learn more!

The one-minute animated introduction to UIBS

Starting dates

Our academic calendar is based on a quarter system with 10-week quarters that each consist of two 5-week terms planned in the fall, winter, spring and summer of each academic year. Our program's flexible structure and modular design allows for an optimal further education planning and provides multiple starting dates at the start of every Term, in October, November, January, February, April and May, July, and August. All campuses follow the same academic calendar. Several of our campuses also organize early-start options for students, including Business English and individual Pre-Master courses.

Academic Calendar / view online

Teaching schedule

Courses are available in various formats, including daytime courses typically between 8.30 and 18.30, seminar courses with visiting professors on two or more consecutive days, online and distance learning courses available 24/7, private courses, and at certain campuses also evening courses typically from 19.00 to 22.00 and weekend courses typically on Saturdays, or any combination in a blended format. Courses are scheduled usually in sessions of 3 hours each. Connect with an admissions advisor, or refer to the course planning once enrolled to find out more about course availability in specific formats throughout the academic year and at our various campuses.

Program language

All courses are taught entirely in English across the campus network. Students should have a certain proficiency in English when they start. Students may have English as a native language, may have had English as the language of instruction during previuos studies, may have had advanced English langauge courses during previous studies, may have an English language school certificate, and/or may have scores from standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Refer to the table below for further details on required scores for standardized tests and language school certificates (CEFRL). Depending on the submitted documentation, students may be subjected to an English test at the start of their studies. Typically, non-native speakers who studied in English before or those who had advanced English lessons during previous studies, and with sufficient confidence, perform well. Because of the multi-cultural environment, only a relatively small percentage of students are native speakers.

additional English lessons TOEFL IELTS CEFRL English Test
optional 60 or higher 6.0 or higher C1 or higher 80% or higher
recommended 46 to 59 5.5 B2 60% to 79%
mandatory 45 or lower 5.0 or lower B1 or lower 59% or lower

Program duration

Full-time students can earn a Master degree in 1 academic year of 9 months, for a total of 3 quarters of 20 credits each, or within 12 months when spreading the workload.

Part-time students can earn a Master degree in 2 to 3 academic years, depending on the number of courses attempted per quarter, the course selection and the course planning. Completing half the typical number of courses equals twice the typical duration of the full-time program. The more flexible your working hours, the more courses you will be able to join to finish faster. Students are considered part-time while attempting 6 or fewer courses per quarter. Refer to the Teaching Schedule information on this page for more details on available courses. Part-time studies are available only for students with a national passport or residence permit.

Program requirements

The structure of our flexible study programs is based on the American model of higher education, allowing students to choose their courses (with some limitations) based on program requirements, previous studies, current interests and future ambitions. Each of our programs has different "Program Requirements" that need to be met by the end of the studies. Once a minimum number of courses has been completed or a minimum number of credits has been earned in each category of these Program Requirements, a request for graduation can be submitted. Take a look further down this page for the specific requirements for this program.

Study destinations

Our campuses are all located in the city center of several exciting destinations. Students are encouraged to transfer between campuses for one or more quarters, but may also choose a single campus as their destination of choice. Students who prefer shorter periods abroad can join our seminar courses taught by visiting professors at several of our campuses throughout the academic year.

Program schedule

All campuses offer identical study programs and follow the same program structures for an interruption-free experience. However, not all courses are taught face-to-face at all campuses. Some courses are organized in a hybrid format (partially face-to-face, partially virtual), and some only virtually. Some programs are therefore also only available in a blended format, with some courses face-to-face, hybrid or virtually. Blended programs (and hybrid courses) are an excellent option for independent students as well as for globetrotters travelling far beyond the reaches of our campus network.

Study destinations

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Antwerp, Belgium
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Brussels, Belgium
  • Geneva, Switzerland
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Milan, Italy
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Zurich, Switzerland

Program content

Program requirements
  Courses European Credits (EC)
2 out of 3 courses from the Marketing Management cluster 2 4
2 out of 3 courses from the Financial Management cluster 2 4
2 out of 3 courses from the Human Resource Management cluster 2 4
2 out of 3 courses from the Supply Chain Management cluster 2 4
2 out of 3 courses from the Globalization and Economics cluster 2 4
2 out of 3 courses from the Entrepreneurship and Innovation cluster 2 4
all 3 Business Skills courses 3 6
all 3 Business Cases courses 3 12
3 electives 3 6
Subtotal 21 48
Final Project Business Project, including an Applied Research Skills seminar 12
Total   60

 

These requirements are valid for all students starting in October 2019 or later. Students who started prior to this date can refer to the Student Guide for the correct program requirements. The related courses listed below are subject to change and availability.

Courses in Marketing Management
  • MAR5001 - Analyzing Marketing Opportunities (2)
  • MAR5008 - Developing Marketing Strategies (2)
  • MAR5011 - Planning Marketing Programs (2)
Courses in Financial Management
  • FIN5004 - Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis (2)
  • FIN5006 - Financial Statement Analysis (2)
  • FIN5008 - Working Capital Management (2)
Courses in Human Resource Management
  • HUM5005 - Personnel Planning and Work Design (2)
  • HUM5006 - Personnel Recruitment and Selection (2)
  • HUM5007 - Personnel Training and Development (2)
Courses in Supply Chain Management
  • OPE5507 - Applied Operations Management (2)
  • OPE5508 - Applied Production Management (2)
  • OPE5509 - Applied Project Management (2)
Courses in Globalization and Economics
  • ECO5504 - Digital Economy Insights (2)
  • GLO5001 - Globalization and Integration (2)
  • ECO5003 - International Economics and Policy (2)
Courses in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • BUS5508 - Creative Innovation (2)
  • INF5503 - Digital Transformation (2)
  • BUS5509 - Social Entrepreneurship (2)
Business Cases
  • BUS5151 - Comprehensive Cases in Digital Business (4)
  • BUS5152 - Comprehensive Cases in Global Business (4)
  • BUS5153 - Comprehensive Cases in Sustainable Business (4)
Business Skills
  • COM5501 - Business Communication Skills (2)
  • HUM5503 - Business Leadership Skills (2)
  • MAN5506 - Cross-Cultural Skills (2)

Electives

Electives can be any third course from any of the 6 clusters above, as well as any course below.

  • FAS5001 - Applied Fashion Strategies (2)
  • MAR5512 - Applied Product Management (2)
  • MAR5004 - Applied Retail Strategies (2)
  • MAR5009 - Digital Business Marketing (2)
  • BUS5006 - International Business and Management (2)
  • BUS5007 - The Sustainable Enterprise (2)
Extra-Curricular
  • Career Seminar (0)
International Graduate School in Europe
Global Graduate School in Europe
European Graduate School in Europe
American Graduate School in Europe
Swiss Graduate School in Europe
English Graduate School in Europe
British Graduate School in Europe
Private Graduate School in Europe

Academic

Ranking

Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program was ranked in the Global Top 200 and the European Top 60 in the 2019 QS MBA ranking, as a Tier One program in the 2020 CEO Magazine Global MBA ranking, 41st in the 2019 CEO Magazine Global Executive MBA ranking, and 4th in the 2020 CEO Magazine Global Online MBA ranking. Learn more about the school's rankings.

  • QS MBA ranking
  • CEO Magazine Global MBA ranking
  • CEO Magazine Global Executive MBA ranking
  • CEO Magazine Global Online MBA ranking

Accreditation

Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program is programmatically accredited by the US-based Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the EU-based European Council for Business Education (ECBE). Learn more about the school's accreditation.

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • European Council for Business Education (ECBE)

Academic degree

Upon successful completion of the study program students receive an international private Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree awarded by the school's main campus in Zurich, Switzerland, based on the recommendation of the faculty of the local campuses where credits were earned, and upon the recommendation of the school's Academic Council. Learn more about the school's academic degrees.

Blockchain-verifiable diploma

All certificates, diplomas, degrees and other awards issued by the school can be awarded not only the traditional way on paper in a school-branded diploma cover, but also through the Ethereum blockchain. With this cutting-edge technology, we are adding a whole new dimension to diploma verification, of which students and alumni benefit. With secure document verification, one such benefit is the instant verification of the awards by employers during the recruitment and hiring process, thereby reducing the processing time and avoiding unnecessary delays in by instantly verifying the validity of the award. Those with Blockchain-verifiable awards will have a major benefit over other candidates when it comes to the speed at which they go through the hiring process. Refer to the program fees document for pricing details.

Verify Online

Professionally Experienced Professors

Academically qualified and professionally experienced professors link theory and practice by bringing contemporary case studies into the classroom, preparing students to become the global leaders of the future.

Interactive Teaching Methods

Small class sizes with up to 30 students allow professors to use interactive teaching methods, thereby increasing group interaction, improving group dynamics and building long-lasting connections among students.

Student Services

Starting as a student soon? Then take a look at the various services available to our current and future students, including accommodation, insurance and other services.

Truly Global Community

Our truly global community of students, faculty and staff, is made up of 85+ different nationalities from around the world, with students showing great appreciation for cultural diversity and entrepreneurial initiative.

Alumni Network

Learn more about our ever-expanding alumni network and take a look at upcoming alumni events at our various campuses and other places around the world.

Credit system

Our Graduate/Master programs are based on and are fully compatible with the established European and American educational systems. Master programs consist of 60 European credits, equivalent to 40 American semester credits. Courses are assigned a number of credits, indicating the estimated workload. Each credit equals up to 30 learning hours, including contact hours, exam hours, self-study hours and group-study hours. The workload of a typical full-time graduate student amounts to 20 credits and 600 learning hours per quarter.

Program European Credits (ECTS) American quarter credits American semester credits UK credits
Master degree 60 60 40 120
Graduate Diploma 24 24 16 48
Graduate Certificate 12 12 8 24

Grading system

Students are assessed on a combination of attendance, participation, individual assignments, group assignments and exams. Assignments may include reading materials, term papers, reports, presentations, and others. The combination of these assessments provides students with an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. The minimum passing grade is D (60%). In case of an FX grade, students have the option to request a second exam in order to obtain the minimum passing grade of 60%. Exams can be in paper-based, open-book or take-home format.

Percentage Grade Definition
90 to 99 A Excellent
80 to 89 B Good
70 to 79 C Average
60 to 69 D Poor
50 to 59 FX Unsatisfactory
0 to 49 F Fail

Honor system

Students who achieve a certain GPA (Grade Point Average, or the weighted average of all grades earned, calculated on a 4.0 scale), will have their academic honors listed on the academic transcript and diploma supplement issued together with the diploma.

Percentage GPA Academic Honors
90 3.6 Summa Cum Laude
85 3.4 Magna Cum Laude
80 3.2 Cum Laude

Honor society

The top 20% of our students each academic year who also achieved a GPA of 3.25 or higher are eligible to become a member of our Omicron Rho chapter of the Delta Mu Delta honor society. The local chapter welcomes alumni holding a Bachelor, Master and/or Doctoral degree of UIBS. Delta Mu Delta membership itself is limited to students and graduates of business programs accredited by ACBSP. Delta Mu Delta recognizes and encourages academic excellence of students at qualifying colleges and universities to create a DMD community that fosters the well-being of its individual members and the business community through life-time membership. Membership to this exclusive honor society comes with the relevant academic regalia and framed membership certificate.

  • Delta Mu Delta (DMD) Honor Society

Admissions

Admission info

Learn more about the Application Process, or find out about specific guidelines for Transfer Students and Exchange Students. For those without national passports or residence permits, the Student Visa Guidelines may also be of interest.

Apply Online

Application deadlines

Our Admissions Department applies a rolling admissions process and does not set deadlines to submit applications because of the multiple starting dates available. Applications are reviewed continuously troughout the year. Only in case a student visa is required do we recommend to apply 1-3 months prior to the intended starting date.

Program fees

Program fees are calculated pro-rata per campus where the student completed courses and earned credits. The total fees are due payable on a quarterly basis on a fixed payment schedule. Program fees cover matriculation and tuition fees but do not include the cost of living, housing, travel, transport, health insurance, study materials and other expenses. For more details, refer to the document attached.

Fee Schedule / view online

Admission requirements

Students should be fluent in English, and have obtained a Bachelor degree (or equivalent). Refer to the application process for further details on the recommended English language levels.

Degrees with 180 European credits or 120 American semester credits are considered equivalent. Other degrees can be submitted along with your application for review by our Admissions Department. No distinction is made between academic or professional Bachelor degrees.

Students who do not hold a business-related Bachelor degree or equivalent may be required to complete an inbound assessment test prior to starting the program, and, depending on the results, earn an additional number of credits in leveling courses from the Pre-Master foundation program in order to be fully prepared for our graduate programs.

Students who have 15 or more years of relevant work experience may apply directly for the Pre-Master program and will be required to complete an inbound assessment test prior to starting the graduate program, and, depending on the results, earn an additional number of credits in specific undergraduate courses.

60

European Credits

24

Modular Courses

8

Starting Dates

1

Cross-Cultural Experience

Program options

Private Tutoring and Private Coaching

The Private Tutoring and Private Coaching options allow students to schedule additional one-on-one sessions with professors or study coaches to catch up on missed contact hours or to receive additional academic support. Sessions are charged per hour and take place on-campus at a time that is convenient for both the student and professor or coach.

Professional Internship

The Internship option encourages students to put their skills and knowledge into practice through offers received by our Careers Department from regional and international companies and organizations. No credits can be awarded for internships. Internship agreements of up to 3 months are available only for students with a national passport or residence permit and cannot be considered for a student visa extension.

Pre-Master Foundation Program

This entirely optional and fully customizable program allows students who do not hold a business-related Bachelor degree or equivalent to earn up to an additional 30 credits in levelling courses in order to be fully prepared for our graduate programs. Learn more at the Campus-based Pre-Master and the Online Pre-Master.

90-credit Dual Master

Continue at UIBS and earn a second private (programmatically-accredited) Master degree for an additional 30 European credits and a total of 90 European credits on a full-time or part-time basis throughout the campus network, including also in an online, executive or blended format. Any combination of programs is possible, including with those from our sister institution, European College for Liberal Studies (ECLS). The applicable program requirements will depend on the combination of programs. Shorter Graduate Certificate programs are also available that can be completed on top of your Master program. Additional dual degree programs are available with our academic partners; these typically add another academic year to your studies rather than 1 to 2 additional quarters.

Dual Master program at UIBS and our academic partners

Global options

Transfer between campuses

Students can transfer between campuses on a quarterly basis with guaranteed program compatibility. Our quarter-based academic calendar allows for a continuous study abroad experience across Europe and Asia.

Consider spending one or more quarters at our satellite campus in Tokyo, Japan and experience all the city and country have to offer.

Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan

Graduation ceremony

Each academic year, students from across the campus network celebrate their graduation in Barcelona, Spain. During the ceremony we honor all students who graduated in the past 12 months, all students who graduated just recently, as well as all imminent graduates who wish to participate. Watch the video of our most recent Graduation Ceremony below!

UIBS Graduation Ceremony in Barcelona, Spain

Global study trip

Each academic year, students from all campuses in Europe, as well as students from our academic partners can join our Global Study Trip to Tokyo, Japan. The weeklong trip is packed with cultural excursions, company visits, social activities and an Asian Management seminar.

UIBS Global Study Trip to Tokyo, Japan

Global Master program

Earn a Global Master degree at UIBS by studying in Europe and Tokyo, and finishing with one of our academic partners in the United States, such as UC Irvine, UC Berkeley or MCNY.

Global Master program at UIBS and our academic partners

1500

Alumni and counting

95

Nationalities and counting

9

Campuses

1

Community

Career outlook

Dedicated career services

With the help from our dedicated career services and our online career center, students and alumni get the career support they need to help their professional careers take off. Our dedicated career services organize relevant career seminars and guest speaker events on a quarterly basis, and our online career center provides 24/7 access to the latest job offers and internship opportunities and to a wide range of videos and articles with helpful tips and advice.

Career Center, powered by JobTeaser

Professional career perspectives

Our professional study programs prepare students for a wide range of professions across a wide range of industries. Important to note is that our programs do not aim for access to regulated professions or government employment. While access to government employment may be limited because of the private nature of our degrees, several alumni do work for government authorities in a number of positions.

Alumni career insights

Take a look at our LinkedIn page and see where our alumni work, what they do and what they have accomplished with a professional degree from UIBS. You may be surprised about the variety of positions in small, medium, large and multinational companies across numerous industries that is represented among our alumni.

Alumni on LinkedIn

Extension programs

Extension Program in Maastricht @ MSM

The Maastricht Extension Program is operated by our local academic partner, the Maastricht School of Management (MSM), and is available to all Graduate students and alumni who wish to complete a study abroad period of several weeks during the summer in Maastricht, the Netherlands, in addition to the studies at UIBS. Credits earned at MSM may also partially count towards a second Master degree at UIBS. Summer specialization programs are avaialble in Entrepreneurship, International Business and Sustainable Development, Accounting and Finance, The Digital Economy, Sports Management, Healthcare Management, Wine Management and Public Sector Management. Exclusively for students in the Master in Business Studies (MBS) program, up to 12 European credits can be transferred from MSM into the program at UIBS. Students in the Master in Healthcare Management (MIM), Master in Public Sector Management (MIM) or Transnational Executive MBA program are required to earn 12 European credits at MSM as part of the program. Specific admissions and/or academic conditions may apply.

  • Maastricht School of Management (MSM)

Extension Program in New York @ MCNY

The New York Extension Program is operated by our local academic partner, the Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY), and is available to all Graduate students and alumni who wish to complete a study abroad period of up to 2 semesters in Manhattan, New York, in addition to the studies at UIBS. Credits earned at MCNY may also partially count towards a second Master degree at UIBS. Exclusively for students in the Master in Business Studies (MBS) program, up to 8 American semester credits (12 European credits) can be transferred from MCNY into the program at UIBS. Specific admissions and/or academic conditions may apply.

  • Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY)

Extension Program in California @ UC Berkeley

The California Extension Program is operated by one of our local academic partners, the Haas School of Business from the University of California at Berkeley (UC Berkeley), through its Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP), and is available to all Graduate students and alumni who wish to complete a study abroad period of up to 2 semesters in Berkeley, California, in addition to the studies at UIBS. Credits earned at UC Berkeley may also partially count towards a second Master degree at UIBS. Exclusively for students in the Master in Business Studies (MBS) program, up to 8 American semester credits (12 European credits) can be transferred from UC Berkeley into the program at UIBS. Specific admissions and/or academic conditions may apply.

  • University of California at Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

Extension Program in California @ UC Irvine

The California Extension Program is operated by one of our local academic partners, the Division of Continuing Education from the University of California at Irvine (UC Irvine), and is available to all Graduate students and alumni who wish to complete a study abroad period of up to 2 semesters in Irvine, California, in addition to the studies at UIBS. Credits earned at MSM may also partially count towards a second Master degree at UIBS. Exclusively for students in the Master in Business Studies (MBS) program, up to 12 American quarter credits (12 European credits) can be transferred from UC Irvine into the program at UIBS. Specific admissions and/or academic conditions may apply.

  • University of California at Irvine (UC Irvine)

Further education

Postgraduate/Doctorate programs @ UIBS

Continue in a Postgraduate program at UIBS and earn a private Doctorate degree by completing an additional 60 European credits on a part-time basis throughout the campus network. Shorter Postgraduate Certificate programs are also available.

  • United International Business Schools (UIBS)

Postgraduate/Doctorate programs @ ECLS

Continue in a Postgraduate program at our sister institution, the European College for Liberal Studies (ECLS), and earn a private Doctorate degree by completing an additional 60 European credits on a part-time basis throughout the campus network. Shorter Postgraduate Certificate programs are also available.

  • European College for Liberal Studies (ECLS)

Learn more

Student interviews

Check out several interviews with students from our various campuses!

UIBS Student Interviews

Professor interviews

Check out several interviews with professors from our various campuses!

UIBS Professor Interviews

  • "The school had an incredible nurturing environment that I felt comfortable growing in. It was very challenging as well; I felt very open talking to my professors and fellow students about pushing myself forward academically and as a person." Scarlett, Bachelor Student

  • "I’ve been able to create long-lasting friendships with international people from all over the world. UIBS has given me all the professional skills and tools I needed to develop in my career." Elvitz, Master Student

  • "The school is so diverse; you have the possibility to travel the world and change campuses. During the global study trip, so many campuses came together, and even if you don’t know the students, you have something in common and everybody is just one big family." Philip, Bachelor Student

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