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The Advanced Federal Diploma — Économiste d’entreprise ES (Business Economist)* is a federally recognized program combining theory and practical training. It’s ideal for students seeking a fast-track to starting a career in finance, marketing, management, or hospitality management with the option to progress to a Bachelor of Business Administration.
* subject to Federal ratification
Next intake
January 2027
Duration
2.5 years
Location
Montreux
Program Highlights
The Advanced Federal Diploma — Économiste d’entreprise ES (Business Economist) offers a fast track to a business career.
By working while studying and chosing out of four specializations, you are career-ready with a Swiss Federal Diploma in your chosen major.
You also have the option to continue to the sixth term to earn the Bachelor of Business Administration awarded by Northwood University (US).
The Advanced Federal Diploma — Économiste d’entreprise ES (Business Economist)* follows the same academic path as the first 5 terms of our Bachelor's degree Program.
It provides a strong academic and practical foundation in business through coursework and two guaranteed internships to ensure career readiness.
* subject to Federal ratification
Learn what it means to be customer-centric as you develop your soft skills, resulting in a deeper understanding of the industry’s human behavioral and operational aspects.
FOUNDATION COURSES
Modules:
In year 2 you customize your degree and choose your major.
CORE CLASSES
In addition to the core classes, you will take 5 courses associated with your chosen specialization:
FINANCE
MARKETING
MANAGEMENT
HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
In year 3 you take another 6 core courses and run a final project including a business simulation and a final dissertation to be defended in front of a jury.
Upon completion, earn your Swiss Advanced Federal Diploma or continue and complete the Bachelor of Business Administration.
CORE CLASSES
FINAL PROJECT
Business Simulation and Final Dissertation with jury defence.
Learn the in-depth operations of an international business framework and how to succeed in a multicultural setting.
You will take 6 higher-level courses associated with your chosen major.
FINANCE
MARKETING
MANAGEMENT
HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
GLOBAL WORK PLACEMENT
If you need a student visa, please be sure to allow 8 – 12 weeks between the application and program start date.
Next Intake
January 2027
April 2027
BILINGUAL TRACK
This program is also available in bilingual track, offering a unique study path that allows you to begin your studies in French while gradually building up your English skills, preparing you for an international professional environment.
Choosing a school can be challenging. Find out what makes HIM Business School a good choice.
Easy one-semester Top-Up option to achieve the Bachelor of Business Administration.
A Swiss Business Qualification with International Perspective: A diploma from HIM Business School combines the quality and credibility of Swiss education with a practical, career-focused approach to business. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional confidence needed to succeed in today's global business environment.
Bilingual Study Option: Begin your studies in French and transition to English, building the language skills and international confidence required for global careers.
International Environment, Global Mindset: Study alongside students from around the world in a dynamic, English-speaking environment. Develop the intercultural communication skills, adaptability, and global perspective valued by employers across industries.
Three Professional Work Placements: Gain a full year and a half of professional experience through three work placements integrated into the program. Graduate with practical business experience, an international network, and a stronger CV than many of your peers.
Flexible Qualification Pathway: This modular program allows students to earn Swiss qualifications along the way, with the opportunity to enter the workforce after five terms with a Swiss Federal Diploma or continue to the 6th term and complete the Bachelor's degree.
Specialize in Your Future: Choose from majors in Business Management, Marketing, Finance, or Hospitality Management, allowing you to tailor your education to your interests and career ambitions while building a strong foundation in business.
Be World Ready: Benefit from personalized career coaching, industry connections, and a curriculum designed to develop both business expertise and the customer-centric leadership skills employers seek in future managers.
For EU students, HIM Business School offers a Swiss education with an international outlook, combining practical business learning, professional experience, and globally relevant skills to prepare graduates for careers across Europe and beyond.
Swiss Business Education with International Relevance: Switzerland is recognized worldwide for the quality of its education. At HIM, students develop a strong foundation in business management while gaining the practical, customer-centric leadership skills that employers value in today's global economy.
Recognized Across Europe: Aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), the Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Business Management supports professional mobility across Europe and provides a strong foundation for continued study and career advancement.
Bilingual Study Option: Begin your studies in French and transition to English, building the language skills and international confidence required for global careers.
International Environment, Global Perspective: Study alongside students from around the world in an immersive, English-speaking environment. Build intercultural communication skills, adaptability, and a global mindset that are increasingly important in international business.
Three Professional Work Placements: Graduate with up to 18 months of professional experience through three work placements integrated into the program. This practical exposure helps you build your network, strengthen your CV, and enter the job market with confidence.
Flexible Qualification Pathway: Earn recognized Swiss qualifications throughout your studies, with the option to enter the workforce after completing the Advanced Federal Diploma or continue to complete the Bachelor's degree.
Choose Your Business Focus: Personalize your education by selecting a major in Business Management, Marketing, Finance, or Hospitality Management, allowing you to align your studies with your career ambitions.
Career Opportunities Across Europe and Beyond: With internationally relevant business skills, practical experience, and a globally recognized qualification, graduates are well positioned for careers in business, finance, marketing, consulting, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and customer-focused industries.
Access to Global Career Support: Benefit from personalized career coaching, international recruitment opportunities, and a global alumni network that can help open doors throughout your career.
HIM Business School is ranked #8 globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Hospitality & Leisure Management. This highly respected ranking places HIM among the world's leading institutions, known for blending a modern, customer-centric business curriculum with Swiss hospitality education principles. HIM was also a finalist for the PIEoneer Awards 2025 Business School of the Year.
Employers worldwide value HIM graduates for their knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience, enabling them to contribute from day one and access outstanding work placements, leadership programs, and career opportunities with leading global organizations.
Get access to a powerful alumni network of over 10,000 members.
We highly recommend applying early. If you need a student visa, please be sure to allow 8 – 12 weeks between application and program start date.
More info
What is the Advanced Federal Diploma — Économiste d’entreprise ES (Business Economist)?
The Swiss Federal Diploma in Business Administration is a federally recognized Swiss qualification that combines academic business studies with practical industry experience. Designed for career-focused students, it provides a strong foundation in business management while preparing graduates for leadership roles across a wide range of industries.
Who should apply for the Advanced Federal Diploma — Économiste d’entreprise ES (Business Economist)
This program is ideal for Swiss, EU, and international students seeking a practical, career-oriented business education with strong industry relevance. It is particularly well suited to students who want to combine academic learning with professional experience and graduate ready for the workplace.
How long is the Advanced Federal Diploma — Économiste d’entreprise ES (Business Economist) program?
The Swiss Federal Diploma in Business Administration can be completed in five terms, including professional internships. Students may then choose to enter the workforce or continue to the final term of the Bachelor's degree program.
What will I study?
Students build a strong foundation in business administration, leadership, marketing, finance, customer experience, and management. The program also offers the opportunity to specialize in Business Management, Marketing, Finance, or Hospitality Management.
Are work placements mandatory?
Yes. Professional work placements are an integral part of the program and are required for graduation. Work placements are often paid and provide valuable industry experience while earning academic credit.
Are work placements provided by HIM guaranteed?
Yes. HIM maintains a 100% work placement rate. A dedicated career services team provides personalized coaching, career preparation, and access to an extensive employer network to help every student secure a professional work placement.
The strongest work placement outcomes come from a collaborative effort between students and career coaches. By actively engaging in the process, students maximize their opportunities to secure placements that support their long-term career ambitions.
Can I work after completing the Advanced Federal Diploma — Économiste d’entreprise ES (Business Economist)?
Yes. The Advanced Federal Diploma — Économiste d’entreprise ES (Business Economist)
is a stand-alone qualification designed to prepare graduates for professional careers. Students may choose to enter the workforce after earning the diploma or continue their studies to complete the Bachelor's degree.
What support does HIM offer international students?
HIM offers a supportive international learning environment with dedicated student services, academic support, career coaching, on-campus accommodation, and a vibrant multicultural community. Students study alongside classmates from around the world while developing the global mindset valued by international employers.
My English isn't strong enough. Can I still study at HIM?
Yes. HIM offers English language support for students who wish to strengthen their academic and professional English skills.
Additionally, HIM offers two bilingual study tracks:
These pathways allow students to begin their studies in their native language and gradually transition to full English instruction.