Swiss Federal Diploma in Business Administration (ES)

HIM Business School - Swiss Diploma

Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Business Administration

Swiss Federal Diploma
in Business Administration (ES)

The Swiss Federal Diploma in Business Administration (ES) 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 with the option to progress to a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Next intake

October 2026

Duration

2.5 (including 1 year of internships)

Location

Montreux

HIM Business School - Swiss Diploma

Program Highlights

The Advanced Federal Diploma at a Glance

The Advanced Federal Diploma offers a fast track to a business career.
With two 6-month internships and a choice of four majors, 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).

Curriculum Structure

The Swiss Federal Diploma in Business Administration 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.

Terms 1-2: Principles of Business

Montreux

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

Montreux

Modules: 

  • Introduction to Customer Experience
  • Mathematics for Business
  • Applied Business Research
  • Communication
  • World Culture
  • Accounting Principles
  • Introduction to Finance
  • Marketing Principles
  • Microeconomics
  • Introduction to Data-Driven Decision-Making
  • Front Office & Guest Satisfaction
  • Language (FR, DE, ES)

GLOBAL INTERNSHIP

4-6 months

Terms 3-5: Swiss Federal Diploma

Montreux

In year 2 you customize your degree and choose your major. Upon completion, earn your Swiss Federal Diploma or continue and complete the Bachelor Degree.

CORE CLASSES

  • Philosophy of Life & Business
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Introduction to Art
  • Principles of Management
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Innovating with AI
  • Financial Management
  • Language (FR, DE, ES)

SPECIALIZATIONS

In addition to the core classes, you will take 5 courses associated with your specialization.

GLOBAL INTERNSHIP

4-6 months

Term 6: Bachelor of Business

Montreux

Learn the in-depth operations of an international business framework and how to succeed in a multicultural setting.

CORE CLASSES

  • Public Policies
  • Strategic Planning
  • Ethics
  • Business Law
  • Environmental Science
  • Organizational Behavior

 

MAJOR SUBJECTS

In addition to the core classes, you will take 6 higher-level courses associated with your chosen major.

GLOBAL INTERNSHIP

4-6 months

Customize your degree

TAILOR-MADE PROGRAM

Choose Your Major

After Business Fundamentals in Year 1, it’s time to specialize!
Across Year 2 and Year 3, you choose and build targeted expertise in one of the 4 majors:
 
  • Hospitality
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Management

paving the way for a powerful entry into the international business scene.

Upcoming Intakes

If you need a student visa, please be sure to allow 8 – 12 weeks between the application and program start date.

Next Intake

October 2026

January 2027

April 2027

FRENCH TRACK

BILINGUAL TRACK

Study in French, succeed internationally

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.

Why choose HIM Business School?

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.

Why Swiss students choose HIM Business School

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 Internships: Gain a full year and a half of professional experience through three internships 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.

Why EU Students Choose HIM Business School

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 Internships: Graduate with up to 18 months of professional experience through three internships 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.

QS rankings

Ranked in Top 10 world-wide

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 internships, leadership programs, and career opportunities with leading global organizations.

A stamp of approval

Northwood logo
Accor Group
Edmond de Rothschild
TOURBILLON BOUTIQUE
Swiss quote
Royal Caribbean
Swiss Sustainable Finance
Luxury Institute
Bluewater logo
LA MER
HIM Business School - Graduation Ceremony

The Future is Bright for HIM Graduates

Get access to a powerful alumni network of over 10,000 members.

  • 90%- receive more than 1 job offer before graduation.
  • 89%- hold management positions or create their own company.
  • 71%- work in the hospitality, tourism & culinary sectors.
  • 29%- work in consultancy, education, finance & healthcare.

Requirements & fees

  • Completed secondary school education (IB Diploma, IBCP Diploma, Maturité, Abitur, French Bac, 2 A-levels, high school diploma or equivalent).
  • Direct entry options or credit transfer options may be available for IBCP, IBDP and BTEC Candidates. For further details or an individual assessment, please kindly contact directentry@swisseducation.com
  • Recommended minimum age of 18 years
  • English language proficiency of IELTS academic module 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46 or equivalent. If you don't have the required language level, you can improve your language and study skills with our English Foundation Program before joining

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

SHMS Career services

Career Services

HIM-DIRECT-ENTRY

Direct Entry

studying abroad in switzerland

Study Abroad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the Swiss Federal Diploma in Business Administration?

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 Swiss Federal Diploma in Business Administration?

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 Swiss Federal Diploma 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 internships mandatory?

Yes. Professional internships are an integral part of the program and are required for graduation. Internships are often paid and provide valuable industry experience while earning academic credit.

Are internships provided by HIM guaranteed?

Yes. HIM maintains a 100% internship 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 internship.

The strongest internship 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 Swiss Federal Diploma?

Yes. The Swiss Federal Diploma in Business Administration 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:

  • French to English
  • Chinese to English

These pathways allow students to begin their studies in their native language and gradually transition to full English instruction.

Students graduating to a career in business management

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