The 5 best MBA schools in Zurich with global recognition
Earning an MBA is more than just adding letters to your name; it’s a launchpad for leadership, global thinking, and real-world problem-solving.
And in a dynamic hub like Zurich, the right program can shape your career, expand your network, and push you to grow under pressure. But not all schools offer the same value. Therefore, choosing the right postgraduate institution means finding one that aligns with your goals.
So, if you’re ready to invest in a future built on resilience, strategy, and international experience, the following top MBA schools in Zurich are worth serious consideration.
1. Zurich Elite Business School (ZEBS)
Address: Europaallee 41, 8004
Contact Details: +41 44 307 35 15
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
We’re impressed by ZEBS’s real-world focus. Their MBA programs centre on practical skills rather than abstract theory.
In fact, modules come straight from training they’ve delivered from Google and IBM, so you’re mastering exactly what top employers want.
Building on that, their Coursera tie-ups bring Harvard, Wharton, and tech-leader courses online. Plus, modular weekend seminars and self-paced modules help balance work and study. Niche tracks in project and shipping management add an extra edge too.
Additionally, the intimate class size delivers personalised coaching and genuine connections. However, smaller classes may limit peer diversity for some.
Schedule-wise, ZEBS is a great option. They offer full-time, part-time, or entirely online, so it’s easy to find a setup that fits your routine.
The best part is that over 95% of graduates secure jobs immediately, with starting salaries in the top 50 globally.
Progressive and practical education
“ZEBS offers an exceptional educational experience, blending progressive curriculum with practical, real-world applications. The faculty is not only knowledgeable but also deeply invested in the success of each student, providing personalized guidance and support. The school’s strong network and connections within the industry offer unparalleled opportunities for internships and job placements. Overall, this institution is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to excel in the field of management.”
- Alpha Centauri, Google Review
High level of education
“Very high level of education. High level professional teachers.”
- Iosif Kontorinis, Google Review
2. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
Address: Rämistrasse 101, 8092
Contact Details: +41 44 632 11 11
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
EMBA X is a pretty compelling option if you’re looking to boost both your tech and leadership skills. It’s an 18-month part-time program run by ETH and the University of St. Gallen, so you’re basically getting the best of Swiss tech and business education.
The Executive MBA in Supply Chain Management leans hard into global logistics, with study trips to Asia, Russia, and the US. Bonus: solid lineup of VIP industry speakers.
They also offer top-notch Sprint Weeks. This one-week, on-campus burst tackles real challenges, from energy transitions to AI rollouts. Just keep in mind the adrenaline-fuelled pace can feel overwhelming for those balancing work and family commitments.
We also like the generous scholarships they offer and flexible payment plans to spread the CHF 110,000 EMBA X tuition into manageable instalments. By comparison, ETH’s standard master’s fees start at just CHF 730 per semester.
Best of all, their vibrant ecosystem shows genuine support. Graduates join a welcoming alumni family and lean on over 500 spin-offs for advice and opportunities across over 30 countries.
Highly knowledgeable professors
“Great University with many great minds studying there. The professors are very helpful and highly knowledgeable. The university is located near the centre of the city and everything is accessible easily. The university is well connected with different tram routes and alos with the polybahn. The university is home to many noble laureates and has an extensive and rich history.”
- Vansh Mohan, Google Review
Student-centered excellence
“I love my school. ETH Zürich can be hard but it’s also very rewarding. The uni is modern, it’s a little archaic in some terms and slow like any large institution. The University does care about it’s students and staff and if you seek it they will support you in most things, life, study, work and more. It enabled me to fulfill my life dream of attending university and learning. And I did learn a lot about how the world works scientifically”
- Oliver, Google Review
3. University of Zurich
Address: Rämistrasse 71, 8006
Contact Details: +41 44 634 11 11
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
We particularly like the University of Zurich’s General Management EMBA because it is taught entirely in English. It also delves deep into digital transformation through six-day modules held every four weeks in Zurich.
What’s even nicer is that their Global Learning Expeditions take participants to Yale, Stanford, and innovation hubs across Europe and Asia. However, frequent time zone changes can disrupt even the busiest of schedules.
Even so, the bilingual track is well thought out. The three-day blocks every other week make it manageable alongside work. The mix of German and English keeps it versatile for international careers.
Their peer-coaching setup is also top-notch. And to top it off, the part-time, class-based format merges intensive on-campus residencies with weekend sessions and online preparation materials.
One downside, though, is the relatively expensive tuition fee. It sits at the higher end of European EMBA offerings, especially once you factor in travel costs for the Global Learning Expedition.
A very nice university
“A very nice university where knowledge is imparted but you also grow personally. The view is beautiful, but the university also has a lot to offer inside! I particularly appreciate the prayer room, which is open to all religions, as I can perform all my daily prayers there. In addition, the professors at the University of Zurich are among the best in their subjects, which clearly sets the university apart from other universities in Switzerland.”
- Miss Kurdistan, Google Review
Inspiring the campus with a rich heritage
“This is apparently the largest university in Switzerland, with a large campus and a very relaxing atmosphere. The historic buildings and green surroundings make it fun to just drop in even if you’re not planning on studying, and it stimulates your intellectual curiosity. It’s on a hill, so the view is great, and there’s a viewpoint with a panoramic view of the whole city just a short walk away. Many famous researchers have come from here, so it’s a place I’d definitely recommend to anyone who wants to feel the academic atmosphere.”
- Yusuke, Google Review
4. HWZ
Address: Lagerstrasse 5, 8004
Contact Details: +41 43 322 26 00
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
We were intrigued by HWZ’s hands-on approach. Many students claimed that the practice-driven projects bring real client assignments from businesses and NGOs.
Building on that, they offer two EMBA tracks. These include a 16-month digital leadership program and a three-semester general management program. They also have an optional advanced management module.
However, HWZ has limited international brand recognition compared to larger Swiss institutions on this list, such as the University of Zurich. If you want a globally known EMBA that opens doors outside Switzerland, this is something to think about.
Even so, another highlight they offer is the Global Study Week at the Darden School of Business in Virginia. Participants spend five days on intensive case studies, simulations, and company visits to gain fresh global insights.
With their flexible evening and weekend modules at the Europaallee campus and online preparatory materials, HWZ accommodates work commitments.
Furthermore, their CAS programs, ranging from project management to change management, allow students to tailor their certificates to precisely develop the expertise they require.
Offers great training and insights
“I’m a student at the HWZ in the MAS Digital Business – great training – it pretty much opened my eyes to what’s coming up and how great the opportunities are for first movers – great insights!”
- Mat Pfeifer, Google Review
High-quality EMBA experience
“I am a former EMBA General Management student. A very high quality course.”
- Urs Angst, Google Review
5. Zurich Business School (UIBS)
Address: Brandschenkestrasse 38, 8001
Contact Details: +41 44 201 12 22
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Zurich Business School stands out with its global reach, hosting students from over 85 nationalities on its city-centre Europaallee campus.
We especially like how their quarter-based calendar splits the year into four ten-week terms. Students can independently pick courses each term and even transfer credits smoothly across their nine global campuses, from Barcelona to Tokyo.
Their career-focused curriculum combines real-world case studies with dedicated internship assistance. The school supports professionals at every stage of their growth journey, offering pathways in BBA, MBA, EMBA, and DBA.
Additionally, small class sizes are capped at around 30, sparking hands-on group work and direct faculty feedback.
However, the tuition fee is around CHF 33,600 per year. Additionally, living expenses amount to approximately CHF 1,630 per month. These push the total annual costs above CHF 50,000.
But we appreciate that their merit-based scholarships can significantly reduce tuition, and the local team helps secure affordable off-campus housing.
Clear and trustworthy website information
“The information of the website are very precise and clear. Different topics of focus are separated nicely. The website is also easy to navigate with clear direction on where to find certain type of information. Student testimonial as well as the university achievement are also clearly published making the website even trustworthy. I find the website really useful and I encourage potential students looking for an International Business University to check out UIBS, their programs, as well as their cross-cultural system of excellence education.”
- Nimeth David, Google Review
Challenging English-taught BBA with a global community
“I’m currently studying here and doing my Bachelor degree in Business Administration. It’s a quite challenging degree. Its a nice environment with loads of international students ranging from the US to Russians to Indians and also swiss locals.If you’re looking for a good Business school in Zurich area i would recommend this one, it’s fully teached in english. Faculty is very experienced and have been in the business field for many years. Fully recommend this business school.”
- Massimiliano, Google Review