
Graduate Certificate in Business Studies
DURATION
3 up to 12 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request the earliest start date
TUITION FEES
CHF 8,400
STUDY FORMAT
Blended, Distance learning, On-Campus
Introduction

Program duration: 9 up to 12 months, part-time
Program format: Part-time, On-campus, Online, Hybrid
Program language: English
Degree awarded: Graduate Certificate in Business Studies
Deadline: no deadline to apply
Locations: Amsterdam, Antwerp, Barcelona, Brussels, Geneva, Madrid, Milan, Tokyo, Zurich
Starting dates: 8
Program Duration
Part-time students can earn a Graduate Certificate in 3 to 12 months, depending on the number of courses taken per quarter, course selection, and planning. Completing half the typical number of courses doubles the program's duration. The more flexible a student's schedule, the faster they can complete their studies.
Students are considered part-time when taking 6 or fewer courses per quarter. Part-time studies are available only to students with a national passport or residence permit.
Kick-start your studies up to 8 times per year
Students can choose from multiple starting dates in fall, winter, spring, and summer each academic year. Our modular course design and program structure ensure optimal planning for further education.
Thanks to this flexible structure, students can begin their studies in October, November, January, February, April, May, July, or August. All campuses follow the same academic calendar.
Study Destinations
Students can transfer between campuses each quarter with guaranteed program compatibility. Our quarter-based academic calendar enables a seamless study-abroad experience across Europe and Asia.
We have 9 global campus locations in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Barcelona, Brussels, Geneva, Madrid, Milan, Tokyo, and Zurich—all situated in city centers of dynamic destinations.
Students are encouraged to transfer between campuses for one or more quarters but may also choose a single campus as their primary destination. Those preferring shorter study-abroad experiences can join our seminar courses, taught by visiting professors at multiple campuses throughout the academic year.

Accreditation
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive an international private Graduate Certificate in Business Studies, awarded by the school's headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, based on the faculty's recommendation at the campuses where credits were earned.
Curriculum

Teaching Schedule
Courses are available in various formats, including:
- Daytime courses (08:30 – 18:30)
- Seminar courses with visiting professors on consecutive days
- Online courses, available 24/7
- Evening courses (19:00 – 22:00) at select campuses
- Weekend courses on Saturdays
- Blended formats, combining multiple options
Courses are typically scheduled in 3-hour sessions. To learn more about course availability in specific formats throughout the academic year, connect with an admissions advisor or refer to the course planning once enrolled.
Program Requirements
Courses | European Credits (EC) | |
Electives | 6 | 12 |
Total | 6 | 12 |
Electives
Electives can be any course scheduled that does not already count towards other program requirements.
Study Abroad Option
The Study Abroad option allows students to transfer for one or more quarters to another campus without experiencing program interruptions or extensions. Courses and programs remain fully compatible across all campuses; however, not all specializations are available at all campuses. Refer to the program schedule for further details.
Students who prefer shorter study abroad experiences can join seminar courses taught by visiting professors at any of our campuses, either once or multiple times during the program.
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 receive extra academic support. Sessions are charged per hour and take place on campus at a time that is convenient for both the student and the professor or coach.
Internship Option
The Internship option encourages students to apply their skills and knowledge through offers received by our Careers Department from regional and international companies and organizations. No credits are 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 used for a student visa extension.
Admissions
Gallery
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships are not available for this program.
Rankings
UIBS has been ranked in Tier One of the CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings 2024, placing among the top programs in Europe. Our Online MBA holds the #14 position worldwide, reflecting its excellence in digital learning. Additionally, UIBS is featured in the 2024 Global DBA Listing, reinforcing our leadership in doctoral business education. We are also proud to be recognized by QS Stars for our outstanding performance in teaching, online learning, business studies, and employability, underscoring our commitment to academic excellence and innovation.


Program Outcome
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive an international Graduate Certificate in Business Studies, awarded by the school's headquarters in Switzerland, based on the faculty's recommendation at the campuses where credits were earned.
Career Opportunities

Career Preparation and Job Placement
Our Careers Department supports students in planning their career paths by:
- Organizing career seminars
- Facilitating networking opportunities with business professionals seeking talent
- Maintaining job and internship listings on our Careers Portal
Our programs are designed to meet the demands of diverse business professions. Students receive assistance in securing internships and jobs with both local and multinational companies. Additionally, we provide CV reviews and job interview tips to enhance their career prospects.
Dedicated Career Services
With support from our dedicated career services and online career center, students and alumni receive the guidance they need to launch their professional careers.
Our Careers Department organizes career seminars and guest speaker events every quarter. Meanwhile, our online career center offers 24/7 access to the latest job offers, internship opportunities, and a wealth of videos and articles with expert tips and advice.
Professional Career Perspectives
Our professional study programs prepare students for diverse careers across various industries. However, these programs do not provide access to regulated professions or government employment.
Due to the private nature of our degrees, access to government roles may be limited. However, several alumni have successfully secured positions within government authorities.
Program delivery
Program Duration
Part-time students can earn a Graduate Certificate in 3 to 12 months, depending on the number of courses taken per quarter, course selection, and planning. Completing half the typical course load doubles the program's duration. The more flexible a student's schedule, the faster they can complete their studies.
Students are considered part-time when taking 6 or fewer courses per quarter. Part-time studies are available only to students with a national passport or residence permit.
Teaching Schedule
Courses are available in various formats, including:
- Daytime courses (08:30 – 18:30)
- Seminar courses with visiting professors on consecutive days
- Online courses, available 24/7
- Evening courses (19:00 – 22:00) at select campuses
- Weekend courses on Saturdays
- Blended formats, combining multiple options
Courses are typically scheduled in 3-hour sessions. For details on course availability, connect with an admissions advisor or refer to the course planning once enrolled.
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.