Swiss Business School

What Swiss Business School does

SBS Swiss Business School is a Swiss State-Accredited private higher education institution founded in 1998 and headquartered in Kloten-Zurich, Switzerland. It delivers a full degree ladder across undergraduate (BSc in Business Administration and an online BBA), graduate (MSc programs spanning International Business, Artificial Intelligence for Business, Healthcare Management, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, and Arts and Cultural Management), MBA (Online MBA, Part-Time MBA, Executive MBA, and the SBS Global MBA), and doctorate (DBA delivered in hybrid, dual-accredited, and fully online forms) levels, supplemented by Executive Education in the form of certificate courses, 8-week professional programs, and custom corporate training. Programs are delivered through three channels: on-campus at the SBS Park Campus near Zurich Airport, online, and hybrid formats supported by the SBS Malta Campus and a DBA dual-degree partnership with ESC Clermont in France. The institution holds multiple international accreditations (AACSB, ACBSP, IACBE, BAC, CHEA, Swiss Label, CSCSE) and a QS 5-Star Online Learning rating.

Revenue is generated almost entirely from tuition via a subscription-style recurring model: students pay per program of study (BSc, MSc, MBA, DBA, Executive Education), with a non-refundable CHF 150 application fee and a separate non-refundable administration fee to secure enrollment; ancillary revenue is generated via student relocation and accommodation services contracted to partner firms (Keller Swiss Group, Packimpex). The go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer online enrollment through apply.sbs.edu with event-driven demand generation (BSc, MSc, MBA, and DBA info webinars, orientation sessions, on-campus events, the SBS-IRC research conference series) and a content-and-SEO-led digital presence driving top-of-funnel awareness globally.

The school is supported by proprietary digital infrastructure — the iLearn learning management system and the MySBS student portal — alongside an Emerald Virtual Library subscription and a research footprint centered on the Center for Strategic Corporate Foresight and Sustainability (CSCFS) and the JABR peer-reviewed Journal of Applied Business Research. Customer segments are primarily individual students segmented by degree level and persona (Undergraduate, Graduate, MBA, Executive MBA, DBA, Executive Education), with a secondary international student segment requiring visa and relocation support; pricing is not publicly disclosed and the institution operates without disclosed parent-company, private equity, or venture capital ownership.

Name

Swiss Business School

Legal name

SBS Swiss Business School

Website

https://sbs.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Swiss Business School is a Swiss State-Accredited private higher education institution in Zurich offering a full degree ladder — BSc, MSc, MBA, DBA, and Executive Education — delivered on-campus, online, and via a Malta Campus, serving international undergraduates, graduate professionals, MBA candidates, doctoral researchers, and corporate clients globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education (Business School)

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Business and Secretarial Schools (611410), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Business & Management Research Universities (EDAHABAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online Professional Schools (MBA/MPA/MPH/Etc.) (EDAHALAE), Online International & Cross-Border Universities (Global/Transnational Providers) (EDAHALAL)

Keywords

• Business school education
• MBA degree programs
• Executive education
• Doctorate business administration
• Higher education services

Headquarters

HQ city

Zürich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition - Bachelor Programs: Revenue from undergraduate business administration programs (BSc and BBA) with tuition fees for full-time on-campus and online delivery modes.
2. Tuition - Master Programs: Revenue from graduate programs including MSc in Artificial Intelligence for Business, International Business, Healthcare Management, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, and Arts and Cultural Management. Programs offered online and on-campus in Zurich.
3. Tuition - MBA Programs: Revenue from MBA programs including Online MBA, Part-Time MBA, Executive MBA, and SBS Global MBA. Programs recognized globally with QS 5-Star and CEO Magazine rankings.
4. Tuition - Doctorate Programs (DBA): Revenue from Doctor of Business Administration programs including hybrid formats at Zurich Campus, dual-accredited options with partner schools, and online delivery through Malta Campus.
5. Executive Education: Revenue from certificate courses, professional programs (8-week Live Online programs), and corporate training programs for organizations.
6. Application and Administration Fees: Non-refundable application fee of CHF 150 and administration fee for accepted students to secure enrollment.
7. Ancillary Services: Revenue from student services including visa support, relocation services, and accommodation assistance through partner organizations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Swiss Business School is a Swiss State-Accredited higher education institution delivering undergraduate (BSc, BBA), graduate (MSc in six specializations), MBA (Online, Part-Time, Executive, Global), doctorate (DBA), and executive education programs (certificate courses, professional programs, corporate courses). Programs are delivered on-campus at Zurich, online, and in hybrid formats, supported by proprietary iLearn and MySBS digital platforms and an international faculty.

Product overview

SBS Swiss Business School is a Swiss State-Accredited higher education institution in Zurich offering a comprehensive portfolio of degree programs across undergraduate (BSc, BBA), graduate (MSc in six specializations including AI for Business, International Business, Healthcare Management, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, and Arts Cultural Management), MBA programs (Online, Part-Time, Executive, and Global MBA), and Doctorate (DBA) levels. The school also provides Executive Education through Certificate Courses, Professional Programs, and Corporate Courses. Supporting infrastructure includes the iLearn Portal for digital learning and My SBS student portal. Research activities are anchored by the JABR academic journal and the Center for Strategic Corporate Foresight and Sustainability (CSCFS). Programs are delivered in-person at the Zurich campus, online, or in hybrid formats.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SBS Global MBA: A strategic balance of theory and practice MBA program combining face-to-face classes with online learning.
• Executive Education
• CSCFS - Center for Strategic Corporate Foresight and Sustainability
• JABR - SBS Journal of Applied Business Research

Products and services

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSc) A full-time, three-year Swiss State-Accredited bachelor program (183 ECTS) that equips students with skills in International Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Business Management, delivered at SBS Zurich Campus.
• SBS BBA (Online) An online Bachelor in Business Administration program (180 ECTS) using a team-based learning approach with practical-oriented classes conducted by qualified faculty.
• Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Business (Online) An online MSc program (90 ECTS) designed for decision-makers to gain strategic, innovative, and ethical perspectives for leading AI-driven organizational transformation without requiring coding skills.
• Master of Science in International Business A full-time, two-year program (120 ECTS credits) for ambitious students and young professionals to build international careers with global mindset, strategic thinking, and cross-cultural leadership skills.
• Master of Science in Healthcare Management (Online) An online MSc program merging business teaching with applied research, providing essential skills and knowledge for management careers in the global healthcare sector.
• Master of Science in Digital Marketing (Online) A specialized online graduate program equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills in digital marketing strategies, techniques, and tools for promoting products, services, and brands in the digital landscape.
• Master of Science in Business Analytics (Online) An online MSc program focusing on equipping students with skills to analyze large data sets and extract valuable insights using statistical, mathematical, and computational techniques to drive informed business decisions.
• Master of Science in Arts and Cultural Management (Online) An online MSc preparing students to lead, innovate, and thrive in complex arts and cultural organizations and creative industries within the global economy.
• MBA (Online) A Swiss State-Accredited 100% online MBA for working professionals seeking international recognition, practical business skills, and flexible study options. QS 5-Star Rated in Online Learning.
• MBA (Part-Time / Zurich Campus) A Swiss MBA for working professionals with flexible part-time format featuring classes only three days per month, allowing balance between professional career and academic growth.
• Executive MBA An EMBA in International Management designed for seasoned professionals with minimum five years of managerial or executive experience, delivered in flexible part-time format with classes three days per month.
• SBS Global MBA A Global MBA offering strategic balance of theory and practice with sequential course structure, combining practical face-to-face classes with online learning using comprehensive education material and an interactive learning management system.
• DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) Flexible, research-driven doctoral programs for experienced professionals seeking advanced leadership and applied research skills. Multiple pathways include Hybrid DBA at SBS Zurich Campus, Dual-Accredited DBA with partner schools, and fully online DBA through SBS Malta Campus.
• Certificate Courses Short, intensive courses delivered Live Online or on SBS Zurich Campus, designed to help professionals lead with confidence, drive innovation, and make immediate impact with skills applicable immediately.
• Professional Programs 8-week Live Online programs combining faculty-led learning, peer interaction, and practical application designed to help working professionals lead transformation, drive innovation, and create measurable business impact.
• Corporate Courses Custom high-impact programs designed around company goals, combining expert faculty, practical frameworks, and tailored learning experiences for organizational capability building and team development.

Quantifiable outcome

• High percentage of graduates employed within 3-6 months
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FRZ Flughafenregion ZurichcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Partnership with FRZ Flughafenregion Zurich and Canton Zurich (AWI) for 2023/2024 sustainability study involving 306 companies from the Airport Zurich area. Research covers sustainability practices and needs of local businesses.
• ESC Clermont (France)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBS Zurich Campus collaborates with ESC Clermont in France for hybrid, dual-accredited DBA programs. Students can earn a DBA with two accredited degrees from both institutions.
• SBS Malta CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBS Malta Campus is accredited by Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and awards state-accredited DBA degrees aligned with European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Offers online and hybrid DBA programs.
• Canton Zurich (AWI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative sustainability research partnership with Canton Zurich through AWI (Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit) on sustainability practices among businesses in the Zurich airport region.
• Keller Swiss Group Ltd.minorOthersRelocation partner assisting SBS students with accommodation, local registration, and settling into life in Zurich. Contact: Natascha Lopez, Manager Destination Services ([email protected]).
• Packimpex Ltd.minorOthersRelocation partner providing accommodation assistance and relocation services for international SBS students. Contact: Sarah Sellam, Regional Sales Manager – Europe ([email protected]).

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Geneva Business School: Switzerland-based private business school with campuses in Geneva, Barcelona, and Madrid, providing Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and DBA programs aimed at international students — directly overlapping SBS's Swiss private business school niche.
• International School of Management (ISM): Private, internationally oriented business school with European campuses offering Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and DBA programs to a global student base, mirroring SBS's tuition-funded model and emphasis on small private Swiss/European competitors.
• ESCP Business School: Pan-European business school and direct DBS/DBA partner of SBS via ESC Clermont; offers comparable undergraduate, MSc, MBA, EMBA, and DBA programs across multiple European campuses, with similar international-recruitment emphasis.
• EU Business School: Private, multi-campus European business school headquartered in Switzerland (Montreux/Geneva/Barcelona/Munich) offering Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and DBA programs with a similar international, tuition-driven model and comparable Swiss private-school positioning.
• HTMi Switzerland: Swiss private higher education institution (hotel and business management) located near Lucerne, offering undergraduate and postgraduate business programs to a predominantly international student body — comparable in scale, accreditation focus, and international positioning.
• BHMS (Business & Hotel Management School): Lucerne-based Swiss private higher education institution combining business and hospitality programs; similarly small, tuition-driven, and reliant on international student recruitment as a core go-to-market.

Broad incumbents

• IE Business School: Spain-headquartered international business school offering undergraduate, Master's, MBA, EMBA, and DBA programs with strong online/digital learning presence — directly competes with SBS in the international and online MBA space.
• Hult International Business School: Large private global business school with campuses across multiple continents offering Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and Executive Education programs; competes with SBS particularly in the international online MBA and one-year MBA markets.
• University of St. Gallen (HSG): Switzerland's premier public business university; larger, more established, and stronger brand in management education — competes for the same Swiss-based, internationally-recruited cohort of business students and executives.
• IMD Business School: Lausanne-based elite Swiss business school focused on executive education, MBAs, and EMBAs — a much larger incumbent competing for the same international executive-learner segment that SBS's EMBA and Executive Education target.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sbs-swiss-business-school
• Facebookfacebook.com/SBSSwissBusinessSchool
• Xx.com/sbsedu

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Swiss Business School