What Rushford Business School does

Rushford Business School GmbH is a Swiss-registered (CHE-311.204.465, Baar) private business education institution founded in 2021, delivering MBA, MSc, DBA, and DBM degree programs through online, on-campus, and partner-channel pathways. The school operates physical campuses in Lucerne (Switzerland) and France (via ESDST partnership), with an online campus serving as the primary delivery mode for a portfolio of 40+ programs across 15+ subject areas including finance, marketing, healthcare management, sustainability, and data analytics. Programs are held to QS 5-star ratings for teaching and online learning and are supported by EduQua certification and OFQUAL recognition of UK-affiliated qualifications.

The school's go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer digital enrollment (apply.rushford.ch) with channel partnerships through Veranda Higher Ed, Upgrad, DataisGood, and University for the Creative Arts (UK), enabling reach into India, the UK, France, and other international markets. Revenue is generated primarily through tuition fees from online and on-campus programs, supported by corporate training revenue from the Short Global Immersion Program and event revenue from conferences such as Confab 360° in Dubai. Distribution leverage is a defining feature of the model, with multiple partners handling student acquisition and enrollment in regional markets rather than a single direct sales team.

The customer base is globally distributed — the school claims 5,000+ alumni from 40+ nationalities — and is primarily composed of working professionals and early-career graduates seeking flexible, internationally recognized business credentials. Secondary segments include corporate clients purchasing executive immersion training and sustainability-focused professionals seeking specialized credentials. The school does not publish tuition pricing, and revenue, funding, and headcount figures are not disclosed.

Name

Rushford Business School

Legal name

Rushford Business School GmbH

Website

https://rushford.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Rushford Business School is a Swiss-registered (founded 2021) private business school delivering MBA, MSc, DBA, and DBM programs online and across campuses in Lucerne and France, primarily serving working professionals and international students via direct enrollment and partner channels including Veranda, Upgrad, and ESDST.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education (Business & Management)

NAICS

Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Master’s in Management (MiM) & Business Analytics (EDAHAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics (EDAMAHAA)

Keywords

• Online business education
• Graduate degree programs
• Executive education
• Higher education services
• Corporate training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Lucerne

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees — Online Programs: Revenue is generated primarily through tuition fees charged for online MBA, MSc, and DBA programs. Students enroll directly through the school's portal or via partner platforms, with fees varying by program type and specialization.
2. Tuition Fees — On-Campus Programs: Revenue from on-campus programs at Lucerne (Switzerland) and France campuses, including the Short Global Immersion Program. On-campus students at the Spain campus receive guaranteed paid internships as part of the program offering.
3. Partner/Channel Revenue Sharing: Rushford partners with Veranda Higher Ed, Upgrad, and DataisGood for program delivery and recruitment. Revenue flows include franchise-style program delivery arrangements where partners facilitate student enrollment and program administration in exchange for a revenue share or referral arrangement.
4. Conference and Event Revenue: The school organizes and hosts international conferences (e.g., Confab 360° Dubai, Scopus-indexed conferences) and graduation ceremonies, generating revenue through event fees and participation charges.
5. Corporate Training — Global Immersion Programs: The Short Global Immersion Program is offered to organizations as a corporate training or executive education product, providing revenue from business clients seeking professional development for their teams.

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Rushford Business School is a Swiss private business school that delivers graduate-level degree programs (MBA, MSc, DBA, DBM) across 15+ subject specializations, primarily through an online learning platform and supplemented by on-campus delivery in Lucerne (Switzerland) and France. It also offers short international immersion programs for working professionals and corporate clients, plus conferences and events. Programs are either self-delivered or distributed through partner platforms (Veranda, Upgrad, DataisGood, ESDST).

Product overview

Rushford Business School offers a comprehensive portfolio of business and management degree programs across multiple delivery formats (online, on-campus, hybrid) with a modular architecture. The core offerings include MBA programs (General and specialized tracks in Clinical Research, Entrepreneurship, Finance, HR, Marketing, Sustainability), MSc programs across eight specializations (Business Management, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Operations/Supply Chain, Sustainability), and DBA/DBM doctoral programs. Programs are delivered through the school's own Online Campus platform as well as strategic partnerships with Veranda Higher Ed, University for the Creative Arts (UK), Upgrad, and Data is Good. The institution operates physical campuses in Lucerne (Switzerland) and France, with additional international immersion experiences in Dubai.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) Core graduate degree program in business administration with multiple specialization options including General MBA, Clinical Research Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Human Resource Management, Finance, Marketing, and Sustainability, Energy and Environment. Delivered online and on-campus to working professionals and career-changers.
• Global MBA via University for the Creative Arts (UK) Joint MBA program delivered in partnership with University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in the UK, accessible via Rushford's online campus and through the Veranda partnership channel. Designed for students seeking an internationally recognized MBA with a UK university affiliation.
• MBA in Business Analytics & AI (via DataisGood) Specialized MBA program in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence offered through partnership with DataisGood, integrating Rushford's MBA degree with data science and AI specialization.
• Top-Up MBA Accelerated MBA program allowing students with prior business qualifications or credits to top-up existing credentials to obtain a full MBA qualification from Rushford.
• MSc in Business Management Graduate-level Master of Science program focusing on core business management principles and practices, delivered online to working professionals.
• MSc in Economics Graduate program in economics covering economic theory, policy analysis, and quantitative methods.
• MSc in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Graduate program focused on developing entrepreneurial skills, innovation management, and new venture creation.
• MSc in Finance and Investment Finance-focused MSc program covering investment analysis, corporate finance, and financial markets.
• MSc in International Business Management Graduate program examining international business strategies, cross-cultural management, and global market operations.
• MSc in Marketing Graduate marketing program covering digital marketing, brand management, and marketing strategy.
• MSc in Operations and Supply Chain Management Graduate program focused on operations management, logistics, and supply chain optimization strategies.
• MSc in Sustainability and Environmental Management Environmental sustainability-focused graduate program covering sustainable business practices and environmental management systems.
• DBA in Finance Doctor of Business Administration program with specialization in finance, preparing professionals for advanced research and academic careers or senior executive roles.
• DBA in Healthcare Management Doctoral program combining business administration with healthcare sector management and policy.
• DBA in Human Resource Management Doctoral program in HR management focusing on strategic human resources, organizational behavior, and talent management.
• DBA in International Business Doctoral program examining international business theory, global strategy, and cross-border business operations.
• DBA in Marketing Advanced doctoral program in marketing covering marketing strategy, consumer behavior, and marketing research methodologies.
• DBA in Supply Chain Management Doctoral program in supply chain management focusing on logistics, operations, and supply chain strategy research.
• Doctor of Business Management (DBM) via Veranda Doctor of Business Management degree delivered in partnership with Veranda Higher Ed for students seeking a doctoral qualification through a channel partner.
• Short Global Immersion Program Intensive short-term international business immersion program offered for organizations and individuals seeking executive development, with on-the-ground exposure to global business environments (e.g., Dubai Immersion Program for DBA students).
• Online Campus Digital learning platform offering asynchronous and synchronous online education across all Rushford degree programs, with dedicated learning management system features and EduQua certification for online continuing education.
• Confab 360° International Conference Annual international conference hosted in Dubai, with the 2nd edition in 2025, associated with Scopus-indexed research and serving as a touchpoint for academic engagement and brand-building.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5-star QS rating for teaching quality and 5-star QS rating for online learning (4-star overall)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and moderate.

• University for the Creative Arts (UCA), UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRushford partners with University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in the UK to offer a Global MBA program. This partnership enables students to earn an internationally recognized MBA through a UK university affiliation, with the program available via Rushford's online campus and through the Veranda partnership channel.
• UpgradcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRushford has partnered with Upgrad, a leading higher ed technology platform, to distribute its DBA programs to students primarily in India and other South Asian markets. Upgrad handles student recruitment and enrollment processing while Rushford provides the academic curriculum and degree conferral.
• Veranda Higher EdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVeranda Higher Ed serves as a channel partner for multiple Rushford programs including the online MBA, Global MBA via UCA, and MBA with Specializations. Veranda operates as a recruitment and enrollment platform that drives student acquisition for Rushford programs in target markets.
• DataisGoodminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDataisGood partners with Rushford to deliver the MBA in Business Analytics & AI program. This partnership integrates Rushford's MBA degree with DataisGood's data science and AI expertise and student recruitment capabilities.
• ESDST (European School of Data Science and Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRushford partners with ESDST for program delivery at its France campus, offering MBA and MSc programs in data science and technology specializations including Business Analytics, Big Data Management, Data Science/ML/AI, and AI for Robotics. The partnership also includes joint Virtual Open House events and co-branded marketing initiatives.
• Top Universities in UK, Italy, France, IndiamoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerRushford has established partnerships with top universities across multiple countries — UK (including University for the Creative Arts), Italy, France, and India — enabling cross-institutional program delivery, degree validation, and student exchange pathways across its program portfolio.
• OFQUAL (UK Office of Qualifications and Examination Regulation)coreOthersRushford's qualifications are recognized and regulated by OFQUAL, the UK government regulator for qualifications, examinations, and assessments. This regulatory partnership provides quality assurance and credential recognition for Rushford's UK-affiliated degree programs.
• EduQuacoreOthersRushford's online learning division has been certified by EduQua, Switzerland's leading quality label for continuing education and training providers. This certification validates the quality of Rushford's online programs and compliance with Swiss educational standards.
• Recruitment PartnersmoderateChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRushford works with a network of recruitment partners who assist with student acquisition and enrollment across global markets. These partners operate under the school's Recruitments Partners program, helping prospective students navigate admissions and program selection.
• QS Star Rating SystemmoderateOthersRushford has been rated by the QS Star Rating System, receiving 5 stars for teaching, 5 stars for online learning, and 4 stars overall. This third-party rating provides independent quality validation of the school's educational offerings and institutional reputation.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• IE Business School: Spain-based global business school offering online MBA, blended MBA, and executive education with strong international student draw. Comparable in online program portfolio and international positioning, with significantly larger scale and brand recognition.
• University of St. Gallen (HSG): Top-ranked Swiss public university with prestigious MBA, MSc, and doctoral programs in business and management. Competes for the same Swiss-domiciled international business student audience but as a long-established incumbent with far stronger brand equity and academic reputation.

Others

• UpGrad: India-headquartered higher-ed technology platform that partners with universities to deliver online degrees, including Rushford's DBA. Functions simultaneously as a distribution partner for Rushford and a broader peer in the online higher-ed aggregation and delivery space.
• Veranda Higher Ed: Online higher education aggregator and platform that lists and markets Rushford's MBA programs alongside other partner institutions. Relevant as both a channel partner for Rushford and as an adjacent operator in the online degree platform/marketplace space.

Direct peers

• Hult International Business School: Global business school with campuses across multiple continents offering MBA, MSc, and DBA programs with strong online and hybrid options. Comparable portfolio breadth, multi-campus delivery model, and international student targeting.
• Geneva Business School: Swiss-based private business school offering MBA, MSc, and DBA programs across multiple campuses in Switzerland, Spain, and online. Direct peer given shared Swiss domicile, similar degree portfolio, and comparable online-plus-on-campus delivery.
• Quantic School of Business: US-based online-first business school offering accredited MBA and Executive MBA programs through a self-paced mobile/web platform. Directly comparable as a digitally native, tuition-funded business degree provider targeting working professionals globally.
• EU Business School: Private multilingual business school with campuses in Spain, Switzerland, Germany, and Barcelona offering BBA, MBA, and DBA programs. Comparable portfolio of graduate business degrees and multi-country European campus model.
• SBS Swiss Business School: Zurich-based private business school offering undergraduate and graduate business degrees including MBA, with both on-campus and online formats. Comparable as a Swiss-domiciled private business school targeting international students with English-language programs.
• Swiss School of Business and Management: Swiss-based private business school offering online MBA, MSc, and DBA programs with international student body. Closely comparable given Swiss domicile, fully online degree offerings, and similar tuition-funded business education model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rushford-business-school

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 Rushford Business School