Bachelor of Science Betriebsökonomie

School of Business

You will gain in-depth knowledge of business administration, finance, and marketing to successfully master economic challenges. The German programme in Betriebsökonomie at FHNW provides practical expertise in business administration and management.

Factsheet

Degree: Bachelor of Science FHNW in Betriebsökonomie
Study mode: Flexitime, Part-time/work-study and Full-time
Learning environment: Online and Onsite
ECTS points: 180
Next start: 14.9.2026
Duration: 3 to 4 years
Language: German, depending on module selection also English
Place: Basel, Brugg-Windisch, Olten
Staying abroad: Possible
Application fee: CHF 200
Semester fee: CHF 750 for residents of Switzerland (for details, see fees)

At a glance

Flexible study modes: You can study full-time, part-time or flexibly, depending on your needs.
Practical orientation: Student projects with industry partners and case studies will prepare you for everyday working life.
Individual specialisation: Select from a variety of specialisations to prepare for your ideal career.
International: Gain experience at partner universities, summer schools and international projects.
Locations: Study in Basel, Brugg-Windisch or Olten and benefit from regional networking opportunities.

Why study this?

Are you interested in business, management, and the exciting challenges faced by companies and non-profit organisations? Our Bachelor's degree in Betriebsökonomie provides the perfect foundation for a career as a manager or specialist in the business world.

This practical management programme will give you the knowledge and skills required to start your career in a variety of areas, including marketing, financial management, corporate management, innovation and digitalisation.

Why study Betriebsökonomie?

With a Bachelor's degree in Betriebsökonomie, you will be well equipped to advance in a dynamic and diverse work environment. The economy needs creative minds who think entrepreneurially and develop modern, future-oriented solutions.

What can you expect?

Comprehensive knowledge: You will gain in-depth knowledge in the most important disciplines of business administration, which you can apply directly in practice.
Practical relevance: You will be perfectly prepared for the demands of the real world by projects, case studies and practical assignments.
Diverse career opportunities: Your degree will open many doors for you – whether in management, marketing, controlling, or as an entrepreneur.
Individual study focus: You will have the opportunity to specialise in the areas that interest you most, such as financial management, marketing, sustainability management, or digital business.
Networking: Seize the opportunity to network with leading companies and industry experts who can support your career.

Career prospects

A Bachelor's degree in Betriebsökonomie opens up numerous career opportunities: many graduates work in the service sector, particularly in banks, financial services companies, and consulting firms. There are also many exciting jobs waiting for you in fiduciary services, public administration, education, health and social services, insurance, trade, transport, and logistics. Many industrial companies are also attractive employers for our graduates.

The following list of job profiles is not complete, as business management knowledge and skills are in demand in many other areas.

Finance, banking, and insurance

Accountant
Controller
Financial analyst
Tax advisor
Private banker
Investment banker
Insurance advisor
Risk manager

Human Resources (HR)

Human Resources Officer
Recruiter
HR Manager
Human Resources Developer

Auditing and consulting

Management consultant
Auditor
Management consultant
Trustee

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Logistics Manager
Supply Chain Analyst
Purchasing Manager

Public sector and non-profit organisations

Management positions in public institutions
Project manager in NGOs
Financial administrator in the public sector

E-Commerce and Digital Business

E-Commerce Manager
Digital Marketing Specialist
Online Business Developer

Marketing and Sales

Marketing Manager
Sales Manager
Product Manager
Market Researcher

Structure and programme contents

Study content

In our programme, you will learn all the essential skills needed for a successful career in management. We provide you with comprehensive knowledge in all relevant areas, including business administration and economics, business informatics, statistics and business law. Communication topics also play a central role in preparing you for the global challenges of the business world (e.g. negotiation skills).

After graduating, you will understand complex corporate structures and processes. Exciting career opportunities await you in areas such as corporate management, finance and accounting, marketing and sales, human resource management, digital business and supply chain management.

Practice orientation

The practical relevance of this programme is of the utmost importance, as it allows you to gain real insights into the working world while you are still studying. This is achieved through practical projects, the bachelor's thesis or, in the case of part-time studies, the professional practice module. The advantages of this practical relevance are manifold:

Real insights into the professional world: You will experience first-hand the challenges that companies have to overcome. This will better prepare you for your future career.
Applying knowledge in practice: You will use your theoretical knowledge to develop practical solutions. This will promote a deeper understanding and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations.
Currentness and relevance: Working on current projects and with the latest technologies will help you stay up to date. You will learn how to optimise processes, support companies with digitalisation or contribute innovative ideas.
Career opportunities: Successful projects during your studies can lead to job offers after you graduate with a Bachelor's degree. This offers you a direct link between your studies and your career start.
Lecturers and connected university: Our lecturers are true professionals with extensive practical experience and are often actively involved in the business world. Our university has an excellent network and ensures that your education offers exactly what the business world needs right now. This will make you a sought-after candidate on the job market.
Capacity for innovation: An essential part of your business studies is learning how to develop and implement innovative ideas. Although artificial intelligence can analyse data, creative thinking and the development of new business models remain human-only activities.

Our practical approach promotes professional competence, networking and increases the career opportunities of our graduates.

Study structure

Full-time

Would you like to focus exclusively on your studies? Then full-time study is the right choice for you. You can earn your bachelor's degree in just three years (6 semesters).

Part-time

Would you like to continue working alongside your studies? Are you involved in competitive sports? Do you have care responsibilities? Then part-time study is ideal for you. Important: If you work at least 50% in the commercial sector, you can have this work credited with up to 15 ECTS through additional written assignments. This allows you to complete your studies in four years (8 semesters).

Part-time flex

Our innovative part-time flex study model allows you to combine your studies and career in the best possible way. The model offers part-time students on the Bachelor's programme in Betriebsökonomie in Brugg-Windisch and Olten the opportunity to attend face-to-face and online classes.

One day per week (sometimes 1.5 days) is spent in face-to-face classes, which encourage personal interaction. The other modules are conducted online, eliminating travel time. The course content, examination requirements and duration of study are identical to the traditional part-time programme. Graduates receive the same Bachelor's degree.

It is possible to switch between the part-time models (classroom-based or flex) at the beginning of each semester, offering all students a high degree of flexibility.

Degree course structure

Standardised Assessment Stage

During your studies, you will first complete the assessment level, in which you will learn the basics of management and discover your professional strengths and interests.

The modules in the first year of study are structured in such a way that you can easily switch between the Business Informatics, Business Administration (International Management) and Betriebsökonomie programmes. This means that even after the first two semesters, you still have the freedom to choose the programme that suits you best. This allows you to remain flexible and find your way without unnecessarily prolonging your studies.

Individualised main study programme

In the main study programme, you choose from a wide range of modules to tailor your studies to your wishes and inclinations. Practical projects and your Bachelor's thesis complete your education. The range of specialisation modules allows you to pursue your own area of expertise and helps you to successfully implement your personal career plans.

Module Descriptions

Specialisations

In the second half of your studies, you will have a wide range of specialisation options available to you, which will help you prepare for your desired career. Depending on your interests and career plans, you can choose your areas of specialisation and thus lay the foundation for your successful professional development.

International

The FHNW School of Business offers numerous opportunities to gain international experience – from semesters abroad and double degrees to summer/winter schools, as well as virtual exchange formats and international projects. These opportunities will help you to develop professionally and personally, and will also prepare you for an international career.

Gain international experience during your studies

Your gateway to the international world

View your options

Requirements and admission

Direct admission

With the following qualifications you are directly admitted to the programme:

Professional Baccalaureate, commercial

Type Economics
Type Services

Higher Business Vocational School HF Diploma (Passerelle – maximum 90 ECTS credits can be transferred)

Business Economist HF
Banking Economist HF
Insurance Economist HF
Marketing Manager HF
Tourism Specialist HF
Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management

Transfer from Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences after consultation

Admission only with practical experience

With the following qualifications, you need at least one year of commercial work experience after completion of upper secondary education:

Professional Baccalaureate, other than commercial
General Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate (Grade point average requirements)
Specialised Middle School Baccalaureate
German University of Applied Sciences Entry Diploma entitling studies in all federal states of Germany (minimum grade 2.5)
Higher Vocational School (if not listed above)

Admission only with entrance exam

You can take an entrance exam with the following qualifications:

Federal PET Diplomas + 1 year of commercial work experience
EFZ (Federal Certificate of Competence) and minimum age of 25 years

Foreign degrees

For foreign degrees, please enquire at the admissions office.

Organisational matters

Fees and Grants

Tuition fees qualify for attendance of any Bachelor course within FHNW, independent of the particular enrolment at a faculty.

Registration fee (1)	once	CHF 200
Personal course fee (2)	per semester	CHF 750*
Copying and materials	per semester	CHF 100
Teaching materials, books, projects	per year	CHF 1000
Diploma fee	once	CHF 300

(1) A separate registration fee has to be paid for each programme you register for.

(2) Applies to:

Students whose civil law residence is in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein at the start of their studies
as well as Swiss citizens living abroad
or foreign students with civil law residence in a Swiss canton who hold a residence permit not issued for the purpose of studying.

For other students, please contact the admissions office.

*Personal course fee for EU or EFTA citizens: CHF 1 000.00 per semester
*Personal course fee for Non-European citizens: CHF 5 700.00 per semester

The determination of the semester fee requires the complete and correct completion of the Student Personal Data Form, which is sent to students before the start of their studies. The Student Personal Data Form including additional documents must be signed and submitted before the start of the studies.

Fees and regulations FHNW (PDF in German, valid from academic year 2025/2026)
Grants and loans

Registration and deadlines

1. Registration

Start of studies in September: We recommend early registration by April 30. Depending on your previous education, the following documents must be enclosed with the application:

University entrance qualification incl. report card (vocational baccalaureate certificate, baccalaureate certificate, etc.)
Federal diploma of higher education
Residence permit (if available)
Exmatriculation attestation (if available)

2. Timetable
You will receive your timetable for the first semester in July.

3. Introduction week
Mandatory introduction days will be held in week 37, just before your first semester begins. Exact dates will be provided in August.

4. Autumn semester (from week 38)

Duration: 14 weeks (from mid-September to Christmas)
Block week: week 45
Examinations: Early January to the beginning of February

5. Spring semester (from week 8)

Duration: 15 weeks (mid-February to the beginning of June)
Block week: Week before Easter
Examinations: June to beginning of July

Preparatory courses

The preparatory courses for studying at the FHNW School of Business are intended for future students who either have a non-commercial vocational baccalaureate, whose commercial vocational baccalaureate was completed some time ago or who feel insecure in one or more core subjects.

Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW: Vorkurs Financial Accounting (Rechnungswesen)
Zentrum Bildung am Standort Brugg: Vorkurse Rechnungswesen und Mathematik
Handelsschule KV Basel: Vorkurse Rechnungswesen und Mathematik
BBZ Olten: Vorkurse Mathematik und Finanzbuchhaltung

Further offers can be requested directly from the respective providers.

Compensation for disadvantages

Students with disabilities and chronic illnesses can apply for compensation for disadvantages.

The aim of compensation for disadvantages is to eliminate or reduce the disadvantages resulting from disabilities and chronic illnesses during studies by means of suitable measures. The term refers to the adaptation of the conditions under which learning and/or examinations take place, but not a modification of the learning objectives or a waiver of subjects. Compensation for disadvantages can be applied both in the admission procedure and in the degree programme.

Information sheet on compensation for disadvantages (PDF)
Contact

Military and Civil Service

The FHNW will help you coordinate your studies and compulsory military service in the best possible way. You can find all the information on training credits, credit transfer options, postponements and advice centers under the following link.

Informationen Military service, civilian service and civil defence

Downloads & Regulations

Flyer Bachelor Betriebsökonomie (PDF)
Flyer Bachelor degree programmes (PDF in German)
Regulations FHNW School of Business
Mandatory Notebook Requirement