Bachelor of Science Business Artificial Intelligence

School of Business

With a focus on the practical application of AI, this German programme in Business Artificial Intelligence will teach you how intelligent systems can optimise processes, facilitate decision-making and enable innovative business models. Upon completion, you will be prepared to work as an AI expert, consultant or project manager in various industries, enabling you to play an active role in shaping the digital transformation.

Factsheet

Degree: Bachelor of Science FHNW in Business Artificial Intelligence
Study mode: Full-time and Part-time/work-study
Learning environment: Onsite
ECTS points: 180
Next start: 14.9.2026
Duration: 3 to 5 years
Language: German, depending on module selection also English
Place: 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: Choose between full-time and part-time and from a wide range of elective modules.
Application-oriented: Learn about AI in a practical way through real projects, case studies and modern tools.
Interdisciplinary: Combine economics, technology and ethics for a holistic view of AI.
Future-oriented: Qualify for in-demand roles in the fields of artificial intelligence and digitalisation.

Why study this?

The career fields are diverse and offer plenty of variety and challenges. With the AI knowledge acquired during your studies, you could manage projects involving AI, design and optimise business processes, pursue a career in marketing, join innovation teams in companies, administrations and organisations, work as a management consultant, or start your own business.

graphical representation of the interplay between humans, the economy and AI

Why study Business Artificial Intelligence?

Interaction

Artificial intelligence covers not only machine learning, but also knowledge-based systems. When humans and artificial intelligence collaborate effectively, they can develop intelligent systems that create an ethical, sustainable and successful future – a task that neither humans nor machines can accomplish alone.

Digitalisation

With your interdisciplinary knowledge, you will identify and develop innovative AI solutions and take on an advisory role. You will optimise processes, analyse and structure data using artificial intelligence, and develop effective strategies or new business models. You will help your company get the most out of data and support employees with difficult tasks. In this way, you will make a significant contribution to the success of your company.

Consulting

You take a close look at processes, procedures and dependencies in order to understand them. In doing so, you identify weaknesses and potential for the use of artificial intelligence. After analysing the current situation, you define what is needed to improve the process. You define and structure the implementation, how it should be in the future and how artificial intelligence will support it.

The environment

The economy needs creative people with an entrepreneurial mindset who can find modern, forward-looking solutions. You understand how the economy works and what makes companies successful. You manage projects and teams, working in line with corporate strategy to ensure the best cost-benefit ratio by utilising artificial intelligence to analyse data.

Career prospects

There are many different career opportunities with a wide range of tasks. You will bridge the gap between business, people and artificial intelligence and play an active role in shaping future-oriented companies.

Specifically, this degree programme opens up a wide range of career prospects and job opportunities in various industries. These professions offer you the prospect of working in a fast-growing and innovative environment. Some jobs and job profiles are specifically geared towards the use of AI. In other jobs, you can make a name for yourself with your AI skills. The programme supports you in further improving your career opportunities and taking on a leading position.

Examples of career opportunities:

Data scientist

You analyse and interpret complex data sets to gain valuable insights for companies. You develop machine learning models to make predictions and optimise business processes.

AI Engineer

You develop and implement AI solutions, create algorithms and work on the development of artificial neural networks. You also monitor the performance and accuracy of AI models.

Machine Learning Engineer

You will design and implement machine learning models and algorithms. You will work on training, testing and optimising models to maximise their efficiency.

Data Analyst

You collect, process and analyse data to support business decisions. You prepare reports and visualisations to make complex data understandable for decision-makers.

Business Intelligence Analyst

You use data analysis and modelling to develop and support business processes and strategies. You help companies make data-driven decisions.

AI Consultant

You advise companies on the implementation of AI technologies and solutions. You help them plan and execute AI projects to achieve their business goals.

Cybersecurity specialist

You use AI technologies to detect and prevent security threats. You work to protect systems and networks from attacks.

AI Manager

You plan and monitor the use of AI in companies. This includes strategic project planning, risk assessment, regulatory compliance and performance monitoring of AI applications.

Structure & programme contents

Study content

The Bachelor’s degree in Business Artificial Intelligence prepares you for tomorrow's digitalised world. You will learn about the possibilities of artificial intelligence and broaden your horizons with business administration fundamentals and computer science expertise. You will learn how to create data models and design information systems according to the highest security standards, how to derive new knowledge from data using machine learning, how to develop AI-supported applications, and how to create strategic advantages for companies through knowledge management. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills is the basis for success in the dynamic world of IT and business.

Practice orientation

Throughout the programme, practical application is experienced in the module group ‘Anwendung und Praxis’. Each semester, this module group provides practical tasks that reflect the challenges companies face daily.

The practical relevance of the Business Artificial Intelligence programme offers several advantages:

Application-oriented learning: The teaching is practical; theoretical knowledge is applied directly in real-life situations. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and enhances problem-solving skills in real-life situations.
Networking: Through projects and collaboration with companies and organisations, you can build valuable professional contacts to help you start your career and further your development.
Practical experience: You will gain practical experience through projects, case studies and your Bachelor's thesis during your studies, giving you an advantage when looking for a job.
Up-to-date content: Thanks to our close cooperation with the business world, we can regularly update the course content to reflect the latest industry developments and trends.
Soft skills: As well as technical skills, important soft skills such as teamwork, communication and project management are promoted. These are highly valued in the professional world.

These advantages ensure that students at the FHNW School of Business are optimally prepared for their professional future and can successfully establish themselves in the business world.

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. This allows you to complete your studies within a period of four or more years (at least 8 semesters).

Degree course structure

Compulsory modules and elective modules

The programme consists of five module groups. The basic study period is completed upon successful achievement of the compulsory modules (worth 60 ECTS credits) in the first year of study for full-time students, and in the second year for part-time students. You can tailor your studies to your preferences and career goals by selecting additional modules. All successfully completed modules earn ECTS credits and count towards the Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS credits).

Module Descriptions

Module Groups

The programme consists of compulsory and elective modules. The wide range of elective modules (from the second year onwards) allows you to put together an individual portfolio based on your personal preferences. You decide for yourself which of the four subject areas (module groups) you want to focus on. Each semester, you can choose from a wide range of elective modules.

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
Type Technology, Architecture, Life Sciences

Higher Business Vocational School HF Diploma in the fields of economics, technology or business informatics (up to of 75 ECTS credits can be credited)

Business IT specialist HF
Business economist HF
IT specialist HF
Marketing manager HF
Operations technician HF
Others in the fields of economics, technology or business IT on request

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

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.

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