BSwiss - Swiss International Business Summer School

School of Business

The BSwiss International Business Summer School offers hands-on insights into global business practices – right in the heart of Europe. Learn from industry experts, connect with students from around the world, and strengthen your international profile. Two intensive weeks that will broaden your perspective – academically, personally, and culturally.

Overview

Degree: Check with your dean of studies if and how this module will be accepted at your specific degree programme
Study mode: Full-time
Learning environment: Onsite
ECTS points: 5
Next start: 27.7.2026
Duration: 2 weeks
Language: English
Place: Basel, Switzerland
Application fee: CHF 950 (are waived for FHNW students) / CHF 400 for visits and cultural events (for details see fees)

At a glance

Hands-on international experience: Real-world business cases and company visits in Switzerland.
Global network: Connect with peers and professionals from around the world.
Expert-led learning: Courses taught by experienced lecturers and industry professionals.
Cultural enrichment: Discover Swiss culture while exploring Basel, a dynamic European business hub.

Why study this?

Goals

Gain insights into global business topics such as competitiveness, innovation, sustainability, migration, and economic dynamics through lectures, company visits, and case studies.
Apply theory in practice by working on real business cases, using practical tools and innovative methods to develop and advance business ideas.
Enhance teamwork and communication skills by collaborating in international and interdisciplinary groups with clear goals and diverse perspectives.
Build a global network by connecting with peers from Swiss and international partner institutions, fostering cultural awareness and long-term connections.

Target group

This programme is designed for Swiss and international bachelor’s students with an interest in international business. Participants should be curious about cross-cultural experiences, eager to broaden their perspectives, and motivated to collaborate with peers from around the world.

Structure and programme contents

Programme 2026 (preliminary)

Academic programme

he BSwiss Summer School offers an intensive programme specialised in studies of international management and economics in a Swiss environment.
The 2-week seminar offers a selection of topics, such as sustainability, innovation, migration and competitiveness, as well as culture, politics, and competitiveness, and is taught in English by our experienced lecturers.

Participants will enjoy an unforgettable experience through a variety of exciting cultural and social events. Field trips, company visits, and cultural excursions are tailored each year to align with the program's topics. In previous years, excursions on lecture-free days have included visits to destinations such as Mount Rigi, Ballenberg, Interlaken, Bern, and Lucerne, among others.

International

Basel is one of the most prosperous economic regions in Switzerland and Central Europe. Numerous international firms, namely Novartis, Roche, Syngenta, Lonza Group, UBS, Panalpina and Swiss International Airlines, have their headquarters in Basel.

The historic city has existed for over 2000 years and offers an outstanding quality of life, which ranks among the world's best. Basel is a lively hub of cultural activities, housing theatres, music venues, festivals and the highest concentration of museums across Europe. The city proudly holds various global trade fairs, including Baselworld and the largest Art Fair in the world, ARTBasel. Architecture enthusiasts can enjoy works by Herzog & de Meuron, Mario Botta, Diener & Diener, and others. Basel's nightlife is vibrant, with plenty of restaurants, snug bars, and lively parties that go on until dawn.

Located in the heart of Europe, with a world-renowned railway network and its own international airport close by, Basel serves as an excellent starting point for numerous travel opportunities. In under thirty minutes, you can cross over to France or Germany.

Requirements and admission

The programme is open to international and Swiss Bachelor students. Participants must have a minimum of two semesters of business studies and need to be fluent in English (advanced level: European levels B2 written/C1 oral).

Organisational matters

Application

Registration for 2026 will open soon. Places are limited. Please be aware that “early bird catches the worm”.

Credits

The ECTS credits are awarded for:

Reading preparatory literature
Full attendance and active participation during the Summer School
Group tasks and presentations
Short written assignments
Completing the survey after the Summer School

Venue and accommodation

All courses are held at the Basel campus of the FHNW School of Business in modern and well-equipped rooms.

Basel Peter Merian
Peter Merian Strasse 86
4052 Basel, Switzerland

Access to quiet study areas, computer facilities and free wireless internet access is provided for all participants.

Students organise their own accommodation during the BSwiss Summer School. However, we strongly recommend that students book their accommodation with Hyve Basel. Our long-standing partner for the BSwiss Summer School offers unbeatable value for money with an extra discount for BSwiss participants. Please contact bswiss.business@fhnw.ch directly for further information about the accommodation and to benefit from a discount. In an international atmosphere, students will find a variety of room types. It is a very friendly and fun place where people from all over the world meet. It is also very close to our campus and is often the starting point for activities.

Formalities

Liability

FHNW is only responsible for the quality of the programme. It does not act as a travel agent. Liability for all aspects of the travel arrangements is the individual responsibility of each participant.

Visas

EU citizens from Western Europe do not require a visa, only a valid passport or identity card.
EU citizens from Eastern Europe and non-EU citizens should contact the Swiss embassy or consulate in their country to enquire about entry permits and visas (a tourist visa is sufficient for up to 90 days).
Switzerland is part of the Schengen area. Please check whether you need a Schengen visa. More information

If students from non-EU countries complete the programme and then decide to travel, they must ensure that their passport or ID card (and visa) is valid for this period.The University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland does not cover the cost of a visa or any other costs in the event of an unsuccessful application.Upon successful application and payment of fees, the FHNW School of Business will issue a Letter of Acceptance for visa purposes. Please note that the visa application process can be very time consuming.

Insurance

Students are required to obtain their own international insurance policy and assume full responsibility for all insurance claims in this regard.

The insurance plan should include coverage for medical expenses, liability, accidents, and repatriation to the home country in case of emergency situations.
Obtaining a liability insurance policy is highly recommended. It is important to confirm that your domestic insurance policy provides coverage when abroad.

Fee

Tuition: CHF 950 (are waived for students of the FHNW)
Visits and cultural events: CHF 400

Not included: transport to Basel, health insurance, visa costs, meals, additional individual sightseeing trips and personal expenses.
Refund policy: Payment of the fees confirms the participant's commitment to take part in the programme. Please note that fees are non-refundable.

Module description

Module description 2025

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