The Master of Science in Sustainable Business Development programme equips you with the skills to develop and implement sustainable business models that are economically successful and make a positive contribution to the environment and society. Working in international teams of students, you will combine knowledge from the fields of sustainability, business management and digitalisation and apply it directly in practice to drive sustainable change.
Factsheet
- Degree
- Triple Degree - Master of Science in Sustainable Business Development
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Learning environment
- Onsite
- ECTS points
- 120
- Next start
- 14.9.2026
- Duration
- 2 years
- Language
- German, French, English (trinational)
- Place
- Basel (CH), Offenburg (D), Strasbourg (F)
- Application fee
- CHF 200
- Semester fee
- CHF 750 for residents of Switzerland (for details, see Organisational matters/Fees)
At a glance
- Triple degree in three countries: You will study in Switzerland, Germany and France – and receive three recognised Master's degrees.
- Interdisciplinary and international: You will work in multilingual teams on real sustainability projects with partners from business, NGOs and the public sector.
- Three languages of instruction: You will deepen your subject and language skills in German, French and English – a strong foundation for international careers.
- Pure practice: Over half of the programme consists of concrete projects – you will learn how sustainable change can be achieved in organisations.
- Shaping the future: You will develop sustainable solutions for the major challenges of our time.
Why study this?
With Sustainable Business Development, you shape change – entrepreneurially, responsibly and with an international network.
As a sustainability expert, you are in demand wherever organisations need to break new ground: you develop solutions that combine ecological, economic and social goals – and implement them in international teams.
What sets you apart: you will graduate with three internationally recognised master's degrees:
- Master of Science FHNW in Sustainable Business Development (University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Northwestern, Switzerland)
- Master of Science in Sustainable Business Development (Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany)
- Master European Digital and Sustainable Business (University of Strasbourg, France)
Career prospects
Our graduates work in the following areas, among others:
Sustainability Management & ESG
You develop sustainability strategies, implement environmental and social standards, and report in line with ESG criteria.
Business Development & Innovation
You develop sustainable business models, promote impact-oriented start-ups and scale solutions with impact.
Project Management & Change Management
You lead transformation projects, develop new ways of working and implement cultural change in organisations.
Consulting & International Cooperation
You accompany companies and institutions on their path to sustainable action – in the private, public or civil society sectors.
NGOs, International Organisations & Public Sector
You help shape development, environmental or social projects – locally and globally.
Doctorate
A career in academia is also open to you: you can enrol in a doctoral programme at a university – ideal if you want to focus on research in sustainable development, international cooperation or organisational transformation. Thanks to the relevant research and methodological skills taught during the Master's programme and its duration of two years (120 ECTS), it is easy to go on to pursue a doctoral degree in the field of sustainability.
Structure and programme contents
Course content
The programme is designed to last four semesters and comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. Each semester consists of two parts:
- Fundamentals (15 ECTS): Theoretical foundations in economics, technology and sustainability.
- Impact Projects (15 ECTS): Practical projects applying the knowledge acquired.
The languages of instruction are German, French and English. In the first year of study, voluntary language courses are offered to facilitate the transition to the trinational programme. In the fourth semester, students write their Master's thesis, which focuses on a problem in the areas of sustainability and circular business models. The thesis can be carried out as part of an intrapreneurship, entrepreneurship or consulting project, or as accompanying research to an R&D project at one of the three universities.
Practical Projects, Thesis & Graduate Competencies
During the MSc in Sustainable Business Development, students spend half of their time on practical "Impact Projects," where they apply their knowledge as Sustainable Entrepreneurs, Sustainability Consultants, or Intrapreneurs. These projects are conducted in international teams, delivering real-world solutions with immediate impact.
Master’s thesis
In Semester 4, students complete a Master’s thesis (15 ECTS) focused on sustainability and circular business models, linked to their practical projects or ongoing R&D projects across the partner universities. Theses are supervised by faculty from the three institutions and defended before a jury of academic and industry representatives from Germany, France, and Switzerland.
Competencies
Graduates develop competencies to design and evaluate radical sustainable concepts, integrate digitalization in sustainable transformation, implement innovative ideas ethically, manage risks, solve interdisciplinary problems in international teams, lead sustainability in management, and reflect on the societal and environmental impact of their actions.
Semester plan
The MSc program spans four semesters across three countries:
- Semester 1 – Switzerland: FHNW Basel, instruction in German
- Semester 2 – Germany: Hochschule Offenburg, instruction in German
- Semesters 3 & 4 – France: EM Strasbourg Business School, instruction in French and English
Study locations
Lecturers
Requirements and admission
Admission Requirements
You can be admitted to the program if you meet the following requirements:
- Completed Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, natural sciences, or computer science.
- Bachelor's degree in other fields with proof of relevant aptitude and interest (e.g., through work experience, further education, certifications, or internships).
- Language proficiency: at least B1 (intermediate) in the three teaching languages – German, French, and English. A self-assessment grid can help you evaluate your language skills.
In the first year, you can take language courses in English, French, or German to improve your language skills.
In the first year, you can take language courses in English, French, or German to improve your language skills. If you have any questions about admission requirements, please contact us. We are happy to assist you.
Contact
Eligibility Assessment
Admission to the Sustainable Business Development (trinational) program requires an eligibility assessment, which includes:
- A motivation letter explaining your reasons and goals for pursuing the program.
- An interview with the program management to assess your suitability and motivation.
The eligibility assessment and admission process are regulated in the study regulations.
Application Notes
- Any ECTS credits already earned from an unfinished first degree must be declared during the admission process.
- Admission is not possible if you have been excluded from the same or a comparable program.
- A positive admission decision remains valid for two years.
For detailed information and specific requirements, it is recommended to consult the official FHNW website or contact the program management directly.
Organisational matters
Fees
Semester Tuition
FHNW | per semester | CHF 750* |
|---|
Additional Fees
Application Fee | one-time | CHF 200 |
|---|---|---|
Materials & Software Licenses | per semester | CHF 100 |
Diploma Fee | one-time | CHF 300 |
Additional Fees** | one-time (HSO) | EUR 240 |
one-time (EMS) | EUR 100 |
*For students residing in Switzerland at the start of the program.
For students residing in EU/EFTA countries: CHF 1,000 per semester.
For students residing outside Switzerland and EU/EFTA: CHF 7,500 per semester.
**Additional mandatory fees include administration, student body contribution, Graduate School services (HSO semester), and CVEC (EMS semester).
Application & Deadlines
If you are motivated and want to join the trinational Master's program, apply online now.
Required Documents:
- Bachelor’s diploma with transcript*
- Motivation letter (approx. 1 page, in German, French, or English)
- Curriculum Vitae
*Applications from students in their final bachelor semester are accepted; in this case, submit a certificate of study and latest transcript. The bachelor diploma must be provided before the program start.
Application deadline: May 31 for September intake.
Applications are processed within 3 days. Successful candidates are invited to an online interview, held monthly.
12 places are available per university.
Partner Universities
The trinational MSc in Sustainable Business Development is offered jointly by three partner universities:
- FHNW School of Business (Basel, Switzerland) – AACSB-accredited, practice-oriented and globally connected.
- Offenburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany) – practice-focused, innovative programs, high CHE ranking.
- EM Strasbourg Business School, Université de Strasbourg (France) – triple-accredited, research-active, top 100 worldwide in Financial Times ranking.
These universities collaborate closely on teaching, research, and international networking, offering students unique cross-border learning experiences.
Downloads & Regulatoins
Co-financing partner
Advising and information events
Non-binding information call
Info-Events
Loading...
Contact
Prof. Dr. Jörg Wombacher
- Phone
- +41 61 279 18 87
- joerg.wombacher@fhnw.ch
Registration
Number of study places per year limited to 36 in total, 12 per partner university.
Master of Science Sustainable Business Development (trinational)September 2026
- Date
- 14.9.2026
- Duration
- 2 years
- Place
- Basel, Offenburg, Strasbourg