FAQ

What is involved in the registration process to obtain a place in the IBM programme?

You may apply if you have passed the gymnasial Matura, specialist school (FMS) Matura or vocational Matura (all specialisations possible), and have good language skills in French, English and German (level B2 is recommended, but language diplomas are not mandatory).

To submit your application dossier, the application form must be completed and sent to the IBM secretariat together with the necessary enclosures (a handwritten letter of motivation, a copy of your Matura certificate, a passport photo and any job references and language diplomas). Application dossiers can also be submitted before you obtain your Matura, in which case the latest certificate or list of grades must be enclosed. In this case, the diploma must be submitted as soon as possible.

There is no deadline for applications. However, the course is popular and application dossiers are processed upon receipt, so it is worth applying as soon as possible.

After an initial evaluation of the application dossier, potential candidates are invited to an interview. After the interview, the candidates will be informed in writing of the results. It usually takes about two months from submission of the application dossier to the final decision.

What happens at the interview?

An invitation to the interview will follow an initial evaluation of the application dossiers. The interview can be conducted in German, French or English and assesses the suitability of the candidate for the trinational course.

Is work experience required for admission to the IBM programme?

No previous work experience is needed to apply to IBM, as the internships form an inte-gral part of the course of study.

A semester abroad is possible with "good grades" - what does that mean in concrete terms?

Basically, the first and second semester must be passed with a “sufficient” grade (French grading system: grade 10 out of 20, in all modules). "Good” grades are also an important criterion that increases students’ chances of being accepted for their first choice of partner universities. Therefore it is advisable to give it your best right from the start.

How does the internship search work?

The internships offer a great opportunity to shape your career in a variety of directions in accordance with your interests. Therefore, internship searches are the responsibility of the students. This is usually done via online portals or by sending unsolicited applications to known contacts. A list of companies that have already had IBM students working for them and are happy to accept applications again is now being compiled.

Can the internships also be completed abroad?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you complete internships abroad during your studies (including outside of Switzerland, France and Germany).

How can I best organise my accommodation during my studies?

Many students decide to live in Colmar for the first semester in order to immerse themselves completely in the local culture - and this is highly appreciated. The search for accommodation is carried out entirely by the students and in most cases takes place online (for example via Immojeune, Explorimmo, Le-bon-coin, etc.).

Other students form car pools to share travel costs. The train journey from Basel to Colmar takes 55 minutes and students get reduced fares. This is why students often commute by train.

For the semesters in Lörrach and Basel, most students look for a room or a shared flat in Lörrach, Basel or the surrounding area, and then travel by public transport or bicycle for the two semesters.

At the end of June there is a welcome event where all Swiss students get to know each other. This is often also an opportunity to find colleagues to share a flat with or arrange car pools.

What is the best way to prepare for IBM studies?

In addition to refreshing your language skills (de, en, fr), whether through courses or a stay in the country concerned, it is particularly recommended that you improve your knowledge of maths, for the economics subjects. Self-study exercises on algebra, differential calculations and derivations are definitely helpful to ease you into maths- based subjects.

Is it possible to work alongside IBM studies?

IBM studies are full-time (Monday to Friday). Occasional student jobs in the evenings or at weekends may be an option. However, the timetable varies from week to week. This means that you cannot have a standard work contract with regular working hours. In addition, it should be borne in mind that there are many challenges during the semester, such as the different languages of tuition, the change of study location and looking for an internship on your own. This time expenditure should not be underestimated.

What kind of jobs can I apply for after my IBM studies?

The IBM degree is a generalist business administration programme with a strong international focus. This means that graduates can apply to both large and small international companies. Popular areas of work are marketing, communication, human resources, sales, project management, auditing and controlling, finance, product management and much more. The graduate survey showed that there are no limits for graduates and that almost all industry sectors are represented as employers.