Studying and working internationally

Students may enroll for one or two semesters abroad at one of the over 150 partner universities of the FHNW School of Business. (For certain programmes this is a requirement.) The registration process (each year in February/March) will be communicated by the School of Business; registrations follow a regulated process.

What are the benefits? Insight into other cultures and working conditions, a free language skills upgrade, new contacts and friendships and much more.

Many exchange students come to us initially for one semester and then decide to stay on for a further semester. This is the best compliment we can receive. Exchange students are completely integrated in our regular programmes. They can benefit from a wide range of courses.

Conditions of application

1. Students must be enrolled at one of our 160 partner universities and officially nominated by their International Office for their exchange semester (we do not accept free movers for the Bachelor of Science programmes).
2. To apply as an exchange student at the School of Business FHNW, you must fulfil our language requirements.
   
   • For degree programmes and courses taught in English: Either a certificate from an acknowledged examiner (e.g.: Cambridge First A-B, Cambridge Advanced, TOEFL iBT 79, TOEFL (paper based) 540, TOEFL (computer based) 213, TOEIC 780, IELTS 6, ELP B2, Bec Vantage) or a personally signed letter from a lecturer or International Coordinator from the home university confirming the applicant has achieved a B2 level in English.
   • For degree programmes and courses taught in German: Either a certificate from an acknowledged examiner (e.g. Goethe-Zertifikat B2, telc B2) or a personally signed letter from a lecturer or International Coordinator from the home university confirming the applicant has achieved a B2 level in German.
3. Students must submit their online application dossier within the deadline after receiving further instructions by e-mail.

Important Dates

*NOTE: These dates only apply for exchange students enrolled in the BSc International Business Management Programme.

Grants / Swiss European Mobility Programme (SEMP)

Exchange students from a European partner university studying and living in Switzerland may be eligible to receive a Swiss Mobility grant from the Swiss Government. Swiss Mobility Grant (PDF)

Allowance for Exchange Students from non-European partner universities in the School of Business FHNW

An allowance will be awarded to incoming international exchange students from non-European partner universities who fulfil all the conditions listed below.

Conditions:

• To be eligible for the allowance students from one of FHNW’s exchange partner universities must participate in a formal exchange programme for at least one semester (minimum learning agreement: 15 ECTS), maximum one year (minimum learning agreement: 30 ECTS) at the FHNW School of Business at any of its three campuses.
• Exchange students who study for one or two semesters at the FHNW School of Business will be awarded an allowance (max. CHF 2200.00) during the study time at the School of Business FHNW.
• The FHNW reserves the right to reclaim the allowance in full in the case that a student discontinues her/his studies at FHNW due to disciplinary measures, or for any other reason for terminating her/ his studies.
• The FHNW reserves the right to reclaim the allowance in full if the student does not comply with the required academic standards and performance levels.

Accommodation

Students should budget between CHF 450 to CHF 600 per month for accommodation (which includes utilities). There are different housing options on each campus. Detailed description.

Further Information

• Course Information
• Exchange semester at the FHNW
• Information on Switzerland

For more information please contact the International Office.

Swiss bachelor students act as Buddies, taking care of exchange students and helping them to find their way around in the School of Business FHNW and in Switzerland. This task brings the Buddies intercultural experience and new contacts.

Exchange students can request a Buddy in their application form. These are organised by ESN Olten for all campuses.

Exciting projects in the ASEAN regions, China, India and the USA are carried out every year by the School of Business FHNW.

Bachelor students in their last year at the School of Business of the FHNW may apply to participate in Insight China, Focus India,  connectUS or exploreASEAN.

These projects are organised by a student team. They include a one-week preparation seminar in Olten (lectures, podium discussions and other events) and a two week on-site seminar in the countries visited.

A unique opportunity to meet successful managers, foreign students and leaders from a range of organisations and fast-growing businesses.

Summer schools provide an ideal opportunity to study subjects outside the curriculum, gain more in-depth knowledge of certain subjects, build networks and add to your credit points – even if you are on a tight budget or have a full calendar. The intensive one-to-three-week programme may include trips and provides the opportunity to develop your language and intercultural competence.

BSwiss-International Business Summer School at the FHNW in Basel

Open to Swiss and international bachelor students. Participants spend two weeks attending courses, visiting companies, discovering the local culture and creating networks.

Further Information

Summer School in Medellín, Colombia and Basel, Switzerland

The summer school is a two-week programme open to Swiss and Colombian students from all faculties of FHNW and EAFIT as well as university employees. During two exciting and challenging weeks, participants take a deep dive into the world of entrepreneurship by developing projects and business ideas from all fields of study.

Further Information

Experience China close up with a six-month internship in Harbin, in the Province of Heilongjiang. The School of Business runs a research centre (SSRCC) in Northeast China and facilitates market entry for Swiss SMEs. As an intern you will conduct research, market analysis and interviews and organise study trips for Swiss companies and business representatives.