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.
Your benefits
Find out more about the FHNW School of Business
and why you should choose our school for your exchange.
Students must be enrolled at one of our 170 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).
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.
Students must submit their online application dossier within the deadline after receiving further instructions by e-mail.
Important Dates
Autumn Semester
Spring Semester
Application Deadline
30 May
30 November
Semester Start
Mid September
Mid February
Semester End
End January
End June / *Beginning of June
*NOTE: These dates only apply for exchange students enrolled in the BSc International Business Management Programme.
Swiss European Mobility Programme (SEMP)
Exchange students from a European partner university studying and living in Switzerland are eligible to receive a Swiss Mobility grant from the Swiss Government. Swiss Mobility Grant (PDF)
Allowance
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.
As an exchange student, you are allowed to take a wide selection of courses. A study programme of at least 15 ECTS per semester is required by our university. Additionally, students should check with their home coordinator the rules of their learning agreement in advance. Course programme For more information please contact the International Office.
Maybe some facts about the class setting in Switzerland would be of interest. Such as that there are mixed classes, so regular local students and incoming students and that they will do group work also with Swiss students (emphasizing that they will get to know Swiss people and won’t be isolated). And then maybe about the usual size of the classes (number of students) and that it is a rather interactive approach, so that they are prepared that it is not just sitting and listening (at least in most classes) but that they are included. Also maybe that there is always a semester program for each class so that all the students know what topic will be discussed on what das and what has to be prepared.
This just as a suggestion, it would give me an idea of what I’m “getting into” and show how well planned and organised the FHNW is.
Buddy system
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.
The information provided here is designed to help you when studying in Switzerland.
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.
