Swiss Federal Diploma in
Business Administration

43%
of students received a scholarship from AUS.
60%
of our scholarships are awarded to women
90%
From BA to MA: 90% of our Bachelor’s Scholars are offered continued funding to complete their Master’s at AUS.

Advanced Federal Diploma of
Higher Education in Business Administration

The Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (ES) in Business Administration is a progressive, competency-based, and practice-oriented program designed to prepare students for the realities of today’s business world.
Delivered in English, the program is ideal for ambitious Swiss and international students who want to go beyond theory and build practical business skills. At AUS, students learn by doing through case studies, applied projects, business simulations, professional activities, real-world challenges, and a six-month internship opportunity.
Located on the Swiss Riviera, surrounded by Lake Geneva, the Swiss Alps, international companies, and a diverse student community, AUS offers a globally minded business education in one of Europe’s most inspiring study destinations.

Why Study the ES Diploma at AUS?

“A Swiss Business Education with Global Reach”

The Advanced Federal Diploma in Higher Education in Business Administration at AUS prepares students to become confident, responsible, and practice-ready business professionals.

The program combines Swiss academic structure with an international learning environment. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional mindset needed to work across business functions such as management, marketing, finance, human resources, logistics, project management, communication, and digital transformation.

For Swiss students, the program offers a strong professional pathway rooted in applied business education. For international students, it offers the chance to study in English in Switzerland, gain exposure to European business culture, and join a diverse academic community.

Learning Experience

AUS uses a continuous and applied assessment model designed to support student progress throughout the program. Instead of relying only on final exams, students are evaluated through practical and business-focused assessment methods that reflect real workplace situations.

Assessment methods include:

  • Case studies and applied assignments

  • Individual and group projects
  • Business simulations

  • Professional presentations
  • Research projects
  • Written and oral examinations

  • Professional reports

This approach helps students connect theory with practice and develop the confidence to solve real business problems.

Program Structure

The Advanced Federal Diploma in Higher Education in Business Administration is structured over three academic years and includes approximately 4,200 learning hours.


The program is designed to develop students step by step, starting with business foundations and moving toward advanced application, professional integration, and final qualification.

  • Year 1: Foundations of Business and Academic Skills

Students build essential knowledge in business, management, economics, communication, and academic methods. The focus is on understanding how organizations work and developing the study skills needed for success.

  • Year 2: Applied Business and Functional Integration

Students move deeper into applied business areas such as marketing, finance, operations, human resources, supply chain management, and digital tools. They begin connecting different business functions and applying knowledge to practical scenarios.

  • Year 3: Professional Integration and Qualification

Students strengthen their professional readiness by applying advanced business knowledge in practical settings. Through applied projects, professional activities, final assessments, and a six-month internship, they demonstrate their ability to perform effectively in real business environments.

Why AUS ?

Practical Learning, Personal Attention, International Mindset

At AUS, business education is designed to be active, personal, and career-focused.

Small Classes and Individual Support

Students benefit from intimate classroom environments and a strong faculty-to-student ratio. This allows for direct interaction with lecturers, personalized academic support, and a learning experience where students are seen, heard, and guided.

Learn from Business Practitioners

AUS lecturers bring professional experience into the classroom. Students do not only study business concepts. They explore how those concepts work in real companies, real markets, and real decision-making situations.

Multicultural Campus

AUS has welcomed students from more than 50 nationalities, creating a truly international atmosphere. Students learn alongside peers from different cultures, industries, and backgrounds, building the communication and collaboration skills needed in today’s global business world.

Industry Exposure

AUS is located close to important international companies and organizations, including Nestlé, Hublot, the United Nations, Swiss Post, and the International Olympic Committee. This gives students access to valuable business exposure through visits, networking, and professional learning opportunities.

Student Services That Support Your Journey

The AUS Student Services team supports students with practical and professional matters, including orientation, academic counseling, accommodation, health insurance, and residence permit guidance.

Term
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Fall Term
• Principles of Management
• Introduction to Marketing I
• Business Communication: Academic Writing
• Data Analysis for Business Decisions
• Language Competency Program I
• Microeconomics
• Professional Presentation and Negotiation Skills
• Corporate Finance
• Supply Chain Management II
• Language Competency Program IV
• Business Ethics


Optional course:

• International Business
and Global Strategy
• Employee Well-being
• Advanced Marketing Analytics
Internship
Winter Term
• Introduction to HRM I
• Introduction to Marketing II
• Operations Management Fundamentals
• Financial Accounting Fundamentals
• Business Data Analytics
• Language Competency Program II
Strategic Management
Qualitative Research
Management of Information Systems
Consumer Behaviour
Quantitative Research
Language Competency Program V
Internship
Spring Term
• Supply Chain Management I
• Macroeconomics
• Managerial Accounting Fundamentals
• Introduction to HRM II
• Language Competency Program III


Optional course:

• Transnational Leadership
• Sustainability and Corporate
• Social Responsibility
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Business Process Management and Optimisation
• Organisational Behaviour
• Project Management
• Introduction to E-Commerce
• Corporate Governance and Risk Management
• Language Competency Program VI



Optional course:

• Quality, Safety, and Environmental Management Systems
• Business Consulting
Digital Marketing