Application and Admission
What are the requirements?
The Master's programme in Banking and Finance is open to candidates with a Bachelor's degree from a variety of academic backgrounds, particularly in business administration, economics, data science, or (business) law. While a prior focus on banking and finance at the undergraduate level is not a formal requirement, it is considered beneficial. Applicants without foundational knowledge in these areas are assigned online courses to make up for some missing finance-related ECTS credits (see details below).
Admission
Admission to the MSc in Banking and Finance is competitive and limited. The Co-Heads of Programme review each application individually to determine whether the following criteria are met:
1. Bachelor's Degree (180 ECTS):
A completed undergraduate degree from a nationally accredited university or an institution officially recognized by the relevant governmental authority in the respective country. University accreditations such as AACSB, AMBA or EQUIS are beneficial.
2. Subject-Related Coursework (Minimum 24 ECTS):
Students must have covered at least 24 ECTS credits in subjects such as banking, finance, insurance, asset management, corporate finance, risk management, or related fields.
Applicants not meeting this requirement may be accepted based on the condition to follow finance online preparatory courses to make up for the missing ECTS. The Co-Heads of Programme determine which preparatory courses, if any, are required for each applicant. All assigned courses must be successfully completed by the end of the first academic year. Not all of the required subject-related ECTS can be made up with the Finance Online Courses. Exams for the students attending these courses to get access to the MSc in Banking and Finance are held onsite at Campus Zug-Rotkreuz, with two available dates: one in September and one in February.
The following preparatory courses are available:
- Basics of Finance (on our learning platform, free of charge)
- Portfolio Theory (on our learning platform, free of charge)
- Capital Markets (on our learning platform, free of charge)
- Fixed-Income Analysis (on our learning platform, free of charge)
- Derivatives & Risk Management (on our learning platform, free of charge)
- Basic Statistics (on coursera.com, certificate at the student's cost)
- Money & Banking (on coursera.com, certificate at the student's cost)
Voluntary participation without examination - to refresh existing knowledge - is also possible upon request.
3. English Language Proficiency:
Applicants applying for the English programme must demonstrate a strong command of English, equivalent to a C1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This requirement may also be fulfilled through a Bachelor's degree taught in English or by being a native speaker. Applicants applying for the Bilingual Track (German and English) do not require proof of level C1 in English. This offer is intended for German native speakers who have also passed their Bachelor’s degree in German. The language of instruction is also English in this case, but you will have the opportunity to write certain academic papers in German. Applicants who want to spend a semester abroad must have a C1 certificate in English.
The Co-Heads of Programme take the following aspects into account when evaluating applications:
- The grade point average (GPA) in the Bachelor’s degree and the quality of the university
- Additional course requirements (students that meet all admission requirements without conditions are prioritized)
- The letter of motivation
If necessary, a personal interview with the Co-Heads of Programme may be conducted as part of the admission process.
Application Deadline and Application Fee
The official deadline for all applications is 30 April (for the intake in Autumn semester). All application documents must be submitted through the online application. The Master of Science in Banking and Finance starts yearly in autumn. However, as admission is competitive and the number of places is limited, we strongly recommend applying early. Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis.
Applications submitted after the official deadline may be placed on a waiting list for the autumn intake or offered deferred admission to the autumn intake in the following year, depending on availability. Further up-to-date information will be published on the website at the online application link.
An application fee of CHF 250 is due in order to submit the online application. This fee is non-refundable in case of withdrawal and/or rejection. Applications or application documents will not be reviewed until the application fee has been paid in full.
Online Application
The following documents must be submitted as part of your online application:
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of Motivation
A typewritten personal statement (A4, on a separate sheet) outlining the following:
a. Personal characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, interests and dislikes
b. Reasons and motivations for applying to the MSc in Banking and Finance
c. Expectations regarding the benefits of the programme
d. Career objectives and long-term professional goals
- Academic Records
Copies of diplomas, certificates, transcripts of records, degree supplements, and any reference letters relating to your secondary and higher education, as well as to any vocational or professional training (if available)
- Bachelor's Thesis
A copy of your Bachelor's thesis including the final grade*
- Proof of Graduation or De-registration
Confirmation of graduation or, alternatively, de-registration documentation has to be submitted prior to the start of the programme
- Copy of Passport
- Residence Permit (for international students)
A copy of your valid residence permit must be submitted as soon as possible upon acceptance into the programme. After admission, prospective international students are sent checklists for the visa and/or residence permit process.
Important Note:
*Applicants who have not yet completed their Bachelor's degree at the time of application may submit any missing documents at a later date. However, if possible, they are encouraged to indicate which additional finance-related courses they plan to complete prior to graduation, as well as the intended topic of their Bachelor's thesis (if applicable).
We look forward to receiving your online registration.
