FAQ
Can I transfer credits into BSL programs?
BSL accepts up to 90 credits (from recognized institutions of higher learning) into the BBA program. Credits are not transferable for MBA programs.
How is it possible to complete a BBA in two years at BSL?
The BSL BBA is a three year 180 ECTS-equivalent bachelor program accredited by ACBSP. In Europe, university programs are measured in terms of workload hours, which is a combination of class hours and study hours. The BSL program accelerates a typical three-year bachelor program into an intense two-year program by increasing the number of classes provided over the two-year period and by adding two 10 week summer terms.
The credit hours given by BSL differ slightly to both the traditional US systems of semester hours and quarter hours. During a calendar year, BSL gives four, ten-week terms, allowing students to earn 15 hours of credit per term. A student with a full load takes five, three credit-hour courses, with four contact hours per week per course, and thus spends a total of 20 hours per week in the classroom. By maintaining this rigorous schedule students can complete the 120 US credits required for the BBA in a minimum of eight terms or two calendar years.
What specializations are available at BSL?
The BSL degrees, especially our BBA and MBA specialize in ‘Global Business Management,’ giving you a wide range of skills in all business areas. In specializing in global business, you will be prepared for any area of business. We also provide dynamic masters programs that allow you to focus your studies on Finance, Marketing, International Business or Sustainable Entrepreneurship.
What is the language of tuition at BSL?
All courses at BSL are given in English, the international language of business.
What TOEFL score do I need to enter BSL?
Every potential student for BSL is interviewed in order to assess their level of English and their chances of success in the programmes. As a guide you’ll need English at TOEFL level 213 (computer based) or 550 (paper based). The BSL TOEFL code is 0018.
What are the estimated living expenses in Lausanne?
Furnished studio apartment with bathroom and kitchen facilities from - CHF 950.--
Furnished room from - CHF 600.--
Food and toiletries (If you prepare your own meals) - CHF 950.--
Medical & Accident insurance is compulsatory for each and every student in CH - For further detaills go to 'Insurance'.
Where do I live in Lausanne?
See the webpage on ‘Accommodation’
Do I need to take the GMAT to enter the MBA?
At BSL, we recommend complimenting an application with a GMAT score. Typically, we consider scores above 550, and the average score at BSL is 640. However, a GMAT score is not required, as we want to assess your real chances of success in the BSL environment through an interview. All MBA and EMBA candidates will interview with the Dean or Associate Dean before joining our program.
Does BSL have a distance-learning program?
Though we offer some online courses as preparation class (prerequisites for the MBA/EMBA) we do not offer distance learning. We believe that the most valuable part of the learning comes from interaction and discussion in the classroom.
Do I need a visa to study in Switzerland?
See the webpage ‘Visa Requirements’
Can I work in Switzerland with a Study Permit?
It is possible for students to work a maximum 15 hours per week during their studies PROVIDING both the school and the police give their prior permission (the employer must also obtain permission).
Does BSL offer scholarships?
BSL will provide scholarships on a case by case basis, for selected programs, depending on qualifications and diversity. Please contact our Admissions Department for further information.
What is the meaning of ‘accreditation’?
Institutional or program accreditations ensure that a school and its programs offer a high quality level of education. Only 10% of business schools are accredited (have undergone the rigorous accreditation process). BSL was the first business school in Europe to achieve full ACBSP accreditation for all of its programs in 1996. Institutional accreditations such as AACSP and EQUIS validate the viability of a school, whereas, program accreditations, such as AMBA (only for MBA programs) and ACBSP (for all business programs including the doctorate level) validate the continuous high quality of the programs delivered. For more information on BSL's accreditation, see 'Accreditation.'
Are BSL degrees equivalent under the European Credit Transfer System?
In accordance with the Bolognia reform, BSL has adapted all of its programs to ensure equivalence under the European university requirements. The BSL BBA program is a three-year 180 ECTS-equivalent bachelor program that is offered in an intense, accelerated 2-year program structure for ambitious students. All MBA courses, from full-time to modular to the Executive program are equivalent to 60 ECTS credits of post graduate degrees, recognized as MAS (Master of Advanced Studies degrees).
How do I reach BSL by public transportation?
The most direct way to BSL via public transportation is to take the TSOL (Metro) from the FLON, direction westbound to Renens. There are two stops along this line that have close access to BSL. The first possible BSL stop is “ UNIL - Mouline”. From here there is an approximate 8 minute walk to the school. The second possibility is to continue on the TSOL to the stop “Cerisaie”. While this stop is further along the metro line, and hence a few minutes longer to get to, the walk to BSL is approximately 4 minutes.
Are the Diplomas of BSL recognized?
The ACBSP accreditation ensures that BSL degrees are recognized and valued world‐wide. In the wake of the Bologna reform in European, universities rely increasingly on the ENIC‐NARIC (www.enic‐naric.net) system to verify degrees of other universities. Currently, BSL is listed in the U.S. NARIC system through CHEA providing the recognition of its degrees to any admission officer of universities across Europe our students may want to study at. In the United States, three bodies are officially entitled to list accredited institutions of higher learning, among them CHEA (Council of Higher Education Accrediation). www.enicnaric.net/index.aspx?c=USA
Why is BSL not on the Swiss ENIC list?
The Swiss ENIC system currently lists only Swiss state‐owned universities without the ability to list private institutions such as IMD or BSL.
Please note that both IMD and BSL are listed in the U.S. NARIC system (www.chea.org/search/actionProg.asp). BSL is listed in the U.S. NARIC system through CHEA providing the recognition of its degrees to any admission officer of universities across Europe our students may want to studyat. In the United States, three bodies are officially entitled to list accredited institutions of higher learning, among them CHEA (Council of Higher Education Accrediation).
The Bologna reform which is regulating university collaborations across Europe with a unified ECTS credit transfer system has placed new demands on the ENIC‐NARIC system as Admission Officers at various universities are challenged to evaluate the pertinence of various degrees they evaluate in student application files. An example: current limitations of the system include that private institutions in Switzerland are not considered by ENIC Switzerland which is part of the Swiss CRUS (Rectors’ Conference of Swiss Universities), a state‐owned institution.
Top tier private institutions such as IMD (recognized as among the top three business schools world‐wide) and BSL (ranked among the top 40 business schools in Europe) are as a result included in the U.S. NARIC list ensuring recognition of their degrees within the larger ENIC-NARIC network.www.enicnaric.net/index.aspx?c=USA
Working experience for doing an MBA?
If you are not sure that your work experience is sufficient for the MBA requirements: As an alternative to the MBA, we offer an outstanding Master's program for students with little to no work experience. Our 2-year Master in International Business (MIB) program is designed in the MBA format program. For more information visit MIB page.
Is BSL helping me to obtain the Study B Permit to live and study in Switzerland?
BSL will help and advice you with all the legal procedures to obtain your 'Study B Permit' that will allowed you live and study in Switzerland during your stay at BSL.
For more information about this procedure please read carefully the following link