About the Program
The Global MBA at Swiss International University (SIU) is an advanced postgraduate business program designed for professionals, managers, entrepreneurs, and future global leaders who want to strengthen their knowledge in international management, leadership, strategy, finance, marketing, digital transformation, and applied business research. This program is delivered across SIU Zurich, SIU Dubai, and SIU Bishkek.
Program Overview
The program is delivered 100% in English through a blended study method, combining flexible online learning with selected academic activities and optional on-campus engagement. Students may complete their thesis defense on campus in Zurich, Dubai, or Bishkek, giving the program a strong international academic and professional dimension.
Program Title: Global MBA
Study Level: Equal to ISCED / EQF Level 7*
European Cycle: Equal to the 2nd European cycle
Duration: 18 Months
Study Method: Blended
Language of Study: 100% English
ECTS: Equal to 90 ECTS
Tuition Fee: CHF 49,000
Thesis Defense: Zurich, Dubai, or Bishkek campus
*ISCED means the International Standard Classification of Education, a global framework used to compare education levels internationally. EQF means the European Qualifications Framework, which helps compare qualifications across European education systems. Level 7 usually refers to master’s-level studies.
This program starts once per year, on the first Monday of October. The first intake began in October 2013.
Program Content
First Year: 9 Modules
Global Business Strategy and Competitive Advantage
Leadership and Organizational Behavior
International Marketing and Brand Management
Corporate Finance and Managerial Accounting
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Digital Transformation and Business Innovation
Entrepreneurship and New Venture Development
International Business Law, Ethics, and Governance
Research Methods for Global Business
Second Year: Thesis
Global MBA Thesis
Thesis Defense
The thesis allows students to apply business administration knowledge, strategic thinking, and research methods to a real or research-based global business topic. The defense may be completed on campus in Zurich, Dubai, or Bishkek.
Learning Themes
The program focuses on key themes in modern global business, including:
International management, leadership, strategic decision-making, global market development, finance, marketing, operations, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, governance, sustainability, business ethics, and applied research.
Students are expected to develop the ability to analyze complex business challenges, lead teams across cultures, make strategic decisions, and apply research-based thinking to international business environments.
Typical Class Profile
Class size: Up to 25 students
Female participants: 63%
Average age: 37 years
Nationalities represented: 20
Average professional experience: 14 years
Benefits of the Program
The Global MBA is designed for learners who want to combine broad business administration knowledge with an international management perspective. It supports professionals who aim to lead organizations, manage global operations, develop business strategies, and make effective decisions in changing markets.
Key benefits include:
Flexible blended learning, 100% English instruction, international thesis defense options, practical executive-level business modules, strong focus on global leadership and strategy, development of research and decision-making skills, and a diverse classroom with experienced professionals from different countries and industries.
Who Can Apply?
This program is suitable for applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification and wish to continue to master’s-level studies in global business administration.
It is especially suitable for:
Managers, executives, entrepreneurs, business graduates, consultants, project managers, finance professionals, marketing professionals, operations managers, business development specialists, and applicants from related fields who want to develop advanced global business and leadership skills.
Applicants should have a good command of English and a strong interest in international business, leadership, strategy, innovation, digital transformation, and applied research.