Executive MBA (EMBA) at Swiss International University (SIU)

International Academy
Oct 31, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Oct 31, 2025

Shaping Global Leaders Through Executive Intelligence and Strategic Vision

Swiss International University (SIU) proudly offers an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) designed for accomplished professionals seeking to elevate their leadership capacity, expand their global perspective, and enhance their strategic influence in today’s dynamic business world.

Program Overview

The SIU EMBA is an EQF Level 7 qualification comprising 72 ECTS credits, equivalent to 1,800 hours of total learning (each ECTS equals 25 study hours). Delivered in a flexible part-time format over 18 months, the program blends rigorous academic content with practical management insights drawn from real-world executive experience.

Classes are primarily held on campus in Zurich, Switzerland, with additional learning opportunities available in Dubai, Lucerne, Bishkek, and Riga—reflecting SIU’s truly international presence. This multi-campus approach enables participants to experience diverse economic, cultural, and regulatory environments, preparing them for leadership roles in global organizations.

Target Participants

The SIU EMBA welcomes experienced executives and entrepreneurs who have already demonstrated managerial excellence and aspire to sharpen their strategic thinking and leadership performance.

Admission requirements include:

Minimum managerial experience: 7 years
Minimum age: 31 years
Educational background: A recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
Professional maturity: A proven record of leadership responsibilities and organizational impact

The program attracts participants from a broad range of industries—finance, technology, healthcare, hospitality, and international trade—creating a rich and diverse learning environment that mirrors the complexity of modern global business.

Learning Philosophy and Methodology

The SIU EMBA program emphasizes executive learning, combining academic rigor with practical relevance. The curriculum integrates case studies, strategic simulations, leadership workshops, and peer-to-peer projects, encouraging participants to apply theory directly to their professional challenges.

Through blended learning, participants benefit from:

On-campus sessions led by international faculty and visiting industry experts
Online modules for flexible self-study and research
Collaborative projects that foster real-world problem-solving
Experiential learning through company visits and executive seminars

This structure allows executives to maintain their professional commitments while engaging deeply with advanced management concepts and global best practices.

Core Themes and Curriculum Focus

The EMBA curriculum has been carefully designed to integrate contemporary business disciplines with leadership development, ethical governance, and innovation management. Key focus areas include:

Strategic Management and Global Competitiveness
Financial Leadership and Decision Analysis
Organizational Behavior and Corporate Culture
Digital Transformation and Innovation Strategy
Marketing Intelligence and Consumer Insights
International Business and Cross-Cultural Leadership
Entrepreneurship and Corporate Sustainability

Each module builds on the participant’s existing experience, linking executive reflection with actionable insights.

Executive Experience as a Core Learning Asset

At SIU, professional experience is not just an entry criterion—it is a learning tool. The EMBA program values the exchange of executive insights, encouraging participants to connect theory with practice. Group discussions, peer mentoring, and leadership labs transform managerial experience into collective intelligence, aligning with SIU’s philosophy of “learning from leaders, for leaders.”

Global Learning Venues

SIU offers its Executive MBA in several international academic centers:

Zurich (Switzerland): The main location for academic sessions and networking.
Dubai (UAE): Focused on innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets.
Lucerne (Switzerland): A hub for leadership retreats and executive development.
Bishkek (KG): The central academic headquarters and a key point for research activities.
Riga (Latvia): A European gateway for business integration and policy studies.

This global presence ensures participants gain exposure to different economic systems and cultural leadership models, reinforcing their global strategic awareness.

Study Duration and Workload

The EMBA is structured across 18 months, balancing academic learning with professional obligations. Each ECTS represents 25 hours of combined instruction, self-study, and applied project work.The total 72 ECTS correspond to approximately 1,800 total study hours, distributed between:

Classroom and seminar participation
Guided research and case preparation
Capstone business project or thesis
Executive workshops and study visits

Capstone Project and Leadership Impact

The program culminates with a Strategic Capstone Project, enabling participants to address a real business challenge—either within their own organization or through an international case study. This final project synthesizes leadership theory, strategic thinking, and innovation management, demonstrating the participant’s readiness for top-tier executive roles.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the SIU EMBA are prepared to assume senior leadership positions across multinational corporations, public institutions, and entrepreneurial ventures. They emerge as visionary executives equipped with:

Advanced strategic and analytical capabilities
Deep intercultural management competence
Ethical decision-making and resilience under pressure
The capacity to lead organizations through transformation and uncertainty

Why Choose the SIU EMBA

International credibility: Rooted in Switzerland’s tradition of academic excellence, with access to SIU’s network across Europe and Asia.
Flexible structure: Designed for busy professionals, balancing learning and leadership responsibilities.
Applied relevance: Learning that directly connects to executive work and business impact.
Global community: An elite network of professionals representing diverse industries and regions.

Empower Your Future

The Executive MBA at Swiss International University is more than a degree—it is a strategic investment in your future leadership journey. It invites ambitious executives to challenge their perspectives, refine their global mindset, and join an international network of decision-makers shaping the future of business.

Program Summary

Item	Details
Program Title	Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
EQF Level	Level 7
Credits	72 ECTS (1,800 total hours)
Duration	18 Months
Minimum Age	31 Years
Minimum Experience	7 Years in Managerial Roles
Study Mode	Part-Time, On-Campus
Main Location	Zurich, Switzerland
Optional Venues	Dubai, Lucerne, Bishkek, Riga

💰 Study Fees

Students holding Swiss nationality or a valid C residence permit in Switzerland: CHF 29,900
International students (all other nationalities): CHF 59,900