Incoming Double Degree Students

Academic experience
Double degree programmes at the bachelor's level offer a unique academic adventure, allowing students to delve into two distinct disciplines and discover new connections, all while enhancing their career prospects with double expertise. It's a journey of knowledge and creativity.

Double degree students can choose from a wide range of modules from across the FHNW School of Business.

Undergraduate programmes
Double Degree students have the privilege of selecting their desired degree programme based on the bilateral contract between their home university and the FHNW School of Business. Please refer to the table below to locate the campus where your degree programme is offered.

Study plan
A collaborative study plan has been designed between both universities. Your home university will provide you with specifics. To formalise this arrangement, you will be required to complete a learning agreement, conveniently available within the application form.

Grading system
The grading scale ranges from 1 to 6 in half-grades increments, with 1 denoting the lowest grade and 6 the highest. A minimum score of 4 is necessary to demonstrate satisfactory performance.

*FHNW School of Business does not have a nomination deadline, however, a late nomination must ensure that the application arrives on time.

To be eligible for a Double Degree Programme, certain fundamental requirements must be met:

1. Students must be enrolled at one of our Double Degree partner universities at bachelor’s level.
2. Students must have successfully completed the first part of their studies at their home university.
3. Students must fulfil the English requirements for being enrolled in an English-taught study programme (and/or in German for a German-taught study programme).
   
   Language proficiency
   Proficiency in English or German is a fundamental requirement for our double degree programmes. The FHNW School of Business accepts the following proficiency certificates.
   
   For degree programmes taught in English:
   Either a certificate from an acknowledged examiner (e.g., TOEFL 550 PBT / 95 iBT / iBT Home, IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Advanced (CAE), Cambridge Business Higher (BEC)) or a personally signed letter from the home institution confirming the student has achieved a C1 level in English.
   
   For degree programmes taught in German:
   Either a certificate from an acknowledged examiner (e.g., Goethe-Zertifikat C1, telc C1) or a personally signed letter from the home institution confirming the student has achieved a C1 level in German.

4. Students must be selected and officially nominated by their home university and submit an application dossier within the deadline.

Students participating in the Double Degree Programme are solely responsible for covering the following costs:

• Tuition fees to their home institution for the entire duration of their studies.
• Travel expenses.
• Costs associated with entry requirements, such as visas and residence permits.
• All expenses for accommodation and meals.
• Insurance.
• Personal expenses, including books, clothing, and public transportation.
• Any mandatory fees related to student services (e.g., administrative fees) payable to the host institution.

Swiss European Mobility Programme (SEMP)
Students from a European partner university studying and living in Switzerland may be eligible to receive a Swiss Mobility grant from the Swiss Government. Within the framework of the Swiss Programme for Erasmus+ students may be eligible to apply for a mobility grant of between CHF 2000 and CHF 2300 per semester, depending on the country of origin of your home university.

Greener Mobility
Students who travel to their host country via a sustainable transport may receive an additional financial support of CHF 100.00. Students must keep and submit the respective receipts (outward and return journey).

Costs for special needs
Students with disabilities can claim costs related to their disability and incurred due to mobility, e.g., special transport for a person with a wheelchair. The final reimbursement is made according to effective costs as supporting documents.

The FHNW School of Business offers information and assistance on barrier-free studying for students with disabilities. Further information

The information provided here is designed to assist you during your studies in Switzerland.

The FHNW School of Business has a presence in three different locations and cantons. Nevertheless, the convenience of short train journeys allows students to access courses across campuses. 

Approx. 30 minutes    Olten→Basel and Olten→Brugg-Windisch

Kindly review the campus information provided in the following links:

• Basel
• Brugg-Windisch
• Olten

We recommend that students budget between CHF 450 to CHF 900 per month for accommodation, inclusive of utilities. There are various housing options available on each campus.

A basic health insurance is compulsory for every citizen living in Switzerland. An exemption from the compulsory health insurance is possible in specific situations. Students from the European Union must submit a copy of their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which must be valid for the entire duration of their stay. Students from non-EU countries must buy a Swiss insurance policy in Switzerland within three months from taking up residence. Our International Office provides detailed information during the Info Session Day.

While it's not mandatory by law, we strongly advise double degree students to consider obtaining private liability insurance to safeguard themselves against potential third-party damage claims.

Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland:

• EU/EFTA citizens do not require a visa to enter Switzerland.
• Non-EU/EFTA citizens must apply for a visa to enter Switzerland. Once you have received the Letter of Acceptance, you should contact the nearest Swiss Embassy or Consulate and inquire about the visa application procedure. The visa application process can take between 1 and 3 months depending on your country of origin and other factors. We strongly recommend that you allow sufficient time to apply for and receive your visa.

Note: Students from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom do not need a visa, but they must apply for a residence permit.

A residence permit is needed for EU and for non-EU/EFA citizens. Upon arrival in Switzerland, our International Office will assist international students with the formalities to obtain the residence permit.

At the FHNW there is a strong presence of student organisations. The FHNW has several student organisations such as the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) FHNW and the Student Council. Local students run these organisations on a voluntary basis and organise activities, trips, the buddy system, and social events for and with international students throughout their stay at our university.
ESN FHNW

Buddy programme
A buddy is a regular student of the FHNW School of Business who will support international students during their period at our university, especially before and after their arrival in Switzerland; somebody who is easy to approach and ask questions even before your arrival.

The buddy’s main tasks are to help international students with practical matters during their stay in Switzerland as well as to adapt to the Swiss culture, student life and studying at the FHNW.

Double degree students can request a buddy in their online application form. Buddies are organised by ESN FHNW for all campuses and are free of charge.
Student Council

FHNW Sports offers an appealing and varied array of sporting activities catering to both regular exercise enthusiasts and those looking to explore less-frequented sports while making new friends.