ISP-MBA

The ISP combines core academic content with flexibility and breadth. All participants are required to take the core courses and the Team Building session. In addition, students must select at least three elective courses and may also choose from optional offerings, such as an introductory German language course.

Courses are thoughtfully scheduled to avoid overlap, making it possible to attend all ISP courses if desired. Required materials are provided free of charge.

• Academic load: 16–27 ECTS credits and 152–269 contact hours
• Courses cover a range of topics including: leadership, corporate governance, international management, sustainability, strategy, entrepreneurship, data science, communication, and investment banking

A detailed overview of the courses offered each semester can be found in the ISP Factsheet (PDF).

Example ISP Schedule (JPG)

A distinctive feature of the ISP is a curated series of 5 – 7 company visits to Swiss organisations across industries and sizes. These visits are fully integrated into the programme and provide students with firsthand exposure to how European businesses operate, innovate, and manage risk.

Through presentations by senior leaders, discussions with founders, and tours of manufacturing sites and labs, students gain valuable insight into real-world strategy, sustainability, supply chain resilience, and technological adaptation — including how Swiss firms are responding to AI, climate challenges, and global disruptions.

These visits are offered free of charge to all ISP participants and are a vital part of the programme's learning experience — combining cultural insight, professional exposure, and networking in equal measure.

Recently visited companies include:

• Zurich Insurance, Zurich
• Novartis, Basel
• Nestlé, Vevey
• Leica Geosystems, Heerbrugg
• Victorinox, Ibach
• Frontify, St.Gallen
• SFS Group, Heerbrugg
• United Nations, Geneva

All ISP courses are in English. Non-native English speakers must have minimum TOEFL score of 89 (ITB) or IELTS score 6.5. This requirement is waived for students enrolled in an English-taught MBA at the home university. 

As an MBA student at one of our partner universities, your application for an ISP guest stay at HSG needs to be processed by the International Office of your home university. Once your application has been checked by your International Office, the preliminary registration is handled by your home unversity with an electronic nomination process.

After you have been nominated by your home university, you will receive a password and further information about the application.

Application Procedure

The online application takes place in Mobility-Online. Once you login to your account, you will have a list of different tasks to complete. Of the various tasks, uploading personal documents of you is required. These documents are:

• Application confirmation (signed)
• Photocopy of valid passport or national identity card that you will use to enter Switzerland
• Photo* for Student Identification card (student ID)

Once you have completed the tasks, they will automatically be checked off. After you have completed the tasks and the Student Mobility Office has checked your application, your Acceptance Letter will be transmitted.