English-Taught MBA Programmes in Austria & Switzerland
Overview of all English-taught MBA and EMBA programmes in Austria and Switzerland – including visa, tuition and career outlook for international students.
Austria offers English-taught MBAs at WU Vienna, SMBS Salzburg, MCI Innsbruck and LIMAK Linz (€15,000–€45,000). Switzerland is home to world-class schools such as IMD, St. Gallen and Zurich (CHF 35,000–120,000). Both countries provide clear visa pathways for non-EU students with post-study options (12 and 6 months respectively).
English-Taught MBA Programmes in Austria
Austria offers a growing range of English-taught MBA programmes – concentrated in Vienna, Salzburg, Graz and Innsbruck. Tuition ranges between €15,000–€45,000, with widespread international accreditations (AMBA, FIBAA).
- WU Executive Academy (Vienna) – triple-accredited, fully English-taught
- SMBS – University of Salzburg Business School
- MCI Management Center Innsbruck
- LIMAK Austrian Business School (Linz)
English-Taught MBA Programmes in Switzerland
Switzerland is home to some of the highest-ranked business schools in the world. English is the standard language in all international programmes; tuition ranges between CHF 35,000 and CHF 120,000.
- IMD Lausanne – global Top-10 Full-Time MBA
- University of St. Gallen (HSG) – MBA and EMBA in English
- University of Zurich – Executive MBA in English
- Geneva Business School and SBS Swiss Business School
Visa & Residence for International Students
Austria: Non-EU students need a "Residence Permit – Student" (~€731 proof of funds/month if under 24, ~€1,328 above). 20 hours of work per week are allowed. After graduation a 12-month job-search residence permit is granted.
Switzerland: Non-EU students apply for a national D-visa at the Swiss embassy in their home country. 15 hours of work per week are allowed from the 7th semester. After graduation a 6-month extension for job search is granted; EU/EFTA citizens benefit from free movement.
Career Outlook After Graduation
- Austria: Vienna is a hub for banking, UN organisations, energy and CEE markets
- Switzerland: highest post-MBA salaries in DACH – median €130,000–€180,000 CHF
- Both countries offer Red-White-Red Card / EU Blue Card equivalents for qualified professionals
- English is sufficient for most international corporations; German significantly expands options
FAQ
Are there English-taught MBA programmes in Austria?+
Yes. WU Executive Academy, SMBS Salzburg, MCI Innsbruck and LIMAK Linz all offer fully English-taught MBA and EMBA programmes.
What is the best English-taught MBA school in Switzerland?+
IMD Lausanne regularly tops global rankings (FT, Economist). The University of St. Gallen is the leading German-speaking business school offering English programmes.
How expensive is an MBA in Switzerland?+
Between CHF 35,000 (Geneva Business School) and CHF 120,000 (IMD Full-Time MBA). Living expenses add CHF 1,800–2,500 per month.
Can I work after my MBA in Austria or Switzerland?+
Austria: 12-month job-search residence permit, then Red-White-Red Card. Switzerland: 6-month extension; thereafter B work permit for qualified third-country nationals (quota-restricted).
Do I need to speak German?+
For an English MBA programme and jobs at international employers: no. For the local job market and daily life: recommended (A2–B1).
What is the cheapest MBA in Switzerland?+
The cheapest accredited options range from CHF 25,000–40,000: Geneva Business School, SBS Swiss Business School and selected EMBA programmes at the University of Zurich. Public universities (St. Gallen, Zurich, Lausanne) are typically cheaper than private business schools.
Which MBA programmes in Switzerland are taught in English?+
Virtually all international MBA programmes: IMD Lausanne, University of St. Gallen, University of Zurich Executive MBA, Geneva Business School, SBS Swiss Business School, EHL Hospitality Business School and Lucerne School of Business.