Swiss-American liberal arts institution in Lugano with dual accreditation

DiscoverFranklin University Switzerland

Franklin University Switzerland, now also presented as Franklin Switzerland within the Swiss higher education framework, is a private Swiss-American institution in Lugano. It offers a broad undergraduate liberal arts education, graduate-level sustainability study and a distinctive Academic Travel model that connects classroom learning with real-world international experience.

LocationLugano / Sorengo, Switzerland
Founded1969
Academic modelSwiss-American liberal arts
RecognitionAccredited in Switzerland and the United States
A broader private university-style pathway in Switzerland

About Franklin University Switzerland

Franklin is a private Swiss-American higher education institution based in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. It differs from a pure business school because its academic identity is rooted in liberal arts, interdisciplinary study and international exposure.

The institution has announced its transition to the designation Franklin Switzerland as a recognised university institute within the Swiss system, while maintaining its academic continuity, dual accreditation and degree recognition. For families, the key point is that Franklin remains a private higher education option offering recognised bachelor’s and graduate-level pathways.

Franklin is especially relevant for students who want a broader undergraduate education than a specialised business school, with majors across management, finance, international relations, environmental studies, communication, health sciences, humanities and the arts.

Franklin Switzerland graduation and student community

School at a Glance

A clear overview of Franklin for families comparing private universities, business schools and international institutions in Switzerland.

Location

Via Ponte Tresa 29, 6924 Sorengo, near Lugano, Switzerland.

Institution type

Private Swiss-American liberal arts institution; recognised in Switzerland as a university institute and accredited in the United States.

Programmes

Bachelor’s programmes, 3-year bachelor option, Master of Arts in Sustainability and Transformation, study abroad and visiting student options.

Language of instruction

English.

Academic model

Liberal arts, interdisciplinary learning, small classes, Academic Travel and international exposure.

Bachelor options

Franklin lists 19 different bachelor’s programmes, with majors and combined major possibilities.

Student environment

International campus community in Lugano, with students from more than 50 countries.

Tuition

International undergraduate total estimated cost of attendance: about CHF 39,085 first semester and CHF 38,585 second semester. MAST founding cohort tuition: CHF 8,500 per semester / CHF 25,500 per year.

*Fees vary by citizenship, programme and selected options. Billed according to Franklin’s official tuition category.

Why students choose Franklin

Franklin is a strong option for students who want Switzerland, an American-style academic model and a wider academic choice than a specialised business school.

Swiss-American recognition

Franklin combines Swiss higher education recognition with U.S. accreditation, which can be useful for international mobility and graduate study.

Liberal arts flexibility

Students can combine disciplines and shape a broader academic pathway instead of being locked into one narrow professional track from day one.

Academic Travel

Academic Travel is a central part of the Franklin experience, connecting classroom study with international field learning every semester.

Lugano setting

The campus offers a more intimate environment in Ticino, with access to Switzerland, Northern Italy and the wider European context.

Small international community

Franklin highlights small class sizes and an international community with students from more than 50 countries.

3-year bachelor pathway

Eligible students with strong secondary credentials may enter with advanced standing and pursue selected bachelor’s majors in three years.

Programmes at Franklin

Franklin’s portfolio is broader than a business school. Its undergraduate majors cover international, business, social science, arts, humanities, environmental and health-related fields.

Undergraduate majors

Franklin lists a broad range of bachelor’s majors and combined major options.

  • International Management
  • International Marketing Management
  • Finance
  • Economics
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Health Sciences

Liberal arts and interdisciplinary fields

Students can also explore humanities, arts, environmental and cultural fields.

  • Environmental Sciences and Studies
  • Art Histories, Ecologies, Industries
  • Fashion Studies
  • Visual Communication Arts
  • History
  • French Studies
  • Italian Studies
  • Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies

Graduate and accelerated options

Graduate study currently includes the MAST programme, with selected students also able to consider accelerated bachelor routes.

  • Master of Arts in Sustainability and Transformation
  • 45 credits / 90 ECTS
  • Launching Fall 2026
  • Optional fourth semester to 60 credits / 120 ECTS
  • 3-year bachelor option with advanced standing
  • Study abroad and visiting student options

Academic experience and learning model

Franklin is best presented through its liberal arts model, Academic Travel and international setting.

Academic Travel

Students take Academic Travel courses that connect specific classes with structured international field experience.

Advanced standing

Franklin may grant advanced standing for recognised qualifications such as IB, Swiss Maturità, French Baccalaureate, A-Levels, AP and similar academic credentials.

Interdisciplinary study

The curriculum allows students to connect disciplines and build a profile across business, humanities, international affairs, science, arts or sustainability.

Career directions after Franklin

Franklin can support many pathways because of its broad academic portfolio and international learning model.

International business

Management, marketing, finance and economics majors can support students targeting business, consulting, entrepreneurship or corporate roles.

International affairs

International relations and political science pathways can support students interested in diplomacy, NGOs, policy and global organisations.

Sustainability and transformation

The MAST programme is positioned for students interested in systems change, climate, social impact, policy, business and community leadership.

Arts and communication

Media, visual communication, art histories and fashion-related fields can lead toward creative, cultural and communication careers.

Health and sciences

Health sciences can suit students considering medicine, health professions, public health or graduate-level preparation.

Graduate study

Franklin’s broad academic foundation can prepare students for postgraduate study in Europe, the United States or other international systems.

Discover Franklin in video

This recent graduation video gives a sense of the Franklin community and student experience.

Franklin is a distinctive Swiss-American option for students who want broader academic choice, international exposure and a recognised private higher education pathway in Switzerland.

Franklin University Switzerland page positioning

Frequently asked questions about Franklin

Useful answers for families comparing Franklin with other private institutions and business schools in Switzerland.

Is Franklin a business school only?

No. Franklin offers business-related majors, but its academic profile is broader and includes liberal arts, international relations, environmental studies, communication, health sciences, humanities and arts.

What is Franklin’s current status in Switzerland?

Franklin has announced its transition to Franklin Switzerland as a recognised university institute within the Swiss higher education framework, while keeping its dual accreditation and degree recognition.

Can students complete a bachelor’s degree in three years?

Yes, selected students may be eligible for a 3-year bachelor option if they are admitted with advanced standing credits based on recognised academic credentials.

Who is Franklin best suited to?

Franklin is well suited to students who want Switzerland, an American-style liberal arts education, a smaller international campus and broader academic flexibility than a pure business school.

How Edelweiss Panorama International helps students and families

We help families understand whether Franklin’s Swiss-American liberal arts model is the right fit compared with more specialised business schools in Geneva.

Academic fit

We help students decide whether a broad liberal arts pathway is more suitable than a focused business school.

Programme comparison

We compare Franklin with EU Business School, Webster Geneva and Geneva Business School depending on goals and academic style.

Admissions guidance

We support students with application planning, document preparation and practical enrolment steps.

Career-path discussion

We help clarify whether the student should prioritise management, international relations, sustainability, arts, health sciences or graduate study.

Would you like to explore whether Franklin is the right fit?

Choose the contact option that suits you best. We can help you assess fit, compare programmes and guide you through the next steps.

Book a 20-minute video call

Schedule a short consultation to discuss your academic background, goals and whether Franklin could be a suitable option.

Book on Calendly

WhatsApp us

Get in touch directly for quick questions about programmes, admissions, study level and the Lugano campus experience.

Chat on WhatsApp

Send us an enquiry

Prefer writing first? Share your profile, age, educational background and objectives through our contact form.

Open the form

Official school website

You can also visit Franklin’s official website for further information.

Comparable institutions to explore

Students considering Franklin often compare other private institutions in Switzerland depending on whether they prioritise business specialisation, Geneva location or a broader Swiss-American academic environment.

EU Business School Geneva

A private business school in Geneva for students interested in business, management, entrepreneurship, finance and international careers.

Discover EU Business School

Webster Geneva Campus

An American-accredited private institution offering business, international relations, technology and psychology in the Geneva region.

Discover Webster Geneva

Geneva Business School

A focused private business school in Geneva with bachelor’s, master’s, biotech MBA and online DBA options.

Discover Geneva Business School
Private business school in Geneva with bachelor’s, master’s, MBA and doctorate-level options

DiscoverGeneva Business School

Geneva Business School is a private business school with a flagship campus in Geneva and additional campuses in Barcelona and Madrid. Its Geneva offer is focused on business, management, international finance, international relations, digital marketing, sports management, entrepreneurship and biotech management.

LocationGeneva, Switzerland
CampusesGeneva, Barcelona and Madrid
ProgrammesBachelor, Master, MBA in Biotech Management and DBA
Teaching languageEnglish
A business-focused institution in Geneva’s international district

About Geneva Business School

Geneva Business School is a private institution focused on business education and international management. Its Geneva campus is presented by the school as its flagship campus and is located in the city’s international district, close to the United Nations and key international organisations.

The school’s portfolio is business-oriented, with undergraduate and graduate routes built around international management and specialisations such as international finance, international relations, digital marketing, sports management and entrepreneurship. At postgraduate level, the school also offers a specialised MBA in Biotech Management in Geneva.

For families comparing private institutions in Switzerland, Geneva Business School is best positioned as a focused business school option. It may suit students who want a clearly professional, international and business-led environment rather than a broad liberal arts or multi-subject university-style experience.

Geneva Business School Geneva campus

School at a Glance

A concise overview of Geneva Business School for students comparing private business schools and international management programmes in Switzerland.

Location

La Voie-Creuse 16, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.

Institution type

Private business school offering business and management programmes across several study levels.

Campus network

Geneva, Barcelona and Madrid. This page focuses on the Geneva campus and Swiss positioning.

Language of instruction

English.

Programmes

Bachelor of International Management, Master of International Management, MBA in Biotech Management and online Doctorate of Business Administration.

Study duration

Bachelor: 3 years. Master and MBA: 1.5 years / 3 semesters. DBA: 3 years / 6 semesters online.

Academic focus

International management, finance, international relations, digital marketing, sports management, entrepreneurship and biotech management.

Tuition

Geneva bachelor’s tuition: CHF 14,950 per semester. Geneva master’s tuition: CHF 10,500 per semester. Geneva MBA in Biotech Management: CHF 15,950 per semester. Administration fee in Geneva: CHF 3,000. Application fee: EUR 150.

*Fees vary by programme and selected options. Billed in CHF for Geneva tuition and administration fees.

Why students choose Geneva Business School

Geneva Business School may be relevant for students who want a focused business education, a Geneva location and a practical international management pathway.

Business-first positioning

The school is built around business and management rather than a broad academic portfolio, which makes the offer easy to understand for career-focused students.

Geneva international district

The Geneva campus is located close to international organisations, diplomatic institutions and the city’s global business environment.

Clear study ladder

Students can move from bachelor to master, MBA or doctorate-level study depending on academic background, experience and professional goals.

Professional specialisations

International finance, international relations, digital marketing, sports management and entrepreneurship give students several career-oriented directions.

Swiss and Spanish campus network

The school’s Geneva, Barcelona and Madrid locations can appeal to students looking for European mobility and international exposure.

Biotech management focus

The Geneva MBA in Biotech Management is a distinctive option for students or professionals interested in the business side of Switzerland’s life sciences sector.

Programmes at Geneva Business School

Geneva Business School offers a compact business-focused portfolio. The key Geneva options are the Bachelor of International Management, the Master of International Management and the MBA in Biotech Management, with the DBA delivered online.

Bachelor of International Management

A 3-year undergraduate business programme taught in English and available at the Geneva campus.

  • International Management
  • International Finance
  • International Relations
  • Digital Marketing
  • Sports Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Eligible double degree route with Universidad de Nebrija

Master of International Management

A 1.5-year postgraduate business programme designed for students seeking specialist preparation for management careers.

  • International Management
  • International Finance
  • International Relations
  • Digital Marketing
  • Sports Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Career-focused international business orientation

MBA and Doctorate options

Postgraduate options include a Geneva-based hybrid MBA in Biotech Management and an online DBA.

  • MBA in Biotech Management
  • Geneva Hybrid format
  • 1.5 years / 3 semesters for the MBA
  • Designed with biotech industry relevance
  • Doctorate of Business Administration online
  • 3 years / 6 semesters for the DBA

Learning experience and professional exposure

The Geneva Business School experience is best presented through international management, applied learning and proximity to Geneva’s professional ecosystem.

International business focus

The curriculum is built around management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, sport, international relations and business decision-making.

Geneva ecosystem

Geneva gives students proximity to international organisations, financial institutions, NGOs, companies and diplomatic networks.

Industry-oriented mindset

The MBA in Biotech Management in particular connects business learning with Switzerland’s life sciences and biotech environment.

Career directions after Geneva Business School

Geneva Business School can support students aiming for business, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, sport, international management and biotech-related career paths.

International management

Suitable for students targeting business development, management trainee roles, operations, project work or international company environments.

Finance and business analysis

International finance pathways can support students interested in financial services, analysis, corporate finance or further specialist study.

International relations and NGOs

The Geneva setting can appeal to students interested in organisations, diplomacy, NGOs and globally oriented professional contexts.

Digital marketing

Digital marketing specialisations can lead toward brand, communication, growth, content, campaign and digital business roles.

Sports management

Sports management may suit students interested in sport organisations, events, sponsorship, athlete management and sports business.

Biotech management

The MBA in Biotech Management can support professionals and graduates targeting business roles in the life sciences and biotech sectors.

Discover Geneva Business School in video

This video introduces Geneva Business School’s campuses in Geneva, Barcelona and Madrid.

Geneva Business School is best understood as a focused private business school for students seeking international management studies in Geneva.

Geneva Business School page positioning

Frequently asked questions about Geneva Business School

Useful answers to common questions families and students may ask when comparing Geneva Business School with other private institutions in Switzerland.

Is Geneva Business School only in Geneva?

No. Geneva Business School has campuses in Geneva, Barcelona and Madrid. This page focuses on the Geneva campus and the Swiss study context.

What programmes are available at Geneva Business School?

The school offers the Bachelor of International Management, Master of International Management, MBA in Biotech Management and an online Doctorate of Business Administration.

Are the programmes taught in English?

Yes. The school presents its main programmes as 100% taught in English.

Who is Geneva Business School best suited to?

It is generally best suited to students looking for a private business school with a clear international management focus and a practical Geneva-based environment.

How Edelweiss Panorama International helps students and families

Beyond presenting the school, we help families assess whether Geneva Business School is the right strategic fit compared with other private institutions in Switzerland.

Programme fit assessment

We help students compare bachelor, master, MBA and doctorate-level options based on academic background and goals.

Business school comparison

We explain how GBS differs from EU Business School, Webster Geneva and Franklin depending on academic style and student profile.

Admissions guidance

We support students with application planning, document preparation and the practical steps before enrolment.

Career-path discussion

We help students decide whether international management, finance, sport, marketing, entrepreneurship or biotech management is the best direction.

Would you like to explore whether Geneva Business School is the right fit?

Choose the contact option that suits you best. We can help you assess fit, compare programmes and guide you through the next steps.

Book a 20-minute video call

Schedule a short consultation to discuss your academic background, your goals and whether GBS could be a suitable option.

Book on Calendly

WhatsApp us

Get in touch directly for quick questions about programmes, admissions, study level and the Geneva campus experience.

Chat on WhatsApp

Send us an enquiry

Prefer writing first? Share your profile, age, educational background and objectives through our contact form.

Open the form

Official school website

You can also visit Geneva Business School’s official website for further information.

Comparable institutions to explore

Students considering Geneva Business School often compare other private institutions in Switzerland depending on whether they prioritise a Geneva business school, an American-style structure or a broader international academic environment.

EU Business School Geneva

A private business school in Geneva for students interested in business, management, entrepreneurship, finance and international careers.

Discover EU Business School

Webster Geneva Campus

An American-accredited private institution offering a broader academic portfolio across business, international relations, technology and psychology.

Discover Webster Geneva

Franklin University Switzerland

A private institution in Lugano with a broader academic profile, useful for students comparing business with a liberal arts-oriented environment.

Discover Franklin