Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration combines solid theoretical knowledge with strong practical skills, making use of diversified, state-of-the-art training models, with alternating periods of study in the classroom and activities with companies. The training includes four specialisation areas: Marketing, Accounting & Controlling, Financial Services, Public & Non-profit.

Overview

  • Degree awarded

    Bachelor of Science SUPSI in Economia aziendale

  • Credits

    180 ECTS

  • Study modes

    Full Time (TP), from 3 years
    Extra-occupational studies (PAP), from 4 years
    Part-time (PT), from 4 years

  • Applications *

    (TP) November 17th, 2025 - April 30th, 2026
    (PAP) November 17th, 2025 - April 30th, 2026
    (PT) November 17th, 2025 - April 30th, 2026

  • Start date

    September 2026

  • Language

    Italian

  • Semester fee

    From CHF 800.-

  • Location

    Manno, Palazzo E

*For further details see the "Admission and application" section

Not to be missed

The Bachelor's degree in Business Administration enables students to acquire specific skills for successfully tackling complex problems, working in an analytical and interdisciplinary manner and developing a strong critical sense. Great attention is paid to the personal development of the student who will be able to act autonomously and responsibly, but at the same time work easily in a team. Studying business administration, today more than in the past, means going beyond technical knowledge to develop professional skills that embrace and unite the disciplinary dimension (knowledge) with the methodological-practical dimension (know-how) and the personal-relational dimension (how to be). Economic life in modern society is complex and rapidly changing, and it is in this context of challenges and changes that companies have an increasing need for employees and business managers with a solid ethical and disciplinary profile, capable of analysing phenomena with a critical spirit and attentive to the quality of relationships.
The SUPSI business economist is a privileged partner for the management of private and public companies with in-depth knowledge of models and methods in the fields of economics and management and isable to apply this knowledge in a systemic manner, assisting and participating in corporate governance decisions. He/she has a versatile and flexible profile and acts with autonomy and responsibility, working individually and in teams. He/she is able to cope with rapid socio-economic changes, relying on appropriate professional skills to successfully tackle complex problems, working in an analytical and interdisciplinary manner.

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Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration are highly valued for their preparation and for their professional problem-solving attitude. The interdisciplinary knowledge learnt allows for an articulate understanding and analysis of business and socio-economic realities, with particular sensitivity to regional and national issues.

The SUPSI business economist can work in Switzerland and abroad in various functions within an organisation.

Some examples are:
  • Assistant director
  • Consultant
  • Auditor
  • Chief accountant
  • Management controller
  • Assistant/ responsible for studies and market research
  • Sales and marketing assistant/manager
  • Assistant/head of the planning and research service
  • Human resources assistant/manager

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Bachelor graduates in business economics can continue their studies with a Master's degree in related fields, e.g. the  Master of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Innovation Management offered by SUPSI or other Master's degrees offered in Switzerland and abroad.
 
The SUPSI Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration also provides access to continuing education programmes:
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS)
Master of Advanced Studies (MAS).

SUPSI also offers a wide range of courses in the fields of business management, finance, human resources, marketing and business organisation, public and non-profit management and personal skills development.

The Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration also allows for specific training leading to higher professional diplomas such as: Diplomas in Finance and Controlling; AZEK Federal Diplomas; MarKom diplomas for chief marketing officer or communications consultant.

Our graduates are valued professionals who work successfully in a variety of fields. Most of them are employed in companies and public organisations in the Canton of Ticino and are involved in a wide variety of activities ranging from accounting/controlling/financial management, marketing/sales, administrative management, logistics, human resources and even management/staff. Some of the graduates continued their education by completing the SUPSI Master of Science in Business Administration or elsewhere, and some of them went on to pursue a successful academic career, earning a PhD (Doctorate) at other universities in Switzerland or abroad. 
Those who have been graduates for more than five years now find themselves in important positions of responsibility and management in Swiss SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), but also in large public and private companies, in which they hold management positions such as CFO (Chief Financial Officer), HR manager or even director/manager.
A substantial number of our graduates, despite the good professional position they have attained, refine and update their skills with SUPSI's Continuing Education offerings, specialising further in the tax/fiscal or human resources fields.

  • Professional and personal skills

    In addition to professional skills, the Bachelor's degree aims to develop the soft skills (interpersonal and personal skills) that are increasingly sought after in the workplace, such as teamwork, critical thinking, mediation, creativity and openness to change. Language skills, particularly German and English, also play a central role in students' education.

  • Specialisation addresses (Major)

    Personalisation of the study programme through the choice, in the last part of the training, of a specialisation address (Major) that completes the generalist skills acquired in the previous years of study. Possibility to choose from four specialisations, conceived and designed with local companies and responding to the real professional profiles required by the labour market: Accounting & Controlling; Financial Services; Marketing; Public & Non profit.

  • Teaching methods

    In addition to traditional lectures, workshops, seminars, practical activities in small groups, business cases to be developed, in-company projects and business games are offered. Thanks to the use of new technologies for teaching and the introduction of integrated teaching (in Blended Learning method), autonomous learning and reconciliation with extracurricular activities is also promoted.

  • Mobility

    The possibility of strengthening language skills and fostering cultural openness through participation in the SEMP programme (Swiss-European Mobility Programme, formerly Erasmus) and spending one or more semesters studying abroad. For further information please consult the SUPSI International Office website.

  • Optional modules

    Possibility to customise your pathway by choosing different optional modules.

  • Bachelor's thesis

    Concluding moment of the training that allows the student to broaden and apply theoretical concepts, methods and practical tools learnt during the training.

  • Collaboration with companies and institutions in the area

    The highly professionalised approach of the Bachelor's degree allows for continuous and constant contact with companies and institutions in the area, which is realised through case studies, classroom testimonials, company visits and practical projects. In particular, the in-company projects enable FT and PT students to get closer to the professional world and PPA students to reflect critically on the transfer of skills in their professional environment.

Specialisation addresses

The In-depth Address aims atdeepening a subject area and completing the generalist skills acquired in the previous years of study. The aim is to transmit additional ideas and tools that could be useful for professional activity or aimed at continuing studies with a Master's degree.
To date, the Bachelor's degree in Business Administration offers four in-depth courses, conceived and designed with local companies and in line with the demands of the labour market:
The major aims to further enhance the skills acquired by students during their training in the field of accounting and controlling. Through the study of the rules governing the presentation of the accounts of companies and groups of companies according to a "true and fair view" approach, the prerequisites are created for the presentation and use of true and transparent information indispensable to internal and external stakeholders. The consideration of elements of taxation, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate governance, coupled with practical exercises and testimonials from professionals, enable students to form a solid set of skills that are highly valued by the world of work.

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The major aims to provide a general and regulatory overview of the Swiss banking and insurance sector and to delve into traditional financial products and derivatives, combining theoretical concepts and their operational applications related to optimal portfolio management and risk management. The consideration of the latest trends, practical exercises and numerous testimonials from professionals enable students to prepare themselves adequately for the challenges of the industry.

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Market and consumers are the main topics explored within the Marketing major. To relate to these topics, students are provided with professional tools for the working world of the present and the near future, which can be used in a local as well as an international dimension. Digitisation and automation, the creation of products and services, the centrality of the relationship with individuals and communities, and the planning and impact of marketing investments on company profits constitute the fils rouges of this course.

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The major aims to extend the skills previously learned by students to the fields of public and private enterprises operating in the areas of public services and social enterprises. Starting from the reasons behind the public presence in the market and the different objectives of such enterprises, the programme delves into their forms of management and financing systems, business and governance models, marketing, communication and fundraising. In-depth insights at the level of individual services and external expert testimony will help round out the students' view of a challenging sector with great opportunities.

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The Bachelor's degree includes three modes of study enabling 180 ECTS over 6 or more semesters. Referring to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). One ECTS credit corresponds to a student workload of approximately 30 hours/lessons, supervised study and individual study.
3 years of full-time training with compulsory attendance.

In addition to the theoretical disciplinary courses and the chosen specialisation (Major), a real-life project is to be carried out on behalf of a company or organisation in the area, with the aim of analysing and investigating a specific situation and developing concrete proposals and recommendations (in-company project).
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4 years of training during which employment of at least 50% in the field of business administration must be maintained.

Mode of study that allows the knowledge learnt during training to be transferred to one's own work on a daily basis. A maximum work commitment of 80% is recommended as part of the training takes place in presence on a single working day (approx. 8:00-17:30) and one evening per week (approx. 18:00-21:15). Some Saturday morning classes and a second evening per week are possible. 
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4-6 years of part-time Bachelor for students who wish to maintain their family, professional, artistic, sporting or work commitments (in other vocational fields) and at the same time pursue their education, thanks to a customised timetable.

The study plan provides for completion within two academic years of the 1st year of the full-time (FT) pathway and in subsequent years, according to an individualised and agreed plan, of the 2nd and 3rd FT years. The study plan may also provide for the enrolment of modules in the parallel mode instead of the corresponding FT modules. The theoretical lectures are combined with activities carried out with local companies (in-company project).
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The contents of the published study plans reflect the structure of the modules and/or courses currently planned and may be subject to change over time, based on the evolution of the educational offering.

SUPSI offers those interested in embarking on a technical or economic education an optional mathematics test to check their level of preparation with respect to the prerequisites required to begin their training.
The test can be taken even before submitting the application for admission and should be seen as a support to help you start your studies at SUPSI in the best possible way.
You can find the test on elearning.supsi.ch.

Luana Luchetti

Docente / Co-Responsabile corso di laurea - Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care

Carlo Ferraris

Docente / Co-Responsabile corso di laurea - Dipartimento economia aziendale, sanità e sociale

Candidates with a vocational baccalaureate in economics and services (MPES) or a cantonal business baccalaureate are directly admitted to the Bachelor's degree programme in business administration. Holders of other diplomas are required to have professional practice in business administration and/or to pass an entrance examination in mathematics and accounting. 
Procedura di ammissione 
La domanda di ammissione si inoltra esclusivamente seguendo la procedura online disponibile sul Portale studenti.
Dopo alcuni giorni, una volta valutata la domanda di ammissione, seguirà una comunicazione tramite e-mail contenente l’esito della valutazione: ammissione diretta, ammissione previo superamento degli esami di ammissione (con relative indicazioni) o domanda di ammissione non conforme. Coloro che saranno ammessi direttamente dovranno poi confermare definitivamente la propria iscrizione, sempre tramite il Portale Studenti.

Procedura attitudinale
Per i candidati in possesso di una maturità estera e per le candidature su dossier (si veda paragrafi successivi) è previsto un esame di ammissione di matematica e contabilità. 

Corsi propedeutici
Il Dipartimento offre dei corsi propedeutici in matematica e contabilità, svolti da luglio a settembre, rivolti a tutti gli studenti che devono svolgere l’esame di ammissione e a coloro che desiderano ripassare i contenuti della maturità commerciale. I corsi sono organizzati in modalità online e prevedono auto-apprendimento a distanza e due sessioni di incontro in presenza. Lo studente può quindi organizzare in autonomia il proprio studio e verificare il proprio apprendimento durante gli incontri in presenza.
Tutti gli studenti ricevono una e-mail con le indicazioni per accedere ai corsi sulla piattaforma iCorsi.
Maggiori informazioni sui corsi propedeutici erogati nel 2023 saranno pubblicate prossimamente. In allegato è inoltre disponibile un pdf di approfondimento sulle varie attività di sostegno allo studio organizzate all’interno del Bachelor. 
 
Requisiti di ammissione
Al Bachelor in Economia aziendale sono ammessi i candidati in possesso di uno dei seguenti titoli di studio:
  • maturità professionale negli indirizzi economia e servizi (MPES) e maturità cantonale commerciale: accesso diretto al Bachelor 
  • maturità professionale tecnica, architettura e scienze della vita (MPT); creazione e arte (MPA); natura, paesaggio e alimentazione (MPN) o sanità e socialità (MPSS) oppure maturità liceale o equivalente: è richiesto un periodo di pratica professionale pregressa in ambito economico-aziendale di almeno un anno (l’esperienza non deve necessariamente essere continuativa nell’arco di un anno, ma è cumulabile)
  • maturità estere: vengono valutate su dossier. Per i diplomi afferenti all'area economica (es. istituti tecnici superiori ambito economico-aziendale), accesso diretto alla formazione previo superamento di un esame di ammissione in matematica e contabilità. Per i titolari di diplomi non afferenti all'ambito economico, l'ammissione è subordinata allo svolgimento di un periodo (almeno un anno) di pratica professionale in ambito economico-aziendale (da svolgere prima dell'inoltro della domanda di iscrizione) e al superamento dell'esame di ammissione in matematica e contabilità. 
  • Diplomi di scuole specializzate superiori affini al settore economico-gestionale: accesso diretto al Bachelor con la possibilità di riconoscimento di alcuni crediti
Per la modalità Parallela all’attività professionale è inoltre richiesto un contratto di lavoro in ambito economico-aziendale per un’occupazione minima del 50% a partire dall’inizio della formazione Bachelor.
 
Requisiti per altri profili
Al Bachelor possono essere ammessi candidati di età superiore ai 25 anni sprovvisti dei titoli di studio richiesti, ma ritenuti, da parte della Direzione, in possesso di una formazione e di un'esperienza lavorativa di almeno un anno in ambito economico-aziendale (candidature su dossier). In questi casi è previsto un esame di ammissione nelle seguenti materie: matematica e contabilità.
The application for admission is submitted exclusively by following the online procedure available on the Student Portal

After a few days, once the application for admission has been assessed, a communication will follow by e-mail containing the outcome of the assessment: direct admission, admission after passing the admission exams (with relevant indications) or non-compliant application. Those who will be directly admitted must then definitively confirm their enrolment, again via the Student Portal.
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For candidates with a foreign baccalaureate and for applications on dossier (see following paragraphs), an entrance examination in mathematics and accounting is required. 
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The department offers preparatory courses in mathematics and accounting, held from July to September, aimed at all students who have to take the entrance exam and those who wish to brush up on the contents of the commercial baccalaureate. The courses are organised online and involve self-study at a distance and two face-to-face sessions. The student can therefore independently organise their own study and check their learning during the in-presence meetings.
All students receive an e-mail with directions on how to access courses on the iCorsi platform. More information on the preparatory courses offered in 2023 will be published shortly. An in-depth pdf on the various study support activities organised within the Bachelor's programme is also attached.
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Candidates with one of the following degrees are admitted to the Bachelor's degree programme in Business Administration:
  • Vocational baccalaureate in economics and services (MPES) and cantonal business baccalaureate: direct access to Bachelor's degree 
  • Diploma of Technical Education​​​​​​​, architecture and life sciences (MPT); creation and art (MPA); nature, landscape and food (MPN) or health and social sciences (MPSS) or high school-leaving certificate or equivalent: at least one year's previous professional practice in business or economics is required (the experience does not have to be continuous within one year, but can be cumulated)
  • Foreign Baccalaureates: these are assessed on dossier. For diplomas relating to the economic area (e.g. higher technical institutes in the economic-business field), direct access to training after passing an entrance examination in mathematics and accounting. For holders of diplomas outside the field of economics, admission is subject to a period (at least one year) of professional practice in the field of economics and business administration (to be completed before the application is submitted) and passing an entrance examination in mathematics and accounting. 
  • Specialised Baccalaureate​​​​​​​ related to business management: direct access to the Bachelor's degree with the possibility of recognition of some credits
 
For the Parallel to Professional Activity mode, an employment contract in the economic-business sector is also required for a minimum of 50% employment from the start of Bachelor training.

Applications on dossier
Candidates over the age of 25 may be admitted to the Bachelor's degree programme if they do not have the required qualifications, but are deemed by the management to have at least one year's training and work experience in business administration. In these cases, an entrance examination is foreseen in the following subjects: mathematics and accounting.
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The application for admission must be submitted by the deadline (see overview).
Applications after the deadline are possible, only if places are available, by paying a fee of CHF 300.
SUPSI reserves the right to close applications if the maximum number of scheduled places available is reached.
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At the beginning of each academic year, there is a welcome event for first-year students enrolled in the Bachelor's degree program in Business Administration: the Kick-off.
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For the academic year 2025-26, the kick-off will take place on September 8, 2025. During the same week (8-12 sept.), classes will be held for students enrolled in the first year of the PAP and TP programs.

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Fee
The fee is CHF 1600 per semester, respectively CHF 800 for students benefiting from the application of the Intercantonal Agreement on Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts (Swiss nationality or tax domicile in Switzerland or Liechtenstein). Specific agreements apply for students resident in Campione d’Italia.
Application fee
A fee of CHF 200 must be paid online when applying for admission. In case an application is submitted after the deadline, the required fee is CHF 300. This fee is neither refundable nor deductible from the semester fee.
Administrative and logistical costs
A flat fee is also required as a contribution to tuition costs, which amounts to CHF 200 per semester for students enrolled in the full-time mode and CHF 160 per semester for students attending in the part-time and parallel to professional activity.
Scolarships
​​​​​​​Various public and private institutions offer support to students in need. More information on scholarships available here.

The latest news

Frequently asked questions

Open days/evenings are held between January and March each year, during which, for example, the content of the course, professional outlets and the admission procedure are presented. It is also possible to visit the campus and meet directly with students and lecturers.

SUPSI qualifications are valid both in Switzerland and worldwide. In regulated professions, SUPSI qualifications also qualify for the profession in Switzerland, while in other countries it is necessary to check with the relevant body for recognition.

You can take a semester an maximum one year at another university in Switzerland or abroad through related agreements. Find more information and reference contacts on the dedicated page.

They are a contribution to the costs of teaching (school materials, charges for visits, general administrative and secretarial costs, teaching and IT support, etc.).

Following the Bologna Reform, study courses have been structured into modules and each module is allocated a number of study credits according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). One ECTS credit is equivalent to a workload of 25 to 30 hours. 60 credits represent the annual workload in the case of full-time education. A Bachelor's degree requires 180 ECTS and a Master's degree 90 to 120 ECTS.

Si intende un’esperienza lavorativa dai 10 ai 12 mesi (non necessariamente presso la stessa azienda e non consecutivi) che abbia permesso di acquisire delle conoscenze professionali pratiche in ambito economico-aziendale, paragonabili a quelle dell’impiegato di commercio. Il settore di appartenenza dell’azienda o l’attività aziendale non costituiscono un fattore discriminante.

Sì, è possibile effettuare il passaggio alla modalità di studio PAP se entro il 1° settembre viene notificato al Segretariato il contratto di lavoro o documento equivalente.

La valutazione dei crediti formativi precedentemente conseguiti presso altre SUP/Università e del possibile riconoscimento di equipollenze è effettuata solo in seguito all’avvenuta iscrizione al Bachelor in Economia aziendale.

La frequenza alle lezioni e alle attività didattiche previste dai moduli non è obbligatoria, salvo se diversamente indicato nella scheda descrittiva di ciascun modulo. Le lezioni, salvo casi eccezionali, sono erogate in presenza.