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FAQ

  • General Questions & Answers
    • Who is the HWZ?
      The HWZ University of Applied Sciences Zurich is the biggest part-time University of Applied Sciences for Economics in Switzerland. It was founded in 1986 as the part-time HWV by the KV Switzerland and the Juventus Schools Foundation. It is a member of the Universities of Applied Sciences in Zurich.
    • In which fields does the HWZ offer courses?
      The core competencies of the HWZ are in the economic fields of Business Administration, Business Information Technology and Communications. All study courses, from the bachelor to the master and doctor’s degrees, are based on these competencies. The HWZ specializes in part-time study courses.
    • What experience does the HWZ have as a part-time University of Applied Sciences?
      In 1986, the HWZ was one of the first part-time Universities of Applied Sciences and has more than 20 years ' experience in offering part-time University of Applied Sciences study courses.
    • Are the HWZ degrees federally recognized?
      Yes, the HWZ is a member of the Universities of Applied Sciences in Zurich and each study course is accredited by both the Federal Government and the Canton of Zurich. Thus all study courses confer an internationally recognized and protected title of a Swiss University of Applied Sciences. All bachelor and master degree study courses are designed in line with the Bologna Model and therefore follow the latest international standards.
    • What is the maximum number of students in a study group at the HWZ?
      There is space for small study groups of 30 students, at the most 34, in the lecture theatres. This promotes the direct dialogue and at the same time promotes the best possible personal networking within the study group.
    • What experiences and scientific background can the lecturers offer?
      The lecturers at the HWZ are well qualified and competent experts from the economic field and offer you a practical and modern education (which is in line with the Bologna model).
    • The Bologna reform: what 's in it for me?
      Through the Bologna reform and the introduction of the ECTS model, which have all been implemented at the HWZ, study courses have become internationally comparable and, as a student, you therefore receive an increased mobility. Your studies can be credited by other Universities.

    • How does the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) work?
      ECTS stands for “European Credit Transfer System” and was developed by the European Union in order to guarantee a coherent process for academic recognition of studies across different countries. It provides a methodology to measure and compare the academic performances and to transfer them from one institution to another.
      The ECTS points credited in a subject can be submitted for recognition at another place of study such that the same study effort does not have to be repeated.

    • Who assigns the number of ECTS credits of a study course?
      It is the responsibility of the participating Universities to assign the corresponding number of credits to the various study courses. Credits will only be given if the study courses have been completed and all required examinations have been successfully passed.
    • What effort corresponds to one ECTS credit?
      One ECTS credit corresponds to an academic work effort of around 30 hours, consisting of lectures, practical work, self studies and the entire work effort required for the examinations. Through the introduction of this model, study courses became internationally comparable. The ECTS points credited in a subject can be submitted for recognition at another place of study.
    • How does the HWZ ensure quality?
      As a private University, the HWZ puts great emphasis on the services it provides and has implemented a systematic and continual quality management which incorporates a regular assessment, assurance and improvement of the quality of its services.
    • Where is the HWZ located?
      The HWZ is located in the heart of Zurich: three minutes by foot from the main Zurich railway station and from the car park "Gesssnerallee”. Therefore you will benefit from the HWZ’s ideal location and the ease with which you can get here. It is located in a generous building with a modern infrastructure which has been awarded with a price for "Good Buildings" in 2006. Map.
    • What other discounts / benefits will I enjoy as a HWZ student?
      HWZ students will receive a student certification with which they can enjoy the wide range of activities offered by the Academic Sports Club of the University of Zurich (ASVZ) and many others. Overview of benefits.
  • Bachelor Degrees
    • What are the objectives of a bachelor degree at the HWZ?
      The objective of our bachelor degree courses is to provide a practical course of studies with an in-depth knowledge of the business world. It is designed to enable a student to qualify for a middle or top management position.
      The bachelor degree courses offer an ideal combination of career and experience and thus enable a concurrent part-time work of 80% and even 90% in the case of the intensive study course in Business Administration.

    • What bachelor degree courses does the HWZ offer?
      • Business Administration (Business Administration) in German
      • Business Administration (Business Administration) in German (intensive study course)
      • Business Administration (Business Administration) in English
      • Business Communications
      • Business Information Technology

    • What is the duration of a part-time bachelor degree course?
      The degree courses usually take 4 years. Depending on previous studies, however, there may be an opportunity to directly enter the 4th semester of the course. You can find detailed information regarding this in the admission requirements.
    • How much can I work during the study course?
      During the degree course, a minimum part-time work of no less than 50% is required. Our courses are designed such that they allow for up to 80% part-time work – even 90% in the intensive study course.
    • How much work effort and ECTS credits are involved in a bachelor degree course?
      180 ECTS credits. One ECTS credit corresponds to an academic work effort of around 30 hours, consisting of lectures, practical work, self studies and the entire work effort required for the examinations.
    • How much study time do I need per week?
      In addition to the lectures, you should expect to put in around 10 hours per week to prepare for the lecturers and complete the independent assignments.
    • When do the lectures take place?
      The schedule of lectures during a normal week is as follows:
      One fixed day (8.15am to 4.45pm), plus a fixed evening (5.15pm to 9.30pm), plus a Friday evening (6.15pm to 9.30pm) which alternates weekly with a Saturday morning (8.15am to 12.30pm).
      You can condense your schedule for the Business Administration degree course (only when majoring in “General Management”). In this case, the lectures are held on one afternoon and evening as well as a full-day on Saturday.

    • What are the criteria for admission to a bachelor degree course?
      Direct admission to the HWZ bachelor degree courses is granted for
      • those who have completed an apprenticeship with a federally recognized vocational school-leaving certificate in a career field that is related to the chosen degree course;
      • holders of a federally recognized vocational school-leaving certificate without apprenticeship, or a high-school Baccalaureate with at least 1 year’s working experience in a career field that is related to the chosen degree course.


      Graduates of other institutions and with working experience may be admitted to the Bachelor degree courses after successfully passing an entry examination. Admission requirements.

    • Is it possible to study abroad for one semester?

      You have the opportunity to study for one semester at a University aboard. At the moment, we have a close cooperation with the following Universities:

      • USA: University of California, San Diego
      • USA: University of Virginia, Darden School of Business, Virginia
      • China: Beijing Union University
      • Australia: University of Southern Queensland
      • Finland: HAAGA University
      • Other Universities: students may organize an exchange semester at another University with the prior approval of the course management.

       

      Additional information can be found on the student exchange page.

    • Is it possible to attend language courses at the HWZ?
      We can offer you the opportunity to sit for the internationally accredited TOEIC-Test (Test of English for International Communications). You will prepare for this test on your own. Recommended preparatory literature.
      Furthermore, we offer courses in Chinese to our students.

    • Can I book a tentative study place until I lodge my final application?
      For reasons of fairness we are not able to take bookings for tentative study places. We make it a point that all applicants shall have the same opportunities.
    • Which documents do I need to attach to my application?
      • Copies of the required academic transcripts and certifications (certificate of competence, other certifications and diplomas)
      • 2 passport-sized photographs
      • Confirmation of the required working experience (work referrals or work confirmation letters)

       

      Your application will be assessed by the administration and the course management. If your documentation is complete and you meet the application requirements, then you will receive a confirmation and the invoice for the matriculation. This amount will be charged together with the fees for the first semester.

    • What are the costs involved?

      The study costs are as follows:

      • Study fees per semester CHF 4,980.00
      • Study materials per semester approx. CHF 300.00
      • Seminars (4th, 6th and 8th semester) each approx. CHF 500.00
      • Assessment examination at the end of the 3rd semester CHF 350.00
      • Bachelor examination at the end of the 8th semester CHF 750.00


    • Why are the HWZ charges different from those of Federal Universities?
      The HWZ is a private University and does not receive any federal support. It has to meet all its expenses on its own and contributes to the education system in that it helps to fulfill the federal educational charter in the same way as the other Universities of Applied Sciences.
      The HWZ is a member of the Universities of Applied Sciences of Zurich and adheres to the regulations and recommendations for courses at Universities of Applied Sciences.

    • Can I count on scholarships?
      You can apply to your local government for scholarships. State laws apply.
    • Can the study fees be deducted from taxes?
      Taxes are a matter of the states. At the moment, study fees are not tax-deductible in the Canton of Zurich. The HWZ is lobbying at the state and federal levels for the tax deductibility of study fees.
    • What payment option do I have?
      The fees for the bachelor degree courses can be paid either as a semester fee or as a monthly payment in 6 installments. Regardless of the payment option, full payment is to be made before the beginning of the semester.
      If the invoices for the fees are to be sent to the employer, then we require a written confirmation of the employer which states that it will honor the financial liabilities arising from the current contractual relationship.

  • Master Degree Courses
    • What is an academic MBA?

      In order for an MBA to be an "academic" MBA, three things must hold: 

      1. The prerequisite to enter the MBA program is a Bachelor degree. 
      2.  You must show a leadership experience of at least two years.

      The academic MBA is the prerequisite for a doctorate program. In other words, an MBA which does not lead into a doctorate program cannot be an academic MBA. Without a Bachelor degree together with the MBA, you will not be able to do a DBA.

       

      The HWZ-USQ MBA is an academic MBA.

       

      Special Circumstances: You may also join the HWZ MBA program without a Bachelor degree, but

      a) you will need a long track of at least 5 years of leadership
      b) you will not be able to apply for a later DBA
      c) You will need a special acceptance both from HWZ and USQ

      See also Q3 and Q6.3 on this topic.

       

    • Can one do a PhD after completing the MBA?

      The MBA makes up 50% of the DBA. The PhD requires a Research Master, which is different from the MBA. Thus, the MBA does not qualify for a PhD at USQ. Some other universities may still accept the MBA as an entry for a PhD, but there is no guarantee.

    • Is the DBA equivalent to a Ph.D.?

      As far as the title is concerned, yes. Both degrees entitle a person to use the title "Dr." in front of the name. However, in the Anglo-Saxon (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) educational system the Ph.D. (Philosophy Doctor) is a research-oriented program which lasts 3-5 years, while the DBA is a practice-oriented program (applied sciences) which takes about three years to complete. However, other educational systems (e.g., Switzerland, Germany) simply translate their doctorate degree to "Ph.D.", which is not quite correct. If a MBA graduate can do a Ph.D. at a Swiss or German university must be addressed individually.

    • What do BBA, MBA and DBA mean?

      BBA stands for Bachelor of Business Administration, MBA for Master of Business Administration and DBA for Doctor of Business Administration. The first letters, "B", "M" and "D" indicate the level and the second two letters, "BA", indicate the field.

    • What is an executive MBA?

      An executive MBA has three main characteristics: (1) The entrance requirements are less stringent than for the academic MBA; i.e., someone without a Bachelor degree but with a lot of practical experience can also enter an executive MBA program. (2) The executive MBA is not accepted as a basis for a DBA. (3) The executive MBA is about 2/3 of the work load of the regular MBA. Note: "Executive Master" means in German "Nachdiplomstudium".

    • What is the difference between a MAS, an EMBA and an MBA?
      The MAS Master of Advanced Studies and EMBA Executive Master of Business Administration are federally recognized further education diplomas with a protected title conferred by Universities of Applied Sciences. In contrast to a MAS, an EMBA title can only be conferred in the field of Economics. The EMBA is designed in accordance with international standards. An MBA is a protected title of a University degree and thus has a higher status than a pure “Executive MBA”. The HWZ, in partnership with the University of Southern Queensland, offers an MBA that is internationally recognized.
    • What is the difference between a course, a CAS, a DAS and a Master Degree?
      1. Further education courses: certificate of attendance, no title, rather more general admission.
      2. Certification courses: Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), at least 10 ECTS credits, duration approx. 1 semester
      3. Diploma courses: Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS), at least 30 ECTS credits, duration approx. 2 semesters
      4. Master degrees: at least 60 ECTS credits, duration 3-5 semesters

    • What is the effort required for a master degree course?
      The work effort required of students pursuing a post-graduate degree is generally around 1,500 to 1,800 hours per (study-) year. As one credit point corresponds to around 25 to 30 working hours, the overall effort corresponds to 60 ECTS credits.

    • Can I continue to work full-time (100%) during my studies?
      Our experience has shown that most graduates continued to work 100% during their studies. Only a few students have reduced their workload to 80% or 90%. Thanks to the existing infrastructure (WLAN), accessibility by email is ensured during breaks and over lunch.

    • Admission to Post-Graduate Studies at a University of Applied Sciences.

      The regulations of the EVD dated 2nd September 2005 provide for the following admission requirements for post-graduate studies:

      1. Admission to a post-graduate degree course required a graduate degree from a University.
      2. Students who are not graduates of a University may be admitted if they can prove their ability to purse such studies through other means (‘sur dossier” examination).


  • CAS Certification Courses
    • What is the difference between a course, a CAS, a DAS and a Master Degree?
      1. Further education courses: certificate of attendance, no title, rather more general admission.
      2. Certification courses: Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), at least 10 ECTS credits, duration approx. 1 semester
      3. Diploma courses: Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS),at least 30 ECTS credits, duration approx. 2 semesters
      4. Master degrees: at least 60 ECTS credits, duration 3-5 semesters

       

HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich | Phone.: +41 (0)43 322 26 00 | sekretariat@fh-hwz.ch Legal informations © HWZ 2010