ZHAW School of Management and Law

The ZHAW School of Management and Law (SML) is a premier business institution in Switzerland and one of the country’s largest schools of management, with around 9,000 students enrolled across bachelor's, master's, and executive education programs. Located in Winterthur within the Zurich metropolitan area, SML has been part of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) since 2007, originally founded in 1968. The student body includes more than 4,900 bachelor's and master's students, and over 4,100 executive education participants, supported by a team of 631 faculty and staff. It stands out for its strong alignment with industry needs and a mission rooted in excellence, innovation, and addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary education in management, law, and economics.

SML's organizational vision focuses on sustainable development, corporate responsibility, and applied learning. It integrates core values such as integrity, independence, and entrepreneurship throughout its operational and academic strategy. Through the delivery of practically oriented bachelor's and master's degree programs, along with executive education, the school prepares students for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. These offerings are reinforced by close cooperation with industry partners and a curriculum designed for real-world impact. This dual focus on academic excellence and professional applicability makes SML a flagship institution in applied sciences education.

SML holds the distinguished "Triple Crown" accreditation—AACSB (awarded in 2015), EQUIS, and FIBAA—placing it within the top 5% of business schools worldwide. As the first university of applied sciences in Switzerland to receive AACSB accreditation, it underscores its global academic leadership. SML's reputation is further bolstered by repeated inclusion in Financial Times rankings, particularly for its executive education and career outcomes. With a strong emphasis on global integration, SML partners with over 190 universities worldwide, offering its students expansive opportunities for international collaboration. The institution’s ethos—"Building Competence. Crossing Borders."—captures its commitment to both national roots and international reach, making it a magnet for ambitious students aiming to excel in globally interconnected markets.

ZHAW School of Management and Law crafts an outstanding bridge between academia and professional life, leveraging its strategic hub in the Zurich area to maintain strong and dynamic ties with leading Swiss industries. The school taps into Winterthur's industrial legacy and the broader Swiss business ecosystem to embed employability into all aspects of education. From project-based learning to industry-embedded research and internships, SML ensures that students enter the labor market with hands-on experience and relevant skillsets. Its pragmatic emphasis on practice-oriented education builds a foundation for success across industries including banking, consulting, law, and technology.

SML’s expansive alumni network strengthens its professional reach, with graduates occupying influential roles in corporations across Europe and beyond. These connections are supported by dedicated networking events and long-standing corporate alliances. Centers such as those for Corporate Responsibility, Asset Management, and Innovation Systems facilitate knowledge transfer and collaborative initiatives between faculty members, students, and industry leaders. Regular internships embedded within degree pathways provide students with exposure to real-world business environments, often serving as pipelines to full-time roles. This close industry engagement translates into high post-graduation placement rates and promising long-term career trajectories.

Notably, SML’s practical teaching methodology is propelled by a faculty predominantly drawn from experienced professionals, adding immediate workplace relevance to academic instruction. Its diverse master's programs—spanning fields like accounting, controlling, and business information technology—equip students for rapidly evolving leadership roles across global markets. Over 190 international partnerships support mobility, dual degrees, and study-abroad experiences that expand students' global perspectives while enhancing their employability. Executive education, attended by more than 4,000 professionals annually, also adds to the school’s reputation as a hub of lifelong learning. With robust partnerships and industry-aligned offerings, SML’s career ecosystem empowers its graduates to excel in both domestic firms and international organizations.

Choosing the ZHAW School of Management and Law offers a strategic advantage for students seeking a blend of academic prestige and professional readiness. As the largest business school at a Swiss university of applied sciences, SML’s recognized excellence is marked by the esteemed Triple Crown accreditation—AACSB, EQUIS, and FIBAA—held by a mere 5% of business schools worldwide. This status ensures graduates receive globally valued credentials, backed by high performance in international rankings, including those by the Financial Times. Students benefit from small class sizes and a hands-on learning model that bridges theoretical depth with concrete application.

SML’s educational offerings are not only interdisciplinary—combining management, law, economics, and finance—but also infused with innovation and taught by professionally experienced academics. The curriculum embeds ethical thinking and critical reasoning, with students solving complex problems reflective of real-world corporate scenarios. Specialized tracks in topics like sustainable finance and circular economy management align with emerging job markets, making graduates immediately relevant. Paired with this are over 190 international partnerships, enabling students to participate in global exchanges, collaborative courses, and dual degree options, expanding their cultural fluency while retaining a strong grounding in Swiss educational excellence.

Situated in the Zurich economic cluster, SML opens unmatched access to finance, tech, and sustainability sectors, positioning students at the heart of Europe’s dynamic business environment. With built-in internships, executive training pathways, and direct links to international corporations, SML ensures its graduates are not only highly employable but also equipped to lead responsibly. The school’s commitment to Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability (ERS) permeates through its mission, operations, and research agenda, preparing a new generation of business leaders attuned to societal needs. With cutting-edge infrastructure, an inclusive and international community, and proven career outcomes, ZHAW SML presents a compelling choice for talented individuals aspiring toward impactful careers.

The ZHAW School of Management and Law plays a vital role in shaping the future of business through forward-thinking research, practical innovation, and its unwavering dedication to responsible leadership. Its impact is rooted in a dual commitment: upholding academic rigor while creating meaningful, real-world applications. The school’s specialized research centers—such as those focused on Corporate Responsibility, Innovation Systems, Energy and Environment, and Social Law—anchor its contribution to areas that matter deeply to business and society. These centers work in close cooperation with industry and governmental bodies to develop solutions that promote economic, environmental, and social resilience.

At the heart of SML’s strategic orientation is its clear integration of Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability (ERS). These principles guide the school's teaching, research, and engagement activities. Through executive training programs in sustainable finance and topics like circular economy, the school not only educates future leaders but also influences current industry practices. Its initiatives in digital transformation—particularly in asset management and smart industrial systems—help businesses adapt to rapidly shifting global dynamics, ensuring continued relevance and competitiveness. Faculty-led research is regularly translated into actionable insights that empower enterprises to operate more responsibly and efficiently.

Beyond research, SML champions innovation through its entrepreneurial support ecosystem, which includes innovation labs, doctoral collaborations, corporate consulting services, and business incubation activities. These offerings are situated in Winterthur’s industrial ecosystem, a fertile ground for applied business experimentation. The school’s active involvement in international networks such as GRLI and ECPR underscores its global perspective on innovation and policy. Noteworthy achievements also include contributions to the development of worldwide ethical performance metrics and sustainability standards. By turning knowledge into impact, SML strengthens both local economies and global dialogues, preparing professionals not just to succeed, but to lead transformative change.

What languages are programs taught in? Most bachelor’s programs are taught in German, while many master’s programs—especially in business and finance—are delivered in English. Exchange students also have access to English-taught courses and language tandem opportunities.

What is the cost of living in Winterthur? Students typically budget 1,380–1,850 CHF monthly for housing and expenses. Winterthur is more affordable than Zurich, and support is available through SWOWI for locating suitable accommodation.

How are international students supported? The International Office assists with housing, social events, counseling, and integration. Students enjoy 24/7 library access, free ASVZ sports membership, and a welcoming, multicultural environment.

Bachelor’s applicants must hold recognized secondary school qualifications, while master’s candidates need a relevant bachelor’s degree and, for English-taught programs, proof of English proficiency. Application requirements vary by program, and candidates should check deadlines on the official website for precise entry criteria.

Tuition amounts to 720 CHF per semester for Swiss residents and 1, 220 CHF for international students. While international students pay higher fees, exchange stuednts generally only pay tuition to their home institution. While the SML offers no on-campus housing, staff assist students in securing accommodation. The main campus is located at St.-Georgen-Platz in central Winterthur.