Self-test "Betriebswirtschafter HF / Betriebswirtschafterin HF": Is this course the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as a business economist HF suits you and whether further training in business administration at a university of applied sciences (HF) is right for you.
What does the everyday working life of HF business economists with a HF diploma look like?
A business economist HF has the generalist skills required to take on specialist or management positions in various areas of the company. These can be tasks in the areas of marketing, HR, accounting, project management, process management, IT or in other specialist areas.
In SMEs, business economists HF with the relevant professional experience are often found in management positions. Their strength is their versatile specialist knowledge and the associated company-wide perspective. In practice, a business economist HF creates concepts, optimizes business processes, plans and manages projects and takes on various implementation tasks.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a business economist HF?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your HF degree, take a look at theEducational guidance offered by Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that there are only jobs that you are more suited to, in which case you are in the right place with this training.
Perhaps another, related training program would suit you better? For example:
If a management position of this kind does not appeal to you, intermediate steps such as
- Accounting Clerk Accounting Clerk
- Marketing Officer Marketingor
- personal development to become aManagement Assistantbe a solution.
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Target group and skills: Who is the Business Administration HF further education course suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
Further training in business administration at a university of applied sciences to become a business economist HF is suitable for
- for professionals with basic vocational training (EFZ) in the commercial sector and corresponding commercial work experience who would like to receive general business management training in order to be able to take on specialist and management tasks in the future.
- for interested persons with a corresponding federal certificate of proficiency and practical experience who would like to continue their education in the field of business administration and would like to do a generalist training rather than a specialization.
- for ambitious professionals with an apprenticeship (EFZ) in the commercial sector and relevant professional experience who would like to better understand business management contexts and give their career a boost with a generalist business management training course.
Business economists HF should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- analytical and conceptual skills
- quick comprehension and good communication skills
- networked thinking and acting
- Independent and reliable way of working
- Ability to work in a team
- Flexibility and resilience
- Sense of responsibility
- Leadership and organizational talent
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Customer and service orientation
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply directly for the HF Diploma in Business Administration HF. In this case, take a look atfollowing page.You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you. You can also find helpful information about continuing education in business administration in our "Business administration guide".Click here for the free download.
- If you do not have the necessary previous education*, then look for a suitable training opportunity. Even as an adult, it is possible, for example, to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience in the commercial/business administration field, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this demanding management role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills. If necessary, intermediate steps such asAccounting Clerk Accounting ClerkorMarketing Officer Marketingor personal development to become aManagement Assistantbe a solution.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
*For a list of the relevant EFZs for direct admission to the HF degree program in Business Administration, please contact theSponsorship"RLP Business Administration HF, c/o Kalaidos Education Group Switzerland".
Prerequisites for admission to business administration Further training in business administration HF at a university of applied sciences
The following admission requirements must generally be met in order to begin a business administration course at a university of applied sciences: (Please note: The respective university of applied sciences decides independently on the admission procedure for business administration studies at a university of applied sciences.* This is set out in its study regulations).
- Completion of a three-year apprenticeship as an EFZ commercial clerk or EFZ retail specialist**
Or
- Completion of three years of basic vocational training (EFZ) in another field and at least two years of professional experience in the commercial/business management field (with at least 80% professional activity)
Or
- Completion of a high school diploma or technical secondary school and at least two years of commercial/business experience (with at least 80% professional experience)
Further conditions:
- At least 70% employment in the commercial/business administration area during the business administration course.
Or
- At least 50% employment in the commercial/business administration sector during the business administration course, if the student has worked in the commercial/business administration sector for at least 80% of the time for two years before starting the course.
Notes:
- Some schools also offer specific preliminary courses, for example in accounting or English. Please contact the provider of your choice directly.
- At some schools, a shortened period of study is possible for technical business graduates with a federal certificate.
* The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.
** Direct admission is possible with a relevant EFZ. For a list of the relevant EFZs, please contact theSponsorship"RLP Business Administration HF, c/o Kalaidos Education Group Switzerland".
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. Even as an adult, it is possible to catch up on the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you are not sure whether you have a relevant EFZ, please contact theSponsorshipRLP Betriebswirtschaft HF, c/o Kalaidos Bildungsgruppe Schweiz".
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for Business Administration HF, clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the insurance sector, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. Even as an adult, it is possible to catch up on the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you are not sure whether you have a relevant EFZ, please contact theSponsorshipRLP Betriebswirtschaft HF, c/o Kalaidos Bildungsgruppe Schweiz".
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for Business Administration HF, clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the insurance sector, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Subject matter and content of the training
In principle, the course content of the HF degree course for HF business economists is based on the "HF business administration" framework curriculum. The sponsors are the "Interessensgemeinschaft Kaufmännische Grundbildung - IGKG Schweiz", "Kaufmännischer Verband Schweiz" and "HFW.ch". They are responsible for the creation of the framework curriculum and its periodic review in terms of topicality and quality.
Nevertheless, the universities of applied sciences have a certain amount of leeway in the design of their study programs for future HF business economists. For example, they can also offer specializations. Which course content is ultimately covered and how it is structured can therefore vary from HF to HF.
As a rule, the following topics are covered in a business administration course at higher technical college level:
- Management / Leadership / Management
- Marketing / Public Relations (PR)
- Communication
- Business Administration (BWL) / Economics (VWL)
- Procurement and logistics (supply chain management)
- Production
- Human Resources / HR
- Finance and accounting, bookkeeping
- Quality, environment, safety
- Computer science
- Project management
- Business processes / organizational design and development
- Law, Taxes
- Statistics
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this HF course, take a look at other training and further education courses. You may find a course that suits you better. The following could be suitable alternatives, for example:
Obviously the typical subject areas of Business Administration HF are not your thing. Take a look at other further training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs vary depending on the provider, training location and training model. In general, the following costs must be expected for the 6-semester HF course:
- Tuition fees:between CHF 11,800-18,000 for students resident in the canton where the course is held*. The costs for the examinations and diploma thesis are generally included in the course fees. Members of the Kaufmännischer Verband receive a member discount of 10% on the course costs.You can find more information here.
- Additional costs:Some providers charge extra costs for the enrolment fee and the student ID card, preliminary courses (optional), teaching materials, training documents, examination/diploma thesis and examination retakes. Find out about the additional costs directly from the HF of your choice.
- Acquisition of additional qualificationsFor additional qualifications such as an English certificate from Cambridge, you must expect extra costs for the preparation and external examination.
* Courses at universities of applied sciences are financially supported by the cantons. Students from outside the canton pay higher tuition fees. The following conditions apply in order to receive cantonal funding:
- at least two years of residence in the canton
- The course is listed on the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) list of eligible courses (you will find the link to the list in the answer texts).
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 11,800-18,000 for the course and exam?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "How to finance your further training properly".
This link will take you to theEDK liston the HF courses eligible for contributions.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- This link will take you to theEDK liston the HF courses eligible for contributions.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- This link will take you to theEDK liston the HF courses eligible for contributions.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- Duration of study:The HF degree course in Business Administration is modular and lasts 6 semesters*.
- Number of lessons:With a relevant EFZ, the course comprises 3600 learning hours. For courses without a relevant EFZ, the number of learning hours is usually increased; please contact the school of your choice. The professional activity during the training (as so-called "accompanying relevant professional activity") is credited with 720 learning hours towards the training period. Learning hours also include contact studies (with qualified supervision), guided self-study, free self-study, performance reviews, examinations after the first year of study, project work in a team and diploma thesis. How these learning hours are divided up in terms of time is defined in the framework curriculum.
- Training models:The course is only offered on a part-time basis. Classes take place two evenings a week, for example, or on a whole weekday or on Saturdays. This can vary from HF to HF.
- Teaching format:Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning).
- Learning effort:You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week for the part-time model.
* At some schools, for example, technical business graduates with a federal diploma (BP) can benefit from a shortened course of study. Please contact the school of your choice directly.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than six semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
The degree course in Business Administration HF concludes with a diploma examination consisting of three parts:
- The results of the previous semester examinations
- Project work during the Business Administration course in a team/group, usually written in the last two years of study
- and a diploma thesis. The thesis is practice-oriented; candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and networked thinking. The thesis is written individually on a topic relevant to business administration. It is written at the end of the course (can also be integrated into the 5th or 6th semester). Here too, the time frame is determined by the respective HF in its study regulations. The thesis is also presented to a group of experts (panel of experts) and then defended in a discussion.
The details of implementation are regulated by the respective HF in its study regulations.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the course receive an HF diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title "Diplomierte Betriebswirtschafter / dipl. Betriebswirtschafterin HF".
In French: "Économiste d'entreprise diplôme ES / Économiste d'entreprise diplômée ES"
In Italian: "Economista aziendale dipl. SSS"
In English (recommendation, but not a protected title): "Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Business Administration"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the higher technical college for the HF diploma?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
You can find suitable offers here:
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the course, it is best to arrange a personal consultation with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the course leading to the Federal Diploma in Business Administration HF does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Betriebswirtschafter HF / Betriebswirtschafterin HF is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a business economist HF does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Further training as a business economist HF is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools: