Institution: International School of Business Management (ISBM)
Visit Duration: 3 Days
Locations Visited: Zurich and Luzern, Switzerland

1. Institutional Overview

The International School of Business Management (ISBM) maintains operational offices in both Zurich and Luzern. The Zurich office spans approximately 400 square meters, providing space for academic and administrative functions. The head office is located in Luzern, which serves as the primary administrative and institutional address.

2. Legal Status and Compliance

ISBM is legally allowed to operate in the canton of Luzern, with  allowance provided by the Local Board of Education and Culture. In accordance with Swiss federal regulations, institutions that do not use the term "University" in their official name or branding are not required to obtain federal-level approval. The current operation model of ISBM falls within this legal framework, and its local allowance is deemed sufficient.

3. Findings of the Inspection

Over the course of three days, the inspection team evaluated the institution’s facilities, administrative documentation, and compliance with applicable Swiss educational and operational laws. The key findings include:

• Adequate physical infrastructure for both campuses, particularly the Zurich premises.

• Full alignment with cantonal requirements for non-university private educational institutions.

• No indication of non-compliance with Swiss federal or cantonal education laws.

• Clear administrative separation between operational locations, with the Luzern office maintaining primary regulatory correspondence.

4. Conclusion

ISBM is operating within the legal parameters set by Swiss education law. Its dual presence in Zurich and Luzern provides both academic functionality and administrative governance. As long as ISBM refrains from using the protected term “University,” no federal accreditation or approval is required.

Status: Fully compliant with applicable cantonal regulations.

​

Academic Programs and EQF/ECTS Alignment

ISBM delivers higher education programs that are structured in accordance with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS):

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA):
  Compliant with EQF Level 8, representing doctoral-level qualifications.

• Master's Degree Programs:
  Compliant with EQF Level 7, equivalent to a 2-year program totaling 120 ECTS credits.

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA):
  Compliant with EQF Level 6, equivalent to a 4-year undergraduate program totaling 240 ECTS credits.

These programs are delivered primarily through blended or online learning formats, in line with European guidelines for flexible higher education.