CANDIDATES
Our participants are managers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and start-up founders with significant professional experience from diverse organizations and industries, both locally and internationally. What unites them is a shared commitment to these values and a recognition of the importance of ethical decision-making and sustainability in today’s global economy.
Driven by a growth mindset, USI EMBA candidates are eager to expand their knowledge and gain insights that are relevant to their current roles and future ambitions. Applicants typically hold a bachelor’s degree, though exceptional professional experience is also considered. What matters most is the motivation to improve, the desire to lead ethically, and the pursuit of excellence in all areas of life and work.
Inside and outside the classroom, our students challenge each other through critical thinking and mutual respect, fostering an environment that thrives on intellectual honesty and diverse perspectives. This collaborative spirit enriches group work and sharpens each participant’s ability to think creatively and act strategically.
The USI EMBA prepares a new class of agile, responsible leaders—individuals capable of navigating complexity and creating long-lasting impact without compromising the future. Through our curriculum and community, we cultivate excellence and empower leaders to shape tomorrow’s opportunities.
USI EMBA class profile averages typically reflect:
- 10 or more years of work experience in many sectors (Banking/Financial Services, Telecom, Industry, IT, Public Utilities, Public Administration, Engineering, Transportation, Energy, Real Estate and so on…).
- 6 or more years in a managerial position.
- From 30 to 55 years of age.
- A bachelor’s degree from many disciplines (Economics, Business Administration, Computer Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Law & Political, Natural Sciences, Healthcare, Communication, Business & Technology and so on…) or the equivalent.
- 20% of the participants started their own business.
- 20% work for big companies (multinational and public).
- 20% work for small and medium enterprises.
- 25% work for Banks or financial institutions.
- 12% work in the public sector.
1. Manager Consultation
After submitting the CV, a one-on-one interview with the Master’s management team will be conducted, to provide an overview of the program and explore the candidate’s motivations.
2. Open Day
Participation in open days hosted by the Academic Director and EMBA Alumni, featuring interactive Q&A sessions and a networking aperitif.
3. Interview with the Academic Director
After submitting a motivational essay, a meeting with the Program Director will be conducted, to discuss the strategic fit of the candidate, career goals, and expectations regarding the program.
4. Half-Day Class Experience (BE AN EMBA)
An opportunity to take part in an immersive 4-hour Saturday morning class to experience the program firsthand.
5. Application Package
After completing the previous steps, candidates may submit their application package, which must include:
- Completed application form
- CV
- Motivation letter
- 2 reference letters
- Copies of university degree(s)
6. Enrollment
Enrollment is confirmed through the submission of the admission letter and the signing of the contract.
The program reviews applications throughout the academic year; however, as class sizes are limited, early application is recommended.
The 18-month program includes 15 courses: 11 core courses, 3 electives, 1 international study tour (Boston, July), and 14 workshops held on Friday evenings before each module.
Classes follow a hybrid format: one day of self-study followed by two consecutive on-site days in Lugano (Saturday and Sunday) each month, excluding August.
Two elective courses are shared—one with the previous cohort and one with the upcoming one—offering a unique in-class networking experience across three generations of participants.
The program concludes with a two-month final project under faculty supervision, culminating in a thesis defense.
The program operates on a rolling admissions policy. Since class size is limited, candidates are advised to apply as early as possible. The course is starting on 14 November 2025.
The deadline for enrollment is 31 October 2025.
An Early bird discount of 10% is available until the end of June 2025.
Get in touch with us today for further information.
Candidates meeting the admission criteria will be contacted for an interview (virtual or on site) a week after the admissions office has received the completed application package.
