Process - Requirements
Q: I don’t have any of the pre-requisites for entry. Can I still apply?
A: In addition to the admission requirements, we evaluate applications based on professional achievementS and organizational responsibility. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the MAS HLM office to find out if MAS HLM could be the right choice for you.
Q: Do I need a VISA for entering in Switzerland?
A: The Federal Office for Migration (FOM) offers a list of countries which need a visa for entering in Switzerland. The visa application form can be directly downloaded from the FOM website. The form must be presented to the closest Swiss embassy in the home country of the applicant, which will process the visa application and advise whether additional documents (travel documents, letters of invitation from your host, travel insurance, declaration of guarantee, etc.) are required.The MAS HLM office will assist you through the process and can issue an appropriate letter of invitation for your case.
Process - Costs
Q: When is payment due?
A: The payment of tuition and fees is divided into three installments. The first installment of 1.000 CHF within 30 days of acceptance. The second installment of 7.000 CHF is due by December 31st of the year previous to the start of the program; the rest of the amount is due by December 31st of the first year of the program.
Q: Can tuition and fees be paid in one installment?
A: We do accept payment in one installment; however most participants and organizations prefer to divide the payment into three installments, spread out over the 22-months period.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: If you withdraw before the second installment deadline, payment of only the first installment is required. After this time, full payment of all fees and tuition is required.
Q: Do I have to get full financial support from my employer to enter the program?
A: Full financial support is not a pre-requisite for entry. If your employer does not wish to offer full financial assistance, maybe they would be prepared to meet you half-way by offering partial support. This could mean paying for travel expenses or accommodations, for example.
Q: I am not financially supported by my employer, do I have payment options?
A: You have the option of spreading out your payments over more installments. Please contact the MAS HLM office for more specific details.
Q: What types of payment are accepted?
A: As with most organizations in Switzerland, we operate on a bank transfer system. We will send you an invoice with the relevant details for the transfer. We do not accept checks or credit cards as forms of payment.
Q: What is included in the program fee?
A: The tuition and fees that the participant must pay to participate in the MAS HLM cover costs of teaching, photocopied material distributed in class, and exam fees. The participant is responsible for paying expenses for accommodation and travel.
Q: Do you provide any scolarhip?
A: Unfortunately, at the moment we don't have funding to support meritorious students. You can contact the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) to receive support for your studies in Switzerland.
Process - Financial support
Q: What is the best way to approach my employer for financial support?
A: Each situation is different, but in general it is a good idea to start early and have a clear plan for how the program can benefit both you and your company.
Q: When is the deadline?
A: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis so it is a good idea to start early with the procedure. The applications deadline is October 31st.
Q: What if I miss the deadline?
A: It is always worthwhile to contact the MAS HLM office to see if there are still places available.
Q: What should my motivational essay be about?
A: Your essay is a letter of motivation which demonstrates your reasons for returning to study, what you hope to accomplish with a diploma, what your participation can bring to the program and your general expectations for the future after MAS HLM.
Q: Where do I get my academic transcripts?
A: The institution where you got your initial degree should be able to provide you with an official transcript of study.
Organization’s space
Q: Why should I send an employee to MAS HLM? Why not an MBA?
A: After the first week of lessons, a MAS HLM participant, as well as colleagues, will almost instantly notice new ideas and methods coming back into the workplace. It is this almost instantaneous return on investment which encourages employers to send their employees to MAS HLM and is often what drives participants to do the program in the first place.
Q: Do I have to pay the whole tuition fee?
A: How much an employer decides to financially support an employee is at the discretion of the organization and the budget available.
Q: Can I speak to an employer who has already sponsored an employee to get some advice?
A: Certainly! Just get in contact with the MAS HLM office and we will introduce to you to a previous sponsor who can give you the ins and outs of sponsoring a top-notch employee.
Q: How much time away from work will the candidate need?
A: In order for you, the company and the participant to maximize the effect of the MAS HLM program, we suggest giving your employee 20% of time off work. The participant/candidate will need your full support and understanding during the program.
First-hand insights
Q: Should I meet with the manager of the program?
A: It is a good idea to meet with the manager of the program before you start the application process to get a feel for the program and to discuss if MAS HLM is right for you.
