ADMISSION

CANDIDATES

Our participants are managers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and start-up founders with substantial professional experience across a wide range of sectors—regionally and internationally. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they are united by a common purpose: a commitment to ethical decision-making, sustainable leadership, and lifelong personal and professional growth. Our program welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, including:

  • Career Professionals: Managers in a large organization, feeling the limits of growth in their current trajectory. Motivated to unlock their full potential, they seek to shift industries, re-energize their career, and gain a broader perspective. They look for a skills refresh, renewed motivation, exposure to alternative leadership styles, and access to a global professional network.
  • Technical Experts: Specialists such as doctors, traders, or engineers with deep technical expertise but limited business exposure. They are ready to transition into a more strategic role, such as CTO or CEO. Their needs include strengthening soft skills, developing a big-picture mindset, and acquiring the tools for effective management and communication.

  • Entrepreneurs: Start-up founders seeking the managerial tools to scale up operations and attract investors. Their ambition is to take their company to the next level by consolidating their business, structuring for growth, and expanding into new markets. They seek leadership development, strategic thinking, financing skills, and access to a community of fellow entrepreneurs and potential partners.

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+ years of professional experience across diverse sectors, including Banking and Financial Services, Telecom, Industry, IT, Public Utilities, Public Administration, Engineering, Transportation, Energy, Real Estate, Pharmaceuticals, and more.

    • 6+ years in managerial roles.

    • Aged between 30 and 55 years.

    • Holders of a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a wide range of disciplines, such as Economics, Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Humanities, Law and Political Science, Natural Sciences, Healthcare, Communication, and Business & Technology.

    USI EMBA with respect to sectors:

    Participants represent a diverse mix of professional environments, including 20% who have started their own business, 20% working for large companies (multinational or public), 20% employed in small and medium enterprises, 25% working in banks or financial institutions, and 12% employed in the public sector.

    ADMISSIONS PROCESS

    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.

    SCHEDULE

    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.

    IMPORTANT DATES

    • An Early Bird discount of 10% is available until 30 June 2025.

    • The program operates on a rolling admissions policy. As class size is limited, candidates are advised to apply as early as possible.

    • The deadline for application is 31 October 2025.

    • The course starts on 14 November 2025.

    Get in touch with us today for further information.