Study at HEC Lausanne
HEC Lausanne, one of the three leading Swiss business schools, on the shores of Lake Geneva
HEC Lausanne
HEC Lausanne, the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Lausanne, is one of the three leading business schools in Switzerland, alongside the University of St. Gallen and IMD. It sits on the University of Lausanne (UNIL) campus on the shores of Lake Geneva, one of the most attractive university settings in Europe, and has taught and researched business and economics since 1911.
As a faculty of a public Swiss university, HEC Lausanne combines academic depth with an international outlook and accessible tuition compared with private business schools. It holds the AMBA and EQUIS accreditations and is regularly ranked among Europe’s strongest schools for finance and management.
Official website: unil.ch/hec
Programmes
At undergraduate level, HEC Lausanne offers a Bachelor of Science in Management, a broad three-year degree covering management, economics, accounting, finance and quantitative methods, taught mainly in French (with English-language courses in later years). It gives a rigorous general foundation before students specialise at Master’s level.
The faculty’s real international strength is its Master’s portfolio, much of it in English: MSc in Finance, in Management, in Economics, in Accounting, Control & Finance, in Information Systems, and in Actuarial Science, among others. HEC Lausanne also runs an Executive MBA and a PhD programme, and its Master in Finance is ranked in the global top 40 by the Financial Times.
How do I apply?
What the application includes
For the bachelor, applicants generally need a recognised secondary-school diploma (such as a maturité, baccalauréat or equivalent), with French-language proficiency for the French-taught programme. Master’s applications are online and typically require your bachelor transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter, and, for English-taught programmes, proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL). Some Masters have specific quantitative prerequisites.
Selection criteria
Selection is based primarily on academic record and the fit between your background and the chosen programme. For competitive Masters such as Finance, a strong quantitative profile matters. A clear, well-structured motivation letter that connects your goals to the specific programme strengthens your file.
Tuition fees and living costs
As a Swiss public university, UNIL charges modest semester tuition (a few hundred Swiss francs per semester) : far below private business-school fees. The main cost is living in Switzerland, which is high: budget carefully for accommodation, food, insurance and transport in the Lausanne area. Always confirm current tuition and any programme-specific fees on the official UNIL/HEC Lausanne website.
Why students choose HEC Lausanne
Students choose HEC Lausanne for the combination of academic prestige, low tuition and an exceptional location. The faculty has a strong research reputation, deep links to Switzerland’s finance and corporate sector, and an international student body. Graduates are well placed for careers in finance, consulting, corporate management and the public sector, in Switzerland and across Europe.
Campus, location and student life
The UNIL campus stretches along Lake Geneva between Lausanne and the lakeshore, served by its own metro stops and surrounded by parkland and mountain views. Lausanne is a compact, safe, student-friendly city, with Geneva, the Alps and France all within easy reach. Campus life is genuinely international, with student associations and sport, and Switzerland’s central position makes travel across Europe straightforward.
When should I start preparing?
Plan 12 to 18 months ahead, especially for Master’s intakes with fixed deadlines. That gives time to confirm prerequisites, sit an English test if required, and prepare a convincing motivation letter. Starting early also lets you strengthen any quantitative gaps for competitive programmes : exactly the kind of preparation Your Dream School helps with.
Ready to apply to HEC Lausanne?
Whether you are just starting to explore your options or already preparing your file, our admissions coaches can help you build a competitive application. Get in touch with Your Dream School for a first conversation about your project.
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