Our History

Introducing Geneva Business School

Geneva Business School, a Swiss private institution registered and located in Geneva, Switzerland offers undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs in International Management with a strong focus on international and geopolitical components.

Geneva Business School is celebrating 30 years of cutting-edge, Swiss-quality education. Since its creation in 1995, the school has developed from a single campus to state-of-the-art campuses in Geneva, Barcelona, and Madrid, with plans to expand even further. During that time, the professionally active faculty has guided Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA and DBA students both inside the classroom and at off-campus events, providing a 360º learning experience that fully prepares students for the modern job market.

With a commitment to evolving with modern educational demands, Geneva Business School is expanding its campus network, integrating new technology in its classrooms, and designing new courses to meet the needs of current and future students.

Founding Geneva Business School

After creating Institut de Formation de Gestionnaire de Patrimoine in 1995 to provide instruction mainly to private bankers in Switzerland, the University of Finance was formed in 2001 to provide education in banking and finance to cater for the international student body. The brand name was then changed in 2010 to Geneva Business School as the institution’s strategic focus was the campus location in Geneva, and on its primary goal of offering business education.

In 2012, Geneva Business School started its expansion by opening campuses in Spain to bring its expertise to different international markets. In addition to its main campus in Geneva, Geneva Business School owns campuses in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain. The virtual campus tours, made available on the website for potential students, present the commodities of the three campuses.

A New Era Through Strategic Collaboration

A new milestone for Geneva Business School began in 2025 with the announcement of a strategic collaboration with Business School Lausanne (BSL), followed in 2026 by a collaboration with the International Institute in Geneva (IIG).

Today, Geneva Business School (GBSGE), Business School Lausanne (BSL), and the International Institute in Geneva (IIG) are shaping a shared future through strategic collaboration. Together, they are expanding academic opportunities while preserving each institution’s unique identity, diplomas, accreditations, and partnerships.

This collaboration creates a connected multi-campus ecosystem across Geneva, Lausanne, Barcelona, and Madrid, offering students broader course options, increased joint academic activity, and a stronger international footprint, while maintaining the distinct strengths and positioning of each school.

Together, the institutions position the Network as one of Switzerland’s largest multi-campus networks of private business schools, combining Swiss academic rigor with international career pathways.

Tracing the Journey of Excellence

Today Geneva Business School hosts a diverse student community and faculty with over 80 nationalities across our campuses, and a proud alumni network growing with each graduation.

 

1995

The Institut de Formation de Gestionnaire de Patrimoine (IFGP) is founded in response to the financial industry’s growing demand for continuous vocational training.
This establishment laid the groundwork for Geneva Business School’s illustrious history and set the stage for its future development and accomplishments.

2001

The University of Finance is established, offering specialized education in international banking and finance, and laying the groundwork for Geneva Business School’s future as a leading institution in business and management education.

2003

The University of Finance acquired Geneva Business Institute, resulting in the formation of the Business & Management University, a pivotal moment in the school’s history, marking its evolution into a comprehensive institution dedicated to providing cutting-edge business education.

2009

The School’s name is changed to Geneva Business School to reflect our emphasis on practical business education.

2012

Geneva Business School expands its global presence with the opening of its Barcelona campus, providing students with a diverse and dynamic international learning environment.

2017

Geneva Business School moves to a new campus located opposite the United Nations in Geneva, providing students with a dynamic learning environment and easy access to the prestigious UN library.

2018

Madrid campus opens its doors to students and faculty, and becoming a vibrant hub for academic and professional growth.

2020

Barcelona and Madrid campuses move to brand new, state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with modern and inspiring learning environments that foster innovation and creativity.

2023

Geneva Business School and the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) successfully completed their frst joint educational initiative – an Advanced Training Program – held at the WFUNA office in Geneva.

Our History Timeline

Geneva Business School - Accommodation

Looking Forward…

At Geneva Business School, we are celebrating 30 years of cutting-edge, Swiss-quality education. Since our creation in 1995, we have developed from a single campus to state-of-the-art campuses in Geneva, Barcelona, and Madrid, with plans to expand even further.

During that time, our professionally active faculty have guided Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA and DBA students both inside the classroom and at off-campus events, providing a 360º learning experience that fully prepares students for the modern job market.

With a commitment to evolving with modern educational demands, we are expanding our campus network, integrating new technology in our classrooms, and designing new courses to meet the needs of our current and future students.