Terms and Conditions

Last updated: July 2026

1. Introduction and Scope

These Terms and Conditions govern the use of the websites, digital forms, application processes, admissions-related communications and student registration procedures made available under the Geneva Business School (GBS), International Institute in Geneva (IIG), Business School Lausanne (BSL) and Barcelona Technological School (BTS) School brands.

For the purpose of these Terms and Conditions, “the School”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Geneva Business School SA and, where applicable, to the relevant school, campus, brand, programme or admissions team operating under or in connection with the Geneva Business School (GBS), International Institute in Geneva (IIG), Business School Lausanne (BSL) and Barcelona Technology School (BTS) brands.

These Terms and Conditions are intended to provide a single framework for prospective students, applicants, students and website users. Some provisions apply to all websites and brands. Programme-specific matters, including admissions requirements, tuition fees, intake dates, academic requirements, delivery format and certain progression rules, may vary by school, campus, programme, intake or study level. In the event of a difference between this page and a signed agreement, invoice, admission letter, enrolment document, programme-specific policy, student handbook or academic regulation, the more specific and most recent contractual or academic document will prevail.

2. Legal Entity and Ownership

The company responsible for these Terms and Conditions and for the website www.gbsge.com is Geneva Business School SA, IDE number CHE-109.605.291, situated at La Voie-Creuse 16, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.

Telephone: +41 22 906 94 94. Email: [email protected].

These Terms and Conditions also apply, where relevant, to the websites, landing pages, application forms and student-facing digital content associated with Geneva Business School, International Institute in Geneva, Business School Lausanne and Barcelona Technology School.

3. Website Use and Liability

By accessing or using any of our websites, landing pages, online forms or digital materials, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk and that you agree to these Terms and Conditions.

We make reasonable efforts to keep our websites available, secure and accurate. However, we do not guarantee that the websites will be uninterrupted, error-free, free from viruses or other harmful components, or compatible with every device, browser, software configuration or network connection.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive or other loss, cost, expense or damage arising from access to, use of, inability to use, browsing of, or downloading of materials from our websites, including losses caused by technical failures, delays, errors, bugs, viruses, interruptions, human action or inaction, system malfunction, network failure or third-party services.

4. Accuracy of Information and Updates

The information published on our websites is provided for general information and guidance. We make reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is up to date and accurate, but we do not guarantee that all content is complete, error-free or continuously updated at the time of access.

Programme details, tuition fees, payment schedules, admissions requirements, intakes, campus availability, delivery formats, academic calendars, accreditation information, policies and other information may change from time to time. We reserve the right to update, amend, remove or replace website content, programme descriptions, course structures, study plans, policies and these Terms and Conditions at any time, without prior notice, where this is necessary or appropriate.

Admissions letters, invoices, enrolment documents, programme-specific regulations, student handbooks and other official documents issued directly by the relevant school prevail over general website content.

5. External Links

Our websites may contain links to external websites, platforms or third-party services. Such links are provided for convenience only. Unless expressly stated otherwise, we do not endorse, control or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, availability, privacy practices, terms or security of any third-party website or service.

Accessing external websites or services through links on our websites is done at your own risk. Creating a text link from another website to one of our websites does not require prior permission, provided that the link is lawful, accurate, not misleading and does not imply endorsement, sponsorship or affiliation where none exists.

6. Intellectual Property

All content made available on our websites, landing pages, brochures, downloadable documents and digital platforms, including text, names, logos, trademarks, service marks, photographs, graphics, videos, audio, charts, layouts, documents, programme descriptions and other materials, is owned by us, licensed to us or used with permission.

You may download or print one copy of materials from our websites for personal, non-commercial use only, provided that you do not remove, alter or obscure any copyright, trademark or proprietary notices. Any reproduction, modification, publication, distribution, commercial use, resale, framing, systematic extraction or other use of our materials without prior written permission is prohibited.

No name, logo, trademark, service mark, photograph, video, graphic, chart, document or other protected material may be used in a way that suggests endorsement, partnership, authorisation or affiliation without prior written approval. We reserve all rights to enforce our intellectual property rights to the fullest extent permitted by law.

7. Data Protection and Privacy

In compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 where applicable, we inform you that personal data provided through our websites, application forms, contact forms, admissions communications or other interactions may be collected and processed for legitimate educational, administrative, admissions, communication and student-support purposes.

Your data may be used to process enquiries and applications, assess admissions eligibility, communicate with you, provide information about our programmes, activities and news, manage enrolment, support student services, comply with legal obligations and improve our services.

You may exercise your rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection and portability, where applicable by law, by contacting us at [email protected] or directly through the relevant campus or admissions office. Additional information is available in the applicable Privacy Policy published on our websites.

8. Admissions Principles

The admissions process is designed to evaluate whether a prospective student is suitable for the selected school, programme and study level. Applications are reviewed once the required application documents have been received. We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, especially where a visa or residence permit may be required.

Admissions requirements vary by school, programme and study level. A complete application file may include, depending on the programme: a completed application form, official transcripts, copies of previous diplomas or degrees, curriculum vitae or resume, motivation letter or essay, reference letters, English proficiency evidence, copy of passport or identity card, student permit where applicable, professional experience evidence and, for doctoral programmes, research-related documents such as a letter of intent or research proposal.

All courses are delivered in English unless expressly stated otherwise. The admissions team may assess an applicant’s English level through recognised test results, interviews and any other appropriate method according to the standard required for the selected programme.

Admission may require an interview, which may take place in person, by video conference, telephone or another approved format. An offer of admission, conditional acceptance or final acceptance is only valid when issued by the relevant admissions office or academic authority and may be subject to conditions, payment deadlines, document verification and visa or residence permit requirements.

The final admission decision rests solely with the institution. In the event of a refusal, the institution is under no obligation to disclose the reasons for its decision.

9. Application Fee and Administrative Fee

An Application Fee is payable at the time of application submission, unless otherwise stated by the relevant admissions office. The Application Fee is non-refundable.

An Administrative Fee is payable upon admission, conditional acceptance, enrolment or according to the payment schedule communicated by the relevant school. The Administrative Fee contributes to enrolment administration, student support, student services and student activities during the programme. Unless expressly stated otherwise in an official document, the Administrative Fee is non-refundable, except in the refund scenarios specifically described in these Terms and Conditions.

The amount and currency of Application Fees, Administrative Fees and other initial fees may vary by school, campus, programme, intake and study level. The applicable amount will be stated on the relevant programme fee page, invoice, payment link, admissions communication, conditional acceptance letter or other official document.

10. Tuition Fees and Payment Terms

Tuition Fees are payable according to the payment schedule communicated by the relevant school. This schedule may be set out in the conditional acceptance letter, final acceptance letter, invoice, enrolment document, payment link or other official document.

For prospective students, Tuition Fees for the first semester or first payment period, together with any applicable Administrative Fee, are generally payable upon receipt of the conditional acceptance letter or invoice. These payments secure the student’s place, subject to fulfilment of all admissions and enrolment conditions. Once the required payments and documents have been received, the relevant school may issue a final acceptance letter and, where applicable, visa-support documentation.

For current students, payment due dates for subsequent semesters, terms, academic years or programme stages are communicated by the relevant school and must be respected. Access to classes, study platforms, campus facilities, transcripts, diplomas, graduation services and other student services may depend on full settlement of outstanding fees.

Payment may be made through the payment methods communicated by the relevant school, including online payment link or bank transfer. All bank charges, card fees, currency conversion costs and other transaction-related charges are the responsibility of the payer. If a refund is approved, the school will refund the balance of funds actually received, after deduction of any applicable non-refundable fees, charges or amounts due.

Campus transfer: a student may request to transfer from one campus to another, subject to approval by the institution. Tuition fees of the initial campus apply for the first semester following the transfer; from the second semester following the transfer onward, tuition fees of the new campus apply

The school reserves the right to withdraw any place, enrolment confirmation, campus allocation, final acceptance, visa-support documentation or access to services if the required payment terms and deadlines are not met.

11. Late Payment and Account Settlement

Failure to pay by the due date may result in a late payment fee equal to 5% of the outstanding amount (after 30 days) and 10% after 45 days. Failure to pay the outstanding amount and the 10% late payment fee by the start of the new semester, term or payment period may result in an increase of the late payment fee to 20%.

Failure to pay within the first two weeks of the semester, term or payment period may lead to the student’s removal or suspension from study platforms, classes, campus facilities, academic activities and student services. The school may also suspend or withhold access to enrolment confirmation, official transcripts, diplomas, graduation, certificates or other official documents until the student’s account is fully settled.

Where non-payment affects a student holding a student visa, residence permit or study permit, the school reserves the right to inform the relevant authorities of the student’s removal, withdrawal, suspension or non-compliance, which may lead to cancellation or invalidation of the student’s visa or permit.

12. Student Visa and Residence Permit

It is the student’s responsibility to determine whether a student visa, residence permit, study permit or other immigration authorization is required and to apply for it within the required timeframe. The school will provide the documentation required from the school side once the student has fulfilled the relevant enrolment and payment requirements.

Visa and residence permit processing times vary by country, authority and individual circumstances. Students should apply as early as possible. As a general guidance, visa processing for Switzerland and Spain may take approximately 8 to 12 weeks or longer, depending on the competent authorities.

Students must meet the full-time student residency requirements of the country and campus where they intend to study. A tourist visa does not normally authorise a student to study. Students are responsible for complying with all visa, permit, residence, insurance, financial and administrative requirements imposed by the competent authorities.

Students must keep the school informed of the progress and outcome of their visa or residence permit application. If a student withdraws, is dismissed, fails to enrol, stops attending, is removed from the programme or fails to pay pending fees, the school may be required or entitled to inform the relevant immigration or cantonal authorities.

13. Withdrawal, Cancellation and Refunds

All withdrawal or cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the relevant admissions, finance or student services office. Non-attendance, failure to log into platforms, failure to attend classes or failure to complete administrative steps does not constitute official withdrawal.

The Application Fee is non-refundable at any time after the application form has been submitted.

Unless a programme-specific official document states otherwise, refunds are handled according to the following principles:

• If an entry visa or residence permit is refused by the competent authorities, the school will refund 100% of the Tuition Fee and 80% of the Administrative Fee, provided that the student submits written notice and official proof of refusal.
• In case of force majeure accepted by the school, the school will refund 100% of the Tuition Fee and, where applicable, the Administrative Fee.
• If the school receives written cancellation more than eight weeks before the official start date of the course or programme, the school will refund 100% of the Tuition Fee and, where applicable, the Administrative Fee.
• If the school receives written cancellation between four and eight weeks before the official start date of the course or programme, the school will refund 50% of the Tuition Fee.
• No refund will be issued if written cancellation is received later than four weeks before the official start date of the course or programme.
• No refund will be issued if the student receives a positive decision for their entry visa or residence permit and then decides not to enrol, attend or continue.
• No refund will be issued if an admitted student postpones their entry and then postpones again or cancels their registration.

If a refund request is accepted, the refund will normally be issued within one month after approval of the completed refund file, subject to bank processing times, compliance checks and receipt of any required supporting documents.

If a student is on a student visa, discontinuation of enrolment, withdrawal, non-attendance or non-payment of pending fees may constitute a breach of visa or residence permit conditions and may lead to cancellation or invalidation of the student’s visa or permit. The school reserves the right to notify the relevant authorities of student non-compliance with visa or permit conditions.

14. Deferral and Postponement

Deferral or postponement of an intake is not automatic and must be requested in writing before the official start date. Approval is at the discretion of the relevant school and may depend on programme availability, intake capacity, visa circumstances, payment status, academic requirements and administrative deadlines.

If a deferral is approved, paid Tuition Fees may be carried forward to the approved future intake according to the conditions communicated by the school. Any difference in tuition, administrative fees or other charges for the new intake may be payable by the student.

If an admitted student postpones their entry and then postpones again or cancels their registration, no refund will be issued. Certain programmes, including doctoral, executive or cohort-based programmes, may have stricter deferral rules or may not permit deferral except in exceptional circumstances such as documented visa delays.

15. Scholarships and Discounts

Scholarships may be offered on a case-by-case basis according to the policies of the relevant school. Scholarship decisions may take into account factors such as academic merit, diversity of the student body, financial need, programme fit, motivation and the availability of scholarship funds.

Scholarships will only be considered once an application is complete, unless the school expressly states otherwise. A scholarship award is not guaranteed and may be subject to continued academic performance, conduct, enrolment status, payment compliance and other conditions communicated at the time of award.

Discounts, including early-bird, alumni, one-time payment or other commercial discounts, may be offered by specific schools or programmes. Discounts are separate from scholarships. Unless expressly approved in writing, scholarships and discounts cannot be combined, transferred, exchanged for cash or applied retroactively.

16. Academic Policies and Student Regulations

Academic policies, including grading, grade point average, progression, attendance, assessment, resubmission, retake rules, graduation requirements, thesis or dissertation requirements, academic integrity, transfer credits and appeals, are governed by the relevant Student Handbook, Academic Regulations, programme regulations or other official documents issued by the relevant school.

Students are responsible for reading and complying with the academic and student regulations applicable to their school, campus, programme and intake. Where programme-specific academic rules differ from this page, the programme-specific Student Handbook, Academic Regulations or official programme regulations prevail.

Transfer credit decisions are subject to academic approval and may depend on programme level, previous institution, course content, credits, learning outcomes, grades, documentation and timing of the request. Oral agreements regarding transfer credits, study plans, course attendance or academic exemptions are not binding unless confirmed in writing by the relevant academic authority.

17. Suspension, Dismissal and Consequences

The school reserves the right to suspend, dismiss, remove or refuse continued enrolment to any student whose academic performance is unsatisfactory, whose conduct is considered unacceptable, who breaches school policies, who fails to pay required fees, who fails to complete administrative, visa or permit formalities, who provides inaccurate or incomplete information, or whose legal, medical or administrative situation prevents satisfactory participation in the programme.

In such cases, the student will be notified in writing. A degree, diploma, certificate, transcript or other academic document may not be awarded or released if the student has not fulfilled academic, administrative, financial or conduct requirements. Where appropriate, a sponsor, partner, agent, authority or other relevant party may be informed in accordance with applicable law and policy.

For students holding a student visa, residence permit or study permit, suspension, dismissal, withdrawal, non-attendance or non-payment may invalidate the basis on which the visa or permit was issued. The school reserves the right to inform the relevant authorities of such changes.

18. Programme Changes, Cancellation and Relocation

The school reserves the right to modify programme content, structure, format, delivery mode, course descriptions, study plans, schedules, campuses, locations, faculty allocation and academic or administrative arrangements when required for academic, operational, regulatory or organisational reasons.

If enrolment numbers for a specific programme, course, campus, intake or delivery format are not sufficient, the school may cancel, postpone, merge, relocate or move the programme or course to another campus, intake, location or delivery format. Where possible, the school will make reasonable efforts to offer affected students alternative options.

The school will not be liable for changes that are reasonably necessary due to circumstances beyond its control, regulatory requirements, force majeure, low enrolment, visa restrictions, campus limitations, faculty availability, public health measures or other operational constraints.

19. Communications and Materials Submitted Through the Website

Any communication or material submitted through our websites, online forms, application forms or digital channels may be used by the school for the purpose for which it was provided, including enquiry handling, admissions, student support, administration, marketing follow-up where permitted, compliance and service improvement.

Users should not submit confidential, proprietary or sensitive information through general website forms unless the information is required for the relevant admissions, enrolment or student-support process. Personal data will be handled in accordance with the applicable Privacy Policy.

20. Acceptance of Terms

By using our websites, submitting an enquiry, creating an application, submitting an application form, paying an application fee, accepting an offer, enrolling in a programme, signing an acknowledgement or continuing as a student, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms and Conditions, together with any relevant programme-specific, academic, financial, admissions or student regulations.

For application and enrolment purposes, acceptance may be confirmed by checkbox, digital acknowledgement, email confirmation, online payment, electronic signature, signed application form or continued participation in the admissions or enrolment process.

21. Applicable Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by Swiss law, subject to any mandatory legal provisions and any specific jurisdiction clause contained in a signed agreement, enrolment document or programme-specific official document.

22. Contact

For general questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact the relevant admissions, finance or student services office. For Geneva Business School SA, you may contact: Geneva Business School SA, La Voie-Creuse 16, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland. Telephone: +41 22 906 94 94. Email: [email protected].

For data protection requests, please contact: [email protected].