Global Executive MBA

Why CEIBS GEMBA?

The program is uniquely positioned at the intersection of China and Europe, offering an unparalleled platform for global business growth. Participants learn from faculty and peers who bring experience across continents, industries, and cultures.

Here’s why executives choose GEMBA:

• Ranked #1 Executive MBA in the world by the Financial Times (2024)
• Combines China business insight with global strategy & leadership
• Designed for executives from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
• Study in Zurich (Switzerland), Shanghai, and global partner campuses
• Modular design allows full-time work alongside academic learning
• 50 days out of the office over 24 months only 

Program Highlights

The GEMBA experience goes beyond classroom learning. Each module is designed to broaden perspectives and sharpen leadership skills that will help drive change in different business environments. 

From core courses to electives, participants build a personalized path that matches their leadership goals through:

• Core modules & 30+ electives across continents
• Peer learning with leaders from 20+ countries
• Executive coaching and capstone leadership development project
• Deep-dive courses in innovation, strategy, AI, ESG, and East-West leadership

Alumni & Network

Graduating from CEIBS GEMBA connects you to a powerful global community, offering:

• 30,000+ alumni worldwide across Asia and Europe
• Strong representation in multinational corporations, family businesses, and startups
• Cross-border career acceleration

Who Should Apply?

CEIBS GEMBA is ideal for European executives expanding into Asia, international professionals managing global teams, and Chinese leaders seeking global growth. For those seeking a prestigious, internationally accredited Executive MBA, CEIBS is the gateway to the China-Europe business corridor. GEMBA offers a new community of ambitious, like-minded peers. Lifelong friendships and partnerships are forged through intense community-building experiences, creating bonds that go far beyond the classroom.

The CEIBS Global EMBA (GEMBA), ranked #1 globally by the Financial Times, welcomes senior leaders and experienced managers who meet the following criteria:

• Global mindset & cultural agility: Applicants must demonstrate a global perspective, openness to diverse cultures, and a strong commitment to cross-cultural collaboration,  ideal for leaders working across Asia, Europe, and global markets.

• Academic qualifications: A bachelor’s degree or above from an accredited university. Strong proficiency in spoken and written English (the program is 100% English-taught), test only upon request.

• Contribution & class participation: Enthusiastic, open-minded professionals willing to contribute insights from their industry and geography. Passion for lifelong learning and engaging in dynamic, interactive classroom environments.

•  Organizational support (recommended but not mandatory): A company that supports your professional growth and allows for periodic class attendance. Corporate financial sponsorship is not required, though helpful.

• Professional & leadership experience: Minimum 8 years of full-time work experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role, either functional, operational, or strategic.

You may qualify even without managing a team directly, if your role involves one or more of the following:

• Functional leadership: You lead a product, business area, or function (e.g., AI strategy, sustainability, regulatory affairs) and serve as the go-to decision-maker.

• Project/matrix leadership: You manage high-impact projects across departments, regions, or external partners – coordinating teams and stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes.

• Strategic influence: You provide consulting or advisory support to senior executives or clients, shaping decisions, policies, or long-term planning.

• Expert track leadership: You’re in a technical or expert role (e.g., principal consultant, lead engineer, senior scientist) where leadership is demonstrated through domain authority and thought leadership rather than direct people management.

Not sure if your profile qualifies? CEIBS offers pre-application assessments. Contact the admissions team to evaluate your executive experience.

For more information, visit europe.ceibs.edu or [email protected]

Since Switzerland is a part of the Schengen zone, a Schengen visa will win you the right to go to the country, but if you want to stay there as a student, you must take a few more steps. The procedures are different for EU/EFTA and non-EU/EFTA students.

After getting the acceptance letter, follows the process of setting an appointment with the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country. The procedure takes time, so make sure to set the appointment six months prior to your studying. The processing time for the short stay visas is around 10-15 days, and for long stay visas, eight to ten weeks.

For each document required, you have to provide the original along with three copies. The papers should be in English or in one of Switzerland’s national languages (German, French, Italian, or Romansh). If they are not in one of these languages, you will need a certified translation of those documents. 

Switzerland Student Visa Requirements

• The completed and signed application forms for a long stay visa (D type) in one of the languages mentioned above. 
• Passport – valid three months beyond the planned stay.
• Four passport-size biometric photographs.
• Letter of acceptance (certificate of enrollment) issued by a Swiss university.
• Paid visa application fee. 
• Proof of payment of the registration and tuition fees (for the first year of your studies).
• Proof of sufficient financial coverage: copies of bank statements or a letter from the bank provided by you or your supervisor. Funds are supposed to cover living costs in Switzerland for the duration of schooling (21,000 CHF or 19,200 EUR at the beginning of each year of your studies).
• Scholarship/Loan proof (if available) from an institution that proves that the scholarship or loan will cover all expenses for the study.
• CV.
• Letter of motivation, which should also include your professional plans for the future.

Submitting the Switzerland student visa application

After filling the application and completing all required documents, you should submit them in person at the Swiss embassy/consulate at the designated time of your appointment. Along with submitting your documents, you are required to pay the Swiss student visa application fee. 

After receiving your Swiss Student Visa

You may enter Switzerland after you receive a student visa. Within the first two weeks of arrival, you have to register at the local Residents Registration Office of your canton as well as visit the cantonal migration office in order to obtain a residence permit form.

B permit (a biometric card) is the type of residence permit for student stay. Prior to that, you will receive an attestation that allows you to open a Swiss bank account. It will take up to 8 weeks for your B permit to be processed. 

Student Visa Validity

The student visa or the B permit obtained in Switzerland initially is valid for one year. After one year, you have the option to extend it. However, updated proof of income is required in order for your student visa to be extended.