The International Institute in Geneva (IIG) is home to students from more than 60 countries, creating a vibrant multicultural environment in the heart of Switzerland. Guided by a faculty of experts representing 20 different nationalities, you will develop sharp analytical thinking and strategic decision-making skills—essential “tools” to stand out and succeed in today’s highly competitive global landscape.
Let’s explore the International Institute in Geneva together with SBS!
1. General Introduction: Swiss Excellence and Credibility
The International Institute in Geneva (IIG) is one of Switzerland’s leading non-profit private universities. Unlike traditional for-profit education models, IIG reinvests all revenue into enhancing teaching quality, campus facilities, and scholarship opportunities—cultivating a sustainable and academically driven learning environment.
The institution operates under a governance framework defined by an official Charter approved by the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs, ensuring a transparent, safe, and high-quality educational system for all students.
2. Prime Location – At the Heart of Global Decision-Making
IIG is located in Geneva, a city renowned as the “Capital of Peace” and one of the world’s most influential centers for diplomacy and international cooperation. Its strategic location offers unparalleled advantages:
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Global Connectivity: Situated amidst more than 1,000 major international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), WTO, WHO, WIPO, CERN, as well as leading financial institutions such as UBS, Deloitte, and Patek Philippe.
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Convenient Transportation: Just 15 minutes from the city center by car and only 10 minutes from Geneva International Airport by bus.
United Nations Headquarters (UN)
3. Outstanding Rankings and Global Recognition
The academic excellence of IIG is reflected through prestigious international rankings:
- Top 2 best programs in International Relations and Diplomacy in Switzerland (EduRank).
- Top 10 leading private business schools in Switzerland (Eduniversal).
- Top 20 best International Trade programs worldwide. Notably, IIG’s Master in International Trade & Finance is ranked by the Hinrich Foundation alongside institutions such as Harvard, LSE, IMD, and NUS.
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4. Why Choose IIG? Exclusive Advantages for Students
IIG follows a distinctive “boutique education model”, enrolling only around 250 students per year from more than 60 nationalities. This approach ensures an exceptional 94% student satisfaction rate, driven by small class sizes, personalized academic attention, and a highly supportive learning environment tailored to each student’s needs.
Strategic Partnership with the United Nations (WFUNA)
IIG is proud to be the first strategic partner of WFUNA (World Federation of United Nations Associations) in Switzerland. Beginning in 2025, this partnership opens unprecedented career pathways for IIG students:
- Training at the UN Headquarters: Participate in advanced training programs directly at the heart of the United Nations.
- Specialized Internships: Access exclusive internships at UN offices or NGOs arranged through WFUNA.
- Eligible Students: Final-year undergraduate students in International Relations, International Management, and Communication; and postgraduate students in International Relations & Diplomacy.
Core Value: IIG students build an international CV while still in school, gaining hands-on experience within the UN/NGO ecosystem—an exceptional competitive advantage when applying for global positions.
Prestigious Double Degree Programs
IIG offers pathways that allow students to earn qualifications from top-tier global education systems directly in Switzerland:
Undergraduate Level
Postgraduate Level
- IIG + “Top-Up” Boston University (USA): With options for online learning or transferring to the United States.
- IIG + “Top-Up” University of Plymouth (UK): Applicable to the Master’s program in International Relations & Diplomacy.
5. Diverse and Industry-Relevant Academic Programs
IIG offers a comprehensive range of degrees from Bachelor’s to Doctorate levels, focusing on key disciplines shaping global economics, diplomacy, and digital transformation.
Undergraduate Programs
- BBA / BSc (Hons) Business Management – Business Administration (in partnership with the University of Plymouth)
- BA International Relations
- BA Communication & Digital Media
- BA International Management
- BSc Computer Science
Postgraduate Programs
- MIR-D – International Relations & Diplomacy
- MITF – International Trade & Finance
- MIM – International Management
- MA Digital Media & Communication
- MSc Business Analytics & AI
- MBA / MBA in Sales & Marketing
Doctorate Program
6. Intake Information
IIG offers flexible intake periods to accommodate international students:
Undergraduate Intakes:
- September (Fall)
- February (Spring)
Postgraduate Intakes:
For programs such as MBA, MIR-D, and MITF:
7. Strategic Partnership Between SBS & IIG – Opening Doors to World-Class Education and Global Career Opportunities
The collaboration between Saigon Business School (SBS) and the International Institute in Geneva (IIG) creates a powerful pathway for students to access Switzerland’s premier educational environment, international exposure, and exceptional career prospects across diplomacy, business, technology, and global organizations.
Through its strategic partnership with the International Institute in Geneva (IIG), Saigon Business School (SBS) not only provides an optimized academic pathway but also grants SBS students exclusive access to the excellence of Swiss education from the very first steps of their journey.
The synergy between SBS’s practical, industry-driven foundation and IIG’s international prestige creates a powerful launchpad that empowers SBS students to:
- Transfer smoothly with optimal cost efficiency: From Vietnam to Geneva—the global center of diplomacy, finance, and international governance.
- Leverage a world-class network: Access rare internship and career opportunities at the United Nations (WFUNA) and leading NGOs—privileges that few international students can obtain.
- Develop global leadership thinking: Learn from real-world experts in both Vietnam and Switzerland, preparing students to tackle macro-level challenges with strategic insight.
SBS is committed to accompanying students on their journey to becoming confident global citizens—ready to create impact, lead with purpose, and shape the future in an era of global integration.
