Requirements
Admission to the MAST program is highly competitive and designed to identify exceptional individuals with a proven record of academic excellence, professional experience, and personal drive. Each year, a maximum of 22 students are carefully selected through a rigorous admissions process that includes a comprehensive review of academic achievements, relevant work experience, and a personal statement outlining motivation and goals.
Final candidates are invited to participate in an interview with the Admissions Team, allowing us to better understand each applicant’s aspirations, leadership potential, and fit within our collaborative learning community.
This selective approach ensures that every cohort is composed of talented, motivated, and diverse individuals who will challenge and inspire one another—creating a dynamic environment for learning, innovation, and professional growth.
Admission Evaluation
Applicants are assessed on the basis of:
- Official university transcript(s)
- A professional portfolio (required if the BA was obtained more than 10 years ago)
- A letter of motivation of approximately 500 words
- Two letters of recommendation
- An admission interview with the Academic Director
Academic Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized, accredited university.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale or international equivalent, eg a 4.9 in the Swiss system).
- For applicants whose undergraduate degree was earned more than 10 years ago, a professional portfolio and a personal statement are required. The statement should explain how the MAST program supports current professional goals.
- The MAST program is taught in English, and the collaborative Master’s thesis must be written in English. Applicants whose previous degree was not taught in English must provide proof of advanced English language proficiency, equivalent to:
- CEFR: Level B2 or higher
- IELTS: Overall band at least 6.5
- Cambridge English Certificate: Score 160 – 179
- TOEFL:
Franklin University Switzerland also offers Academic English, German, French, and Italian language courses at various levels, which MAST students may take optionally.
Exceptional Admission Consideration (Sur Dossier)
In exceptional cases, sur dossier admission may be possible. Candidates with non-traditional academic or professional backgrounds who can demonstrate exceptional fit for the program should contact the Academic Director directly at cwiedmer@fus.edu.
Application Deadlines
Early Decision - November 15
No application fee is required for Early Decision applicants.
Final Deadline (Non-Swiss / Non-EU Students) - March 1
Recommended for applicants requiring student visas. No application fee for FUS applicants or applicants from partner universities.
Final Deadline (Swiss / EU Students) - June 1
Later deadline available for applicants who do not require a visa.
Nonrefundable deposits of 1500 CHF to be paid within 6 weeks of acceptance to reserve your spot in the program. Should a student not be able to attend because they did not receive a students visa, this deposit will be refunded.
Special Admission Categories
Franklin University Switzerland students and students from partner universities benefit from a streamlined application process and are not required to pay an admission fee.
Specifically, Franklin alumni are not required to submit:
- University transcripts
- A BA diploma
- Proof of English language proficiency
Applicants from partner universities should consult either with their home advisor or with the Academic Director, Caroline Wiedmer, directly concerning their specific requirements for MAST (cwiedmer@fus.edu).
All other requirements — including the personal statement, resumes (for alumni who graduated before 2015), and admission interview — remain applicable.
