International Validity

Understanding the International Validity of Swiss Private Degrees

At Rochat School of Business, we’re proud to be part of Switzerland’s renowned tradition of educational excellence. As a Swiss private degree-granting institution, we want to provide clarity on how private degrees are recognized outside Switzerland.

What are Private Degrees in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, higher education institutions can be public or private. While public universities are accredited and funded by the government, private institutions operate independently, offering high-quality education tailored to diverse needs.

Most private institutions based in Switzerland issue private degrees since they were created mainly for the purpose of servicing international students. Such degrees may be used by the holder to carry out an unregulated profession. Private degrees, like those offered at Rochat, are legitimate but are not part of the Swiss public higher education system

Regulated vs. Unregulated Professions

In the context of career paths, it’s important to distinguish between regulated and unregulated professions:

  • Regulated Professions: These are careers that require a specific degree or license to practice, often mandated by law. Examples include medical doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, and accountants. To work in these fields, degrees must typically come from accredited institutions, and additional exams or certifications may be required.
  • Unregulated Professions: These careers do not have formal legal requirements for certifications or licenses. Examples include roles in business, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. In unregulated fields, employers place greater emphasis on skills, experience, and the quality of education, which allows private degrees to be highly valuable.

How are Swiss Private Degrees recognized abroad?

The recognition of private degrees internationally depends on several factors:

  • Employer Acceptance: Employers often value private degrees based on the institution’s reputation, program quality, and the graduate’s skills. For unregulated professions, it is up to employers to decide whether to recognise the value of a degree.
  • Further Studies: As far as admission to a higher level of studies is concerned, it is up to the foreign higher education institution to decide whether to recognise the value of the prospective student’s prior qualifications. Admission to advanced programs abroad may depend on the policies of the host institution.
  • Country Regulations: Each country has its own policies on recognizing foreign qualifications. In all cases, it is up to the national authorities in the host country to decide whether to recognise qualifications acquired abroad.

Accreditation of Swiss Private Institutions

Accreditation serves as a mark of quality and demonstrates that an institution meets certain academic and professional standards. In Switzerland, however, accreditation of private institutions is not mandatory.

At Rochat School of Business, we recognize the importance of accreditation in enhancing the global recognition of our programs. That’s why our partner institution Rochat Escuela de Negocios in Mexico is a proud candidate for accreditation with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a U.S. – based global accrediting body that ensures the quality of business education. This affiliation demonstrates our commitment to meeting international standards of excellence in business education. https://acbsp.org/members/?id=65578466

Our Commitment to Quality

At Rochat School of Business, we emphasize academic excellence, preparing students for success in unregulated professions where employers prioritize skills and knowledge over formal accreditation.

Key considerations for non-Swiss students and graduates
We encourage you to:

  • Research degree recognition policies in your country of interest.
  • Consult prospective employers or institutions for clarity on foreign degree acceptance.

Academic Equivalency Evaluations in the United States of America

For our U.S.-based community, it’s important to understand how Swiss private degrees from Rochat School of Business can be assessed within the United States educational framework. Specialized evaluation agencies offer academic equivalency evaluations, which analyze foreign academic credentials to determine their U.S. educational system equivalents. These evaluations are particularly beneficial for employment or further education.

What is an Academic Equivalency Evaluation?

An academic equivalency evaluation is a detailed report that assesses your foreign degree to establish its comparable level within the U.S. education system. This process involves reviewing factors such as the educational system of the country where the degree was obtained, the quality of the institution, coursework, and grades. The resulting report indicates the U.S. equivalent of your foreign degree, which can be crucial for job applications or further studies

How to obtain an Evaluation

To have your Rochat School of Business Swiss private degree evaluated, you can contact a credential evaluation service. At Rochat, we are here to assist you with any questions regarding this process.

By obtaining an academic equivalency evaluation, you enhance the recognition of your Rochat School of Business degree within the United States, facilitating your professional and educational pursuits.

At Rochat, your success is our priority. For any questions, feel free to contact us. Our team is ready to support you.

Source:
Validity of degrees issued by private higher education institutions in Switzerland – Office circular
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI – Swiss Confederation (2017)
https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/dam/sbfi/en/dokumente/2017/12/titel-privater-institutionen.pdf.download.pdf/titel_privater_institutionen_e.pdf