Introduction to MIF at USI
The Master in Finance (MIF) program at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a prestigious and internationally recognized academic offering. Located in Switzerland, USI’s MIF program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of finance in a global context. With a focus on financial theory, quantitative analysis, and real-world applications, this program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various finance-related careers. USI’s MIF program stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, world-class faculty, and its unique position in the heart of Europe’s financial hub, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a top-notch education in finance.
700
Avg. GMAT
3
Semesters
CHF 12K
Avg. Cost of Study
12-16
Months Duration
CHF 85,600
Avg. Salary
Why Study MIF at USI?
28
FT Rankings
Studying the Master in Finance (MIF) at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) offers several compelling reasons:
Academic Excellence: USI is known for its high academic standards and rigorous programs. The MIF program is designed to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation while also emphasizing practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the finance industry.
International Perspective: Switzerland is a global financial hub, and USI’s location in Lugano, Switzerland, provides students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an international financial environment. This exposure can be invaluable for networking and career opportunities.
Experienced Faculty: The MIF program at USI is taught by a diverse and experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of finance. Students benefit from their practical knowledge and industry insights.
Small Class Sizes: USI maintains small class sizes, fostering a close-knit and interactive learning environment. This allows for more personalized attention and opportunities for in-depth discussions.
Practical Learning: The program often incorporates real-world case studies and projects, ensuring that students can apply their knowledge to actual financial scenarios.
Program Costs + Living Expenses : MIF at USI
CHF 4,000
Avg. Cost of Tuition/Quarter
+
CHF 5,000
Avg. Living Cost/Quarter
Avg. Cost of Study/quarter
Fees: In addition to paying tuition, students must also pay fees. These fees pay for a range of costs, including student government dues, technology fees, and health insurance for students.
Living costs: Living costs change based on the lifestyle and housing preferences of the student. For a single student living on campus, however, a conservative estimate of living costs is CHF 5,000 each quarter. Housing, food, transportation, personal, and health insurance costs are included in this.
Supplies and books: The price of books Depending on the student’s course load and academic interests, the cost of books and supplies may vary. However, $500 each quarter is a fair estimate for books and supplies.
Transit: Depending on the student’s commute requirements and available transit options, the cost of transportation varies. However, $200 each quarter is a fair estimate for transportation.
Additional costs: Additional costs could include things like entertainment, travel, and presents. Depending on the student’s particular spending habits, the price of these expenses may vary.
Employment Prospects : MIF at USI
Employed within 3 months of graduation
Avg. Salary
Most Sought-after Jobs
Investment manager.
Change management engineer
Fashion retail project manager
Capital markets analyst
Consultant
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
Completing the Master in Finance (MIF) at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) can open up a wide range of employment prospects in the financial industry. Here are some potential career paths and employment prospects for MIF graduates from USI:
Investment Banking: Graduates can pursue roles as investment bankers, working with financial institutions to help companies raise capital, execute mergers and acquisitions, and provide strategic financial advice.
Asset Management: MIF graduates may work in asset management firms, managing investment portfolios for clients or institutions, and making investment decisions to maximize returns.
Corporate Finance: Many companies, both large and small, require financial professionals to manage their finances, make budgetary decisions, and optimize their financial performance. MIF graduates can find roles as financial analysts, financial managers, or corporate treasurers.
Risk Management: In the wake of increased financial regulation, risk management has become a critical field. Graduates can work in risk assessment and mitigation roles within banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions.
Financial Analysis: Financial analysts evaluate investment opportunities, assess financial data, and provide recommendations. Graduates can find roles as equity analysts, credit analysts, or financial consultants.
Eligibility Criteria for MIF at USI
Academic Qualifications:
The formal requirement for admission to the Master’s degree in Finance is the completion of a Bachelor’s degree granted by a recognised university in Economics or related disciplines. Candidates are required to be adequately prepared in the fields of economics and basic quantitative subjects.
Applicants are encouraged (compulsory for applicants with a Bachelor obtained in non-EU/non-EFTA) to provide GRE/GMAT scores in support of their application.
Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree of a recognised University of Applied Sciences may be admitted with 30-60 additional ECTS to be earned during or before the beginning of the programme, with Bachelor or Master courses according to a study programme defined by the scientific director. Admissions will be treated on a case-by-case basis. Please be sure to check the language requirements below.
The number of places is limited.
Student Eligibility for Indians:
Admission to the A.Y. 2024/25
Admission to English-language Master programmes at USI requires a good command of English. Non-native English speakers applying to the Master’s or whose previous degree was obtained in another language are required to provide an internationally acknowledged language certificate equal to the B2+ level as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Language Learning (CEFR) or equivalent (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).
The B2+ level on the CEFR corresponds to the following scores in internationally acknowledged exams:
| Score | |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | Internet-based: 85 |
| Cambridge English | First grade B |
| TOEIC | Listening & Reading: 860 Speaking: 170 Writing: 170 |
Documents required : MIF at USI
- Online Application: Students have to submit an online application form at the official website.
- Application Fee: Students need to submit their application fees.
- Statement of Purpose: Reasons or intentions for pursuing studies in this program, including a description of prior experience.
- 3 Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required; one letter must come from an academic source, although Stanford prefers at least two. Recommendations must be submitted online.
- Official GRE Test Scores: Students have to submit their GRE Test Scores.
- ELP Scores: Students have to submit their English language proficiency scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or other test scores.
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Scholarships Available : MIF at USI
Scholarships granted by the Canton Ticino
2023/24
The Department of Education, Culture and Sport (Dipartimento dell’Educazione, della cultura e dello sport – DECS) of the Canton of Ticino provides financial support to students who meet its residency requirements.
- The information brochure and the application forms can be downloaded from the web page:
- www4.ti.ch/decs/sa/uast/sportello/formulari-e-opuscoli (in Italian only)
- A related web page provides information about private foundations active in Ticino:
- www4.ti.ch/decs/sa/uast/fondazioni-private/fondazioni-private/
For further details, please contact the “Ufficio degli aiuti allo studio”: www4.ti.ch/decs/sa/uast/ufficio
Scholarships granted by other Swiss cantons
2023/24
Swiss students residing in other cantons can apply for educational funding from the competent cantonal office, which can be found through the following web site:
www.edk.ch/it/temi/borse-di-studio/uffici-cantonali
Foundation for the Lugano Faculties of the Università della Svizzera italiana
2023/24
For the academic year 2023/24, the Foundation for the Lugano Faculties of the Università della Svizzera italiana will award:
- 60 one-off scholarships of CHF 4’000 each to students admitted to the first year of a Master’s programme offered by the Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Informatics, Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society (except the Master in European Studies in Investor Relations and Financial Communication) or Faculty of Biomedical Sciences (only Master in Cognitive Psychology in Health Communication)
- Call
- 20 one-off scholarship awards of CHF 4’000 each given to the best student enrolled in the second year of each USI Master’s programme based on the results at the end of the first year of studies. The scholarship awards are granted automatically in November on the basis of the autumn exam session results
- Regulations
Leonardo Foundation
2023/24
Swiss and foreign students enrolled at the Università della Svizzera italiana can apply for a scholarship granted by the Leonardo Foundation. Applications must be submitted through the appropriate online form by October 31st, 2023.
- Call (in Italian only)
- Application form for Swiss students
- (to be submitted in paper form to the Leonardo Foundation’s Secretariat)
- Application form for foreign students
- (to be submitted electronically)
Sodeska Foundation
2022/23
The Sodeska Foundation offers 5 scholarships worth CHF 4’000 each to Swiss students to support them in their academic studies at USI. Applications are to be submitted through the appropriate online form by February 28th, 2023.
- Call (in Italian only)
- Application form
Zonta Club Lugano Foundation
2023/24
The Zonta Club Lugano Foundation awards several scholarships to students who reside in the Canton of Ticino – both Swiss and foreign with the C residence permit, who are attending a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree programme. The application form together with the supporting documents has to be submitted to the Fondazione Zonta Club Lugano by October 31st, 2023.
Specializations & Electives Offered
- Statistics
- Financial Econometrics
- Programming in Finance and Economics
- Financial Accounting 3 Corporate Finance
- Investments
- Risk Management
- Programming in Finance and Economics
FAQs About MIF
My undergraduate degree is not in an engineering discipline. Am I eligible to apply?
You are eligible to apply if you have earned a Bachelor of Science in a similar science discipline, but you may be at a disadvantage compared to engineering majors who have applied. Please thoroughly review the requirements of the program in the MSME Graduate Handbook to help you decide if you are prepared for our program.
I am currently getting my BS degree. Can I apply for the PhD program?
Yes. Students with a BS degree are eligible to apply to the PhD program.
Are internships considered as work expereince?
You can enter all types of work experience in the Education and Experience section as well as detailing these experiences on your CV (Resumé).
