Double Degree Program with Prague University of Economics and Business (VSE)
The double degree program will provide the opportunity to graduate students from both institutions to simultaneously pursue a Master's degree from ZHAW School of Management and Law (ZHAW) and Prague University of Economics and Business (VSE).
Upon successful completion of the double degree program, the following degrees will be awarded by the partner institutions:
Students enrolled in the program spend their first year at their home university and the second year at their host university.
About the Double Degree Partner – Prague University of Economics and Business (VSE)
The Prague University of Economics and Business (VSE) is one of the most prestigious business universities in Central and Eastern Europe. Its Faculty of Business Administration holds the internationally recognized AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA accreditations, placing it among the top 1% of business schools worldwide.
VSE has consistently achieved strong positions in national and international business school rankings. In the Financial Times European Business Schools Ranking 2025, VSE ranked 48th among Europe's leading business schools. Its CEMS Master in International Management program achieved 11th place worldwide in the Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2026. Furthermore, VSE was ranked 1st in Central and Eastern Europe in the Eduniversal Business Schools Ranking 2025.
Program Structure
The regular period of study of the double degree program is 24 months, including 4 semesters of study plus 12 weeks for the completion of the Master’s thesis. Double degree students will spend their first year at the home university and the second year at the host institution. Each university provides full information to the other concerning the courses completed by double degree students.
At their host university, double degree students have access to the same courses as the graduate students enrolled in the regular Master’s program. They also enjoy the same rights and privileges and are subject to the same rules and regulations. Double degree students will be registered as degree students at the host university only for the parts of the study program that will be carried out under the responsibility of the host university. Students admitted for the double degree program will complete the study program details as set out below.
Study Program for the Double Degree
Master Thesis
In addition to the mandatory coursework at both universities, double degree students are required to write a Master’s thesis and undertake a defense of it. The partner institutions ensure the legal and organizational preconditions necessary to enable the double degree students to start the Master’s thesis in their second year of study.
In writing their Master’s thesis, students may be supervised by faculty from the ZHAW and VSE, ensuring joint supervision. The Master’s thesis must be written in English.
Where the Master’s thesis is supervised by faculty members from both institutions jointly, both supervisors participate in the thesis defense, which is part of completing the Master’s thesis. The defense is conducted in English.
The Master’s thesis, including its defense, is worth 12 ECTS at the ZHAW and 6 ECTS at VSE.
Selection and Documents
Candidates for the double degree program are selected by their home institution according to selection criteria jointly defined and agreed by VSE and ZHAW. Due to the higher workload compared to an ordinary Master’s program, only highly qualified students are eligible to enroll in the double degree program. Each institution is entitled to admit up to five students per year to the program.
Double degree candidates must satisfy all admission requirements of the host institution, including the following:
- language proficiency requirements – all double degree candidates must provide evidence of a satisfactory level of English language proficiency Level C1 according to the Common European Framework (CEF) requirements.
- good knowledge at the Bachelor level of Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Statistics.
- for the specific admission requirements for the ZHAW MSc in International Business, please refer to the program website.
Fees
All students in the double degree program admitted under a bilateral arrangement must register and pay tuition and other required fees at their home university. The host university will provide incoming double degree students with tuition fee waivers.
The students are responsible for paying any other pertinent fees required for regular degree students at each university, including the administrative fees at VSE and ZHAW.
The host university has the right not to accept a double degree candidate from the home institution for academic rationales or any other substantial reasons.
Important Information – Double Degree Prague University of Economics and Business
Please note that only students already enrolled on the ZHAW MSc in International Business can apply for a Double Degree with the Prague University of Economics and Business.The ZHAW degree program head will confirm the specific application arrangement for the Double Degree.