Frequently asked questions

The programme is structured into 4 semesters that each have a workload worth 30 ECTS. The structure is designed not only to transfer a valuable amount of knowledge, but also and more importantly to teach relevant skills such as in the fields of research, programming, financial analysis, taxation, corporate finance, and presentation techniques.

There is an intake of 40 students per year. The intake period ends on the 31st of March for students from outside of the European Economic Area and Switzerland and on the 30th of June for students from the European Economic Area and Switzerland. 

The amount of applications for the MSc in Finance programme far exceeds the actual number of available places. In order to ensure that the admissions team of the programme is able to cope with the administrative and organisational efforts that come along with reviewing the vast amount of applications for the programme, an application fee is necessary. Furthermore, the application fee ensures that only students with a genuine interest in pursuing the programme apply. The fees are strictly used to cover the costs of the selection and admission process.

The tuition fees for students from the EEA and Switzerland are 950 CHF per semester, while the costs for students from all other countries are 1250 CHF. The tuition fees are paid twice a year at the beginning of the semester. The cost of living heavily depends on the consumption behaviour and standard of living. The average expense for accommodation (assumption of a 30 m² flat), food, and leisure adds up to between 1000 and 1400 CHF per month.

We absolutely foster international diversity and cross-cultural exchange and aim for equal treatment whenever possible. Nevertheless, the slightly higher tuition fees for students from countries outside of the European Economic Area and Switzerland are a necessity that simply arises from the circumstance that we have considerable extra administrative effort when dealing with these applications. This is also the reason why students coming from these countries have to apply earlier.

Yes, if you stay in Liechtenstein after having gained a residence permit, you are legally allowed to work with an extent of 35 percent in comparison to a full time job. 35 percent of a full-time job are roughly 2 days per week or expressed differently - 64 work hours per month. On average you can expect to earn between 20 CHF and 35 CHF per hour when working next to your studies in the financial industry of Liechtenstein. This amount adds up to a gross salary of between 1120 CHF and 1960 CHF per month. We highly encourage our students to gain practical experience by working part-time or completing internships. However, we advice our students against starting to work in the first semester given the significant workload.  

Once you are accepted to the programme and search for accommodation, we are glad to help if you just contact us via the contact form of this website. The University of Liechtenstein possesses its own dormitory but also assists interested students in finding a suitable place to stay. We have several platforms to assist you optimally with your search. Please check out the "further useful links" section of this website to obtain more information on finding a place in Liechtenstein.

Yes, the MSc in Finance programme fosters international exchange very much as it is one of our core values. We have a multitude of partner universities spread all over the globe. On one hand, it is a pleasure for us to host students from varying countries with different backgrounds, on the other, we support our students in organising international exchanges. Click here to find our partner universities.

Our experience shows that the quality of education between the countries of applicants may vary remarkably. This means that the level of undergraduate education, especially in subjects such as Statistics, Mathematics and English might be insufficient to truly follow the content of the courses and participate. We expect that all applicants are honest with themselves when they evaluate their own level of English and prior education. Students who are not able to have decent conversations about complex topics in English and do not possess the necessary mathematical and statistical skills are certainly not going to successfully complete the MSc in Finance programme. This information should not discourage you, but motivate you to be well prepared and work hard in preparation for our courses.

An MSc or Master in Science programme is designed to convey scientific concepts and methodology as well as skills that can be applied outside the academic scope. This means that pursuing an MSc allows you to gain the knowledge and skill set to work in an academic environment as well as in various other functions. Furthermore, an MSc does not require any previous working experience outside of the academic criteria of having completed a relevant Bachelor's programme. An MBA, on the other hand, is an executive-level programme designed for students with executive or management level experience that has generally little to do with academic research and does not put that much emphasis on research methodology and economic theories. 

Since December 2012, the Faculty of Economics of the University of Liechtenstein has been a member of the two renowned accreditation organizations AACSB International and EFMD. This is a further step forward for the university in terms of international recognition for its high standards. Please click here for more information.

No, there are no additional admission requirements for students that hold a bachelor's degree from a university of applied sciences apart from the general admission criteria that are specified in the admission guidelines.