Which SIMI Swiss qualifications are recognized directly in Switzerland, and which require additional professional certification?
Determining how SIMI Swiss qualifications can be used by Swiss citizens and international students when working in Switzerland is one of the key considerations before choosing a program. This article helps you (1) understand the regulatory framework governing qualifications in Switzerland and (2) identify whether the qualification you intend to pursue can be used directly in the labor market or will require additional licensing procedures.
In Switzerland, occupations are divided into two groups: regulated professions (requiring a professional license) and non-regulated professions (no license required).
Regulated professions
These are professions that, by law, require both a relevant academic qualification and a professional license to practice (e.g., medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law, notary, auditing, and certain engineering or architecture roles). Licensure is granted by professional or government authorities and may involve additional examinations, professional registration, and ongoing training.
Non-regulated professions
These are professions where no license is legally required (e.g., management, IT, journalism, marketing, creative industries, tourism, and hospitality). Employment depends primarily on qualifications, skills, and employer decisions.
Depending on the requirements of each occupational group, SIMI Swiss designs its training programs to help graduates obtain the maximum possible recognition when working in Switzerland.
SIMI Swiss qualifications
- Non-regulated professions:
SIMI Swiss degrees (e.g., BBA, MBA, DBA, PhD in Management) can be used directly in these fields. Since no legal licensing is required, graduates may rely on their qualifications and competencies to access employment opportunities. - Regulated professions:
For fields requiring a professional license, SIMI Swiss offers dual-degree pathways in cooperation with national qualification frameworks (such as the UK RQF system) or universities under Ministries of Education. These pathways are designed to support graduates in meeting licensing requirements when applying to Swiss authorities, but the final decision always rests with the relevant professional body in Switzerland.
SIMI Swiss qualifications are directly usable in non-regulated professions. For regulated professions, additional licensing is required, and SIMI Swiss provides structured dual-degree options to help graduates strengthen their applications for professional licensure in Switzerland.
Wishing you success in choosing the right program!
Official Swiss Government Sources:
Source: Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss)
