Sustainability Management School
SUMAS Foundation/Bridge Program
- Milan, Italy
- Geneva, Switzerland
Foundation Year
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
CHF 5,900
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Key Summary
About: The SUMAS Foundation Year is a one-year pathway that bridges high school and a SUMAS Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). Accredited by ACBSP, Swiss Private School Register and affiliated with UN-backed initiatives, it mixes academic study, entrepreneurship and sustainability management. On Swiss and Italian campuses, it gives practical experience through faculty projects, builds industry links and an alumni network, preparing students for direct entry into Bachelor's in sustainability, fashion, hospitality or finance.
Career Outcomes: Guaranteed direct entry into a SUMAS BBA in sustainability management, fashion, hospitality or finance. Graduates can pursue roles like sustainability manager, financial analyst or entrepreneur.
Choosing a Bachelor's degree can feel overwhelming when many programs look similar. At SUMAS, you become one of the few.
As the world’s first business school dedicated to Sustainability Management, we are pioneers in combining business excellence with environmental leadership—preparing graduates to lead the transition toward a more responsible global economy.
- Pioneers in Sustainability Management, blending business excellence with environmental leadership.
- SUMAS holds formal accreditation from ACBSP and the Swiss Private School Register, and is affiliated with leading UN-backed initiatives — giving our degrees internationally recognised credibility.
- Learn from international experts across our Swiss and Italian campuses.
- Build strong industry connections and join a global alumni network.
Be one of the few—build a career that creates value for both business and society.
The pathway program to your SUMAS bachelor's degree.
The SUMAS Foundation Year is a flexible, one-year pathway program that combines rigorous academic learning with hands-on experience in leadership, entrepreneurship and sustainability management.
It bridges the gap between high school and a full bachelor's degree — giving you the academic confidence, practical skills and professional mindset to succeed from day one of your BBA studies.
Designed for high school graduates, the program prepares students for direct entry into a SUMAS Bachelor's degree in sustainability management, fashion, hospitality or finance, combining theory with real business experience through entrepreneurial projects coached by university faculty.
The program runs over two semesters.
Semester 1: students choose two academic courses from a provided list (Psychology of Leadership; Fundamentals of Sustainability; Sustainable Innovation; Personal Branding; Wellbeing and Healthy Lifestyles; Digital Innovation).
Semester 2: students choose two entrepreneurial projects from a provided list (Green AI; Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Technology; Sustainable Hospitality and Culinary Arts; Sustainable Fashion; Sustainable Tourism; Nature Conservation).
Delivery is flexible and self‑paced, with faculty coaching and practical project work. Completion guarantees direct progression into a SUMAS Bachelor's degree.
Program Outcomes & Your Pathway to a Bachelor's Degree
Completing the SUMAS Foundation / Bridge Program guarantees a seamless transition directly into your undergraduate studies, while equipping you with the real-world skills needed to excel from day one.
Key Academic & Financial Benefits:
- Guaranteed Bachelor’s Entry: Graduate directly into a SUMAS Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program without any re-evaluation or additional applications.
- Exclusive BBA Tuition Discount: Receive a CHF 5,900 tuition discount off your final year of BBA studies upon successful progression from the foundation program.
- A Professional Portfolio: Build a verifiable portfolio through faculty-coached entrepreneurial projects in green tech, sustainable fashion, or finance to jumpstart your CV.
- Globally Recognized Skills: Develop high-demand capabilities in sustainability leadership, digital innovation, and corporate problem-solving before you even begin your full degree.
By the end of this one-year undergraduate pathway, you won’t just walk away with academic confidence—you will possess the fundamental business mindset required to lead the global transition toward a sustainable future.
A CHF 5,900 discount is offered off final‑year tuition upon entry into a SUMAS Bachelor's degree (BBA) after successful completion of the Foundation / Bridge Program.
Successful completion guarantees direct entry into a SUMAS Bachelor's degree (BBA) in sustainability management, fashion, hospitality or finance. The program is designed to build academic confidence, practical entrepreneurial experience and a professional portfolio so students are prepared to begin their BBA studies and progress without re‑evaluation.
The Ideal Student for the SUMAS Foundation / Bridge Program
The SUMAS Foundation / Bridge Program is tailor-made for ambitious high school graduates and gap-year students who are passionate about the planet but want a strong academic launchpad before starting a full university degree.
If you are eager to study a BBA in Sustainability Management, Sustainable Fashion, Sustainable Finance and AI, or Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism, but need to bridge the academic gap or build your confidence first, this program is your perfect fit.
This pathway program is designed for you if:
- You are a future changemaker: You care deeply about global challenges like climate change, ethical fashion, or green innovation, and want a career that makes a measurable impact.
- You want a smooth transition to university: You are looking for an academic bridge from high school to a bachelor’s degree to build your professional mindset, study habits, and English proficiency.
- You thrive on "learning by doing": Instead of just reading textbooks, you want to build a portfolio through real-world entrepreneurial projects and faculty coaching.
- You value flexibility: Whether you want the full on-campus experience in Switzerland or Milan, or prefer to study online at your own pace, you appreciate a model that fits your lifestyle.
Ultimately, the ideal student doesn't just want to study business—they want to lead the future of sustainable business. No prior background in sustainability is required; we provide the foundation, tools, and guaranteed advancement you need to step confidently into your bachelor's degree.
Why choose SUMAS?
Our unique approach combines robust business theory with sustainable practices.
Our Aim
Our aim is to educate managers who will take responsible decisions in the complex world they will operate in, by giving them an innovative academic mix of sound business knowledge and a deep understanding of sustainable development.
Our Mission
Driven by academic excellence, our mission is to educate qualified future leaders and equip them with the professional and entrepreneurial skills to drive sustainable transformation in business and society.
Environmental Stewardship
Preserving our planet is at the heart of our operations and teachings.
Global Perspective
Study with students from over 70 countries and tackle impactful, worldwide challenges.
Academic Excellence
ACBSP-accredited curriculum taught by industry experts and leading sustainability researchers.
Circular Economy
Transitioning from linear thinking to regenerative business models.
Sustainable AI Integration
Mastering the intersection of modern AI techniques and ecological impact reduction.
Social Responsibility
We empower our community to act ethically and contribute to the wellbeing of society and the planet.