

AISTS, the International Academy of Sport Management and Technology, is a prestigious academic centre at the forefront of sport management education and research. Founded in 2000 in Lausanne, Switzerland – the Olympic Capital – AISTS represents a unique convergence of academic excellence and sport expertise. Established through a collaborative effort by eight esteemed organisations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and leading Swiss universities, AISTS addresses the ever-evolving world of sport management. Its multidisciplinary approach spans technology, management, economics, medicine, career and leadership, offering a comprehensive perspective on sport management.
Located at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) campus, AISTS benefits from its strategic position among international sport federations. It offers a world-leading Executive Master programme, short continuing education programmes, and offers advisory services such as Sport Events Economic Impact Studies, Sport Sustainability Studies, Sport Equipment Testing and Compliance and Applied Research Projects for major sport organisations.Show more
Located in Lausanne, the Olympic Capital, the AISTS Master of Advanced Studies benefits from a unique strategic location. With proximity to the IOC, over 60 international sports federations and prestigious organisations such as UEFA, Lausanne is at the heart of the international sport and academic ecosystem.
The AISTS Master of Advanced Studies has been ranked as the No. 1 Master in Sport Management globally since 2015, ensuring graduates receive premier education and industry recognition
The MAS emphasises real-world and practical learning through full-day workshops, mandatory work experience, and hands-on applications provided by the sport industry. Participants gain direct experience and connections to AISTS Alumni and industry experts.
The prerequisite for the MAS is to hold either a Master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of professional (or elite athlete) experience.
Additionally, candidates must be fluent in English and provide proof of proficiency if they are non-native speakers. Applicants should also be able to finance both their studies and living costs in Switzerland.
The AISTS typically receives over 400 applications for approximately 30-35 spots, with candidates from all five continents, making admissions highly competitive and truly international.
AISTS is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself into the inner working Sport, covering major areas in both business and technology sectors. Learning about event delivery as well as sponsorships and how major sporting organisations are financed are clear standouts.
View moreThe AISTS MAS program was a life changing experience for me to learn all about the international sports ecosystem and live in the Olympic Capital of Lausanne. The academics is rigorous with exams, presentations, a group project, and an individual project. The real world experiences are unparalleled in terms of access to sports organizations and their executives. However the course life in Lausanne is expensive, so be aware of that. And some basic knowledge of French is a benefit in addition to knowing business level English.
View moreThe programme provides an in-depth view of all the facets of the sport industry through hands-on projects. It allows to understand how the industry works and who are the different players. This is done in class but also through visits that connects the participants to people active in sports. The final project also enables a direct connection with an organisation and to work on a real life issue.
View moreA very international and global group of participants with strong interest on the subject of sport. As the professional background was very diverse, it was indeed very interesting to gather and understand different opinions and work together. The campus is very beautiful and is very ideally placed as it is in close proximity to multiple IFs and IOC. The academic faculties were top notch and the staff was always ready to help.
View moreI graduated from AISTS in 2023. As a student with work experience in the Olympic Committee, broadcasters, and AI technology companies, I believe AISTS effectively helps students build multi-layered connections within the sports industry. Located in Lausanne, the recognized Olympic capital, the program allows students to interact with participants from diverse backgrounds around the world, providing complete immersion in the international sports industry decision-making circle. The facilities balance technology, management, and sociology, and students are provided with career development mentors and specialized courses from day one. The alumni network further enhances the program.
View moreAISTS programme provides a great overview of the sport governances sprinkled with all other aspects related to sport business, marketing and event organisation, including high level fundamentals about AI and its’ use in sport industry.
The best part of the course are the visiting lecturers that come from the industiry and organised visits to various international federations and other sport organisations allowing to get the first hand view of how they operate.
Career support and advice were helpful providing useful tips and strategies. However, do not expect to walk away with a job placement, you would still need to go through the usual process of getting the job.
View moreThe 15 months at AISTS were truly enlightening. What sets this program apart is its exceptional support system, offering unparalleled professional guidance and prioritizing mental health and wellness.
View moreExcellent program with a diverse set of modules to have an holistic view of the world of sports. Amazing location in the Olympic Capital which inspires all sport lovers. You are going to be surrounded by many sports federations, sport enthusiasts which translates into many events always happening.
AISTS is always helping its students and their professional development through networking with their community.
A more MBA related would be nice globally. More access to various stakeholders, athletes, brands, agencies, properties, media rights holders, globally not just based in Europe. Thought leadership from the cohort, alumni and program
View moreLike:
– group projects (useful for team work, learning how to communicate with people with different backgrounds, intentions)
– presentations (public speaking is always super important)
– visits to IFs (great experience of seeing inside how they are organiser and connect with people)
– staff (very helpful)
– coaches sessions with Celine
– client project (probably it depends on the client, but I was lucky enough and it was a great experience to work with Olympic museum)
– graduation ceremony (iconic place and good organisation)
– synathlon building (comfortable to have studies, work)
– meetings with alumni for exchange, mock-up interviews
– lectures: digital marketing, sustainability, law, sports governance, sponsorship
– participation in sports innovation challenge
Could be improved:
– lectures: I believe that there could be more on broadcasting and media rights (as it’s important for any Federation), event management and project management (more practical)
– finance was complicated to understand for people not from the sphere
– too much on technologies (don’t think it’s needed in so much details about sensors, etc.)
– visits to sports events with possibility to explore behind the scenes , meeting with LOCs
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