The sudden announcement that the Fairfield-based university’s branch in Luxembourg was to close at the end of the academic year left students with a big decision to make for the continuation of their education--continue their studies in Sacred Heart's campus in the US or complete their studies online.

The Luxembourg School of Business (LSB), the only remaining institution offering a Master’s in Business Administration programme, is now offering an alternative, saying it will in principle be able to accept transfer students from Sacred Heart University (SHU).

“LSB can accept transfer students from US universities. In this particular scenario, such a transfer is normally agreed directly between the institutions, the most favourable option for students. There is also a possibility for students to apply for the transfer on an individual basis,” Marin Njavro, managing director of the LSB confirmed to Delano.

The situation for third country nationals enrolled at Sacred Heart University Luxembourg is complicated by the fact that they require student visa. To obtain this, a person needs to have a full-time student status at a higher education institution in Luxembourg. For those who are midway through their programme at SHU and especially for those who have just begun, the campus’ closure raises question over their status. The students were told that there is a legal issue and the university does not have an answer for them at the moment.

Many students enrolled in SHU Luxembourg chose the programme because of the access to internships in the grand duchy’s financial sector. LSB confirmed to Delano that they were contacted by multiple worried students and have met with SHU representatives.

Obtaining an AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation, a high standard recognition for diplomas, is on the cards for LSB which is in the final phase of completing the process. The potential transfer of SHU students does not, however, depend on obtaining the certification. 

LSB has also been working with Boston University on delivering a double degree programme and has developed a system allowing its students to transfer credits from US universities into their degree programme and to convert US credits into the European ECTS credits.