Universität St.Gallen Logo Universität St.Gallen

Address: Universität St.Gallen (HSG), Dufourstrasse 50, CH-9000 St.Gallen, Switzerland

Phone: +41 71 163 44 44

Email: info@unisg.ch

Website: www.unisg.ch


The University of St. Gallen (HSG) has specific language requirements for its programs, depending on whether the courses are taught in German, English, or both. Here are the general language requirements for international students:

1. Programs Taught in English

Most graduate programs, especially in business, economics, and international affairs, are taught in English. Some programs that are taught in English include:

  • Master of Strategy and International Management (SIM)
  • Master in Banking and Finance (MBF)
  • Master in International Affairs and Governance (MIA)
  • Master of Management, Organizations & Culture
  • Master of Law in International Business Law

For these programs, the typical language requirements are as follows:

  • English Proficiency Tests:
    • TOEFL: Minimum 100 points (iBT)
    • IELTS: Minimum 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each subcategory
    • Cambridge English Certificates: Minimum C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE)

The specific test scores may vary depending on the program, so it’s recommended to check the exact requirements on the program page.

  • Exemption: If you are a native English speaker or have completed a degree in English (e.g., a Bachelor's or Master's program), you may be exempt from submitting English proficiency scores. The university may also waive the requirement if you have studied in an English-speaking country for an extended period.

2. Programs Taught in German

Some undergraduate programs and selected courses in other fields are offered in German, such as:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs (partially taught in German)

For these programs, you are required to have a strong command of the German language. The university typically requires a German proficiency test such as:

  • TestDaF: A minimum of Level 4 in all four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
  • Goethe-Institut Certificates: Typically, C1 or higher is required

If your German proficiency is not at the required level, you may need to complete a language course before being admitted.

3. Programs with Bilingual Instruction (German and English)

Some programs might have bilingual instruction where courses are taught in both English and German, especially in undergraduate courses in fields like business and economics. For these, you may need a basic understanding of German (for non-German speakers) alongside English proficiency.

4. Proof of Language Proficiency

For all programs, you will need to provide official proof of your language proficiency as part of your application. It’s important to make sure the test scores are from an approved testing center, and you may be asked to submit your scores directly from the testing agency.

Conclusion

  • For English-taught programs: TOEFL (minimum 100) or IELTS (minimum 7.0)
  • For German-taught programs: TestDaF or Goethe-Institut C1
  • Exemptions: Native English speakers or those who have completed degrees in English may be exempt from English proficiency tests. Similarly, if you have proficiency in German, the requirements may be waived or reduced.

The University of St. Gallen (HSG) in Switzerland is renowned for its specialized programs in business, economics, and law, and is highly regarded for its expertise in these fields. The university is consistently ranked as one of the top business schools in Europe. Below are some of its key areas of specialization:

1. Business Administration

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA): The University of St. Gallen offers one of Europe’s top MBA programs, with a focus on leadership, strategic management, and entrepreneurship.
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business Administration: These programs provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals, organizational behavior, and global business strategies.

2. Economics

  • Bachelor’s and Master’s in Economics: HSG is well known for its economics programs, offering a deep dive into economic theory, quantitative methods, and global economic trends.
  • PhD in Economics: For students interested in advanced economic research, the PhD program is internationally recognized for its rigorous academic approach and its focus on economic policy and theory.

3. International Affairs

  • Master of Arts in International Affairs and Governance (MIA): This is one of the standout programs at HSG, designed for students interested in international relations, global governance, and policy-making.
  • The program prepares students for leadership roles in international organizations, NGOs, government, and diplomacy.

4. Law and Legal Studies

  • Bachelor’s and Master’s in Law: HSG offers strong legal programs that focus on international law, business law, and commercial law. The university is particularly well-regarded for its combination of law and economics.
  • Master of Law (LL.M.) in International Law: The LL.M. program is tailored for those looking to specialize in international law, with a focus on business, finance, and governance.

5. Finance and Accounting

  • Master of Banking and Finance (MBF): This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of financial markets, risk management, and investment analysis.
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting: These programs equip students with the skills required for careers in accounting, auditing, and financial management.

6. Strategy and Innovation

  • Master of Strategy and International Management (SIM): This prestigious program focuses on leadership in the context of global business strategy and innovation, preparing students for senior management positions.
  • The program is particularly popular for its combination of business strategy with cutting-edge innovation theory.

7. Management and Leadership

  • Master of Management: This program is highly interdisciplinary, blending elements of business management, economics, and organizational behavior, and is designed to develop leadership skills for a global environment.

8. Digital Transformation and IT Management

  • Master of Digital Transformation: The program explores how technology is reshaping business strategies and operations, with a strong focus on digitalization, IT management, and big data.

9. Marketing and Consumer Behavior

  • Master of Marketing Management: The program is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in marketing, offering a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, with an emphasis on consumer behavior, digital marketing, and branding.

10. Sustainability and Environmental Management

  • Master of Management in Sustainability: This program focuses on corporate sustainability, environmental management, and strategies for responsible business. It is geared toward students interested in leading sustainable business practices in a global context.

11. Doctoral Programs

  • PhD in Business Administration: This program is highly specialized and research-intensive, providing students with the opportunity to engage in academic and practical research across various domains like finance, management, and marketing.
  • PhD in Economics: The PhD program in economics is tailored for those who wish to contribute to economic research at a high academic level.

The University of St. Gallen is known for its interdisciplinary approach to business education, blending subjects such as economics, management, law, and political science, and it offers students both a global perspective and the tools needed to tackle real-world business challenges.

The University of St. Gallen (HSG) is home to many distinguished professors, particularly in the fields of business, economics, and management. While there isn’t a single "top" professor, several faculty members have gained international recognition for their research and teaching contributions. Here are a few professors who are notable for their academic excellence and influence:

1. Prof. Dr. Oliver Gassmann

  • Field: Innovation and Technology Management
  • Specialization: Prof. Gassmann is renowned for his work in innovation management and technology strategy. He has published extensively in leading journals on topics like business model innovation and open innovation. His research and practical contributions to business transformation and innovation strategies have made him a well-known figure in his field.

2. Prof. Dr. Alexander Bassen

  • Field: Business Administration, Sustainability, and Corporate Governance
  • Specialization: Prof. Bassen is recognized for his work on sustainable business practices and corporate governance. His contributions to understanding how businesses can integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into their strategies are highly influential.

3. Prof. Dr. Christian Homburg

  • Field: Marketing and Sales Management
  • Specialization: Prof. Homburg is an expert in marketing strategy, with a focus on customer relationship management and business-to-business marketing. His research in consumer behavior and sales management has earned him a reputation as a leading figure in marketing academia.

4. Prof. Dr. Markus Nöth

  • Field: Behavioral Economics and Business Psychology
  • Specialization: Prof. Nöth is known for his research in behavioral economics, which integrates psychology with economic theory to understand how people make decisions in business contexts. His work is highly interdisciplinary and draws from economics, psychology, and decision science.

5. Prof. Dr. Reinhard H. Schmidt

  • Field: Banking, Finance, and Corporate Governance
  • Specialization: Prof. Schmidt is a prominent expert in finance and banking, particularly in areas related to corporate governance, financial regulation, and European financial systems. His academic contributions to banking theory and financial markets have significantly shaped the field.

6. Prof. Dr. Michael E. Porter (Visiting Professor)

  • Field: Business Strategy and Competitive Advantage
  • Specialization: While not a permanent faculty member, Michael Porter, a Harvard Business School professor, has been a visiting professor at the University of St. Gallen. He is renowned for his work on competitive strategy and the Five Forces model. His teachings on strategic management have influenced business practices globally.

7. Prof. Dr. Peter M. Ginter

  • Field: Business Strategy and Management
  • Specialization: Prof. Ginter is known for his work in strategic management and has contributed significantly to the understanding of how firms can build competitive advantage in dynamic environments. His research in strategy implementation and corporate strategy is highly respected.

These professors, among others, contribute to the University of St. Gallen’s academic prestige, making it a leading institution for business and management studies in Europe. Their research shapes global business practices, and they have been recognized both in academic circles and the corporate world.

The University of St. Gallen (HSG) has not been awarded a Nobel Prize itself, as it is an academic institution, not an individual laureate. However, it has had connections to Nobel Prize winners in various fields, particularly in economics and business. The university’s strong emphasis on business administration, economics, and international relations aligns with the fields in which Nobel Prizes have been awarded.

Notably, HSG's faculty members, alumni, and research have contributed to advancements in business theory and economic thought, though no direct Nobel laureates are listed among its ranks as of now.

Many Nobel laureates, especially in economics, have ties to business schools and institutions, and HSG’s prestigious programs in economics and finance make it a prominent European business school. The university’s reputation continues to grow, with an increasing influence on academic research that may lead to future Nobel recognition in fields like economics and governance.

Established in 1898, the Universität  St.Gallen (University of  St. Gallen) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the small city of St. Gallen (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), St Gallen. Officially recognized by the Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation, Schweiz (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation of Switzerland), Universität St.Gallen (HSG) is a small-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 5,000-5,999 students) coeducational Swiss higher education institution. Universität St.Gallen (HSG) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 126-year-old Swiss higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. HSG also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

The University of St. Gallen (HSG) is famous for several reasons, especially for its strong reputation in business, economics, law, and management education. Here are some key reasons why it is well-regarded internationally:

1. World-Renowned Business School

  • HSG is consistently ranked as one of Europe’s leading business schools, particularly in areas like management, finance, and international business. It is particularly famous for its Master in Strategy and International Management (SIM) program, which is often ranked among the top in the world for preparing future business leaders.

2. Focus on Interdisciplinary Education

  • The university is known for blending business, economics, law, and social sciences, creating an interdisciplinary approach to education. This holistic approach helps students develop a broad understanding of global challenges and business strategies, preparing them for leadership roles in diverse industries.

3. Strong Industry Connections

  • The University of St. Gallen has close ties with leading global corporations and is located in the heart of Europe’s business hub. It provides students with numerous opportunities for internships, networking, and employment, particularly in finance, consulting, and management sectors.

  • The university's executive education and corporate partnerships help foster strong links with the business community, making it an attractive destination for students looking to make an impact in the professional world.

4. Emphasis on Global Perspective

  • HSG is renowned for its international focus. With a high percentage of international students and partnerships with universities worldwide, the university emphasizes global perspectives in its programs, ensuring that graduates are equipped to work in multinational environments.

5. Research Excellence

  • The university is known for its high-quality research in business administration, economics, and law. It has a strong research output that influences both academic and industry practices. HSG’s research centers are dedicated to areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation, corporate governance, and financial markets.

6. Top Rankings

  • The University of St. Gallen is frequently ranked among the top business schools globally. For instance, the Master in Management program is often ranked in the top 10 worldwide by Financial Times.
  • It also ranks highly in specialized areas like finance, marketing, and international business, making it an attractive option for students pursuing careers in these fields.

7. High Graduate Employability

  • Graduates of HSG are highly sought after by top employers across the world. The university’s strong reputation and connections to the business community result in high graduate employability, and many alumni go on to work in prominent roles at major corporations, international organizations, and consultancy firms.

8. Strong Alumni Network

  • The university has a vast and influential alumni network, with graduates occupying leadership positions in some of the world’s largest companies and institutions. This alumni network is an important asset for current students, providing mentorship and career opportunities.

9. Location and Facilities

  • Located in St. Gallen, a picturesque city in Switzerland near the border with Germany and Austria, the university offers a beautiful environment conducive to both study and work. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research centers, and student support services.

10. Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

  • The University of St. Gallen is also known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in business practices. It incorporates sustainability into its curricula and encourages students to think about the ethical implications of business decisions.

In summary, HSG’s combination of academic rigor, interdisciplinary education, international focus, and strong industry connections makes it one of the most prestigious and well-known institutions for business and management studies in Europe and globally.