Arrival procedures

To simplify your arrangements for an exchange semester in St.Gallen we have included some of the most important information about arrival procedures below.

Exchange stay of less than 90 days
Students who remain in Switzerland for less than 90 days may enter the country as a tourist. You are responsible for verifying if a tourist visa is required for your nationality.

Exchange stay of more than 90 days
If you remain in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a residence permit, which may require a visa depending on your nationality. After we have received your official enrolment documents and have approved your enrolment for an exchange semester, we will apply for a visa grant if required.

This grant expedites the issuing of the visa in your home country. Exception: If you are a Chinese citizen you must complete a somewhat more detailed visa application directly with the Swiss Embassy in your home country. More information will be provided with the official admission letter from the University of St.Gallen, which you will receive by late June or late October.

Arrival and enrolment procedure
During the two-day orientation programme, you will receive detailed information about the enrolment procedure in St.Gallen. After your arrival, you will also receive a welcome package containing useful information. If you would like to know the details about the process in advance, please see the PDF Registration Guide and the Student Guide Guest Students.

Introduction programme
To ensure an easy transition into your exchange semester in St.Gallen, we offer an introduction programme for visiting students. You have the option to participate in an intensive German course, free of charge, which begins one and a half weeks before the semester. We also organise a two-day orientation programme prior to the start of the semester. This programme provides you with information about the registration process at the HSG and the city of St.Gallen. All guest students are required to take part in the orientation programme. Details can be found in the Calendar of events.

Proof of health insurance
If you stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you must provide proof of health insurance at the local residents office where you are living. You have already received information about this in the PDF Registration Guide for your enrolment for studies. If you would like to obtain health insurance in Switzerland, you may do so. To compare various insurance providers, we recommend the Comparis website, an Internet comparison service.

Examples of health insurance providers
We have also listed a few examples for low-cost health insurance providers below. However, please note that you are fully responsible for researching the details of the different insurers and policies.

CSS Krankenkasse
Bahnhofstrasse 9, 9001 St.Gallen
Mr Emanuel Bossart (German-English)
Phone +41 (0)58 277 50 70
Fax +41 (0)58 277 50 79
E-Mail: emanuel.bossart@css.ch

Swisscare
Phone +41 (0)26 309 20 40
Fax +41 (0)26 309 20 41
International Support Center (German-English-French)
Tel. +41 (0)840 001 001 (CHF 0.08 / min)

Golden Care
Phone +41 (0)22 786 12 00
Fax +41 (0)22 786 12 20
Monday through Friday: 8:45 am to 12:00 pm / 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm