Admission to the SIM programme

The SIM Master's degree course is administered by the SIM Admissions Committee which assesses each applicant based on specific criteria and by using a percentage-based point-scale system.

Overview of criteria

In addition, the following criteria must be met, irrespective of the scale:
Proof of proficiency in the English
Curriculum vitae, including the contact details of two referees (one academic, one professional)

Documents must be submitted in duplicate. The deadline for all internal and external applications is April 30. All application materials must be completed and submitted to the Admission's Office by this date.

Admission criteria
The following criteria apply for all internal and external students and will be assessed by the SIM Admission's Committee.

A. Degree
In general, applicants holding a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (same or a similar major) or a Master's degree in another subject are eligible to apply to the programme. Admission therefore depends on your university degree as well.

B. GMAT
Your score must be from a test taken within the last five years. A GMAT score of 650 meets the standard minimum criterion for eligibility for admission to the Master's Programme in Strategy and International Management. A higher score increases your chances of being admitted to the programme.
Further information / instructions:
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) measures active English language, quantitative and writing skills (essays). The test is designed to measure your potential to perform in a graduate management programme and thus helps the Admission Committee evaluate candidates in a uniform and standardised way. You can schedule the test in most countries by telephone, mail or fax. The Graduate Management Admission Council administers GMAT tests and provides comprehensive information on the test.
The SIM GMAT code is: 5RK-QG-10. Please enter this code on your answer sheets when you sit for the examination or enter the code on the Score Report Request Forms (for tests taken in the past). Please note that we do not accept GMAT Score Reports without a completed Analytical Writing Assessment.

C. English proficiency
Students whose native tongue is not English and who apply for a Master's course taught in English must provide evidence of proficiency in English at the C2 (CEF) level. The University of St.Gallen offers English proficiency exams for certification of Level II proficiency (for internal HSG applicants only). Alternatively, examinations by TOEFL (minimum score for written: 600 points; computer-based: 250 points; Internet-based: 100 points) and IELTS (minimum score: 7.5 points, academic version) will be recognized. TOEFL scores must be reported directly by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and score reports must have reached the University of St.Gallen by the application deadline.
The SIM TOEFL code is 8480 (no department code is needed). Applicants do not have to provide evidence of Proficiency Level II if they have been awarded their Bachelor's degree in a Bachelor's programme that was taught entirely in English.

D. Bachelor grade average
The grade average for courses equivalent to the supplementary course work on the Bachelor level and specified for the SIM Master's programme, is applicable.

E. Extracurricular activities
These are activities in which students are involved in outside the realm of the normal curriculum of school or university education. For the purpose of assessing admission qualifications, demanding internships – paid or unpaid – as well as other full-time and part-time work experience from the beginning of the Bachelor's level may be considered as such activities as well. In addition, applicants who have completed an international exchange semester during their Bachelor studies can submit a transcript from the exchange university for consideration by the SIM Admissions Committee.

F. Letter of motivation
Applicants have to submit a three page statement describing the reasons for their interest in participating in the SIM programme, their extracurricular activities, international orientation and work experience where applicable. The letter of motivation must be written in English and demonstrate a high level of verbal eloquence.

G. Curriculum vitae
The CV must be submitted using the format provided in the MS Word template found in the "Downloads" section to the right. Applicants must provide supporting documentation for all items listed on their CV which are to be considered for admission. If this documentation is not provided, the criteria will not be assessed.

Admissions decisions are made on the basis of the complete application dossiers. Documents must be submitted in duplicate (original and as a copy) and in English. We only accept translations submitted with an official stamp from the respective university or that are certified translations and that are accompanied by the original document. We strongly recommend that you submit your application with all the required documentation in order to expedite the review process.

Final decisions will be processed through June.